Feed aggregator

The state’s attorney general said in a lawsuit filed on Thursday that the company declined to use tools that recognize the material stored on iCloud.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, might launch an Apple Watch competitor this year.

According to a report by The Information, the smartwatch is code-named 'Malibu 2,' and will come with health-tracking tools, similar to the ones seen on other popular smartwatches, including Apple Watch. A Meta AI assistant will be built into the watch's software.

SEE ALSO: Meta patented LLM that would post for users after they die

The number two in the code name might refer to an earlier smartwatch project which was ultimately shelved. That watch was said to come with a built-in camera, but there's no word on whether the new watch will have that feature.

Details around the watch are scarce. However, it's not too far fetched of an idea, given that Meta already has a lineup of VR headsets and accompanying accessories, as well as the Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta smart glasses. The Meta smartwatch could, for example, be used for gesture-based control of the gadgets above.

Meta has been cutting costs on its virtual reality efforts, having recently laid off more than 1,000 employees who were working on the company's vision of the metaverse. Meta CEO Andrew Bosworth said at the time that the company would refocus its metaverse efforts on wearables, which might explain its renewed interest in smartwatches.

Raya is often called the "celebrity dating app," but that description does a lot of heavy lifting. Marketed as a members-only platform for creatives, founders, and the ultra-connected, Raya positions itself as a Tinder/LinkedIn hybrid with a velvet rope. In reality — as I previously reported — it’s far less mysterious than its reputation suggests.

SEE ALSO: Raya isn't as exclusive as you think it is

Yes, celebrities have been spotted on it. Yes, there’s a vetting process. But from my experience, Raya is mostly a swipe-based dating app with better branding, stricter privacy rules, and a monthly fee.

Below is what you actually need to know.

How to get on Raya

Getting on Raya starts with an application, not a download-and-go situation. You’ll submit basic info — name, age, location, job, and your Instagram handle — and then wait

Referrals from existing members can help is one of the strongest factors in getting into the app, though they’re not technically required. A strong Instagram presence doesn’t hurt either. Raya has historically leaned into the whole "creative, interesting, well-connected" brand, which in practice often translates to attractive people with either a decent following or friends already inside.

SEE ALSO: Just in time for V-Day — the best dating apps for serious relationships How much does Raya cost?

Raya costs $25 per month for a standard membership, which is the base cost to just be on the app. There’s also a $50 per month premium tier, which includes perks like unlimited likes and the ability to see who has liked you.

For a dating app, that’s steep — especially considering the experience feels pretty similar to other swipe-based platforms.

How long does Raya approval take?

Approval can take anywhere from 10 days to several years. I personally waited 10 days, but there are entire Reddit threads filled with people who’ve been waitlisted indefinitely.

Location plays a big role. You’re more likely to get in quickly in cities that aren't as popular in the app, based on what Ifeoma Ojukwu, Raya’s VP of global memberships, told the Wall Street Journal in August.

Does Raya have read receipts?

No. Raya does not have read receipts. It also has a strict no-screenshot policy, which is part of its whole "discretion" brand.

Who is eligible for Raya?

Technically, anyone can apply. From my experience, the app includes consultants, nurses, recruiters, aspiring actors, and even college students. (Also, finance bros, marketing execs, real estate agents...)

That said, you generally need to be attractive, have a strong Instagram presence, or secure referrals. Acceptance is also heavily location-dependent.

Do you have to pay for Raya?

Yes. Once approved, you must pay to use it.

Is Raya free?

No. Raya is not free. Even after getting accepted, you’ll need to subscribe to access matches and messaging.

How does Raya work once you’re inside?

Once you’re approved and pay the membership fee, Raya works a lot like other swipe-based dating apps, but with a more curated aesthetic. You create a profile using photos (often synced with Instagram) and choose a song that plays as people view your slideshow-style profile.

Every profile is linked to an Instagram account, which is part of Raya’s whole "real people only" vibe.

From there, it’s check if you want to match, "X" if you want to pass. If you like someone and they like you back, you can message them.

If you swipe right too liberally, you’ll run out of likes unless you’re paying for premium.

After you've scrolled through a certain number of profiles, you'll be hit with a message that reads as follows: "We're committed to fostering an intimate community. More member suggestions coming soon." If you don't want to wait a few hours for more profiles to swipe through, then you can pay to skip the wait. One Skip The Wait is $7.99, 3 cost $19.99, and 5 cost $29.99, according to the Apple App Store at the time of publication.

If you’re overly picky, the app may temporarily limit your swiping.

"I fell in love with him and he also claimed to feel the same way for me," said a victim of a romance scam, who requested anonymity. They met a man called "Bob" on Facebook, who claimed to be in South Africa working for the military.

After talking for some time, Bob said he wanted to visit the victim, who lives in the United States. Sure enough, he started asking for money: "He told me he had some trouble with his bank card not working in South Africa and couldn’t get funds to pay for his flight," anonymous said. "He asked if I could send the money to pay for his [flight] and other things."

SEE ALSO: Match Group rolls out campaign to stop romance scams

The victim, like so many others, sent money to the grifter. Romance scams are a multimillion-dollar problem, and it appears to be only getting worse. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), people reportedly lost $547 million from romance scams in 2021, an 80 percent jump from the year prior. Then, in 2025, two senators urged the CEO of Match Group to act on romance scams, suggesting that the problem is only getting worse.

But what exactly are romance scams, and how can you avoid them?

What are romance scams?

Romance scams are also called confidence scams because they require the scammer to gain the victim's trust. They're a form of social manipulation where scammers often create fake profiles on dating or social media platforms to start talking to victims and get them emotionally attached, said trial lawyer and partner at The Clark Law Office, David Clark.

Scammers often target people who are vulnerable — say if they're elderly or recently divorced or widowed. However, "it's important to remember that these scams can happen to anyone, regardless of their level of financial knowledge," said Tommy Gallagher, a former investment banker and the founder of Top Mobile Banks, a site dedicated to digital banking.

