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The new movie, starring Marisa Abela and directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, hits UK theaters in the springView the full article

The New Jersey power trio is calling it quits after 18 yearsView the full article

Hot Ones brings out different emotions in different guests. Jennifer Lawrence was afraid, Cate Blanchett was impressively chilled, and Sterling K. Brown comes with the kind of hectic energy that reminds us faintly of Jake Gyllenhaal's appearance. In the clip above, the This Is Us star answers questions about his varied career while eating increasingly spicy wings and remaining impressively upbeat throughout. Also like Gyllenhaal, he's one of the only guests we've seen to eat Da Bomb in its entirety — and he even manages a Shakespeare soliloquy afterwards. Impressive! View the full article

Bungie’s interest in individuals linked to Destiny 2 cheat maker and distributor, Ring-1, became public in 2021. A lawsuit filed at a California court named four defendants as suspected operators with an additional 50 ‘Doe’ defendants to be unmasked as the case progressed. Six causes of action including copyright infringement, trafficking in circumvention devices contrary to the DMCA, trademark violations, and unfair competition, encouraged three defendants to settle with Bungie. However, with Ring-1 still in business, more work lay ahead. New Lawsuit, New Determination Filed at a Washington court early August 2023, a new complaint alleging copyright infringement, breaches of the DMCA, and civil RICO violations, among others, targeted up to 50 developers, marketers, customer support staff, and sellers of Destiny 2 cheating software offered by Ring-1. According to the complaint, Bungie’s investigative work had already identified several defendants by name, while others were known only by their online handles. During September and October, identified defendants were served in West Virginia, Delaware, and Ontario, Canada, but in order to identify and serve more, on October 27, Bungie requested assistance from the court. “Like the cheat itself, the Enterprise is sophisticated and its members go to great lengths to conceal their identities,” Bungie’s motion for expedited discovery explained. “Many Defendants do not provide any contact information such as a physical address, email address, or phone number, and conduct their transactions entirely pseudonymously. Defendants also use privacy protection services to hide their names and contact information from the public domain name WHOIS database.” Third Parties Likely to Hold Identifying Information While those personal details had proven evasive up to that point, Bungie informed the court that it had been able to identify several third parties with past, current, or ongoing relationships with those it hoped to identify. Those parties, Bungie said, were likely to have records “uniquely attributable” to the unidentified defendants, and these would either directly or indirectly allow Bungie to identify and then serve its targets. In respect of the Ring-1 website, Bungie named Nice IT Services Company (host), Digital Ocean (payment-related subdomains), and Telegram (support) as service providers that allow it to operate. In connection with six alleged operators of Ring-1 (“Hastings,” “Khaleesi,” “Cypher,” “god,” “C52YOU,” and “Lelabowers74”), Bungie identified a further seven third party service providers upon which the Ring-1 operators reportedly rely; Twitch and YouTube (advertising), Streamlabs (enhance revenue, broaden reach) and Steam, where the defendants allegedly play Destiny 2. Other providers include Yahoo and Live (where Hastings has email accounts), Google (where Khaleesi has a Gmail address), and Discord; according to Bungie, the alleged Ring-1 operators used to chat there before deleting their server in July 2021. Bungie’s investigations reportedly identified accounts at ISPs connected to Hastings and Khaleesi; the former at Verizon and Comcast in the United States and the latter at Virgin Media and Sky Broadband in the UK. Five Ring-1 resellers identified by Bungie operated various services including Discord servers, websites, plus Twitter and YouTube accounts. As a result, these third parties plus domain registrars Squarespace and GoDaddy, and e-commerce platform Sellix, are likely to hold identifying information, Bungie informed the court (sample of proposed order below). Order Granted in Part, Denied in Part Having considered Bungie’s rather broad motion, United States Magistrate Judge Michelle L. Peterson handed down her order this Wednesday. While most of Bungie’s requests were found to be “narrowly tailored” to seek identifying information, requests to serve third-party subpoenas to Cloudflare, Storely, Selly, and “any other third-party Plaintiff identifies to be providing services of any kind to any one or more of the Defendants” were described as unsupported or overbroad. Even with these denials and especially considering the number of services involved, Bungie’s narrowly tailored request could prove pivotal for the entire case. As such, unless extreme caution was exercised at all times, it will only be a matter of time before Bungie begins serving additional defendants. From: TF, for the latest news on copyright battles, piracy and more. View the full article

The best Meta Quest games whisk you away to action-filled, fantastical virtual worlds that drag you into wild adventures. Or maybe you prefer calming, relaxing, mind-stimulating puzzle games. If so, the Meta Quest Store has plenty of incredible games for you. Whether you prefer to "run and gun," or you want to play beat-based games that challenge your coordination, I've got something for everyone. As someone who's had a Meta Quest 2 headset since 2020 (back then, it was called the Oculus Quest 2), here are my suggestions for the best Meta Quest Games of 2023, whether you have a Meta Quest 2 or Meta Quest 3. Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Meta Quest 3 $499 Get Deal SEE ALSO: Meta Quest 3 vs. Quest 2: Here are the differences, according to a gamer who tested both The best Meta Quest games of 2023Don't get me wrong, Beat Saber is a fun, addicting game for people who love Guitar Hero-esque games, but come on, people act as if that's the only game to exist on the Meta Quest platform. If you enjoy beat-based games, or you have a taste for titles that compel you to shake your groove thang, I have a suggestion or two for you. 1. Pistol WhipPistol Whip is an action-rhythm game that I find to be more intriguing than Beat Saber. You're thrown into hostile environments that ironically have a striking, beautiful abstract art style. Pistol Whip is an exhilirating VR shooter with a beat-based twist Credit: Cloudhead Games, Ltd. / Meta Enemies pop out of nowhere, pointing their weapons at you threateningly. However, it's up to you to take them down before they kill you. What I love about this game is that it tests your reflexes. Only users with fast-acting, zippy reflexes can excel at Pistol Whip. Plus, in addition to taking down antagonists, you'll need to dodge and duck — all while some sick beats are playing in the background. Opens in a new window Credit: Steam / Cloudhead Games Pistol Whip $29.99 Get 'Pistol Whip' 2. SupernaturalIf you enjoy the likes of Beat Saber, but you want to focus on fitness, Supernatural is where it's at. Supernatural drops you into these breathtaking, exotic locations around the world, from a peaceful, sun-drenched beach to a wintry escape with snow-topped mountains. Play 'Supernatural' in the middle of a lake. Credit: Within Unlimited, Inc./Meta While you're taking in the gorgeous landscapes, you have virtual artifacts flying at you. But lucky for you, you're equipped with bats that let you smack 'em away. There are also prompts for squatting and side lunges, too. On top of that, the Supernatural library is filled with chart-topping hits for you to enjoy. Supernatural is subscription-based, so it'll set you back $19 a month. On the plus side, it's regularly updated with new songs and fitness sessions. Opens in a new window Credit: Within Unlimited, Inc./Meta Supernatural $19/mo Get Deal If beat-based games aren't your thing, and you're seeking a thrilling action game, take a look at these two favorites: 3. I Expect You to Die 2There are three installments in the I Expect You to Die series, but I Expect You to Die 2 is arguably the best (no, you don't need to play the first one). I Expect You to Die 2 is both exhilarating and brain stimulating Credit: Meta Not only is I Expect You to Die 2 the best game in the series, but I'd go as far as saying that it's the best Meta Quest game I've played so far. I Expect You to Die 2 is a spy thriller. It has brain-stimulating, escape room-like puzzles, but it's so action-packed, calling it a "puzzle game" feels reductive. What I love about I Expect You to Die 2 is that you step into the shoes of an international super spy, and in the game, you're paired with a hilarious, tongue-in-cheek handler that adds a lighthearted feel to the experience. It's quirky and fun (in an Austin Powers kind of way). The game is filled with booby traps, but it's up to you to think ahead and avoid them. Anything can kill you, from a poisoned slice of cake inside a fancy jet to sniper assassins out to get you. Everyone that plays this game thanks me for making this recommendation; I'm sure you'll do the same. Opens in a new window Credit: Schell Games I Expect You to Die 2 $24.99 Get Deal 4. Superhot VRSuperhot will make you feel like a total badass. 'Superhot VR' still Credit: SUPERHOT It's an incredible, action-packed game that lets you use weapons, bottles, ninja stars — and anything else in your environment — to take down the glassy red entities that come your way. At the same time, you must duck and dodge enemy fire like you're Neo in The Matrix. This is one of the best-selling games for a reason. Opens in a new window Credit: SUPERHOT Superhot VR $24.99 Get 'Superhot' If you want a puzzler, or something that challenges your mind, I'd suggest the Moss series. 5. Moss and Moss Book: IIIf you prefer a seated experience that is both engaging and mind-warping, consider adding the Moss series to the Quest library. Quill gets into some trouble again. Credit: Steam This game has an interesting twist to the traditional platform style, and takes you on a fantasy journey with a tiny, ultra-cute mousy protagonist called Quill. With a top-down camera view, you get to play "god" as you guide the tiny creature out of sticky situations. Opens in a new window Credit: Steam Moss Book: II $19.99 Get 'Moss Book: II" 6. 'Laser Tag' inside 'Rec Room'Rec Room is like the Roblox of VR, which may not offer much information to you because, for the uninitated, Roblox is confusing in and of itself. Cyberjunk City Laser Tag arena in the 'Rec Room' Credit: Rec Room To put it succinctly, Rec Room is filled with user-generated games and hangouts. However, one of the most popular games in Rec Room that I can play for hours is Laser Tag. You get dropped into a team of up to four players, and you face off with another team inside an LED-lit, expansive laser tag room where you can hide from enemies and dodge fire. The best part is that you're playing with real people in real time — and they can hear you, too. So you can give directions to people on your team or taunt opponents to reduce their morale. You can play with strangers or grab a private room with your friends. As a cherry on top, Rec Room is free. View the full article

