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The James Webb Space Telescope is profoundly powerful.

A newly-released galactic image from the European Space Agency shows a deep view of the cosmos that other telescopes can’t see. The universe’s most ancient galaxies are so far away that their light has literally stretched out into wavelengths that aren’t visible to our eyes. But “Webb’s speciality,” NASA emphasizes, is to view these longer, infrared wavelengths of light.

When Webb views such far-off places in space, the instrument is looking back in time billions of years. This image shows what those galaxies looked like when the light left, long ago.

Here’s what else you’re seeing in the image below:

• In the foreground, near the bottom, is a glorious example of a spiral galaxy, called LEDA 2046648. At around 1 billion light years away, it’s much closer than the distant galaxies beyond. Our Milky Way is a spiral galaxy, too.

• Everything else in this image is a galaxy, except for the six-pointed objects, which are much closer stars. (Bright points of light in a telescope like Webb can cause something called “diffraction spikes.”) “A crowded field of galaxies throngs this Picture of the Month from the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope, along with bright stars crowned with Webb’s signature six-pointed diffraction spikes,” the European Space Agency (ESA) explained.

• Many of the distant galaxies look reddish or orangish. As the universe expands and these celestial objects move farther away, their light has stretched. “Webb’s keen infrared vision helps the telescope peer back in time, as the light from these distant galaxies is redshifted towards infrared wavelengths,” the ESA said.

  SEE ALSO:

  Many of the Webb telescope’s greatest discoveries won’t come from any amazing pictures
  

A deep view of the cosmos. LEDA 2046648 is the large galaxy at the bottom.
Credit: ESA Webb / NASA / CSA / A. Martel

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The Webb telescope is a scientific collaboration between NASA, the ESA, and the Canadian Space Agency. In this image, astronomers were actually capturing views of galaxies and stars to calibrate the telescope’s sensitive instruments. The greater research goal is to compare unprecedented views of the first, earliest galaxies with galaxies closer to us, in the Milky Way. Astronomers want to understand how galaxies, like our own, grew and evolved.

Many of these galaxies contain hundreds of billions of stars, and many, many more planets. That adds up to an incomprehensible number of strange new worlds, perhaps places we can’t even imagine. Though some, we can.

Every January, the illustrious Sundance Film Festival is where the new year of cinema starts. Oscar buzz begins here. Indie offerings score critical acclaim and enviable distribution deals. Curious productions step into the spotlight, and stars stretch their wings in roles bold and beguiling. It’s a place of risk and reward, and we took all of the former so you can get all of the latter.

At Sundance 2023, body horror roared, soft sci-fi awed, and biopics got downright glittery. Erotic thrillers went wild, and coming-of-age tales genre-mashed with abandon. From the gut-churning dramas to the gut-busting rom-coms, here are our faves out of the fest — and how you can watch them.

Infinity Pool

Credit: NEON

Writer/director Brandon Cronenberg teams with True Blood‘s Alexander Skarsgård and Pearl‘s Mia Goth for a twisted vacation tale that makes White Lotus look like Under The Tuscan Sun. Set in the fictional island of La Tolqa, Infinity Pool pushes the envelope on eat-the-rich schadenfreude by following one rich man’s descent into dangerous decadence. Wild sex, hallucinogenic drugs, graphic violence, and skin-crawling body horror come into play. And as I raved in my Sundance review, “Infinity Pool will make you squirm, but without the release of a climactic punchline. Instead, this satire of wealth and privilege will leave you stranded in its putrid muck, but perhaps smiling at the sheer gall of its horror.” 

How to watch: Infinity Pool is now in theaters, courtesy of NEON. 

Landscape With Invisible Hand 

Credit: MGM

This coming-of-age drama has a soft sci-fi edge, centering on an American teen (Asante Blackk) who is growing up on an Earth that’s been non-violently conquered by a smug alien race dubbed the Vuvv. What this means for our harried hero is constantly having to make decisions about his values in the face of extraterrestrial influence and all-too-human greed. Writer/director Cory Finley adapts M.T. Anderson’s novel with a steady infusion of spacey spectacle, a wry sense of humor, and an excellent cast, which boasts Kylie Rogers, Tiffany Haddish, William Jackson Harper, and Josh Hamilton. The result is a film I declared in my Sundance review to be “fantastic, fun, and thrillingly fucked up.”  

How to watch: Landscape With Invisible Hand will be released through MGM. 