Once they gain victims' trust, scammers will start asking for money. They'll come up with excuses like they have a medical emergency, or even that they want to visit the victim, just like Bob did. When the victim starts sending money, the scammer will demand more and more until they're financially drained, said Clark.

Unfortunately, that's what happened to the victim Mashable spoke to: "Every day, he [brought] up one issue or the other, demanding for more money that I ran out of money and went into debt," they said. "When he realized I had no money left, he stopped replying to my messages and stopped taking my calls." That's when it dawned on them that Bob was a scammer.

"It typically takes a significant loss of money before victims notice things to be wrong and resist."

"When it comes to matters of the heart, even the most rational of individuals can throw caution to the wind," said Gallagher.

People may fall for romance scams because grifters meet their emotional needs, commented licensed therapist and vice president of marketing at Divorce Answers, Lauren Cook-McKay. Scammers master what victims want to hear: promises of love, compliments, messages of empathy and compassion. 

"In fact, it typically takes a significant loss of money before victims notice things to be wrong and resist," Cook-McKay said. "This is because when our emotional needs are being met, we're willing to look past the negative in an attempt to preserve that source of emotional support."

There are multiple types of romance scams, according to Clark:

• Military scam, when the scammer pretends to be a member of the military — like Bob.

• Oil rig scam, when they pretend to work as an oil rigger. 

• Exchanging intimate media, when the scammer gets the victim to send nude photo or video to use them for blackmail.

"But no matter what type of romance scam it is," Clark said, "the scammer will always make excuses to avoid their victim, such as they're too far away and can't meet with the victim or avoid video calls."

How can I avoid romance scams?

Be cautious when meeting online, and be skeptical of anyone who asks for personal information or money too soon, said Gallagher. Never give money to someone you haven't met in person, and never share details like bank account numbers or your Social Security number. 

Some dating apps, like Tinder, have verification features where users can prove they are who they say they are. Tinder and other Match Group dating apps have even started rolling out features to help people sniff out scammers. In the UK, Match and OurTime partnered up for a similar campaign with the City of London Police and reporting center Action Fraud.

If you're using a service without verification or your match is unverified, you can do a reverse image search. Clark recommends doing this on Google or a site called Social Catfish. 

You can also stop talking to someone who refuses to meet in-person or on video; it's a major red flag. 

Ask questions pertaining to their identity, or ask for proof. If they say they're in the military, for example, ask to see their military ID card. "They can also ask the person what their MOS [military occupation specialty code] is. The MOS identifies the person's job title," Clark said. "They can also ask questions about the military culture, such as basic training or their favorite MRE [Meal, Ready-to-Eat] treat."

There's new evidence suggesting scammers are increasingly posing as loved ones, so be diligent about that as well. Contact the friend, romantic partner, or whoever else to see if they're being impersonated.

If you've already given a scammer money, contact your bank and credit card companies and let them know what happened, Gallagher said. You can report them to the dating site you met them on, and report them to the FTC as well.

Beyond researching your matches and calling out scammers, Cook-McKay said to "stop falling in love with being in love." Learn how to meet your own emotional needs and validate yourself, so you don't turn to others; seek out the help of a mental health professional if needed.

Most importantly, Gallagher said, don't be ashamed to reach out to friends and family for support. You're not alone. "By being aware of the dangers and taking the necessary precautions," he said, "we can all protect ourselves and our loved ones from the heartless actions of these scammers."

This article was first published in 2023 and republished in 2026.

SAVE $20: As of Feb. 19, Amazon has dropped the Fire TV Stick 4K Max down to $39.99. This deal saves you $20 off its list price of $59.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max $39.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $20   Get Deal

Amazon’s Presidents’ Day sale was filled with great deals, including Amazon's own streaming devices such as the Fire TV Stick 4K Max. However, this deal isn’t going to last much longer, according to the countdown timer on the store page. So if you’ve been hoping for a 4K streaming upgrade, this is your last chance to save on this high-quality streaming device.

Through the rest of today, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is on sale for $39.99. This is a $20 discount off its usual list price of $59.99. If you've been hoping to enjoy the latest and greatest shows and films on streaming services in crisp 4K quality, this is your chance to upgrade your streaming setup for less.

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!

No matter what shows or films have your attention right now, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max will make sure you catch every detail thanks to its support for 4K Ultra HD picture quality, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+. Support for WiFi 6E helps provide smooth streaming quality as well, and it even supports Dolby Atmos audio to really help you feel immersed in what you're watching.

On top of that, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max also has 16GB of storage and the Fire TV Ambient Experience. The latter works a bit like Frame TVs by allowing you to show off art or photos when you're not watching something.

Again, this deal only lasts through the rest of today. Act fast to save on the Fire TV Stick 4K Max at Amazon.

TL;DR: The Samsung 27-inch Odyssey QD-OLED G5 gaming monitor is now down to just $349.99 at Amazon. That’s a massive $200 discount off its regular $549.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 27-inch Odyssey QD-OLED G5 Gaming Monitor (G50SF) $349.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $200 Get Deal

You don’t often see OLED gaming monitors drop into midrange pricing territory, which makes this latest Samsung deal especially tempting. As of Feb. 19, the 27-inch Odyssey OLED G5 (the G50SF model) has fallen to $349.99 at Amazon; that is its lowest price to date, as confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel.

Unlike traditional IPS or VA panels, this model uses QD-OLED technology to deliver deeper blacks and punchier colors (even more so than traditional OLED), helping games look more cinematic without sacrificing speed. The QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution keeps visuals sharp at a comfortable 27-inch size, while Pantone validation and HDR10 aim to bring accurate tones and brighter highlights across everything from competitive shooters to open-world adventures. 

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!