TL;DR: As of December 1, get The 2023 Ultimate AI ChatGPT & Python Programming Bundle for only $29.97 — you'll save 80%. Online courses are an unconventional present to put under the tree, but they can be a real game changer for those who would appreciate them. If you know someone who is interested in artificial intelligence, ChatGPT, or learning Python, help them invest in their future. This Cyber Week, you can get your hands on this online learning bundle that comes packed with 14 courses with over 86 hours of instruction. Whether you want to snag it for yourself or give it to a loved one, it's available at the low price of $29.97 (reg. $154) — that's less than $3 a course — through December 3, with no coupon code required. This holiday season, you can give the knowledge of how to create your own AI bot and code with Python within this informative bundle. You can tackle it all from the comfort of your home, diving into courses like Create a ChatGPT AI Bot with Tkinter and Python or Create a ChatGPT A.I. Bot with Django & Python at your leisure. These courses, taught by John Elder, walk you through tasks like creating Tkinter projects or building coding websites that connect to OpenAI. By the end of these courses, you'll be able to have AI write code for you. Master Python with help from courses like The Complete Python Hacking Course: Beginner to Advanced, taught by skilled instructor Joseph Delgadillo. It's ideal for those new to the world of programming languages, taking them from total newbies to using advanced hacking techniques like cracking password hashes and discovering vulnerabilities. Give this AI ChatGPT and Python programming bundle this holiday season, now just $29.97 (reg. $154) this Cyber Week until December 3 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Prices subject to change. Opens in a new window Credit: Hugo Ferro The 2023 Ultimate AI ChatGPT & Python Programming Bundle $29.97 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal View the full article

TL;DR: Through December 10, get this refurbished Apple MacBook Air for $329.97 — a 72% discount. Since we live in a world where virtually everything is done online, having a reliable means to do that is pretty important. But some top performers, like the Apple line of products, aren't always budget-friendly. Refurbished electronics can be an effective way to get quality devices at a fraction of the regular cost and help reduce your carbon footprint. This refurbished Apple MacBook Air is only from the model year 2017, so it's not too far behind the times. Through December 10 as an extended Cyber Week deal, you can get it on sale for $329.97 It features an Intel Core i5 processor for a robust operating speed and an integrated Intel HD Graphics 6000 to support quality images, streaming, and graphics. This can come in handy whether you're using it to create a big presentation at work or catching up on your favorite shows. With the 128GB SSD, you have plenty of local storage for apps, files, and docs you'd like to keep within arm's reach. It also has the modern connectivity we enjoy today, including 802.11ac WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0, for a smooth-running online experience. The MacBook Air is known for its lightweight design and super-thin case, which makes it a good option for the traveler — whether for business or pleasure — on your shopping list. It has a grade "B" refurbished rating, which means it was restored to excellent working condition. it may show signs of wear, such as light cosmetic scuffing, scratches, or minor dents on the case. But that might be worth it for the price and to help reduce e-waste in our landfills. Don't miss this extended Cyber Week offer for a beloved Apple device. Get this refurbished 2017 Apple MacBook Air 13.3" for just $329.97 (reg. $1,199) until December 10 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Prices subject to change. Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air 13.3" (2017) Core i5, 8GB RAM 128GB SSD - Silver (Refurbished) $329.97 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal View the full article

TL;DR: As of December 1, get the aloSIM Traveler's Lifetime eSIM Plus Mobile Data Plan for only $18.97 — a 62% discount. If you’re a frequent globe-trotter, you know that most international data plans come at a ridiculous price. But this eSIM delivering a seamless solution for global connectivity is no joke at just $18.97 (reg. $50) with this Cyber Week sale. That’s a price you won’t find anywhere else, and it comes with a $50 credit to redeem for data. Pay once and use the eSIM foreverAloSIM is your passport to staying connected in over 170 countries. Purchase and install the eSIM to a compatible device. Most newer smartphones, tablets, and computers should work, and you’ll be able to use it for life. When you eventually make device upgrades, you’ll be able to transfer the eSIM with little hassle. Then, select a data package for the location and duration of your trip and activate it once you land at the airport. Here are some available plans for France to give you an idea of what prices are like: $4.50 for 1GB over seven days; $7.50 for 2GB over 15 days; and $14 for 5GB over 30 days. Regardless of how much data you use, the plan is only valid for the time stated. Bonus: $50 credit to redeem for data packagesDon’t forget that your purchase includes a $50 credit to cash in for data. The affordable prices above mean this purchase may cover your needs for several trips. While this eSIM could make your life easier, it might also be a wonderfully thoughtful gift for a fellow traveler in your life. You might not be able to gift someone tickets to Europe, but you could cover their mobile data needs, sparing them of the cost and stress. Grab a lifetime aloSIM eSIM for $18.97 (reg. $50) during Cyber Week and receive a $50 data credit. This best-on-web price only lasts until December 3 at 11:59 p.m. PT, and no coupon is needed. Prices subject to change. Opens in a new window Credit: Affinity Click aloSIM Traveler's Lifetime eSIM Plus Mobile Data Plan $18.97 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal View the full article

TL;DR: Through Dec. 3, you can get a lifetime subscription to the AdGuard Family Plan for just $16.97 instead of $129.99 — that's over 80% in savings to block ads, trackers, and more for life. Ads are practically unavoidable online. That is, unless you have a comprehensive ad-blocking tool that also doubles as a full cybersecurity suite. AdGuard doesn’t stop at blocking ads. You can also use it to help fight off malware attacks, deter cyber criminals, and more. Cyber Week is your very limited-time chance to get this cybersecurity toolset on sale for a reduced price. Normally, a lifetime subscription would cost $129, but if you order by December 3, it only costs $16.97. Block ads and more for lifeAdGuard is your own data privacy tool that you can direct where you want it. If there are ads you don’t want to see, AdGuard may be able to get rid of them. That includes blocking banners, pop-ups, and video ads. Parents can even use AdGuard’s parental controls to restrict content for young browsers. If your kids need to use the internet for school or like to watch a few videos on safe apps, you could help make sure the content they’re accessing is safe for them. This subscription allows you to bolster the digital security of three devices, and AdGuard gives you a lot of range for which ones you pick. AdGuard is compatible with Windows devices, Android, and iOS. Don’t miss out on this Cyber Week dealSick of ads or just want to help protect your privacy online? It might be time for privacy tools you don’t have to pay for every month. Until December 3 at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can get a lifetime subscription to AdGuard for just $16.97 — no coupon needed. That's the best price online, too. Prices subject to change. Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard Software AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription $16.97 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal View the full article