Birth/Rebirth 

Credit: Shudder

If you’re seeking something unnerving and yet grimly funny, you’ll treasure writer/director Laura Moss’s new spin on Frankenstein. Marin Ireland and Judy Reyes star as a pair of mothers caring for a resurrected child, no matter what the cost. Amid grisly body horror and increasingly gruesome actions, Birth/Rebirth has a defiant thread of dark comedy. As I shared in our review, “It’s the kind of dark humor that will make some cringe and others feel like they’ve just gotten an injection of adrenaline.” Can you handle it?

How to watch: Birth/Rebirth will be released by IFC Midnight. 

Eileen 

Credit: Sundance Institute

Seeking something sexy with smack-you-in-the-face camp appeal? Then keep an eye out for Eileen. William Oldroyd’s sultry and savage adaptation of Ottessa Moshfegh’s debut novel focuses on a mousy secretary in 1960s Boston whose dreary life turns upside down once she meets a sexy blonde bombshell with a hidden agenda. A besotted Thomasin McKenzie stars opposite Anne Hathaway in femme fatale mode, bringing sapphic seduction and bold performances — with some added oomph from Birth/Rebirth’s Marin Ireland! Just when you think you know where this moody movie is going, in comes a whiz-bang revelation that pitches the plot — and the audience — into a dizzying spin. And it’s absolutely exhilarating. As I concluded in my spoiler-free review, “Here’s to the captivating and uncompromising Eileen!”

How to watch: Eileen‘s release plans are TBD. 

Talk to Me

Credit: Sundance Film Festival

An Australian horror movie from Youtubers-turned-filmmakers RackaRacka (aka Danny and Michael Philippou), Talk to Me centers on a spooky party game. It all begins with a ceramic hand, a lit candle, and the invitation to the dead to possess the body of the living. Naturally, thrill-seeking teens revel in the mayhem — lusty, dark, and strange — that ghosts crashing can bring to their cozy homes. But when Mia (Sophie Wilde) can’t disconnect from seeing these lurking specters, she’s pushed into a frightening quest that could mean life or death. 

How to watch: Talk to Me was acquired out of Sundance by A24. Release plans are TBD. 

Cassandro 

Credit: Sundance Institute

Forget the tearful drama and stodgy sternness of prestige biopics. Writer/director Roger Ross Williams and leading man Gael García Bernal bring verve, joy, and scads of sequins to the life story of Saúl Armendáriz, a gay amateur wrestler who found fame as his exotico alter ego Cassandro! His is a tale of adversity, but also one of resilience, community, and love. Bernal shines as the luchador who strutted boldly in leopard print leotards. And his radiance is bolstered by a supporting cast that includes A League of Their Own‘s Roberta Colindrez, Raúl Castillo, Perla De La Rosa, and Bad Bunny. You want a feel-good movie with the thrill of victory? Brace yourself for Cassandro. 

How to watch: Cassandro will be released by Amazon Studios.

Polite Society

Credit: Sundance Institute

Nida Manzoor first thrilled us with her sensational comedy series We Are Lady Parts, which explores the highs and lows of an all-female Muslim punk band. Now, ahead of a much-anticipated Season 2, this witty writer/director brings us Polite Society, a martial arts comedy about Ria Khan (Bridgerton‘s Priya Kansara), a British-Pakistani girl who dreams of being a famous, butt-kicking stunt woman. Until then, her love of theatrics and spin kicks finds an outlet in her quest to prevent the arranged marriage of her beloved older sister Lena (The Umbrella Academy‘s Ritu Arya). As showcased in the film’s tantalizing trailer, high school hysterics get amped up by Ria’s runaway imagination, resulting in comical disguises, hair-brained heists, outrageous battle scenes, and Ms. Marvel‘s Nimra Bucha as a boss-level baddie. Simply put, Polite Society is a blast.

How to watch: Polite Society opens in theaters in the U.S. and U.K. on April 28.

Judy Blume Forever

Credit: Sundance Institute

For untold generations of adolescents, children’s book author Judy Blume was a trusted friend. While other grown-ups might sneer or clam up when confronted with a kid’s questions about sex or puberty, Blume’s books — like Deenie, Forever…, and Are You There, God? It’s Me Margaret. — opened the door to discussions of menstruation, masturbation, young love, and lust. In this celebratory documentary, directors Davina Pardo and Leah Wolchok interview a slew of writers and stars who’ve been influenced by Blume, including Molly Ringwald, Samantha Bee, Lena Dunham, Alex Gino, and Anna Konkle. But best of all, they give audiences access to Blume, herself, who shares not only her stories, but also personal photos, and a delightfully candid glimpse of her life and legacy. Her reflections on romance and finding her identity are reason enough to relish this movie. But as an author who’s battled book bans for decades, her political insights are not only fascinating but frighteningly relevant, which the doc makes starkly clear.