When it comes to PC gaming, the 180Hz refresh rate and an ultra-fast 0.03ms response time target motion to feel incredibly smooth — altogether becoming more immersive and gripping simultaneously. That’s whether you’re tracking targets in Arc Raiders or navigating fast-paced racing games, like the upcoming Forza Horizon 6. G-Sync compatibility and AMD FreeSync support are also onboard to help reduce tearing and stutter, while glare-free coating helps keep reflections at bay during longer sessions.

In the event you’re willing to spend more on an even larger QD-OLED display, the 49-inch ultrawide Samsung Odyssey gaming monitor is still on sale at Amazon. As for those from different brands, the 34-inch curved Alienware QD-OLED gaming monitor (AW3423DWF) is also $200 off.

TL;DR: A three-pack bundle of Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Play Boosters is down to $24.99 at Amazon, shaving $7 off its usual $31.99 price and saving you $1.70 per pack.

Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Play Booster 3-Pack Lot $24.97 at Amazon
$31.99 Save $7.02 Get Deal

If you’ve been eyeing the Magic: The Gathering’s Final Fantasy crossover set but didn’t want to commit to the larger bundle, this smaller three-pack deal is one of the cheapest ways to jump in right now. As of Feb. 19, MTG’s Final Fantasy three-pack Play Booster lot has dropped on Amazon to $24.97 — a $7.02 cut off its original $31.99 price and a noticeable discount compared to buying the packs individually.

If you’ve never brought any packs for yourself, this expansion blends characters, summons, and story beats from across the long-running Final Fantasy RPG gaming franchise into Magic’s card mechanics, making it a popular pick among both longtime MTG players and collectors who love chasing crossover cards. Play Boosters are built with Limited play in mind, but they’re just as appealing if you’re opening packs purely for the thrill of a big pull.

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!

Each booster contains 14 cards, typically including a mix of commons, uncommons, and at least one rare or mythic rare, plus a guaranteed Traditional Foil. That balance makes smaller bundles like this a low-risk way to explore the set without diving into a full booster box.

You can still score the six-pack lot of Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Play Boosters for only $48.69. As for other expansions, preorders on MTG’s new Marvel Super Heroes Play Booster Box are now selling for only $189.99 at Amazon.

We feel like it's our civic duty to keep abreast of all the free food and drink giveaways from top retailers. Everyone likes getting something for nothing, but not everyone is aware of just how often these free giveaways go live.

We literally just made some noise about the fact that Dunkin' is giving away limited-edition iced coffee gloves on Feb. 20, but before we could sit down, another giveaway has dropped. So we'll do what we must for the greater good. You can thank us later.

SEE ALSO: How to get the free Lego set for late February: Spend $100 to get the absurdly cute Duck Family

From Feb. 17-28, you can get a free Chick-fil-A chicken biscuit (no purchase necessary). To qualify, simply download the Chick-fil-A app and redeem your free chicken biscuit during breakfast hours while supplies last. The reward will automatically appear under your “Rewards” tab of your app. It's that straightforward. There really is no catch.

The giveaway is included in Chick-fil-A's celebration of the brand's "80-year heritage of quality, service and care," per a press release. Chick-fil-A is also planning to launch retro-inspired packaging plus newly-released Frosted Sodas and Floats and Classic Cups.

It feels like only yesterday that Dunkin' announced it would be giving away free iced coffees to customers in the wake of its Super Bowl ad, but the free giveaways just keep coming. We're not complaining. We're greedy for any sort of giveaway, even if we're only getting one half of a set of gloves.

From 10 a.m. on Feb. 20, guests nationwide can score a limited-edition Dunkin’ iced coffee glove with the purchase of any iced beverage. This offer is only available while supplies last at participating Dunkin’ locations, and yes, we are talking about a single glove here. In the words of Dunkin', it's to "keep that sipping hand warm."

SEE ALSO: How to get the free Lego set for late February: Spend $100 to get the absurdly cute Duck Family

Dunkin’ is celebrating the guests who opt for iced coffee no matter the weather. This glove is a badge of honor for those who simply do not care how cold it gets — they're ordering an Original Blend Iced Coffee, Cold Brew, or Iced Dunkalatte all year round.

Does that sound like you? Wrap up warm and order your favorite iced drink to get your hand on this limited-edition Dunkin’ iced coffee glove.

SAVE $50: As of Feb. 19, the Soundcore by Anker Space Q45 headphones have dropped to $99.99 at Amazon. This 33% discount saves you $50 on their list price of $149.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore by Anker Space Q45 $99.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $50.00   Get Deal

Do you want new headphones, but don't want to spend a ton of cash on an expensive pair? The Soundcore by Anker Space Q45 headphones are a pair we consider to be the most well-rounded budget headphones. And they're even on sale right now at Amazon for under $100.

The Soundcore by Anker Space Q45 headphones are down to $99.99. This is a $50 discount off their usual price of $149.99, and it applies to all of the available colors as well. Choose between the white, black, or blue headphones at this price.

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!

From great sound quality to a solid noise cancelling system and a hefty battery life that can last up to 50 hours in noise cancelling mode, the Space Q45 headphoned are a great investment for long travel periods, a commute, or just hanging out at home. Our roundup of the best budget headphones — where they earned the spot of "most well-rounded budget headphones" — said of their sound quality that "Bass dominates the soundstage in a positive way. Headbangers will salivate over the Space Q45’s boomy and energetic low-end presence."

As for their noise cancellation, the roundup also notes that "Enabling noise cancellation slightly increases bass without compromising other frequencies, and the technology is capable of blocking out 80 percent of external sounds. Ambient listening mode is just as rewarding for keeping tabs on your surroundings."

Keep in mind that the Space Q45 headphones are currently listed as a limited-time deal. So if you're interested in picking them up, act fast to get them for under $100.

SAVE $150: The 27-inch Alienware 360Hz gaming monitor is on sale at Amazon for $499.99, down from the list price of $649.99. That's a 23% discount and the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Alienware 27-inch Alienware 360Hz Gaming Monitor $499.99 at Amazon
$649.99 Save $150   Get Deal

Welcome to the lingering part of winter. The initial refreshing feel of cold weather and the excuse to stay inside is wearing off, and now we're ready for warmer temps and spring flowers. Unfortunately, that could still be a few weeks away. Instead of sinking into boredom, upgrade your gaming setup and make the last few weeks of winter an epic gaming experience. There's a great deal in store today at Amazon on a gaming monitor with impressive specs.