2022 may have been a huge year for horror, but 2023 has done a pretty great job of following in its claw prints. There really was something terrifying for everyone this year, from the viral dancing doll in Gerard Johnstone's M3GAN to the waking nightmare of Ari Aster's Beau Is Afraid, the more traditional jump scares of Rob Savage's The Boogeyman, and Danny and Michael Philippou's gore-fest Talk To Me. Grab something cozy to cower under, and get ready for our favorite new horror films from 2023! SEE ALSO: The 20 best horror movies of 2022 13. Run Rabbit Run Credit: Sarah Enticknap / Netflix Psychological horror requires a strong lead, and thankfully they don't get much stronger than Succession star Sarah Snook. In Daina Reid's tense nightmare, fertility doctor Sarah (Snook) struggles to cope with the increasingly odd behaviour of her seven-year-old daughter Mia (Lily LaTorre). I know what you're thinking: Unnerving kids are almost as well-worn a horror trope as mask-wearing serial killers. The good news, though, is Reid does an excellent job with the subgenre, taking a well-written script from Hannah Kent and layering in an uncanny atmosphere with a deeper journey into repressed childhood trauma. The clues are all there for us to unpack, but the reveal at the end still provides a solid gut-punch, and the journey to get there is filled with excellent acting and ratcheting tension. How to watch: Run Rabbit Run is streaming now on Netflix. 12. The Strays Credit: Chris Harris / Netflix One of the quiet achievers of the year, writer/director Nathaniel Martello-White's chilling social horror will stay with you. A slow-burn examination of race, class, and generational trauma that's been compared to Jordan Peele's Get Out and Michael Haneke's Funny Games, The Strays introduces you to Neve (a brilliant performance from Ashley Madekwe), a deputy principal living in an upper middle class, predominantly white neighbourhood with her husband Ian (Justin Salinger) and her teen kids Sebastian and Mary (Samuel Small and Maria Almeida). Within this affluent country community, Neve buries racist microaggressions from her neighbours and colleagues and prioritises code-switching to blend in. But when two strangers, Abigail and Marvin (the incredibly talented Bukky Bakray and Jorden Myrie), show up, Neve's carefully crafted facade starts to splinter. Martello-White's sharp script and direction is deeply compelling, and the cast give a masterclass in internalised rage, fear, and anxiety. But above all, the film's final act will leave you totally rattled. — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor How to watch: The Strays is streaming now on Netflix. 11. Skinamarink Credit: IFC Films / Shudder A childhood nightmare embodied in a movie, Kyle Edward Ball's experimental feature follows two young siblings who suddenly find themselves trapped alone in their dark house. To make things worse, they can't find their dad, and to make things even worse, there's an ominous whispering voice keeping them company. Although this one may not be for everyone, it gets points for originality, and even more points for its sheer creep factor. As Jason Adams writes in his explainer, "Skinamarink wants us to become children trapped in our beds again. It wants the very concept of the dark to be foreign, filled with questions and strangeness and terror. Forcing us back to when we were little and we didn't know more than what was right in front of us, when what lay beyond our hallway or, God forbid, our front door might as well be the edge of the flat earth, falling off into nothingness." How to watch: Skinamarink is streaming now on Shudder. 10. All of Us Strangers Credit: NYFF Is All of Us Strangers a horror movie? That one's probably up for debate, but Andrew Haigh's adaptation of Taichi Yamada's novel Strangers is certainly a ghost story. Adam (Andrew Scott) and Harry (Paul Mescal) are London neighbours whose burgeoning romance takes place alongside a strange journey into Adam's past. The story grows increasingly fantastical after Adam meets an older couple (Jamie Bell and Claire Foy) who appear to be his dead parents. "All of Us Strangers remains a moving example of how cinema can fold tragedy and catharsis into one," writes Siddhant Adlakha in his review for Mashable. "It is, after all, a medium of ghosts reflected to us from the past, a notion which Haigh leans into without hesitation or apology. He breathes life into fantasies about the simple, the mundane, and even the unpleasant, through his phantasmic tale of a middle-aged man who wishes, more than anything, that he could have come out to his parents — and for whom loving, and being loved, involves the difficult act of letting go of that fantasy." How to watch: All of Us Strangers opens in theatres Dec. 22. 9. Totally Killer Credit: James Dittiger / Prime Video Okay, so it might be more comedy than horror, but Nahnatchka Khan's Totally Killer still makes the cut (no pun intended) as a glorious ode to the slasher genre. The movie follows 17-year-old Jamie (Kiernan Shipka) as she attempts to evade the Sweet 16 Killer, a masked murderer who terrified her mom's generation of teens in their small town in 1987. As Mashable's Belen Edwards writes in her review, it's a "great starter slasher." "If you're a horror novice looking to get into slasher flicks, Totally Killer is a perfect introduction. It keeps things light enough to ease you into horror while still providing its fair share of scares. Homages to classic slashers abound, too: The Sweet 16 Killer's mask is reminiscent of Michael Myers's iconic look in Halloween, while a murder early on would be right at home as a Scream opening. Khan employs several tried and true techniques to situate us firmly in slasher territory as well, including POV shots that stalk characters when they think they're alone." How to watch: Totally Killer is streaming now on Prime Video. 8. Evil Dead Rise Credit: Warner Bros. Evil Dead first splashed its way into our hearts in 1981, and over 40 years later, the franchise continues to generously provide a bloody spectacle for every generation. In Evil Dead Rise, Beth (Lily Sullivan) and Ellie (Alyssa Sutherland) are two sisters forced to deal with a demon's wrath when Ellie's son, Danny (Morgan Davies), stumbles upon the Book of the Dead and mistakenly awakens the entity. What ensues is the franchise's usual over-the-top grotesqueries, from scalping and eyeball-munching to a unique use for a cheese grater. The erratically extra demon played by Sutherland is so mesmerizing you can't help but cheer for this "maggot mommy." Sutherland's demon is an exhibitionistic, loud-mouthed circus act determined to make a jest out of ripping people to shreds. Sure, she's scary as hell, but she's also so surprisingly hilarious that you can watch her doing her thing for hours. Writer/director Lee Cronin deftly makes use of the franchise's pitch-black humor while never allowing things to get too goofy — and never skimping on great gouts of gore.* — Yasmeen Hamadeh, Freelance Contributor How to watch: Evil Dead Rise is available to rent or buy on Prime Video. 7. Perpetrator Credit: Tribeca Film Festival Jennifer Reeder's bloody coming-of-age slasher refuses to be easily categorised, and it's all the better for it. The movie opens with a kidnapping, then jumps to the misadventures of rebellious teen Jonny (Kiah McKirnan), who is sent to live with her Aunt Hildie (Alicia Silverstone). Meanwhile, girls at Jonny's school are going missing, with the story melding the familiar trope of a masked serial killer with something different entirely. SEE ALSO: Alicia Silverstone and Jennifer Reeder on the blood and empathy of 'Perpetrator' "The catharsis of Perpetrator comes not just from its plot and timely themes, but from how it wields its cinematic form," writes Mashable's Belen Edwards in her review. "Thanks to Reeder's direction with editing by Justin Krohn, cinematography by Sevdije Kastrati, and a score by Yeah Yeah Yeahs' Nick Zinner, the film's mishmash of tone, genre, and influences is confounding yet refreshing, as wild as its young protagonists when given a chance to just be themselves. Also refreshing is seeing Silverstone in such an out-there role; not only is her performance a ton of fun, but the casting feels like a passing of the teen movie torch from classics like Clueless to something more contemporary and demented." How to watch: Perpetrator is streaming now on Shudder. 6. Birth/Rebirth Credit: Shudder A modern twist on the Frankenstein tale, Laura Moss's first feature follows bereaved mother Celie (Judy Reyes) as she discovers her dead daughter may not exactly be dead after all. An uncanny Marin Ireland plays morgue technician Rose Casper, the person responsible for bringing her daughter back; together, the two begin a dark and gut-wrenching journey into the realms of body horror and maternal fear. "It's unnerving that this is Moss's directorial feature debut, because it's so damn good," writes Mashable's Kristy Puchko. "The production designer-turned-director has made a film that's ruthlessly intimate, meticulously detailed, and shiver-inducingly scary. They have taken a chunk of Mary Shelley and brought it to fresh life with a lightning jolt from the war for bodily autonomy. But within a clever concept — with added oomph by a shocking reveal — Moss has also built a story of a fascinating female friendship." How to watch: Birth/Rebirth is streaming now on Shudder. 5. Saw X Credit: Lionsgate It's an unwritten rule that sequels are rarely as good as the original, and it's even more of a stretch to imagine the tenth – yes, tenth – installment being up there with a franchise's best. But here we are. Saw X, it's probably fair to say, is not like most sequels. The movie jumps back in time to somewhere between Saw and Saw III as John Kramer (Tobin Bell) wreaks some Jigsaw-style revenge against a team of medical professionals who make the very bad mistake of trying to scam him. The film stays true to the canon while also bringing something entirely new to it. "'We made this for the fans!' is a defense frequently trotted out in the face of critiques of franchise films," writes Siddhant Adlakha in his Mashable review. "However, there's perhaps no more apt a description of Saw X than something crafted specifically for longtime viewers. Which is not to say that it's impenetrable to outsiders — though 10 entries in, you probably know whether or not Saw is for you — but rather, that it's built on the kind of meta-textual adoration that only long-time devotees could have for a twisted serial killer who once audited freshman Philosophy 101." How to watch: Saw X is available to rent or buy on Prime Video. 4. Talk To Me Credit: A24 / Matthew Thorne Teenagers carrying out rituals to contact the dead may have been done before, but YouTubers Danny and Michael Philippou (aka RackaRacka) put their own horrifying spin on the genre in Talk To Me. This Aussie shocker is a waking nightmare wherein a group of teens using an eerily lifelike hand statue to open a door to "the other side" — with serious consequences if they don't break their hold before 90 seconds has passed. "In the end, Talk to Me is a terrifically scary horror movie, thanks to powerful performances, creepy creature designs, a splash of blood and gore, and practical effects that'll blow your mind and chill your spine. Like its sister in Sundance 2023's Midnight slate, Birth/Rebirth, Talk to Me is the rare horror trip that knows just when to end — with a wallop," writes Kristy Puchko in her Mashable review. "If you're looking for some freaky frightening fun, be sure to reach out and touch this one." How to watch: Talk to Me is available to rent or buy on Prime Video. 3. Beau Is Afraid Credit: Takashi Seida / A24 Proving that you don't necessarily need pop-out monsters to be terrifying, Ari Aster's Beau Is Afraid throws viewers into a three-hour waking nightmare as the titular Beau (Joaquin Phoenix) navigates an incredibly anxiety-inducing journey to his mother's house. "Beau Is Afraid is a challenge in that its exploration of terror doesn't allow you the reprieve typically provided in horror," writes Mashable's Kristy Puchko in her review. "There are no jump scares to give you the release of a scream. The film instead operates on a wicked sense of whimsy, propelling its protagonist forward without much respite, despite flights of fantasy. So too are we pushed to the brink, wallowing in uncertainty and anxiety, on the edge of our seats over what might come next." How to watch: Beau Is Afraid is available to rent or buy on Prime Video. 2. The Boogeyman Credit: 20th Century Studios Following his viral success with Host in 2020, director Rob Savage adapted Stephen King's short story into a nightmarish film that plays on all our classic childhood fears. Sadie (Sophie Thatcher from Yellowjackets) is a bereaved teenager struggling with both the death of her mother and a monstrous presence hiding in the shadows of her house. "The special sauce that makes this movie one of the most fun and thrilling of the year is the combination of a truly unnerving creature design paired with Savage's downright savage employment of it," writes Mashable's Kristy Puchko. "A predator whose territory is darkness, this boogeyman is the definition of nightmare fuel. A chittering sound design makes its call uniquely alarming as it echoes across a theater, assaulting our ears. Watching it scurry, lunge, and roar is exactly the kind of twisted treat horror fans yearn for. Go see for yourself, if you dare." How to watch: The Boogeyman is available to stream on Hulu. 1. M3GAN Credit: Universal Pictures Killer dolls have long been a horror staple, but M3GAN took things to a whole new level. Written by Malignant scribe Akela Cooper, directed by Gerard Johnstone, and made viral via TikTok and an impressive marketing campaign, this wonderfully tongue-in-cheek thriller shows what happens when AI bites back. Gemma (Allison Williams) is a toy engineer hard at work on a child-size doll dubbed M3GAN that's designed to be the perfect friend and babysitter. When she's suddenly entrusted with the care of her newly orphaned niece Cady (Violet McGraw), the overworked roboticist enlists M3GAN to help out — and, well, if this beta test went smoothly, it wouldn't be our top horror movie of the year. "Look, let's be honest: This movie could have been incredibly stupid, and it probably would have still been fun as hell," writes Mashable's Kristy Puchko. "But this killer toy/creepy kid flick is more than meets the eye. With a thoughtful character design connected by two terrific performances, Johnstone has made a newly minted horror icon with M3GAN. Like the slashers who've stalked before her, she's got a perturbing panache that's enhanced by its subversive girliness. Her dance scene isn't just a throwaway moment of meme-able mayhem, it's an element of what makes M3GAN stand out; she is a little girl's dream toy and a parent's worst nightmare. She is complicated, compelling, and creepy as hell!" How to watch: M3GAN is available to stream on Prime Video. *This blurb appeared on a previous Mashable list. View the full article

