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Mashable is a leading source for news, information & resources for the Connected Generation. Mashable reports on the importance of digital innovation and how it empowers and inspires people around the world. Mashable's 25 million monthly unique visitors and 10 million social media followers have become one of the most engaged online news communities. Founded in 2005, Mashable is headquartered in New York City with an office in San Francisco.
Updated: 45 min 48 sec ago

Pok Pok offers screen time you don’t have to apologize for

Thu, 03/05/2026 - 18:00

TL;DR: Use code PLAY through March 22 to get a lifetime of Pok Pok for a one-time payment of $44.97 (reg. $250) — a Montessori-inspired, ad-free learning app for kids 2–8.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pok Pok Pok Pok: Lifetime Subscription $44.97
$250 Save $205.03   Get Deal

Not all screen time has to feel like a compromise. If you’ve been looking for something that keeps your child engaged without the noise, ads, or overstimulation, a Pok Pok lifetime subscription is $44.97 (reg. $250) through March 22 with code PLAY — and it’s built very differently from most kids’ apps.

Pok Pok is designed around Montessori principles: child-led exploration, hands-on learning, and open-ended play. There are no levels to beat, no points to chase, and no flashy distractions. Kids tap a toy and simply start exploring. That’s it.

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The experience is calm and thoughtfully crafted, with hand-drawn animations and gentle sound design. It works offline, which makes it especially helpful for travel days or long car rides. And because it’s ad-free and COPPA-certified, parents don’t have to worry about surprise pop-ups or in-app purchase pressure.

The app supports foundational skills in STEM, counting, cause and effect, language, and problem-solving — all through play. Whether your child is mixing outfits in Dress-Up, building worlds in World Puzzle, exploring Space, or tapping through Number Journey, the focus stays on curiosity, not competition.

Family access across devices is included, and new content rolls out regularly to keep things fresh.

For parents who want screen time to feel intentional instead of chaotic, Pok Pok offers a refreshingly thoughtful alternative.

Get a lifetime of Pok Pok for the one-time payment of $44.97 (reg. $250) through March 22 with code PLAY.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

X is reinventing its Creator Subscriptions. Heres what to know.

Thu, 03/05/2026 - 16:52

Elon Musk's X is reinventing its Creator Subscriptions, dubbing the new offering — wait for it — Creator Subscriptions 2.0.

Creator Subscriptions, in effect, allow people to pay their favorite influencers for exclusive offerings. That's right, some major changes are coming to the website formerly known as Twitter (and not just a continued lurch toward the far right). So, what's new? A few things. Here's what you need to know.

SEE ALSO: Snapchat is testing creator subscriptions, giving top creators a new direct revenue stream Exclusive threads

X rolled out the ability for creators to hide a thread for subscribers only. So regular people will see the first post, while only subscribers will see the follow-up. It's a paywall of sorts on a thread.

"Instead of sending followers to external websites or newsletters—and risking drop-off along the way—audiences can now subscribe directly from the conversation," wrote X in a press release. "This approach allows creators to maximize both distribution and conversion: reach everyone with the initial post, while rewarding subscribers with deeper, exclusive content."

Think of it as a tease that creators can use to attract more subscribers.

Subscriber-only content in the main feed

Instead of being hidden on a separate tab, the subscriber-only content will now appear in a creator's main feed. That should make it easier for followers to keep up with all the content.

Back-end changes for creators

X highlighted several changes for creators, including a new dashboard and a shareable subscription card to promote their work.

"We are doubling down on creators, the platform's most influential experts, thought leaders, and voices, by investing in tools that enable sustainable incomes and deeper connections with their audiences," said Allegra Jacchia, Creators Product at X, in a press release.

How to watch Ireland vs. Wales in the 2026 Six Nations online for free

Thu, 03/05/2026 - 15:45

TL;DR: Live stream Ireland vs. Wales in the 2026 Six Nations for free on ITVX. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2026 Six Nations is taking shape, and it's looking increasingly likely that France are marching towards an impressive grand slam. Ireland responded to their opening-round defeat to France with victories over Italy and England. Now they face Wales at the Aviva Stadium. They'll be expected to secure another win here, but Wales did produce an improved performance against Scotland last weekend.

If you want to watch Ireland vs. Wales in the 2026 Six Nations for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Ireland vs. Wales?

Ireland vs. Wales in the 2026 Six Nations starts at 8:10 p.m. GMT on March 6. This fixture takes place at the Aviva Stadium.

How to watch Ireland vs. Wales for free

Ireland vs. Wales in the 2026 Six Nations is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

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

Live stream Ireland vs. Wales from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit ITVX

  5. Live stream Ireland vs. Wales for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Ireland vs. Wales without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream most of the 2026 Six Nations before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services to watch the Winter Olympics, the T20 World Cup, and more from anywhere in the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for the 2026 Six Nations?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, 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 secure

  • 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).

Live stream Ireland vs. Wales in the 2026 Six Nations for free with ExpressVPN.

United Airlines will ban passengers who dont use headphones while flying

Thu, 03/05/2026 - 15:29

United Airlines flyers will experience a little more peace in the air as the company steps up enforcement of its noise rules.

In a recent change to the air travel giant's Contract of Carriage — essentially United's Terms and Conditions for ticket holders — the airline reserves the right to remove, and even ban, passengers who do not use headphones to listen to their music, movies, and social media feeds.