How to watch: Judy Blume Forever‘s release plans are TBD.

The Pod Generation

Credit: Sundance Institute

Among my personal favorites at Sundance 2023 is writer/director Sophie Barthes’s soft sci-fi comedy about parenthood. Barthes first thrilled me with her twisted comedy-thriller Cold Souls, which starred Paul Giamatti as himself, more specifically a version of himself so burdened by the weight of his soul that he puts it into experimental storage outside his body. Barthes’s latest has a similarly alluring yet alarming premise, set in a future where pregnancy has been outsourced to robotic pods. Imagine if Apple and its sleek white minimalism aesthetic got into the artificial womb business, and you’ve got a sense of what’s in store here. Chiwetel Ejiofor and Game of Thrones‘ Emilia Clarke co-star as flustered parents-to-be in this mind-bending romp with a snarling wit.

How to watch: Pod Generation‘s release plans are TBD.

Rye Lane

Credit: Sundance Film Institute

Among the most winsome movies of Sundance 2023 is this South London-set romantic comedy. Directed by Raine Allen Miller, Rye Lane stars David Jonsson (Industry) and Vivian Oparah (Class) as heartbroken twenty-somethings who fatefully cross paths and might just tumble into new love. A humbling beginning with a bathroom meet-not-so-cute swiftly spins into a happenstance first date full of fun, banter, surprises, and a wee bit of breaking and entering. (Hey, breakups get messy.) Painted in saturated colors, paced like a dance party, and brought to life by a kinetic ensemble cast, Rye Lane is a pure pleasure to watch. But it’s Jonsson and Oparah, with their killer comedic timing and off-the-charts chemistry, that make this movie soar.

How to watch: Ryle Lane will come to Hulu March 31.

The Last of Us‘s third installment “Long Long Time” is an absolutely incredible episode of television, delivering a tender love story between apocalypse survivors Bill (Nick Offerman) and Frank (Murray Bartlett). Not only did “Long Long Time” provide a touching, hopeful look at the end of the world, it also expanded on an implied queer relationship from the game that ended tragically.

Unfortunately, a number of viewers did not enjoy “Long Long Time” and are making their ire known through “review bombing.” Review bombing is when a large number of people leave negative online reviews on a product over a concentrated period of time. In the case of film and TV shows, review bombing primarily takes place on aggregator sites like Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb, and Metacritic. Since Rotten Tomatoes does not allow user reviews for individual episodes, the review bombing for “Long Long Time” is happening on IMDb and Metacritic.

At the time of writing, “Long Long Time” has a 4.7 user score on Metacritic (user scores are out of 10). Out of 1102 ratings, 578 are negative. On IMDb, “Long Long Time” holds a 7.9 rating out of 10. 121,111 IMDb users left ratings on this episode, and while just over half gave the episode a perfect score, a little over a quarter gave the episode a one out of 10. The first two episode both hold a score of 8.6 on Metacritic and 9.2 on IMDb.

So what is it about “Long Long Time” that has mobilized review bombers? The answer is disappointingly all too predictable: homophobia. It’s no coincidence that an episode centering a gay romance has become the target of online trolls, and the user reviews confirm this. Reviews complain that the episode pushes “the LGBTQ agenda” or “inclusive propaganda.” Others complain that the episode deviates too far from the game, even though the changes to Bill and Frank’s story are fully in keeping with the thematic spirit of The Last of Us and are backed wholeheartedly by Neil Druckmann, creator of the game and co-creator of the series. (Bill and Frank are also gay in the game.)

Review bombing tends to be triggered by racism, sexism, and homophobia. For example, in 2022, Prime Video briefly paused reviews to The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power in order to protect the show from trolls. Much of the online vitriol was directed at the show’s cast members of color. Even The Last of Us franchise is no stranger to review bombing. In 2020, review bombers targeted the The Last of Us Part II because of an early in-game death and the game’s centering of LGBTQ characters. (So, brace yourselves for Season 2.)