Todd Haynes has made a gorgeous, elegant, and darkly funny movie for Netflix, and it's about how much of Netflix's true crime content can be inhumane trash. With May December, Haynes is pulling a fascinating bait-and-switch. On its surface, the thriller written by Samy Burch seems like a ripped-from-the-headlines Netflix docudrama. But with prestigious talent attached like the heralded Haynes (Carol, Far From Heaven) and Academy Award-winning leading ladies Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore, moviegoers might rightly expect an arthouse elevation of tabloid tawdriness. And they'll get it, and so much more. SEE ALSO: Natalie Portman tackles a tricky role in 'May December' trailer Burch and Haynes aren't content to plumb a jaw-dropping tale of power dynamics and abuse masquerading as love. In league with their star-studded cast, they turn a razor-sharp wit and ruthless focus on their audience and our insatiable thirst for true crime carnage, as well as those that feed it. Is May December about the Mary Kay Letourneau story? Credit: Francois Duhamel / Netflix At the film's press screening during the New York Film Festival, Burch shied away from the comparison, jokingly suggesting she was too young to remember the 1997 scandal. "I'm a baby," she cheekily responded, before adding, "All of these stories like this are in The Ether. They are just completely embedded in everyone's cultural history." However, the similarities between Letourneau's story and May December aren't slight. In both, a thirtysomething American white woman engages in sexual acts with a seventh-grade boy, is convicted of rape, gives birth to their child in prison, and after her sentence is served, goes on to marry the now-grown boy. Yet these similarities are not the point of the movie. SEE ALSO: Untangling true crime: Inside the ethics of Hollywood's greatest guilty pleasure May December is set 20 years after Gracie Atherton (Julianne Moore) was caught in a pet store supply closet with Joe Yoo (played as an adult by Charles Melton). Nowadays, they live in a big house, where they throw barbecues for their neighbors and kids, including twins who are graduating high school. Theirs seems to be a relatively quiet life, as long as you ignore the packages of human shit that show up on their doorstep and the vocal derision from Gracie's adult son from her first marriage (Cory Michael Smith as a blistering — and righteously so! — brat). But this relatively peaceful post-tabloid existence is disrupted when an actress intrudes, seeking to make provocative art of their lives. Julianne Moore offers a scorching villain turn for the ages. Credit: Francois Duhamel / Netflix Despite her lofty talk of research and loving "morally gray" roles, actress Elizabeth Berry (a smirking Natalie Portman) is best known for a television series called "Norah's Ark," which might be about a veterinarian who solves crime. Famous but far from fancy, Elizabeth sees playing Gracie as the role that could change her professional status, transforming her into a provocateur and a serious actress. As such, Elizabeth keenly observes not only how this wife/mother/national disgrace moves and talks but also how she subtly manipulates those around her. Make no mistake. While Haynes has told stories of misunderstood lovers before, in films like Carol and Velvet Goldmine, that is not his aim with May December. Julianne Moore, who starred in Haynes's Safe and Far From Heaven, crafts Gracie with a gentle facade. This infamous woman, draped in beiges and pale pinks, has big doe eyes and speaks through a broadly loving smile, whether doting on her children, finishing a complicated cake, or confronting hate mail. But as Elizabeth watches, Gracie’s insidious manipulations creep up past the sugary frosting. Out shopping for a graduation dress with her teen daughter, Mary (Elizabeth Yu) — with Elizabeth in tow — Gracie bullies the girl out of a particular gown by chirping, "You're so brave to show your arms like that." Duly fat-shamed, Mary chooses a more conservative dress that aligns with her mother's vision. Later, behind closed doors, Gracie will push Joe to do her bidding by exploding into tears at the least disagreement. But even more slippery than these cutting comments or crocodile tears is her voice. Whether speaking of her love for Joe or her view of the world, Gracie has a curious lisp. It comes and goes, so at first, you might not clock it. Some viewers might wonder perhaps if Moore has lost her touch, but this lisp is mercilessly strategic. When Gracie goes unquestioned, it is not noticeable. When she’s pleading her naïveté or pressuring with a grin, the lisp comes out to seemingly soften her touch, a velvet glove for her hammering force of personality. Natalie Portman rattles as a satirical Hollywood nightmare. Credit: Francois Duhamel / Netflix Elizabeth witnesses much of Gracie's beguiling and passive-aggressive manipulation, drinking it in like fine wine. Over the course of the film, she'll mimic her motions, copy her style, and even take Gracie up on a make-up tutorial. On one level, Portman is an illustration of how Hollywood feigns a high-minded interest in true crime, projecting the idea that they are building art from tragedy and so are above its human collateral. But Elizabeth's interest in Gracie is blatantly self-centered, concocting for herself a role so shocking it's bound to break her out of her boring TV box. It's scandal as a social ladder, using Gracie's family (and victims) — many of whom she independently interviews — as the rungs she steps on without a second thought. Elizabeth is decidedly not bothered by how Gracie's children feel about this will-be movie, and she treats Joe not like a person but as an experiment for her study. SEE ALSO: 10 best true crime podcasts about scammers The cruelty of this psychological distancing is made into dark punchlines throughout the film, making May December's audience slyly complicit. Elizabeth coyly flirts with Joe to see how it feels "to sneak around" with him. Her conversations with an unseen producer range from inappropriate to casually obscene, like when she complains that the child stars being cast for her movie's seventh grader "aren't sexy enough." There's a ruthlessness here that Burch mocks with the dialogue, and which Portman hammers home with her blase delivery. Elizabeth is obsessed with the gory details of this case, but she's not emotionally invested. It's all at a distance for her — and we can laugh because there's a remove for us too. In this, Haynes and Burch set up their condemnation of the true-crime audience who craves endless stories of human depravity and the studios that line them up in a buffet — as Netflix does. May December mocks the concept of high-art true crime. Natalie Portman as Elizabeth, Julianne Moore as Gracie, Todd Haynes (Director) on the set of May December. Credit: François Duhamel / Netflix This narrative film might be lumped in with true crime offerings like Netflix's Dahmer; Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile; Inventing Anna; The Watcher, or Woman of the Hour — dramas in which a criminal is explored with breathless excitement. But such a comparison would be a disservice to May December, not just because folding in Elizabeth's narrative offers a protective layer to distance it from being "based on real events." Elizabeth becomes the fulcrum from which the story pivots away from rehashing grisly true crime details to a critique of the genre. In fact, these details are largely glossed over with a quick smattering of collected tabloid headlines and a curt conversation across a kitchen table. Instead, May December dives into the public's fascination with these cases. Elizabeth is our funhouse mirror representative, probing into the private lives of the survivors and victims to satisfy her own ghoulish curiosity. She wants to get as close to the criminal as possible, perhaps to even imagine the thrill of the crime. As a satire, Haynes and Bruch push the story to places that will and should make their audience squirm. This is not the story of one predator but two. Elizabeth — and all she represents — is carrion, feeding on the wounded and the dead. And as Elizabeth watches Gracie, we watch her. To Burch's credit, her screenplay is wickedly witty with its barbs at Hollywood's cannibalistic nature, where every tragedy might be a selling point. She also folds in elements of the '90s erotic thriller, like a tawdry seduction scene capped with a purposefully cringey conclusion, so what might come off as a scolding lecture is actually devilishly fun. You could even argue that Burch risks falling down the same slippery slope of those other Netflix properties by giving us a central criminal who is more than meets the eye and played by a beloved performer. But this risk is perhaps exactly why May December is so exciting, because it bravely walks this tightrope, never taking a misstep. Where other true crime movies offer heroic cops or clever citizen sleuths as heroes, May December has no heroes. Instead, it is a tale of tangled obsessions, dark and human but not humane. And in the end, there is no comforting title card promising closure. There will be no satisfaction of justice served. Boldly, Haynes leaves us with the haunting feeling that the spiral just goes deeper and darker. In that way, May December is more honest about true crime than much of Netflix's flashier fare. How to watch: May December is now streaming on Netflix. UPDATE: Nov. 30, 2023, 11:20 a.m. EST May December was reviewed out of the New York Film Festival. The review has been republished for its debut on Netflix. View the full article