SEE ALSO: Disinformation on U.S.-Iran war takes over the internet

According to the United contract's Refusal of Transport rule, the company has the "right to refuse transport on a permanent or temporary basis or shall have the right to remove from the aircraft at any point, any passenger for the following reasons." Buried in the rule's safety provisions, which outline other reasons for removal such as inappropriate dress or carrying weapons on board, the list now includes "passengers who fail to use headphones while listening to audio or video content."

"We’ve always encouraged customers to use headphones when listening to audio content — and our Wi-Fi rules already remind customers to use headphones. It seemed like a good time to make that even clearer by adding it to the contract of carriage," said United spokesman Josh Freed in a statement to the press.

SEE ALSO: Rate your favorite audio brands for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card

Most carriers have policies that urge fliers to use headphones during flights. Southwest, for instance, lists headphones as a requirement on its website FAQ. Frontier also includes headphone requirements in its baggage policy, MSN reported. United appears to be the first to include headphone wearing in its passenger contract with explicit means to enforce the policy.

Across the industry, more and more air travelers are reporting passenger disruptions on flights, including violent altercations with fellow flyers and airline staff.

Sarah J. Maas announces two new A Court of Thorns and Roses books

Thu, 03/05/2026 - 15:17

Fantasy author Sarah J. Maas has big plans for the future of A Court of Thorns and Roses. In an appearance on the March 4 episode of the Call Her Daddy podcast, Maas revealed that not one but two new ACOTAR books are on the way — and they'll be arriving just a few months apart.

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The sixth book in the ACOTAR series will hit shelves on Oct. 27 of this year, followed by the seventh on Jan. 12, 2027. (Insert 67 joke here.) Speaking with host Alex Cooper, Maas said the upcoming releases are part of a "really, really, really big" story she has been waiting to tell.

Opens in a new window Credit: Barnes & Noble A Court of Thorns and Roses 6 $32 at Barnes & Noble
  Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Barnes & Noble A Court of Thorns and Roses 7 $38 at Barnes & Noble
  Pre-order Here

"It's meant to be read ideally as one massive, massive story as opposed to like in a trilogy," Maas said. "It's not a trilogy. Arcs aren't wrapped up. It's like if you expanded all of part one, all of part two — all the parts — it would be huge like that. I've never told a story that way. This is how it wants to come out."

Few fantasy series of the past decade have built an online fandom quite like A Court of Thorns and Roses, Maas' bestselling saga about a young woman drawn into the dangerous and seductive world of the fae courts. Part of the blockbuster fantasy empire that has sold more than 75 million copies worldwide, the series has become a defining force of the BookTok era, helping popularize the romantasy genre. Posts dissecting Maas' sprawling fantasy world regularly generate millions of views, from elaborate character theories about Rhysand, Feyre, and the rest of the Night Court to heated ship debates and deep dives into every corner of Prythian.

Unsurprisingly, news of two new books arriving within just a few months immediately sent fans into speculation mode across TikTok, Reddit, and X, where readers began theorizing about the story's direction and which characters might take center stage next.

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The announcement’s debut on the Call Her Daddy podcast also reflects a broader shift in how major cultural news spreads. In recent years, podcasts have become a place where celebrities and creators reveal major projects directly to fans and occasionally drop the kind of headline-making news once reserved for traditional news outlets.

For ACOTAR fans, however, the biggest takeaway was simple: The next trip to Velaris is finally on the horizon.

How to watch Wolves vs. Liverpool in the FA Cup online for free

Thu, 03/05/2026 - 15:00

TL;DR: Live stream Wolves vs. Liverpool in the FA Cup for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The latest round of FA Cup fixtures includes some fascinating matchups, including Wolves vs. Liverpool. These sides just met in the Premier League, with Wolves securing a last-minute victory thanks to a dramatic André winner. Can Wolves continue their fine form of late? Or will Liverpool bounce back to secure their spot in the next round?

If you want to watch Wolves vs. Liverpool in the FA Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Wolves vs. Liverpool?

Wolves vs. Liverpool in the FA Cup kicks off at 8 p.m. GMT on March 6. This fixture takes place at the Molineux Stadium.

How to watch Wolves vs. Liverpool for free

Wolves vs. Liverpool in the FA Cup is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy 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 from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Wolves vs. Liverpool for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit BBC iPlayer

  5. Live stream Wolves vs. Liverpool 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 streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Wolves vs. Liverpool without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream select fixtures from the FA Cup before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on 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 secure

  • 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).

Live stream Wolves vs. Liverpool in the FA Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Mönchengladbach online for free

Thu, 03/05/2026 - 14:30

TL;DR: Live stream Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Bundesliga for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Bundesliga action kicks off this weekend with a massive game between Bayern Munich and Borussia Mönchengladbach. Bayern beat rivals Dortmund last weekend, setting themselves up to march towards the title. Now they need to keep the momentum in this home fixture.

Borussia Mönchengladbach haven't had a great campaign. They sit in 12th place coming into this game. A win at the Allianz Arena wouldbe an incredible achievement, but anything is possible. They'll need to keep a close eye on the likes of Harry Kane and Michael Olise.

If you want to watch Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Bundesliga for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Mönchengladbach?

Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Bundesliga kicks off at 7:30 p.m. GMT on March 6. This fixture takes place at the Allianz Arena.

How to watch Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Mönchengladbach for free

Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Bundesliga is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy 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 from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Mönchengladbach for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit BBC iPlayer

  5. Live stream Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Mönchengladbach 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 streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Mönchengladbach without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream select fixtures from the Bundesliga before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on 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 secure

  • 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).

Live stream Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Bundesliga for free with ExpressVPN.