As of Feb. 19, the 27-inch Alienware 360Hz gaming monitor is on sale for $499.99 at Amazon, marked down from the standard price of $649.99. That ends up being a savings of $150 thanks to the 23% discount. It's also the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon.

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!

When it comes to finding the right gaming monitor, size matters. If you don't have a massive desk or your desk is short on space, it's unlikely you have room for a giant curved monitor. Instead, focus on a model that's a moderate size but comes with impressive specs, like the 27-inch Alienware monitor that has a blazing 360Hz refresh rate.

If you gravitate toward games that require speedy movements and response time, the Alienware comes with specs to match your pace. In addition to the impressive refresh rate, there's the 0.03 GtG response time and the QHD resolution of 2560x1440. The monitor also features 111 pixels per inch. All in all, you'll be in line for a blur and lag-free gaming experience.

Alienware added a stable and performance-driven stand to the 27-inch monitor so you'll be able to tilt, swivel, and adjust the display to fit your preferences.

While the 27-inch Alienware 360Hz gaming monitor is on sale at Amazon for a record-low price of $499.99, upgrade your winter gaming experience. And since summer now come with sweltering heat, it'll probably get plenty of use then, too.

In what's probably the saddest and cutest news story of the week, a baby monkey named Punch (Punch-kun), rejected by his mother at Japan's Ichikawa City Zoo, has won the internet's heart by clinging to a stuffed IKEA orangutan for emotional support. As Mashable's Crystal Bell writes, "In the wild, that would have meant certain death. At the zoo, where Punch was raised through hand-rearing, it meant something else: survival, and a substitute for the one thing zookeepers couldn't provide."

Stephen Colbert got the memo on the forlorn mini macaque, unpacking the story during Wednesday night's Late Show.

"After his mom abandoned him — she said she was going out for a pack of bananas, I'm sure she'll be back — Punch struggled to make friends with other monkeys in the exhibit, which is why they gave him the stuffed orangutan, and now he takes it everywhere," Colbert said, explaining that the specific stuffed animal is IKEA's JUNGELSKOG.

"If you think Punch is sympathetic, wait till you see the official pictures of JUNGELSKOG. She looks like she's regretting all of her life choices," said Colbert, and...yeah. "Here's the thing. We looked it up, and the JUNGELSKOG retails for only $19.99 and honestly, we can all use a little comfort right about now. So I bought one. You'll never leave me right, JUNGELSKOG?"

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG’s Phantasmal Flames Elite Trainer Box is now selling for as low as $86.64 on TCGplayer — that puts it only 64 cents over market price and $8 cheaper than Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company The Pokémon TCG: Phantasmal Flames Elite Trainer Box $86.64 at Amazon
  Get Deal

When it comes to solid Pokémon TCG deals on modern expansions like Phantasmal Flames, TCGplayer regularly offers decent value for money. As of Feb. 19, the Pokémon TCG’s Phantasmal Flames Elite Trainer Box is now selling for as now as $86.64 at TCGplayer — saving you $8.26 compared to Amazon’s best price of $94.90. 

Granted, Amazon’s new lowest price for the ETB is the result of an 11% price cut from $106.89, but it can’t be denied that TCGplayer is still the best deal. For transparency, all of these new and unopened ETBs — both through Amazon and TCGplayer — are being sold through third-party sellers on the platforms.

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!

Whichever online store you go with, you’ll still get the exact same Pokémon trading card game contents in your new and sealed Phantasmal Flames ETB. Along with nine Mega Evolution: Phantasmal Flames booster packs, you’ll get a full-art foil Charcadet promo card, 65 card sleeves, 40 Energy cards, a player’s guide, six damage-counter dice, one competition-legal coin, a plastic coin, a collector’s box with six organizational dividers, and a code for Pokémon Trading Card Game Live.

To save even more on packs from this expansion, you can still buy the Pokémon TCG: Phantasmal Flames eight-booster pack lot at $20 off on Amazon. With Pokémon Day fast approaching, you can still buy the TCG’s Pokémon Day 2026 Collection for under $40 at Amazon.

SAVE OVER $150: As of Feb. 19, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra has dropped to $493.10 at Amazon. This deal saves you $156.89 on its list price of $649.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) $493.10 at Amazon
$649.99 Save $156.89   Get Deal

For those hoping to invest in a smartwatch, Amazon still has some great deals to check out after Presidents' Day sales. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is one model that's currently sitting at its lowest-ever price at the retailer, making now an excellent time to grab it for a low price.

While it's usually listed for $649.99, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is currently on sale for $493.10 at Amazon. That saves you a little over $150 on this model, and is even lower than the price we saw in January of $499.98. This deal only applies to the titanium white model, but if that's the one that's caught your eye, this is a great time to buy.

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!

If you're an athletic or adventurous individual and want a smartwatch that can keep up with all of your activities, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is ready to help. It's packed with features to help you out throughout the day, including an Energy Score that gives you a better idea of your readiness for the day, Vascular Load monitoring for tracking stress, and a Running Coach that can help you get the most out of your running routine.

Our hands-on review from Mashable's Kimberly Gedeon noted that it's "designed for rugged adventurers." It can "reportedly handle temperatures between -4 and 131 degrees Fahrenheit, and it can tolerate deep-sea diving and other challenging environments." That's one tough smartwatch.

Don't miss out on your chance to save big on the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra at Amazon.

Ring was the subject of significant backlash earlier this month, after a poorly received Super Bowl ad drew attention to its surveillance cameras' AI-powered Search Party feature. Though advertised as a tool to search neighbours' Ring footage for lost pets, many expressed concerns that the same technology could easily be used to track humans. It turns out that these fears may have been right on the money, and that such use could be part of the Amazon-owned company's plans.