As upsetting as the rhetoric behind the review bombing of “Long Long Time” is, it doesn’t have that large of an impact on the show’s rating itself. The Last of Us still holds a 7.7 user score on Metacritic, and an even more impressive 9.3 on IMDb. Critics (myself included) showered “Long Long Time” and The Last of Us with acclaim. On the ratings side of things, 6.4 million viewers watched “Long Long Time” when it aired on Sunday night — a 12 percent increase from viewership the week prior. And since viewership continues throughout the week, that number is sure to increase. Despite the best efforts of trolls, The Last of Us is doing more than fine.

Still, it bears repeating that the existence of queer people in media and in the real world does not reflect some insidious agenda or propaganda. Newsflash: LGBTQ people exist, and they have the right to exist in film and TV as well. One-star reviews won’t change that.

The Last of Us is now streaming on HBO Max. New episodes air every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.

Looking for deals on TVs, phones, tablets, and more? Here are the best ones as of Feb. 2:

• BEST SMARTPHONE DEAL: The Google Pixel 6 Pro (128GB) is one of the tech giant’s best phones, and its price has dropped twice in the past two weeks to hit a new all-time low — $549.95 $899 (Save $349.05)

• BEST TV DEAL: The Sony 65-inch OLED 4K Ultra HDR TV is bundled with a two-year extended premium protection plan and comes with a range of features that will hit all the right notes at your home’s upcoming NFL finale screening — $2,498 $4,089.98 (Save $1,591.98)

• BEST FITNESS TRACKER DEAL: The Garmin Venu Sq Smartwatch is back to its lowest price — $119.99 $199.99 (Save $80)

February is here, and with its arrival comes a string of deals that will leave you running from your couch to your laptop in a flash. If you’re ready to renew those fitness commitments or finally purchase that TV you’ve had your eyes on for a while, today is the day to take a step or two closer to your shopping goals.

Best smartphone deal

Why we like it

The Google Pixel 6 Pro hit the bullseye with its splendid cameras, high durability, and powerful chipset. The 128GB model is now down to $549.95 ($349.05 off the MSRP) — the newest all-time low price for this smartphone. If that wasn’t enough, Mashable reviewer Joseph Volpe has commended the handset for its day-long battery life, security features to keep your privacy in check, and powerful array of cameras that are a superior upgrade to the sensors found in previous Pixel phones. If you’re looking for a phone camera that will take memorable photos ahead of your big date this February, grab this deal while it lasts.

More smartphone deals

• Google Pixel 6a — $345 $449 (Save $104)

• Google Pixel 7 (128GB, Snow) — $543.97 $599 (Save $55.03) (Check)

• Apple iPhone X (Pre-owned, Gray, 256GB) — $329.99 $379.99 (Save $50)

• Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (Renewed, Phantom Black) — $638 $1,199.97 (Save $561.97) (Check)

• Samsung Galaxy A53 (Black, 128GB) — $399.99 $449.99 (Save $50)

• OnePlus Nord N20 5G (Blue, Activation on same day, 128GB) — $229.99 $299.99 (Save $70) (Check)

• Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max (Refurbished, Graphite, 256GB) — $999.99 $1,269.97 (Save $269.98)

• Samsung Galaxy S20+ (Renewed, 128GB) — $288.93 $749.97 (Save $461.04) (Check)

• Samsung Galaxy S20 (Renewed, 128GB) — $232 $630 (Save $398)

Best TV deal

Why we like it

A TV purchase is a years-long investment, and if you’re paying top dollar for a premium product, then you need a premium warranty plan to go along with it. Luckily, the Sony 65-inch OLED 4K Ultra HDR TV is bundled with a two-year premium extended protection plan that takes care of any electrical or mechanical device issues during the validity period.

Thanks to features such as the XR OLED Contrast Pro, XR Color, and XR Triluminos Pro, you get realistic images, sharply defined colors onscreen, and better contrast between black and brighter colors. With the quick setup guide, a tabletop stand, remote control with voice functionality, and batteries, you have everything you need right from the get-go.