White House uses Call of Duty clips to brag about war in Iran

Thu, 03/05/2026 - 14:15

The White House is using clips from popular video game Call of Duty in official posts about the war with Iran, just days after the U.S. entered an armed conflict in the Middle East.

The footage is seen amid a compilation of images of U.S. warfare posted to the official White House X account. The clip begins with gameplay from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, a scene depicting a kill streak animation in which a user unlocks the ability to launch a nuclear arsenal. The video is accompanied by the text "Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue."

SEE ALSO: Disinformation on U.S.-Iran war takes over the internet

To many, the post was an unsettling portrayal of a military strike that resulted in the deaths of thousands of Iranians, according to reports. A girl's elementary school in Minab was hit in an attack, killing dozens of children, and it's not clear if the school was an intended target by U.S. or Israeli forces.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

In a reply to the White House's post, Chance Glasco, founding developer of the Call of Duty franchise, said: "This doesn't surprise me. I remember after Activision took over post-Respawn formation there was a very awkward pressure from Activision for us to make the next CoD about Iran attacking Israel. Luckily the vast majority of our devs were disgusted by the idea and it got shot down."

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

The internet has been rife with misinformation surrounding military operations and counterattacks in Iran, including posts intending to exaggerate or mislead users about the country's response to American and Israeli strikes.

Known political bots began posting decontextualized images and videos, including video game and flight simulator screenshots, just hours after news broke of the coordinated attacks. AI-manipulated images and videos had garnered millions of impressions on X, Instagram, and Facebook in a handful of days, according to researchers. With no sign that the posts would slow down as strikes continued, X announced it would be suspending users from its monetized Creator Revenue Sharing program if they posted AI-generated content depicting armed conflict without proper labeling. 

Video game footage has become a tool for U.S. propaganda, and has been used repeatedly by agencies of the Trump administration.

Last year, the Department of Homeland Security used images from Xbox game Halo in social media posts, emblazoned with the phrase "Destroy The Flood" and a link to an ICE recruitment page. The department had previously posted videos of immigration raids with the Pokemon tagline "Gotta catch 'em all." The posts came amid escalating operations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including Minnesota-based "Operation Metro Surge," which would result in the killings of Minneapolis residents Rene Good and Alex Pretti, and Los Angeles resident Keith Porter. All three were U.S. citizens.

How to watch Mexico vs. Great Britain in the 2026 World Baseball Classic online for free

Thu, 03/05/2026 - 13:00

TL;DR: Live stream Mexico vs. Great Britain in the 2026 World Baseball Classic for free on Tele Rebelde, Tubi, or Venevision. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2026 World Baseball Classic is starting off with a number of really interesting games, including Mexico vs. Great Britain.

Mexico will be expected to win this one comfortably, but it's still going to be an entertaining spectacle. USA are likely to top Group B, so every game is absolutely vital for the other contenders. If Mexico want to progress ahead of Brazil and Italy, they'll need to win big in this opening game.

If you want to watch the 2026 World Baseball Classic for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Mexico vs. Great Britain?

Mexico vs. Great Britain in the 2026 World Baseball Classic starts at 1 p.m. ET on March 6. This fixture will take place at Daikin Park.

How to watch Mexico vs. Great Britain for free

The 2026 World Baseball Classic is available to live stream for free on a number of platforms:

These streaming platforms are geo-restricted, but anyone can access for free with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can unblock free streaming sites from anywhere in the world.

Access free World Baseball Classic live streams by following these simple steps:

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

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

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with access

  4. Visit Tele Rebelde, Tubi, or Venevision

  5. Live stream the 2026 World Baseball Classic for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch every game from the 2026 World Baseball Classic before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for live sport?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries

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

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

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to 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 Mexico vs. Great Britain in the 2026 World Baseball Classic for free with ExpressVPN.

Not so fast: Anthropic and US military might do business after all

Thu, 03/05/2026 - 12:57

Anthropic, the AI company behind the popular Claude AI chatbot, received praise last week for standing up to the Trump administration over the U.S. military's use of its AI tools.

However, the company may be reversing course.

According to a new report from the Financial Times, Anthropic and the U.S. Department of Defense have reopened negotiations on how the government can leverage Anthropic tech for military purposes.

The breakdown between Anthropic and the U.S. government began after the AI company received a $200 million contract from the U.S. Defense Department.

However, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei later wanted guarantees that the U.S. government would not utilize its Claude AI models for domestic surveillance or autonomous weapons. The Trump administration refused this request, saying it would use AI technology for any "lawful" purpose.

SEE ALSO: 'The AI Doc' trailer: Sam Altman, Dario Amodei, and more discuss the precarious future of AI

As talks between Anthropic and the U.S. government broke down, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth even threatened to designate the company as a supply chain risk to national security.

President Trump called Anthropic a "radical left, woke company" in a post on Truth Social and ordered the federal government to cease using Anthropic's technology over the following six months.

The Financial Times reports that Amodei has now re-entered negotiations in hopes of avoiding the supply chain risk designation. Amodei is now discussing terms of a potential deal with Undersecretary of Defense Emil Michael, who called the Anthropic CEO "a liar" with a "God-complex" in a social media post just last week.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

“Near the end of the negotiation the [department] offered to accept our current terms if we deleted a specific phrase about ‘analysis of bulk acquired data’ which was the single line in the contract that exactly matched this scenario we were most worried about," Amodei said in an internal memo to Anthropic employees as reported by The Information. "We found that very suspicious."

Days after talks between Anthropic and the DoD fell apart, OpenAI announced that it had secured a deal with the U.S. government for the use of its AI tools for military use in "classified environments."