404 Media reports that Ring founder and CEO Jamie Siminoff previously indicated intentions for its cameras to find specific individuals in an email to employees in early Oct. 2025, sent soon after Search Party's launch.

"I believe that the foundation we created with Search Party, first for finding dogs, will end up becoming one of the most important pieces of tech and innovation to truly unlock the impact of our mission," Siminoff wrote in the email sighted by 404 Media. "You can now see a future where we are able to zero out crime in neighborhoods. So many things to do to get there but for the first time ever we have the chance to fully complete what we started."

SEE ALSO: Ring and Flock Safety cancel partnership amidst surveillance criticism

Siminoff did not make it explicit that Ring intends to turn Search Party's technology toward tracking people. However, such plans are strongly implied by his reported statements that Search Party's current iteration is a "foundation" only used for locating pets "first," and that Ring could "zero out crime."

Significantly, Ring introduced facial recognition to its surveillance cameras late last year. While the company promoted Familiar Faces as a tool for identifying people you know so that they don't trigger alerts, non-profit digital rights group Electronic Frontier Foundation warned that it has the potential to "violate the privacy rights of millions of people."

In a later email sighted by 404 Media, Siminoff reportedly also claimed that Ring's Community Requests feature could have potentially helped find the person who shot and killed conservative commentator Charlie Kirk on Sept. 10 last year. Introduced days earlier on Sept. 4, Community Requests enables law enforcement to directly request footage from Ring camera users.

"[I]t just shows how important the Community Request tool will be as we fully roll it out," Siminoff reportedly wrote the day after Kirk's death, sharing a video of a Utah official speaking about the investigation. "It is so important to create the conduit for public service agencies to efficiently work with our neighbors."

In a statement to 404 Media, a Ring spokesperson said that Search Party currently doesn't track people, but did not confirm that it would never be used for such a purpose.

"Search Party helps camera owners identify potential lost dogs using detection technology built specifically for that purpose; it does not process human biometrics or track people," Ring's statement read. "Community Requests notify neighbors when local public safety agencies ask the community for assistance. Across these features, sharing has always been the camera owner’s choice. Ring provides relevant context about when sharing may be helpful — but the decision remains firmly in the customer’s hands, not ours."

Mashable has reached out to Ring for further comment.

Featured Video For You Is U.S. TikTok censoring its users?

Siminoff left Ring in 2023, but returned to lead the company again last April. Since then, he has refocused the surveillance camera company on collaborating with law enforcement, bringing it back in line with its original mission to "reduce crime in neighborhoods." Ring positioned itself as more community focused in 2024, changing its mission statement to "keeping people close to what's important" under then-CEO Liz Hamren, before it was altered again after Siminoff's return to "[making] neighborhoods safer."

As such, utilising Search Party's technology to track people would seem to follow Ring's current goals more closely than finding lost dogs does.

Ring has had a cosy history with law enforcement, having previously sent Ring camera footage to police without users' knowledge or consent. Further, a 2019 report from Motherboard revealed that the company had secretly provided dozens of U.S. police departments with free products and a private portal for requesting footage without a warrant, with officers asked to promote Ring to their local community in exchange.

Last week, Ring cancelled its partnership with law enforcement surveillance company Flock Security, as heightened distrust from customers reportedly prompted some to disconnect, destroy, or return their devices. Even so, Ring still maintains a partnership with taser-maker Axon, allowing police to request footage via its evidence management system.

The Moon is making its comeback, and within the next few nights it should be shinning big and bright in our sky again. However, for now, it's only day two of the lunar cycle, so it's still a little small.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Thursday, Feb. 19, the Moon phase is Waxing Crescent. According to NASA's Daily Moon Guide, 4% of the Moon will be lit up tonight.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will be on March 3. The last Full Moon was on Feb. 1.

What are Moon phases?

NASA tells us that the Moon completes a full orbit around Earth in roughly 29.5 days. During this cycle, it passes through eight distinct phases. Although we consistently see the same side of the Moon, the portion illuminated by the Sun shifts as it travels along its orbit. The changing angle of sunlight reflecting off the Moon’s surface is what makes it appear full, partially lit, or nearly dark at different times. The eight phases include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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, Feb. 19, 2026:

AcrossWith 5-Across, response to "Knock, knock!"

• The answer is Whos.

See 1-Across

• The answer is There.

Dating app alternative to Tinder or Bumble

• The answer is Hinge.

Take the top off, as a tube of toothpaste

• The answer is Uncap.

[This person has read your message]

• The answer is Seen.

DownSay "But, Mom!," say

• The answer is Whine.

As a result

• The answer is Hence.

Something that a medical donor gives or a church has

• The answer is Organ.

Flow slowly

• The answer is Seep.

As a result

• The answer is Thus.

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 yesterday's Mini Crossword.

Astronomers have spotted something that barely glows yet holds a tight group of star clusters together, pointing to a hidden galaxy that almost vanishes into the background of space.

The discovery began with four lonely globular clusters — dense balls of stars — sitting unusually close to each other in the Perseus galaxy cluster, 300 million light-years away. Normally, these clusters orbit inside galaxies. Alone, they drift apart over time. Instead, this group stayed tightly packed, suggesting a strong gravitational anchor.

So the team asked a simple question: Could four clusters just randomly line up in the same spot? Scientists ran statistical tests and found that extremely unlikely. Something massive had to be holding the clusters together. 

Researchers now believe this object, Candidate Dark Galaxy-2, or CDG-2, could be one of the most dark matter-dominated galaxies ever found. Dark matter is a mysterious material in the universe that doesn't shine or interact with light.

"This is the first galaxy detected solely through its globular cluster population," said David Li, a University of Toronto astrostatistics researcher and lead author of the study, in a statement. 