The best TVs deserve the best soundbars, but your budget or mid-range TV will actually benefit the most from some additional audio power. As great as TV tech is today, the actual audio output of even top-of-the-line TVs leaves a lot to be desired. Most speakers are built into the back or bottom of a flat-screen, which aren't exactly optimal locations for quality audio. This means you're making a tradeoff between having a thin TV mounted flush to your wall (aesthetic AF) or basking in rich, multi-directional audio while streaming your favorite shows. The best TV soundbars are the finishing touch that transform your living room into a personal movie theater — minus the equipment, installation, and tedious setup that used to go into building a home theater. Your new soundbar can easily be mounted right underneath your TV for a neat, cord-free look. It should also be small enough to sit directly in front of your TV if you’re hoping for a less permanent, but still clean-looking, solution. To help Mashable readers find the best soundbars for TVs, I took it upon myself to test some of the most popular soundbars from brands like Sonos and Roku. Testing the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) soundbar for this guide. Credit: Stacia Datskovska / Mashable Testing the Roku Streambar for this guide. Credit: Stacia Datskovska / Mashable What does a TV soundbar actually do?A TV soundbar is the easiest way to improve the sound of your television. Think of it as a speaker extension that helps create a cinematic listening experience for everything from blockbuster films to live music performances. According to Mashable's sister publication PCMag (owned by the same publisher Ziff Davis), soundbars are essentially "long, somewhat thin speakers that incorporate stereo, left/center/right surround sound, and even spatial audio drivers in an easy-to-set-up device." The best soundbars "add much-needed power, range, and clarity to your audio experience." What's not to love? The typical TV soundbar takes up very little space, is very easy to set up (usually through the HDMI port of your TV), and offers high frequency/deep bass that eclipses the audio capacities of pretty much every TV on the market right now. More expensive soundbars may also come with an additional subwoofer for fuller, more balanced sound. Finally, some soundbars (like the Roku ones below) perform the double-duty of upgrading older TVs into streaming-friendly smart TVs by providing instant access to Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, and other streaming apps. Top-of-the-line soundbars also come with the advantage of voice control, meaning they can serve as yet another way of making your home tech smarter. Do you even need a soundbar? OK, I'm never gonna tell someone they absolutely, positively, undoubtedly need something, but a new soundbar will certainly optimize your TV-watching experience. Ultra-thin TVs don't leave much space for high-quality speakers, so if you want a true surround sound-style listening experience (and who wouldn't?), you'll need to invest in a soundbar. The same goes for anyone who finds that their regular television volume is just too damn quiet. Indeed, as my review of the ZVOX AV157 AccuVoice TV Speaker proves, sometimes soundbars are downright essential for helping those with hearing problems actually comprehend what people on TV are saying. Yes, you are technically able to connect a Bluetooth speaker to your TV or pair it with a computer-friendly speaker instead. But neither of these methods is likely to be as powerful and produce as wide of a "sound field" as a soundbar. If you're set on treating your TV to a much-needed sound makeover, here are Mashable's top suggestions for soundbars that are worth your time in 2023: View the full article