OpenAI quickly received blowback from users, forcing CEO Sam Altman to attempt to address concerns. Just days later, an internal memo from Altman leaked, where the OpenAI CEO told employees that it would be amending its agreement with the federal government, as the deal was rushed. Altman stated that the U.S. government assured OpenAI it would not use its technology for domestic surveillance.

Amodei's internal memo reportedly knocked Altman, calling OpenAI and the Pentagon's statements about the issues with Anthropic “just straight up lies." Amodei accused Altman of partaking in “safety theater” regarding his presentation of the deal and stated that OpenAI employees who believed the company were “sort of a gullible bunch.”

If Amodei is successful in securing a new agreement with the federal government, the U.S. military would continue to use the technology, which is reportedly already being used to launch strikes in Iran.

“Want to learn more about your favorite tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.” 

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

Google drops 30 percent app store fee. What that means for you.

Thu, 03/05/2026 - 12:43

Google is doing away with its 30 percent fee in the Android App Store, which could potentially ease costs for everyday users.

The news dropped this week that Google planned to revamp its app store's inner workings amid a settlement with Epic, the gaming company that makes Fortnite. (Google and Epic have been involved in a years-long legal feud, which ended in Epic's favor.)

Now, the tech giant has announced it's cutting service fees to 20 percent and, in some cases, 15 percent. It also cut its subscription fee to 10 percent. Note that these savings are for developers and companies that make apps and not, necessarily, for the end user.

The cuts were announced a host of other changes within the Android App Store. It's not entirely clear what those changes will mean for everyday users, but we have an idea.

First of all: With Google cutting the service fee, you'd hope the companies on the other end would pass those newfound savings back to users. I wouldn't hold my breath, but it is a possibility.

But Google also noted that developers will be allowed to guide users away from their app store, which could end up creating savings for users in other ways. Cutting out the middleman entirely could allow app developers to offer lower prices via direct sales.

Wrote Google in a blog post:

"Mobile developers will have the option to use their own billing systems in their app alongside Google Play’s billing, or they can guide users outside of their app to their own websites for purchases. Our goal is to offer this flexibility in a way that maximizes choice and safety for users."

So, in short, nothing really changes too much for you, the user, yet. At best, you might be able to save a bit of cash down the line.

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

Prime members can get a free e-book every month with Amazon First Reads: See the March 2026 picks

Thu, 03/05/2026 - 12:16

There's a lot to enjoy with an Amazon Prime membership: a plentiful streaming service full of acclaimed originals, same-day shipping, and Grubhub+. But that's just a sampling of the extensive benefits for members. Prime members who also happen to be bookworms can maximize their monthly reading with the Amazon First Reads program.

Similar to Book of the Month, every month, Amazon First Reads drops a new collection of discounted titles. However, unlike Book of the Month, these books are totally free for Prime Members. Here's everything you need to know about Amazon First Reads.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon First Reads   Learn More What is Amazon First Reads?

Amazon First Reads is a monthly program in which eight editor-selected books are offered free to Prime members. Members are allowed to choose one book per month, which is then added to their library. Non-Prime members can still join in on the fun, but they have to pay $1.99 per book.

Featured Amazon First Reads books are totally free at checkout for Prime members. Credit: Screenshot: Amazon / Mashable composite

Some months, like Prime Day's July and Black Friday's November, offer two free books. And in others, you can select a free short story with your one free e-book.

To select your book, visit the Amazon First Reads home page to browse the options. As a Prime Member, you'll see the option to "read now for free " when you go to purchase the titles. Once you make your selection, it'll automatically be added to your Kindle library.

Which books are featured in Amazon First Reads?

Among the eight books selected each month, the book editors at Amazon provide a variety of genres for every reader. The books are typically new or soon-to-be-released books — many of the books are published under one of Amazon's publishing imprints, so they're exclusive to Amazon's shelves.

In addition to the eight full-length books offered each month, there's typically a short story available, too, exclusive to read through the Kindle Store. You'll find familiar names in the First Reads collections. Past authors include Abby Jimenez, Rebecca Yarros, Lee Child, Fredrik Backman, Alice Hoffman, and Dean Koontz.

Kindle Unlimited members are able to read most of the previous First Reads picks for free, so if there are multiple each month that you want to add to your digital bookshelf, consider a Kindle Unlimited membership.

March 2026 Amazon First Reads books Amazon's March First Reads collection features nine titles, including a short story from 'Big Little Lies' author Liane Moriarty. Credit: Amazon / Mashable

In March 2026, Amazon dropped eight new books and one short read in the First Reads collection. This month's short read author is none other than Liane Moriarty, author of Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers. Headlining this month's First Reads collection is As Far As She Knew by Diana Award, part of Mindy Kaling's Book Studio at Amazon. On As Far As She Knew, Kaling says "Diana Awad crafts a thriller that is both heart-stopping and heartbreaking."

Here are all of the First Reads picks for March 2026:

Do you need a Kindle for Amazon First Reads?

All of the books selected are technically purchased through the Kindle Store. But does that mean you need a Kindle to read them?

Nope! No Kindle e-reader is necessary to read books collected through First Reads. All books purchased through the Kindle Store are available in the Kindle app, which can be read on a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

However, if you're asking if you should get a Kindle, that's a different question. While a Kindle is not required to enjoy the bounty of the Kindle store, it is our favorite e-reader brand if you're in the market.