SEE ALSO: NASA will retest Artemis 2 moon rocket after discovering fueling issues

The findings, which appear in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, invite the question of just how many other dim galaxies are out there. Astronomers rely on visible starlight to find galaxies, but if galaxies can be extremely faint, many could go undetected. Such an oversight could mean the estimates for how many galaxies fill the cosmos are woefully inaccurate. But the team's technique may allow for the discovery of more galaxies lurking in the shadows.

Researchers analyzed images of CDG-2 from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, the European Space Agency's Euclid space observatory, and the Japanese Subaru Telescope in Hawaii. At first glance, they saw no obvious galaxy. The area looked nearly empty except for the clusters themselves. 

While CDG-2 appears to have four globular clusters, the Milky Way has over 150. And the mysterious object dimly shines with the light of only 6 million suns, a pittance compared to the 20 billion or so of our own galaxy.

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

Regardless, it behaved like a galaxy, and its objects moved and clustered in a way that demanded an unseen gravitational source.

It wasn't until astronomers stacked multiple Hubble images — layering them to maximize very dim signals — that they observed a soft glow surrounding the cluster group. The glow matched the position and shape of the cluster grouping, ruling out camera noise or image errors.

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

Rough estimates suggest that 99 percent of CDG-2's mass — nearly all of it — comes from dark matter. 

Scientists have much to learn about galaxies suspected of being primarily made of dark matter. A paper published last year on Segue 1, a dwarf galaxy thought to be dark matter-dominated, found that it was hiding a supermassive black hole, a heavy cosmic object that is also invisible. It's unclear how the black hole's effects were overlooked in prior studies.

TL;DR: Through Feb. 22, get a lifetime license to AcePDF Converter & Editor for just $24.97 with code SAVE5 (reg. $99.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: Acethinker AcePDF Converter & Editor: Lifetime License $24.97
$99.99 Save $75.02   Get Deal

PDFs are supposed to make life easier. Instead, they often turn into that one file you can’t edit, can’t convert, and definitely can’t send without jumping through hoops. If that sounds familiar, it might be time for a tool that actually does what you need it to do.

AcePDF Converter & Editor is an all-in-one PDF solution — and until Feb. 22, you can grab a lifetime license for just $24.97 with promo code SAVE5 (MSRP $99.99). No recurring fees. No juggling multiple apps. Just one desktop tool that handles the heavy lifting.

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!

Need to turn a PDF into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, HTML, or even JPG? Done. Want to create a PDF from Office docs or images? Also done. You can batch-convert files, preserve layouts and images, and keep hyperlinks intact so nothing breaks in the process.

Editing is just as straightforward. Merge files, split pages, rotate, delete, compress, or extract images in a single click. There’s built-in OCR for scanned documents, too, so you can pull text from image-based PDFs and actually edit it. Add comments, shapes, watermarks, or build interactive forms from scratch — all inside the same interface.

Security features are built in as well. Protect files with passwords or unlock documents when you have access. And if you just need a reliable PDF reader, you can set it as your default program.

Available for Windows and macOS and limited to new users, this lifetime license covers up to two devices.

If you’re tired of patchwork PDF tools and ongoing subscriptions, grab lifetime access to AcePDF Converter & Editor for $24.97 with code SAVE5 before Feb. 22.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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.

SEE ALSO: 25 best romantic comedies on Prime Video perfect for cuddle season 16. Wild Boys: Strangers in Town

Documentarians Rita Baghdadi and Jeremiah Hammerling explore the bizarre story of two "wild boys," a pair of brothers who wandered out of the forests of British Columbia in 2003, claiming they'd been raised off the grid by their parents. A caring mother took them in, trying to get them acclimated to modern society. But when the brothers began to push back against her efforts to help them, she started doubting their story.

Wild Boys: Strangers In Town begins the story by jumping from talking head interviews with the boys, this mom, and a local police officer, who had his suspicions from the start about the brothers. From there, the two-part series touches on themes of social pressure, mental health, and more. But where the story goes isn't as compelling as you might expect or even hope. Personally, when the second episode ended, my biggest reaction was, "Why did I waste my time on this?" — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

How to watch: Wild Boys: Strangers in Town is now streaming on Paramount+.

15. Strip Law

Cullen Crawford is a comedy writer who's had a hand in such adult-centric animated series as M.O.D.O.K., Paradise PD, the 2024 Ren & Stimpy relaunch, and Star Trek: Lower Decks. Now, he's created his own proudly crass cartoon with Strip Law.

Set in Las Vegas, this new Netflix animated series centers on Lincoln Gumb, Esq. (voiced by Adam Scott), who's trying to make his name in law while caught in the shadow of his late, great mom, a titan in the field. Fired by her former business partner, Steve Nichols (Keith David), Lincoln looks to start his own firm, with the help of a magician named Sheila Flambé (Janelle James), plucky teen investigator Irene (Shannon Gisela), and Glem Blorchman (Stephen Root), a chaotic old coot who is also a disgraced/disbarred lawyer. Together, they'll take the cases too weird for more reputable firms. So, yeah, if you like a workplace comedy about underdogs and the unique culture of Vegas, queue up Strip Law. — K.P.

Starring: Adam Scott, Janelle James, Stephen Root, Shannon Gisela, and Keith David

How to watch: Strip Law debuts on Netflix on Feb. 20.

14. 56 Days

Who doesn't dream about an exciting love affair that can sweep you off your feet and change your life forever? Well, 56 Days suggests be careful what you yearn for, because this one ends with a "body in the bathtub."

Who's the corpse? That's the question of the thriller series adapted from Catherine Ryan Howard's best-selling novel of the same name. After meeting in a supermarket, Oliver Kennedy (Avan Jogia) and Ciara Wyse (Dove Cameron) fall fast and hard for each other. Some may even say they're obsessed. 56 days later, homicide detectives find a body in his apartment and have to ask, who killed who? And who's in the tub? Dare you dive in? — K.P.

Starring: Dove Cameron, Avan Jogia, Megan Peta, Dorian Crossmond Missick, Karla Souza, Patch Darragh, Kira Guloien, Jesse James Keitel, Matt Murray, David Klein, and Alec Albert

How to watch: 56 Days is now playing on Prime Video.