You're not dreaming: Tesla Cybertruck is actually available. What "available" means is up for debate, though. At an event in its Texas Gigafactory, Tesla delivered its first Cybertruck vehicles, and revealed the steely SUV's price and trims (hint: the price is way, way higher than Tesla's original estimate). But some of the trims aren't available yet, and it will take a while until Cybertruck is easy to get, regardless of the trim. Let's dive in. How much is the Tesla Cybertruck?First, the ugly. When it was originally unveiled back in Nov. 2019, Tesla said the Cybertruck would cost $39,000. Granted, four weird years have passed since then, but the new, actual price will still bring tears to your eyes. SEE ALSO: Tesla to start charging extra if you charge past 90% at a busy Supercharger The Tesla Cybertruck starts at $60,990, and that's for the rear-wheel motor version, which won't even be available until 2025. If you want something that might be available in 2024, you'll have to go for one of the other trims: the all-wheel-drive variant, starting at $79,990, or the Cyberbeast, tri-motor version, which starts at an eye-watering $99,990. The pricing is now live on Tesla's website, so you can go over there and wistfully look at the numbers yourself. Beware, though: Tesla lists the prices which include "probable savings" first; click on "purchase price" to get the actual price. What are the Tesla Cybertruck trims?Here's the breakdown of what, exactly, you get for your money with a Cybertruck. Well, not exactly, because Tesla only lists some of the specs for certain trims. But at least now we know something about them. Tesla Cybertruck rear-wheel drive0-60mph in 6.5 seconds estimated 250 miles of range top speed of 112mph 7,500 lbs towing capacity available in 2025 Tesla Cybertruck all-wheel drive0-60mph in 4.1 seconds top speed of 112mph 600 horsepower 7,435 lb-ft torque 11,000 lbs. towing capacity estimated 340 miles of range delivery in 2024 Tesla Cyberbeast0-60mph in 2.6 seconds top speed of 130mph estimated 320 miles of range 845 horsepower 10,296 lb-ft torque 11,000 lbs. towing capacity estimated 320 miles of range Can I order my Cybertruck right now? When will I get it?Yes, orders have been open for a while, they're fully refundable, and they're $250. But ordering now means quite a long wait; we think that 2024 delivery estimates probably apply only for customers who have pre-ordered early. Also, you can't configure the car as you can other Teslas. Instead, you pay the pre-order sum of $250 now, and then you'll be invited to do so when your Cybertruck is ready to be configured. Some of the potential extra costs are an unknown at this point, so...be prepared. Is the Cybertruck faster than a Porsche 911?It is. In fact, the Cybertruck can tow a Porsche 911 faster than a Porsche 911 can drive itself (on a short stretch of road). Check out the video below. We don't know the exact trim of the Porsche 911 used in the video, but it's an impressive feat nevertheless. Are the Cybertruck doors bulletproof? Yes! Well, sort of. They're bulletproof to caliber .45'' and 9mm, as shown in this test. As Tesla CEO Elon Musk put it, Al Capone could spray bullets from a Tommy gun onto that door and you would survive inside. But the Cybertruck isn't a truly bulletproof vehicle, like the cars in which heads of states are driven. The windows, while built with tougher than regular glass, aren't bulletproof. They should be alright if you (meekly) throw a baseball at them (as shown during the delivery event). What's the range of Cybertruck (and what's the deal with the range extender)?Yes, at a maximum of 340 miles (estimated), the range is slightly disappointing. It's not bad by any means, but given the size of the Cybertruck and its positioning as a vehicle for adventures, we expected a little more. But there is something you can do to help it, at the expense of space. Tesla offers a range extender that's installed into the Cybertruck's bed, giving you an extra 130 (or 100, Tesla itself lists different figures at different places on its site) miles of (estimated) range. It's a separate purchase, though, and we don't know how much it costs. But can Cybertruck haul? Can it tow?The listed towing capacity is 11,000 lbs, though only for the all-wheel, and tri-motor variants. The rear-wheel drive variant only has a 7,500 lbs towing capacity. The Cybertruck also has a 2,500 pound payload. The figures are good but not great; for example, the 2023 Ford F-150 has a maximum towing capacity of 14,000 in certain trims, while the maximum payload goes up to 3,235 pounds. Notably, during the presentation on Thursday, Musk said that while the Cybertruck has "over a ton of payload capability" (one ton is 2,204 lbs), you can "really put more than that in it." We're sure someone will try this out and push the Cybertruck to its actual limits soon. BONUS: Watch the whole Cybertruck delivery event here The actual Cybertruck delivery event, a half-hour affair (skip the long intro) in which Musk talks a bit about the car's capabilities, but does not throw a metal ball into the car's window, is available on Twitter/X for your viewing pleasure. View the full article

Over the years, we’ve witnessed dozens of anti-piracy campaigns. Initially, these pointed out that piracy is illegal and immoral, hoping to change people’s views. “Don’t Copy That Floppy” and “You Wouldn’t Steal a Car” are prime examples of these early attempts. While these campaigns captured the interest of a broad public, mostly for amusement purposes, they did little to stop piracy. In recent years the tone of anti-piracy campaigns has changed. Instead of focusing on legal aspects and financial losses, they now place emphasis on pirates themselves being at risk, by associating piracy with ransomware, credit card theft, and other evils. Just in the past month, two public service announcement campaigns were launched, both with a strong focus on security threats. In addition to rightsholders, these campaigns include State Attorneys General and the U.S. Government’s IPR Center, each adding extra weight to the messaging. Is Cyber Hygiene a Remedy to IPTV Infringement? Anti-piracy groups must have a good reason to focus on security issues instead of copyright law. Perhaps the former is more effective? A new paper titled “Is cyber hygiene a remedy to IPTV infringement?” suggests that this could indeed be the case. With this study, researchers from the University of Oxford, Bournemouth University and Hamad bin Khalifa University researched how psychological factors, including risk-taking and security behaviors, impact people’s tendency to use shady IPTV services. Put differently, what determines whether people are more likely to use ‘risky’ piracy services? After completing several questionnaires, the UK-based respondents were presented with a mockup of an IPTV service. There were several mockup versions, ranging from a clean interface to ones with popups, even spy- or ransomware. For each version, respondents had to rate the perceived risk level, and their risk-taking inclination. The resulting scores allow the researchers to see how much risk people are willing to take, with the built-in assumption that unlicensed ‘pirate’ streaming services generally have more risky signs. Internet Addicted Pirates with Psychopath Personalities The researchers hypothesized that people who score higher on Internet addiction traits tend to be less reluctant to use risky piracy services. The same should apply to people with dark personalities, which is a combination of the personality traits narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism. The results of the study confirmed these predictions, showing that people who score higher on Internet addiction and dark personality traits are more likely to see risky streaming platforms as less problematic. Vasilis Katos, Computer Science Professor at Bournemouth University, informs TorrentFreak that this is both good and bad news for anti-piracy advocates. Dark personality traits are relatively fixed and hard to change, but digital addiction can be addressed. “Our findings show that people’s propensity to risk taking – in our case viewing AV content with a risk of getting infected by malware – is dependent on two main aspects: one’s dark personality traits and the degree of digital addiction.” “The former is considered pretty constant and stable over time, as the dark personality traits have genetical and biological components, therefore less prone to change. For digital addiction, however, we accept that there are interventions where people can adopt in order to heal,” Katos says. Cybersecurity Behavior There is an important caveat, as the researchers stress that addressing Internet addiction might not only affect online piracy, but also legal consumption. After all, binge-watching on official streaming platforms is also a form of addiction. A more straightforward option to deter pirates lies in the online security realm. The study reveals that people’s cybersecurity practices and behaviors, mediate the link between digital addiction and risky IPTV viewing. This mediating effect suggests that when people are warned or educated about the risk of malware, fraud, and other evils on pirate sites, they are less likely to use these services. “[I]n order to reduce the likelihood of someone consuming illegal IPTV content, we can address their digital addiction and/or improve their cybersecurity behaviour and hygiene,” Katos notes. Piracy Genes? Put differently, the anti-piracy campaigns that focus on security awareness aspects, which we have seen pop up repeatedly in recent years, can be an effective strategy; perhaps even more effective than legal threats. That said, the researchers stress that piracy is a complex issue that no single measure can solve. People who are born with dark personalities, particularly the psychopathy trait, are genetically predisposed to take more risks online. No matter how many malware threats there are, some people are simply willing to take the risk; just like there will always be people who step in to launch new piracy services. It’s in their genes, apparently. “[A]lthough these [security-focused] campaigns could contribute to the decrease of risky IPTV viewing practices, they will not eliminate the problem, as there is always the portion of the population that are risk takers and perhaps seek thrills, as part of their psyche,” Katos concludes. — A copy of the preprint article covering the research in detail is available below. The results have not yet been peer-reviewed and should be interpreted as such. Shah R, Cemiloglu D, Yucel C, Ali R, Katos V. Is cyber hygiene a remedy to IPTV infringement? A study of online streaming behaviours and cybersecurity practices. Research Square; 2023. From: TF, for the latest news on copyright battles, piracy and more. View the full article