Kindle Paperwhite $159.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Best Buy

The new Apple products are finally live at Amazon: Shop the new MacBooks, iPads, and more right now

Thu, 03/05/2026 - 12:12
Pre-order new Apple products at Amazon: MacBook Neo (256GB) $599 at Amazon Pre-Order Here M5 MacBook Air (13-inch, 16GB, 512GB) $1,099 at Amazon Pre-Order Here M5 MacBook Air (15-inch, 16GB, 512GB) $1,299 at Amazon Pre-Order Here M5 MacBook Pro (14-inch, 24GB, 1TB) $2,199 at Amazon Pre-Order Here M5 MacBook Pro (16-inch, 24GB, 1TB) $2,699 at Amazon Pre-Order Here Apple Studio Display $1,599 at Amazon Pre-Order Here Apple Studio Display XDR $3,599 at Amazon Pre-Order Here M4 Apple iPad Air (11 inch, WiFi, 128GB) $599 at Amazon Pre-Order Here M4 Apple iPad Air (13 inch, WiFi, 128GB) $799 at Amazon Pre-Order Here

What a week for Apple. We have new MacBooks, iPads, a new budget-friendly iPhone, and fresh Apple Studio Display models. We all have to wait until next Wednesday, March 11 to get these new Apple devices in our hands, but preorders are live.

You have retailer options when to comes to preorders, but if Amazon is your preferred shopping site, you can snag nearly every new Apple product with one-click at Amazon. Here's a quick guide to pre-order new Apple devices from Amazon.

Pre-order the MacBook Neo at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Apple MacBook Neo (256GB) $599 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here

If you're in the market for a MacBook but don't want to spend major dollars, the new MacBook Neo might appeal. With prices starting at $599, it's the least expensive MacBook on the market.

"The MacBook Neo marks Apple's first dedicated entry in the low-cost laptop space. It replaces the M1 MacBook Air that Apple started selling through Walmart for $699 in March 2024, then eventually discounted to $649. That model has been out of stock in new condition since early 2026, fueling reports of the MacBook Neo's arrival," wrote Mashable Senior Shopping Reporter Haley Henschel.

The MacBook Neo comes with a 13-inch display and either 256GB or 512GB of storage. Amazon is listing a delivery date of March 12 for preorders.

Pre-order the MacBook Air at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Apple M5 MacBook Air (13-inch, 16GB RAM, 512GB) $1,099 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Apple M5 MacBook Air (15-inch, 16GB RAM, 512GB) $1,299 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here

This year, the MacBook Air got the zippy M5 chip upgrade. Apple also ditched the 256GB storage option, so the base MacBook Air now comes with 512GB of storage.

Mashable Senior Shopping Reporter Haley Henschel explained one of the biggest shocks with the M5 MacBook Air is the pricing. "The 512GB base models will retail for $1,099 and $1,299, respectively, which is the biggest news here. Those prices represent $100 discounts compared to the M4 MacBook Airs with the same amount of storage. They started with 256GB at $999; that configuration option is no longer available," she wrote.

Pre-order the MacBook Pro at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Apple MacBook Pro (M5 Pro, 14-inch, 24GB, 1TB) $2,199 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Apple MacBook Pro (M5 Pro, 16-inch, 24GB, 1TB) $2,699 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here

More power and quicker processing is essential for professions. The new MacBook Pro line, as expected, brings both of these elements to the party. "Mashable gave the MacBook Pro M5 a stellar review, and these long-awaited MacBook Pros with the M5 Pro and M5 Max are basically just more powerful versions of that device for professional users with advanced computing needs," wrote Mashable contributor Matt Binder.

Pre-order the Apple Studio at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Studio Display (27 inch) $1,599 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Studio Display XDR $3,599 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here

Apple's fresh 2026 lineup didn't ignore those of us who love monitors. We got an update to the Apple Studio Display and got a brand new Apple Studio Display XDR. "Studio Displays are premium monitors designed for creative professionals such as video editors and 3D artists. Apple says the more advanced Studio Display XDR features the 'world’s best pro display,' and it has a 27-inch 5K mini-LED backlight display," explained Mashable Associate Editor Tim Marcin.

Pre-order the Apple iPad Air at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Apple M4 Apple iPad Air (11 inch, WiFi, 128GB) $599 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Apple M4 Apple iPad Air (13 inch, WiFi, 128GB) $799 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here

Starting at just $599, the new iPad Air comes with the M4 chip in an 11 and 13-inch size. Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Beth Werth noted, "The M4 processor and enhanced wireless/cellular connectivity will undoubtedly deliver performance upgrades. Apple promises the new iPad Air will be 30 percent faster than the M3 model, with '50 percent more unified system memory.'"

The previous iPad Air with M3 chip is listed as Mashable's favorite iPad. While we haven't tested the new model just yet, we expect to remain a favorite with snappier performance from the updated chip

Rooster review: Steve Carell finds himself in feel-good college comedy

Thu, 03/05/2026 - 12:00

Between projects like Ted Lasso and Shrinking, showrunner Bill Lawrence has cornered the market on feel-good coming-of-middle-age comedies. His new HBO comedy Rooster, created with Matt Tarses (Scrubs), is the latest entry into that subgenre. It's also the most literal on the "coming-of-age" front, with its college setting evoking ideas of students discovering themselves and their independence.

However, the focus here is not really on the students but on the faculty, including new writer-in-residence Greg Russo (Steve Carell) and his daughter, art history professor Katie (Charly Clive). Just like their pupils, these teachers have a lot of soul-searching to do. Their ensuing stories of college reinvention prove sweetly warm, even if they tread familiar ground by Lawrence standards.