13. Watching You

Seeking something sexy and thrilling? Watching You could please.

Adapted from J.P Pomare's novel The Last Guests, this Australian series is a psychological thriller about a woman whose one night stand has been caught on tape. A mysterious voyeur is threatening to ruin her life by releasing the footage. They send her threatening texts. She fears she's always being watched. So, to what lengths will she go to make it stop? We can't wait to find out. — K.P.

Starring: Sara Wiseman, Aisha Dee, and Josh Helman

How to watch: Watching You debuts on Hulu on Feb. 20.

12. Murder in Glitterball City

HBO's two-part documentary Murder in Glitterball City examines the mysterious murder of Old Louisville resident Jamie Carroll. After disappearing in 2009, Carroll was found dead and buried in 2010 in the basement of a mansion shared by couple Joey Banis and Jeffrey Mundt. Each partner had a different story about what happened, leading to a twisting investigation and two separate murder trials. Directors Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, the team behind 2000's The Eyes of Tammy Faye, examine the murder through the eyes of the surrounding queer community in Louisville, Kentucky, showing how Carroll's murder rippled outward through the city. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Murder in Glitterball City debuts on HBO and HBO Max on Feb. 19 at 8:00 p.m. ET.

11. Portobello

An unbelievable true story comes to the small screen in Portobello, HBO's latest Italian language series. Fabrizio Gifuni stars as real-life television presenter Enzo Tortora, who hosts the popular variety series Portobello. However, his career falls apart when the associate of a crime boss (and avid Portobello fan) names Tortora as part of the criminal organization. See how his arrest unfolds and brush up on your Italian with the rest of Portobello. — B.E.

Starring: Fabrizio Gifuni, Lino Musella, Romana Maggiora Vergano, Barbora Bobuľová, Carlotta Gamba, Alessandro Preziosi, Fausto Russo Alesi, and Salvatore D'Onofrio

How to watch: Portobello debuts on HBO Max on Feb. 20.

10. Dead of Winter

Emma Thompson embraces her inner Liam Neeson in Dead of Winter, a thriller that's chock-full of snow, action, and Midwestern accents. Thompson plays Barb, a grieving widow who's heading to a lake in Minnesota to scatter her husband's ashes. Trapped in a blizzard, she stumbles upon an armed couple (Judy Greer and Marc Menchaca) holding a young woman named Leah (Laurel Marsden) hostage. Cue snowy fight scenes as Barb fights tooth and nail to save Leah and herself. — B.E.

Starring: Emma Thompson, Judy Greer, Marc Menchaca, Laurel Marsden, and Brían F. O'Byrne

How to watch: Dead of Winter debuts on HBO Max on Feb. 20.

9. Adventuring Academy, Season 7

Dropout returns with a seventh season of Adventuring Academy, a comedy podcast where Dimension 20 game master Brennan Lee Mulligan invites on a guest to discuss the pleasures and pains of TTRPG (tabletop role-playing games).

Shot in the Dimension 20 dome, Season 7 will welcome several of the Gladlands cast, including Oscar Montoya, Kimia Behpoornia, and Say More guest Vic Michaelis. So you know it's going to be a silly good time. — K.P.

Starring: Brennan Lee Mulligan, Vic Michaelis, Robbie Daymond, Oscar Montoya, Kimia Behpoornia, Aabria Iyengar, Emily Friedman, Mica Burton, Quinns Smith, and Jasper William Cartwright

How to watch: Adventuring Academy Season 7 premieres on Dropout on Feb. 20.

8. Being Gordon Ramsay

What does it take to be Gordon Ramsay? Find out in Being Gordon Ramsay, Netflix's docuseries centered on the world-famous chef and TV star. Over six episodes, Being Gordon Ramsay brings viewers into Ramsay's latest ambitious restaurant project: opening five restaurants in one building, London's 2 Bishopsgate. If you thought watching a fictional restaurant opening in The Bear was stressful, you can bet watching the real thing go down will be even more harrowing. — B.E.

How to watch: Being Gordon Ramsay is now playing on Netflix.

7. The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants

SpongeBob SquarePants is the gift that keeps on giving. Created by the late Stephen Hillenburg, the Nickelodeon cartoon series that debuted in 1999 has offered over 300 episodes, spin-off shows like Kamp Koral and The Patrick Star Show, plus a growing list of movies. And it just doesn't get old to see this gleeful fry cook giggle.

In The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, the titular hero is on a quest to become a swashbuckler, like his mentor/boss Mr. Krabs. The ghost pirate known as The Flying Dutchman promises he can get SpongeBob to his goal. But curiously, it's not the goofy goober's bravery or swordsmanship that attracts the attention of this nefarious figure, it's his outstanding bubble-blowing abilities.

This adventure is supremely silly, action-packed, and ultimately sweet. If you're looking for a movie to shut your brain off and just enjoy, you'd be hard-pressed to make a better choice than this.* — K.P.

Starring: Tom Kenny, Mr. Lawrence, Jill Talley, Bill Fagerbakke, Carolyn Lawrence, Clancy Brown, Ice Spice, Arturo Castro, Mark Hamill, Regina Hall, and Rodger Bumpass

How to watch: The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants is now streaming on Paramount+.

6. The Night Agent, Season 3

Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso) is back! The spy at the heart of Netflix's thriller The Night Agent returns with a new assignment, new enemies, and probably zero sleep. Now a full-fledged Night Action operative, Peter is on the trail of a young Treasury agent (Suraj Sharma) who's taken sensitive government secrets to Istanbul following an attack from his boss. What follows is an international chase with ties to a seriously shady dark-money network. — B.E.

Starring: Gabriel Basso, Ward Horton, Jennifer Morrison, Fola Evans-Akingbola, Louis Herthum, Amanda Warren, Genesis Rodriguez, David Lyons, and Stephen Moyer

How to watch: The Night Agent Season 3 debuts on Netflix on Feb. 19.