Much like regular websites operated by governments, companies, organizations, and the general public, most internet-based piracy services can be accessed using a domain name. From a user’s perspective, domain names are more easily remembered than IP addresses and remain the same despite IP address changes behind the scenes. Domain names also play an important role in conveying branding and as a result can be worth considerable sums of money. For companies enforcing their intellectual property rights, determining who owns a domain can prove invaluable as part of a wider investigation. When the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into effect in May 2018, it aimed to protect the personal data of EU citizens. That included those whose names appeared in public WHOIS databases as registrants or owners of domains. ICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, responded with restrictions that on one hand protected registrants’ privacy, but on the other came at the expense of rightsholders’ being able to conduct meaningful WHOIS-based investigations. ICANN Accused of Hindering Rightsholders Potential problems had been flagged way ahead but workable solutions remained elusive. Increasingly vocal rightsholders including the RIAA and MPA criticized WHOIS restrictions and piled on with other shortcomings; WHOIS proxy/shielding services that hide registrant information, for example, and the lack of an effective system to ensure the accuracy of collected data. In an August 2023 joint submission to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Hollywood, the recording industry, TV companies, the gaming industry and publishers left little doubt that patience had run out. RDRS: Registration Data Request Service With WHOIS protocols set to be replaced by RDAP (Registration Data Access Protocol), a technology designed to improve Registration Data Directory Services (RDDS), this week ICANN launched RDRS, an all new service to simplify access to non-public domain registration data. “Due to personal data protection laws, many ICANN-accredited registrars are now required to redact personal data from public records, which was previously available in ‘WHOIS’ databases,” ICANN explained. “With no one way to request or access such data, it can be difficult for interested parties to get the information they need. The RDRS helps by providing a simple and standardized process to make these types of requests. “The RDRS can be an important resource for ICANN-accredited registrars and those who have a legitimate interest in nonpublic data like law enforcement, intellectual property professionals, consumer protection advocates, cybersecurity professionals, and government officials,” ICANN added. Probably Not What Rightsholders Are Pleading For There appears to be little restriction on who can sign up for RDRS, something that already has some worried about what that could mean for their privacy. ComLaude confirms anyone can file a request but it doesn’t necessarily follow that information will be provided. RDRS is effectively a case management system for handling WHOIS data disclosure requests, rather than a database which can be interrogated, as WHOIS has been. Anyone can make a request, via the system, for certain non-public domain registration data. RDRS identifies the sponsoring registrar for the domain name and routes the request to them, subject to the registrar having signed up to be part of the system. Then, subject to applicable law, the registrar will make a determination on what, if any, requested data will be disclosed. Some rightsholders may be disappointed that the system only covers gTLDs such as .com, .net, and .org, plus new gTLDs including .xyz, .online and .horse. Common ccTLDs deployed at pirate sites, including .ag, .am, .cc, .me, .pw, .re, .sx, and .to, are excluded from the system. Hands-On Test Kevin Murphy at Domain Incite took RDRS for a spin and posted his first impressions of the service. “The system is defined largely by what it isn’t. It isn’t an automated way to get access to private data. It isn’t guaranteed to result in private data being released. It isn’t an easy workaround to post-GDPR privacy restrictions,” Murphy explains. “It is a way to request an unredacted Whois record knowing only the domain and not having to faff around figuring out who the registrar is and what their mechanisms and policies are for requesting the data.” Murphy also got the impression from interface settings that simply walking in off the street and requesting domain registration data might not be what ICANN has in mind. As a tool for rightsholders demanding so much more, it’s certainly nothing like what they have in mind. “The RDRS merely connects Whois data requestors — the default settings in the interface suggest that ICANN thinks they’ll mostly be people with court orders — with the registrars in charge of the domains they are interested in,” Murphy concludes. From: TF, for the latest news on copyright battles, piracy and more. View the full article

Like many other countries around the world, India’s copyright law allows rightsholders to limit access to pirate sites. Major entertainment industry companies regularly obtain injunctions that require local Internet providers to block websites to prevent piracy. In essence, these measures are straightforward as specific domains are identified for blocking. However, injunctions can be issued before infringements take place and can be dynamic or temporary, depending on the situation. In the early years, blocking injunctions were used as a blunt instrument, instructing Internet providers to block legal platforms such as Vimeo, while GitHub and the Internet Archive also ended up in the crosshairs years ago. GitHub Blocking Troubles Accuracy-wise, some progress has been made over the years but that doesn’t mean that overblocking is no longer an issue. Throughout this year, several GitHub users have reported persistent problems accessing the platform. The issues related to GitHub appeared in January of this year, when several Indian developers noted that they could no longer use the site properly. The main Github.com domain was still accessible but raw.githubusercontent.com, where code is typically stored, was blocked. This made it impossible for developers to work on projects and several applications that used GitHub-hosted code started to return errors. “This URL has been blocked under the instructions in compliance with the orders of a Hon’ble Court,” a typical error message read. Since some pirate apps use GitHub it’s possible that raw.githubusercontent.com was listed in a copyright-related injunction, resulting in massive overblocking. As far as we know, the court order in question hasn’t been published but several ISPs were affected. Problems Persist Despite Reversal After some backlash, the underlying order was reportedly retracted, after which GitHub started working properly again for most Indians; but not for all. After nearly a year, there are still widespread reports from people who can’t use the site. The problem is discussed repeatedly on social media and local news outlets with users from ISPs such as JIO and Hathway complaining that raw.githubusercontent.com is not accessible. “From the past few weeks I am unable to access raw.githubusercontent.com on my Jio network,” one Redditor writes, with many others sharing a similar experience. On X, several users are reporting that they continue to have issues too. Not all subscribers appear to be affected and other Internet providers don’t appear to have the same issue. This suggests that the affected ISPs didn’t properly unblock the URL earlier this year when the court order was retracted. GitHub Responds GitHub is aware of the problems in India. The Microsoft-owned platform informs us that it’s investigating the issue to see if full access for all users can be restored. “As the global home for all developers, we firmly believe that everyone should be able to contribute to the future of software development regardless of where they live,” GitHub informed us. “We are aware of reports that there may be issues with accessing the raw.githubusercontent.com domain in India and are investigating to determine how access can be restored.” Transparency / Speculation The lack of transparency regarding Indian court orders and retractions doesn’t help to solve the problem. To the public at large, it still isn’t clear on what grounds GitHub was partly blocked. One potential tie-in could be the PikaShow app. After becoming the official sponsor for the Afghani cricket team during last year’s Asia Cup, Indian rightsholders pulled out all the stops to block the app. Through an injunction, GitHub was ordered to disclose information on the developers behind the PikaShow account, but it’s possible that a separate blocking order also targeted the site’s raw.githubusercontent.com URL. The above is pure speculation, which emphasizes the need for more transparency. That’s especially important now that Indian authorities are requiring domain registrars to comply with blocking orders too if they want to continue operating in the country. Meanwhile, the developers affected by the continuous blockade have to find ways around the technological restrictions. Luckily, that’s not too hard for this tech-savvy audience. From: TF, for the latest news on copyright battles, piracy and more. View the full article

Damon Sharpe, a true industry titan, continues to prove his mastery across various facets of the music world. With a successful artist career boasting support from the likes of Armin van Buuren, David Guetta, and Martin Garrix, along with releases on Armada, Insomniac, Hood Politics, Hysteria and dance radio chart success, Sharpe has firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. Not content with just his own success, Damon Sharpe took on the role of a tastemaker by founding Brainjack Music. This label is synonymous with his radio show on Insomniac Radio and has played a pivotal role in catapulting artists to stardom and delivering hit songs to the masses. Sharpe’s talents extend beyond the electronic dance music realm, as evidenced by his work producing for heavyweights like Jennifer Lopez, Kylie Minogue, Pitbull, Ariana Grande and more. His diverse skill set positions him as a jack of all trades in the music industry. That’s why we’re absolutely thrilled to cover Damon Sharpe’s latest release, “Wherever You Go.” This track is a perfect blend of nostalgia and freshness. Viiq’s ethereal vocals add a magical touch, making it a must-listen for fans of innovative and captivating electronic music. Do yourself a favor and dive into the sonic world of Damon Sharpe’s “Wherever You Go” – , available on Apple Music and Spotify on Brainjack Music and Liftoff Recordings. Catch Damon Sharpe live at Slate NY on Saturday November 18th 2023 for his very first east coast headline show with support by Alo Wiza and Torie. This article was first published on Your EDM. Source: Brainjack Music Founder Damon Sharpe Drops EDM Perfection With ”Wherever You Go” View the full article