SEE ALSO: Everything we know about 'Ted Lasso' Season 4 What's Rooster about? Credit: Patrick Wymore / HBO

A best-selling author of gripping beach reads, Greg never expected to teach. The only reason he visited New England's quaint Ludlow College in the first place was to check in on Katie. Her husband, fellow professor Archie (Phil Dunster), has left her for grad student Sunny (Lauren Tsai)... and everyone on campus knows it. Faced with all this humiliation and scrutiny, Katie has a perfectly reasonable crash out and burns Archie's house down. OK, maybe it's not that reasonable, but it was an accident!

With Katie about to lose her job, college president Walter Mann (John C. McGinley) offers Greg a deal: He'll let Katie keep teaching if Greg teaches a creative writing course for the semester. This way, Ludlow gets a boost from having a best-seller in its classrooms, and Katie's life doesn't implode any further. Greg accepts, hoping to get more involved in Katie's life, while also unknowingly launching himself into the trials and tribulations of modern academia.

SEE ALSO: 'Vladimir' review: Rachel Weisz goes full 'Fleabag' Rooster is a sweet father-daughter comedy. Steve Carell and Charly Clive in "Rooster." Credit: Katrina Marcinowski / HBO

Rooster marks a journey of self-discovery for both Katie and Greg.

Katie has to reckon with the trauma of Archie's betrayal, which tanked her self-esteem and sense of place on campus. Her father's new, consistent presence at Ludlow is both a comfort and a claustrophobic reminder of why he came to see her in the first place, resulting in a push-and-pull between exasperation and genuine thankfulness. Clive walks that line perfectly, acting as the slightly prickly foil to Carell's overeager father figure.

Similarly to Jason Sudeikis in Ted Lasso and Jason Segel in Shrinking, Carell's Greg is often enthusiastic to the point of overbearing. Yet his meddling in Katie's life is tempered with just enough sweetness to turn those overbearing qualities endearing, and Carell's performance bursts with warmth and self-effacing charm.

In addition to helping Katie through the roughest of rough patches, Greg also realizes that his new role at Ludlow could be a fresh start for him. He didn't go to college as a young adult, but as Rooster proves, it's never too late to embrace college's transformative power. For Greg, that means a chance to step out of his meeker shell and become more like Rooster, the suave hero of his books. So begins his party era, complete with beer pong with students, hookups with Walter's assistant Cristle (a delightful Annie Mumolo), and a pair of cool guy shades.

SEE ALSO: 'Shrinking' Season 3 review: My heart can't take it

While it's fun to watch Carell cut loose, he and Rooster are at their best when they zero in on Katie and Greg's complicated relationship and Ludlow's departmental shenanigans, brought to life by an incredible ensemble cast. McGinley's gossip-loving Walter is a hoot, taking most of his meetings in a sauna so hot that his colleagues have no choice but to sweat out their emotional hang-ups. Danielle Deadwyler shines as poetry professor Dylan, whose dry wit and experience at Ludlow make her the perfect guide for Greg's first semester. And Dunster exudes nauseating pretentiousness as Archie, the one character who can truly turn Greg venomous. ("You're a bad person, and I hate you," Greg spits at him, recalling Michael Scott's pure hatred of Toby in The Office.)

Elsewhere, Rooster and Tsai focus in on Sunny's aspirations to make her more than just the Other Woman in Katie and Archie's marriage. (While she was not Archie's actual student, I still think he deserves jail time for being the worst to both women!) Even minor characters like Sunny's roommate (Robby Hoffman) and a local cop (Rory Scovel) become instant scene-stealers, and the students we encounter at Ludlow, while often archetypal try-hards or slackers, still feel real enough to give the campus a lived-in feel.

Rooster tackles intergenerational divides on college campuses. Danielle Deadwyler and Steve Carell in "Rooster." Credit: Katrina Marcinowski / HBO

Greg has a tough time adjusting to life on a small liberal arts campus, as students are a lot more vigilant than he is about what is appropriate to do or say. Greg calling a stubborn student his "white whale" as a Moby Dick reference won't fly here. Nor will performing the "Walk Like an Egyptian" dance in an awkward attempt to salvage an embarrassing fall.

Don’t miss out on our latest stories: Add Mashable as a trusted news source in Google.

Both these instances result in behavioral write-ups for insensitivity. Yet somehow, Rooster manages to play off this divide between Greg and Ludlow's students in a way that's neither patronizing of the students' social consciousness, nor scolding of Greg's lack of awareness. It lightly ribs all parties involved, while still finding validity in their positions. The students can be too much, but they're also eager to change the world for the better. And Rooster highlights that Greg is coming from a good place of wanting to listen and learn, something he shares with Lawrence's other recent heroes.

To that end, it's hard not to think of Ted Lasso and Shrinking throughout Rooster. Workplace patter-turned-therapy sessions abound, and the often-cheerful Greg is, like Ted and Jimmy, harboring a deeper hurt. His close relationship with troubled student Tommy (Maximo Salas) also feels reminiscent of Jimmy's dynamic with patient Sean (Luke Tennie) in Shrinking.

That familiarity risks feeling cloying at times, but the college satire element gives Rooster just enough bite to set itself apart. It's a charming tale of finding yourself again and helping others along the way, and that's certainly worth crowing about.

Rooster premieres March 8 at 10 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

Best Buy has launched a huge Apple Shopping Event: Shop new MacBooks, iPads, and more all weekend

Thu, 03/05/2026 - 11:40

GET A $100 GIFT CARD: As of March 5, Best Buy kicked off a major savings event on Apple products. The sale includes savings on the recently released MacBook Neo, Air, and Pro models. Right now, get the Apple MacBook Neo for $599 and get a $25 gift card with your purchase.