5. Rental Family

Writer/director Hikari thrilled Netflix subscribers in 2023 with the darkly comic limited series Beef. In her follow-up, she offers a radical shift in tone and message with Rental Family, a feel-good drama about finding one's home.

Brendan Fraser stars as American actor Phillip Vanderploeg, who moved to Japan for work but has been struggling for years to get gigs. So, when an unconventional acting job comes along, he reluctantly takes the role(s). Rental Family is a curious company, where its employees fill in for their clients as whatever people they need: a friend, a husband, a mistress, or even a dad. While Phillip is uncomfortable deceiving people, like the little girl whose single mom has hired him to play the father the child has never met, he finds joy and purpose in becoming a facet in these lives, however unusual the path there. But as Phillip grows too comfortable in certain roles, he risks not only his job but also the well-being of those who've come to love him. While Rental Family veers into sentimental, and even simplistically preachy territory, it is a charming story of personal growth and enduring love.* — K.P.

Starring: Brendan Fraser, Takehiro Hira, Mari Yamamoto, Shannon Mahina Gorman, and Akira Emoto

How to watch: Rental Family is now streaming on Hulu.

4. No Other Choice

Boasting a corporate jargon title long-deployed to evade responsibility, Park Chan-wook's anti-capitalist parable No Other Choice might feel a little too real to those burned by the job market. This wicked social commentary is one of the director's most comedic films to date, but that doesn't mean it's not dark as hell. 

Based on Donald E. Westlake's 1997 novel The Ax and written by Park, Lee Kyoung-mi, Jahye Lee, and Don McKellar, the film follows hardworking paper company employee Yoo Man-soo (an outstanding Lee Byung-hun), who gets the chop in a merciless company restructure. With his family to provide for, including his wife Mi-ri (Crash Landing on You's Son Ye-jin) and two kids, Man-soo scrambles to find a job — and when the perfect opportunity comes along, he takes drastic measures to ensure he'll land it.

Critics praised No Other Choice for its moral ambiguity and biting social satire. As I wrote in my own review, "As a viewer, we're simultaneously rooting for Man-soo and unnerved by his capacity for calculated manipulation and murder. No Other Choice poses the question: Would you kill for the life you want? In fact, the film doesn't even ask it, instead presenting a man believing himself forced into making such a decision due to cold, hard corporate strategy. It's out of his hands."* — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

How to watch: No Other Choice is now available for rental or purchase on Prime Video.

3. Dreaming Whilst Black, Season 2

Adjani Salmon's critically acclaimed comedy Dreaming Whilst Black returns for Season 2 this week, where it will continue to skewer the entertainment industry's treatment of Black filmmakers. Salmon plays Kwabena, an aspiring director who might just get his big break this season. The project? A historical series with color-blind casting. But as Kwabena embarks on what seems like a dream gig, he soon realizes that nothing is quite as it seems.

Dreaming Whilst Black has earned praise for its spot-on satire of the entertainment industry. In his Season 1 review, Mashable contributor Robert Daniels called the series "one of the best looks behind the curtain of the struggle in making Black cinema for mass appeal." — B.E.

Starring: Adjani Salmon, Dani Moseley, Jo Martin, Demmy Ladipo, Rachel Adedeji, Babirye Bukilwa, Martina Laird, and Roger Griffiths

How to watch: Dreaming Whilst Black Season 2 debuts on Paramount+ on Feb. 20.

2. Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model

Since debuting on Monday, Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model has quickly sparked controversy across social media. Viewers are outraged over the comments America's Next Top Model host/judge Tyra Banks offered,when questioned about the show's most scandalous moments. Plus empathy outpoured for Miss J. Alexander, who in the final episode revealed the reality he's struggling with since the show ended.

Having watched all three episodes of Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model, I'm torn on whether to recommend it. Reality Check's directors Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan (also co-executive producers) definitely know what their audiences want, resurrecting ANTM's most shocking photoshoots, dramatic judging sequences, and horrifying moments. Watching the show is downright addictive, as it offers not only the contestant's perspective of their viral moments, but also Banks and her co-stars facing the critiques that have been plastered across TikTok following the show's availability on streaming.

SEE ALSO: 'Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model' is rage bait. We watched it so you don't have to.

Reality Check probes these old wounds, but it doesn't give audiences the solace or justice they might crave. So, watch if you dare, but be warned: This doc series is made to hate-watch. — K.P.

Starring: Tyra Banks, Nigel Barker, Miss J. Alexander, and Jay Manuel

How to watch: Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model is now playing on Netflix.

Best of Streaming this week:28 Years Later: The Bone Temple

Danny Boyle and Alex Garland resurrected the 28 Days Later film series with 28 Years Later, a zombie thriller so scary it ranked high on both our best horror films of the year and our best films of the year list. For its sequel, Boyle steps aside, entrusting the helm — and Garland's script — to Hedda director Nia DaCosta, who takes zombie horror to a wild, musical new place.

Picking up with young runaway Spike (Alfie Williams) having joined the vicious gang led by Jimmy (Jack O'Connell), Bone Temple is a tale of the darkest impulses of humanity, balanced by the brilliant humanity of Dr. Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) and his Alpha buddy, Samson (Chi Lewis-Parry). As I raved in my review, "28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is a phenomenal film. As a sequel, it builds the saga of Spike without retreading its predecessor's steps. As a zombie movie, it delivers scenes of gut-churning violence and haunting loss. As a horror film, it is sublime, gorgeous, rich in visual splendor, surging with feeling, and intoxicating in its unexpected twists. Simply put, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple fucking rules. I left the theater rattled and elated. I can't wait to go again." — K.P.

Starring: Alfie Williams, Ralph Fiennes, Jack O'Connell, Alfie Williams, Erin Kellyman, and Chi Lewis-Parry

How to watch: 28: Years Later: Bone Temple is now available to rent or purchase on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, and Apple TV.

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