In the dynamic landscape of contemporary music, a new star is rising, captivating audiences with her unique blend of rhythms and melodies. Meet NIVANA, the pop sensation who is redefining the music scene with her electrifying fusion of funk, disco, and pop. NIVANA isn’t just a musician; she’s a movement, bringing retro charm into the modern era with a style that’s as refreshing as it is nostalgic. From a young age, NIVANA was enchanted by the world of music. Raised in a quaint town, she found her escape in the timeless tunes of disco legends. The pulsating beats and catchy melodies of icons like Donna Summer, Michael Jackson, and Earth, Wind & Fire didn’t just fill her ears; they fueled her dreams. These influences are evident in her music, which sparkles with the same shimmering energy that once lit up dance floors around the world. NIVANA’s songs are more than just a collection of notes and lyrics; they’re a vibrant tapestry of emotions and experiences. Her music resonates with those yearning for freedom, self-expression, and unadulterated joy. Her voice, unique and unmistakable, weaves through her tracks, creating an immersive experience that transports listeners straight to a neon-lit dance floor where the energy is infectious, and the night never seems to end. But NIVANA’s impact extends beyond her music. She stands as a beacon of inclusivity and empowerment, using her platform to foster a sense of community and celebration among people from all walks of life. Her message is clear: everyone is welcome in the world she’s creating, a world where individuality is not just accepted but celebrated. As NIVANA continues her meteoric rise in the music industry, she invites us all to join her on this exhilarating journey. With each song, she redefines what disco means for a new generation, proving that this beloved genre can evolve while staying true to its roots. So, get ready to dance, to feel, and to be part of a musical revolution with NIVANA, the artist who’s not just making music but making history. This article was first published on Your EDM. Source: NIVANA: Reviving Disco with a Modern Twist on ‘Merry Me Santa’ View the full article

Over the past four years, anti-piracy campaign Operation 404 has become a permanent fixture in the enforcement calendar with the results of new phases announced every few months. The results of the fifth wave of Operation 404 were released in March 2023; around 200 illegal streaming and gaming sites, 128 domains and 63 music apps were reported blocked, with raids on locations across Brazil leading to 11 arrests. While Brazil has been the focus of Operation 404 from the very beginning, the campaign has received considerable support from international rightsholders, government bodies and law enforcement agencies. The latest results relating to the sixth wave (Operation 404.6) released this week reveal progress and continued support from a laundry list of international contributors. They include: City of London Police, United States Department of Justice, UK Intellectual Property Office, Peruvian anti-piracy group Indecopi, Argentina’s Public Ministry, a dozen Civil Police forces in Brazil, Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment, MPA Latin America, International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, US Patents and Trademarks Office, Brazilian Pay TV / Telecom Association, Latin American anti-piracy group Alianza, Premier League, Brazil’s National Council for Combating Piracy and Crimes Against Intellectual Property, the Entertainment Software Alliance, and Brazilian anti-piracy body APDIF. Sixth Wave of Operation 404 A statement from IFPI notes that Operation 404 remains one of the largest campaigns of its type. Thus far the operation has resulted in the suspension of nearly 1,500 domains, the removal of 780 infringing music apps, and delivery of more than 100 search warrants, IFPI says. Action against 12 major stream ripping and MP3 download apps supported the music industry in wave six, with IFPI reporting that collectively the apps received over 4.3 million downloads in Brazil alone. While the apps go unnamed, the global music industry group says that they were removed from major app stores and other sites offering them for download. Reports By Authorities in Brazil Information obtained from government and law enforcement resources reveals the execution of 24 search and seizure warrants; 22 in Brazil, and one each in Argentina and the United States. Reports indicate a total of 606 websites and applications blocked or suspended for illegal content streaming; 238 in Brazil, 328 in Peru and 40 in the United Kingdom. In some cases sites were deindexed from search engines and their accounts removed from social media by court order. How many of the affected domains are currently redirecting to the latest seizure banner is unclear. We can confirm the banner is hosted on a subdomain of gov.br, the Brazilian government’s website, and we include it below for reference and for being perhaps the most comprehensive notice of its type ever seen online. Local law enforcement agencies provide additional detail on operations carried out in their regions, some of which are summarized below. Premier League Piracy, IPTV Operator Raided Civil Police forces in several states are reported to have targeted the operators of websites and IPTV services offering illegal streams of Premier League matches. In Mato Grosso, a large state in west-central Brazil, police targeted what appears to be an illicit IPTV provider. Authorities say that the service’s records show it had more than 60,000 customers; its operators face potential prosecution for intellectual property crimes, money laundering, and criminal association. The Civil Police of Paraná (PCPR) report two search and seizure warrants executed against individuals suspected of ‘digital piracy’ offenses in the municipalities of Londrina and Assis Chateaubriand. Electronic equipment including cell phones and computers (image below) were seized as evidence. Police also carried out a search-and-seize operation at an apartment in Ponta Verde, Maceió. Their targets were a couple from Brazil’s smallest state, Sergipe, said to have been living locally for the past several months. Police believe the pair are guilty of copyright infringement offenses but at the time of the raid, only a 26-year-old woman, her daughters, and their nanny, were at home. According to his wife, the man was visiting the capital, Aracaju. That’s likely to have come as a disappointment to the Premier League, which had been reportedly working with police to target a pirate IPTV service and its operator at the Ponta Verde address. Nobody was arrested. Other targets reported locally include the VidMate stream-ripping app said to have been downloaded 870 million times worldwide with over 1.1 million active users in Brazil. Finally, reports indicate that the Peruvian government body Indecopi took action to block 157 domains dedicated to music piracy and stream ripping. There doesn’t appear to be any recent official reports of that nature but Indecopi has previously published lists of domains subject to blocking (1) including as part of Operation 404 (2). From: TF, for the latest news on copyright battles, piracy and more. View the full article

Signed into law a quarter century ago, the Digital Millenium Copyright Act (DMCA) aimed to equip copyright holders with new tools to protect their works online. A key element of the law requires online service providers to remove or disable access to infringing content in response to a takedown notice. The system isn’t bulletproof. Rightsholders repeatedly complain that their content swiftly resurfaces after it’s removed. At the same time, the takedown process is abused by bad actors to censor or remove material in bad faith. Shopify DMCA Harassment DMCA abuse is nothing new, but it’s rare for online platforms to take public action against it, let alone take the matter to court. In an attempt to protect its vendors, e-commerce giant Shopify is one of the rare exceptions. Last month, we reported that Shopify had filed a lawsuit against a “John Doe” who used DMCA takedown notices to remove listings from third-party stores. According to Shopify, the senders of these takedown requests did so without owning the rights. This alleged scammer isn’t the only one wreaking havoc on the platform. A few days ago, Shopify filed a fresh DMCA abuse complaint at a Florida federal court. This time, the e-commerce platform has a named target; Orlando resident Amir Mokrian, a.k.a Clayton Burnz. “Defendant Mokrian has repeatedly harassed, and continues to harass, Shopify merchants and Shopify itself through knowingly false allegations of copyright infringement. This lawsuit seeks to halt that misconduct and hold him accountable for the damage he has caused,” Shopify writes. Dozens of False DMCA Notices Shopify informs the court that it takes copyright infringement very seriously. The company receives thousands of notices each month and regularly removes shop listings deemed to be infringing. If a store owner is repeatedly targeted, they’re at risk of having their store closed completely. The e-commerce platform relies on a mix of both human and automated reviews to process DMCA takedowns. This works well in most cases but the process is not bulletproof, as this lawsuit exemplifies. Using several aliases including “Clayton Burnz”, Defendant Mokrian allegedly sent dozens of DMCA takedown notices to Shopify containing false claims. These requests targeted stores selling snore-reducing mouthguards and footwear insoles over alleged copyright infringement. However, according to Shopify, these notices were littered with false information. They didn’t include any legitimate copyright complaints but were merely intended to harm other merchants. Taking Out Competitors The reason for this behavior is obvious; according to Shopify, Mokrian was running competing stores. By taking out the competition, interest in their own products should rise. “It is plain that Mokrian submitted his fraudulent DMCA takedown notices for anti-competitive purposes. TeraNue—one of Mokrian’s stores on Shopify—sells snore-reducing mouthguards. Through his takedown notices, Mokrian targeted the same or similar mouthguard products sold by competing merchants,” Shopify informs the court. “X-Care—another Mokrian store on Shopify—sells foot insoles, the same type of product sold by Rizzsoles.com, a Shopify merchant Mokrian targeted with his false notices. Mokrian used takedown notices not in an effort to root out copyright infringement, but in an effort to root out competition.” One of Mokrian’s stores Shopify ended up removing 38 competing products based on these false takedown claims. While these decisions were ultimately reversed, serious harm was done to both the affected shops and the platform itself. The complaint notes that Shopify was financially impacted by the abuse. The company spent tens of thousands of dollars in personnel time and resources to address the issue. In addition, its goodwill was seriously harmed. Through the lawsuit, Shopify hopes to be compensated for its losses. In addition, the company asks the Florida court for an injunction against the Orlando resident, prohibiting them from sending any fraudulent DMCA notices going forward. — A copy of the complaint Shopify filed at the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida is available here (pdf) From: TF, for the latest news on copyright battles, piracy and more. View the full article

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