The best deals from the Best Buy Apple Shopping Event: Best MacBook Neo Deal Apple MacBook Neo (A18, 8GB RAM, 256GGB SSD) Get $25 gift card with purchase of MacBook Neo Get Deal Best MacBook Air Deal Apple MacBook Air (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) Get $50 gift card with purchase of MacBook Air Get Deal Best MacBook Pro Deal Apple MacBook Pro (M5 Pro, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) Get $100 gift card with purchase of MacBook Pro Get Deal Best iPad Deal Apple iPad (M4, 128GB, WiFi) $559 (save $40) Get Deal

It's been a big week for Apple. The brand had a week of announcements, dropping six new or upgraded products. Among the new products announced were the iPhone 17e and MacBook Neo, two brand new and budget-friendly devices. To cap off all the excitement, Best Buy is launching a massive Apple sale event (live until March 8), marking down the brand's products across multiple categories.

The deals from Best Buy aren't just on previous MacBook and iPad generations. In fact, there are special savings on nearly all of the devices announced this week. So while Apple's latest products aren't technically available until March 11, pre-ordering now guarantees you some extra savings.

Here are all the best deals to shop during the Best Buy Apple Shopping Event.

Best MacBook Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Neo (A18, 8GB RAM, 256GGB SSD) $599 at Best Buy
Get $25 gift card with purchase of MacBook Neo Get Deal Why we like it

This week, Apple dropped an array of new devices across categories: iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. While most of the drop was upgraded existing models, there was one totally new product: the MacBook Neo. With an A18 chip, it's the most affordable MacBook yet, the same starting price as the iPad Air. If you're eager to get your hands on the new budget-friendly MacBook then Best Buy has the best deal.

During Best Buy's Apple sale event, when you purchase the new MacBook Neo for $599, receive a $25 gift card. So while the laptop itself isn't technically discounted, that $25 gift card is basically free money.

More MacBook and Best Buy gift card dealsBest iPad Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad (M4, 128GB, WiFi) $559 at Best Buy
$599 Save $40   Get Deal Why we like it

This week, Apple finally gave the iPad Air the M4 treatment. Now, its midrange tablet is as powerful as the MacBook Air, just in a more compact device. Unlike the new MacBooks, which Best Buy is running a gift card deal on, the new iPad Air is discounted outright. Apple didn't raise the price of the new iPad Air with M4 chip, so it still starts at $599.

However, during Best Buy's Apple event, you can preorder the new iPad Air with M4 chip for just $559. That saves you $40 off, the new iPad's first discount.

More Apple deals at Best BuyAirPods dealsApple accessory dealsApple Watch dealsiMac dealsiPad dealsiPhone dealsMacBook deals

How to get a free $100 gift card with Apple MacBook Pro preorders

Thu, 03/05/2026 - 11:01

FREE $100 GIFT CARD: As of March 5, you can get a free $100 gift card when you pre-order the new Apple MacBook Pro with the M5 Pro or M5 Max chip at Best Buy. The premium laptops will begin shipping on March 11.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro (M5 Pro) Starting at $2,199 + free $100 gift card Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro (M5 Max) Starting at $3,599 + free $100 gift card Pre-order Here

As you've likely seen by now, Apple had a big week. The company dropped a batch of new products, from the first-ever budget MacBook to an even more powerful MacBook Pro. The latter is pretty darn expensive, but if you lock in a preorder at Best Buy, you'll get a little relief in the form of a free gift card.

As of March 5, when you pre-order the new MacBook Pro with either the M5 Pro or M5 Max chip at Best Buy (in any configuration), you'll get a free $100 e-gift card to spend however you please. The laptops will begin shipping on March 11 and you'll receive an email with your free gift once the laptop is in your possession.

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The new M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros come in two sizes, 14 or 16 inches, and are essentially more powerful versions of the already stellar M5 MacBook Pro. The M5 Pro variants start at $2,199 for the 14-inch laptop and $2,699 for the 16-inch laptop and come with 1TB of base storage. They're built for folks "running complex workflows, like coders optimizing algorithms and photographers processing massive image libraries," according to Apple.

The M5 Max variants are for "those pushing the absolute limits," meaning they're totally overkill for the common laptop user. They start at $3,599 for the 14-inch model and $3,899 for the 16-inch model and come with a base storage of 2TB.

Both the M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros also feature Apple's N1 chip for WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 6 support. Other than that, their specs are virtually the same as their predecessors.

If you want the best of the best when it comes to Apple laptops, these are it. While both models are certainly a pricey investment, the $100 gift card preorder bonus helps to ease a tiny bit of that blow.

How to watch Cuba vs. Panama in the 2026 World Baseball Classic online for free

Thu, 03/05/2026 - 11:00

TL;DR: Live stream Cuba vs. Panama in the 2026 World Baseball Classic for free on Tele Rebelde, Tubi, or Venevision. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The first round of 2026 World Baseball Classic fixtures includes some fascinating matchups, including Cuba vs. Panama. Both teams will fancy their chances of advancing from a competitive Group A. Puerto Rico, Canada, and Colombia are the other teams in this group, with only the top two making it through to the knockout rounds.

If you want to watch the 2026 World Baseball Classic for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Cuba vs. Panama?

Cuba vs. Panama in the 2026 World Baseball Classic starts at 11 a.m. ET on March 6. This fixture will take place at the Hiram Bithorn Stadium.

How to watch Cuba vs. Panama for free

The 2026 World Baseball Classic is available to live stream for free on a number of platforms:

These streaming platforms are geo-restricted, but anyone can access for free with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can unblock free streaming sites from anywhere in the world.

Access free World Baseball Classic live streams by following these simple steps:

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

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

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with access

  4. Visit Tele Rebelde, Tubi, or Venevision

  5. Live stream the 2026 World Baseball Classic for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch every game from the 2026 World Baseball Classic before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for live sport?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries

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

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

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to 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 Cuba vs. Panama in the 2026 World Baseball Classic for free with ExpressVPN.

Shockingly low number of adults can identify the clitoris, sex toy shop finds

Thu, 03/05/2026 - 10:51

Just three percent of UK adults can correctly identify the anatomy of the clitoris, according to sex toy and lingerie shop Lovehoney.

A survey of 2,000 UK adults — what Lovehoney is calling "The Great British Cliteracy Test" — found an alarming gap between confidence and knowledge of the anatomy. Ninety percent of participants stated they know where the clitoris is, but only 30 percent could correctly locate it on a diagram. Women were only one percent more likely than men (30 percent to 29 percent) to find it.

SEE ALSO: Bumble announces AI-powered Profile Guidance and Photo Feedback

And a mere three percent were able to identify its full internal structure.

When shown a diagram of a vulva, 24 percent thought it was a heart, 13 percent thought it was a vagina (which is the internal organ, not external as the vulva is), and 10 percent believed it to be ovaries.

This is shocking, but it may not be as surprising as when we consider people's lack of sex education. Sixty-six percent of participants said they were never formally educated about the clit, and 78 percent said sex ed failed to properly cover female pleasure. As Lovehoney notes, the complete structure of the clitoris was only fully mapped in 1998 — less than 30 years ago. For much of history, this anatomy wasn't wholly understood.

What's more is that 16 percent of women say they've never learned about female sexual anatomy, and 16 percent taught themselves. Twenty-two percent of men said they learned most from their partner, while 13 percent said porn taught them the most.

Some are even turning to AI to learn about clit stimulation (more male, 23 percent, than female, 13 percent, unsurprisingly).

SEE ALSO: Top 5 NSFW sites to learn what porn didn't teach you

Sex education "should include comprehensive information about female anatomy and sexual health," Lovehoney's sexual health and wellness expert, Sarah Mulindwa, stated in the press release, as "understanding one's body is a fundamental aspect of health literacy."

Not only is this an educational problem, but it's a problem of pleasure. The orgasm gap between men and women in heterosexual pairings is real, and stimulating the clit is the main way most women O. Yet, 23 percent of men believe their partners orgasm every time during penetrative sex, according to Lovehoney's survey. Eleven percent of women say they do.

SEE ALSO: I've tested 100+ sex toys. Here are the 15 most mind-blowing toys I've ever owned.

"Women need and often prefer their clitoris touched, stroked and stimulated in some way to orgasm," sexual and reproductive health expert, Dr. Suzanne Belton, stated. "The findings of the 'Great British Cliteracy Test' demonstrate that on paper at least, two-thirds of men and women cannot point to a clitoris."

Sad, but true. Hopefully now, these participants — and everyone else — will educate themselves.

The Testaments trailer: Handmaids Tale sequel sees Junes baby all grown up

Thu, 03/05/2026 - 10:41

The Handmaid's Tale may have concluded in 2025, but our time in Gilead is far from over thanks to Hulu's sequel series The Testaments.

Based on Margaret Atwood's 2019 novel of the same name, The Testaments is the coming-of-age story of June (Elisabeth Moss) and Luke's (O-T Fagbenle) baby Hannah. Taken from her parents at the beginning of the Gilead regime, she was renamed Agnes and adopted by a Commander.

By the time The Testaments begins, Agnes (One Battle After Another breakout Chase Infiniti) is a teenager. She and the other daughters of high-ranking Gilead officials are in training to become wives at an elite preparatory school run by Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd).

The Testaments' first trailer presents Agnes and her fellow students as being just like any other high schoolers. They complain about their plum-colored uniforms, play games at recess, and stroll down the hallways in tight-knit friend groups. That, coupled with the use of The Cranberries' hit "Dreams," gives The Testaments a slight Derry Girls vibe — if Derry Girls were full of murder, religious fanaticism, and sexual violence, that is.

Agnes's world changes with the arrival of Daisy (Lucy Halliday), a convert from Canada who's been taken into Gilead. However, as the trailer reveals, Daisy is actually an undercover operative trying to save the young women at the school. Could she be working alongside June, who ended The Handmaid's Tale with a promise to keep fighting Gilead? Moss is not confirmed to be starring in the show, but she is an executive producer, so a June return may be in the cards.

The Testaments premieres Apr. 8 on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+.

Beef Season 2 teaser is pure tension

Thu, 03/05/2026 - 10:41

Lee Sung Jin's Beef is back, and this time, the proverbial shit hits the fan within an exclusive country club.

Though Season 1's Ali Wong and Steven Yeun don't star in this round, Season 2 has one hell of a cast: Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Youn Yuh-jung, Song Kang-ho, Cailee Spaeny, and Charles Melton.

The teaser doesn't give away much, only fleeting glimpses of couples across generations and a hectic moment between Isaac and Mulligan's characters captured by Spaeny and Melton.

Considering the edge to which Lee pushed the last season of Beef, we're in for a wild ride.

Beef Season 2 lands on Netflix April 16.

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