More TV deals

• LG 65-inch B2 OLED TV — $1,296.99 $2,299.99 (Save $1,003)

• Samsung 85-inch QN90B QLED TV — $2,697.99 $4,999.99 (Save $2,302)

• onn. 50-inch LED Roku Smart TV — $198 $238 (Save $40)

• VIZIO 50-inch 4K LED Smart TV — $298 $358 (Save $60)

• Sony 65-inch HDR Ultra Smart TV — $2,498 $4,089.98 (Save $1,591.98)

• Sony 85-inch BRAVIA HDR Full Array LED — $1,998 $2,999.99 (Save $1,001.99)

• onn. 32-inch LED Roku Smart TV — $98 $144 (Save $46)

• VIZIO 65-inch V-series TV — $448 $528 (Save $80)

• onn. 70-inch QLED Roku Smart TV — $528 $648 (Save $120)

• Samsung 85-inch Q80B 4K Smart TV — $1,997.99 $3,299.99 (Save $1,302) (check on honey)

• onn. 43-inch 4K Roku Smart TV — $198 $243.26 (Save $45.26)

• TCL 55-inch QLED Roku Smart TV — $369.99 $499.99 (Save $130.99)

• Samsung 85-inch QN900B QLED 8K Smart TV — $4,999.99 $8,499.99 (Save $3,500)

Best fitness tracker deal

Why we like it

It’s the first week of February. Whether you’ve just kickstarted your fitness journey or you’re still keeping pace with your 2023 resolutions, you’re probably looking for a fitness tracker that can help you track your progress. In case you were unable to snag the Garmin Venu Sq smartwatch at a discount in early January, the good news is that it is back to its all-time low pricing of $119.99 at Best Buy and Target. The six-day battery life will get you through an entire week of workouts. The bright display and optional Always-On mode keep you up-to-date with stats like heart rate, sleep patterns, and oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels. With smart notifications for text, call, and social media alerts, as well as support for contactless payments, you won’t need to constantly whip out your smartphone.

Wearable deals

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 (LTE, 42mm) — $245.47 $329 ($83.53)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic (GPS, 42mm) — $199 $349.99 (Save $150.99)

• Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS, 41mm) — $349 $399 (Save $50)

• Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS, 45mm) — $379 $429 (Save $50)

• Garmin Venu Smartwatch (GPS, 33mm, Shadow Gray) — $119.99 $199.99 (Save $80)

• Garmin Gen 2 Smartwatch (GPS, 47mm, Titanium) — $899.99 $999.99 (Save $100)

• Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS + Cellular, 41mm) — $449 $499 (Save $50)

• Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS + Cellular, 45mm) — $479 $529 (Save $50)

• Fitbit Luxe Special Edition Tracker (Gorjana and Peony Band) — $119.95 $199.95 (Save $80)

• Amazon Halo Band — $34.99 $69.99 (Save $35)

• Amazon Halo View — $49.99 $79.99 (Save $30)

  Vacuum cleaner deals

• Dyson V10 Absolute Cordless Vacuum Stick — $449.99 $549.99 (Save $100)

• ECOVACS Deebot N8+ Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Mop — $268 $649.99 (Save $381.99)

• Dyson V11 Animal Cordless Vacuum — $574.99 $679.99 (Save $105)

• Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum — $144 $259 (Save $115)

• Shark Freestyle Pro Lightweight Cordless Vacuum — $99 $149 (Save $50)

• Wyze Robot Vacuum — $149 $329 (Save $180)

• BISSELL Power Force Helix Turbo Rewind Vacuum Cleaner — $78 $95 (Save $17)

• Shark Freestyle Pro Lightweight Cordless Vacuum — $99 $149 (Save $50)

• Dyson V7 Advanced Cordless Vacuum Cleaner — $279.99 $399.99 (Save $120)

• Shark Navigator Lift-Away XL Multisurface Vacuum — $97 $199 (Save $102)

• Dyson Slim Ball Animal Vacuum — $349.99 $499.99 (Save $150)

• Shark Hydrovac Cordless Pro 3-in-1 Vacuum — $249 $359 (Save $110)

• Dyson Ball Animal 2 Total Clean Upright Vacuum — $299.99 $599.99 (Save $300)

• INSE 6-in-1 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner $99.99 $219.99 (Save $120)

• INSE 6-in-1 Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner — $124.67 $499.98 (Save $375.31)

• BISSELL SurfaceSense 2817 — $219.99 $299.99 (Save $80)

• Dyson V12 Detect Slim Cordless Vacuum — $549.99 $649.99 (Save $100)

• Roborock Q7Max+ Robot Vaccum and Mop — $649.99 $869.99 (Save $220)

• Roborock Q7 Robotic Vacuum and Mop — $429.99 $559.99 (Save $130)

• iRobot Roomba i6+ Robot Vacuum — $599.99 $849.99 (Save $250)

Audio Deals

• JBL Tune 230NC Noise Canceling Earbuds — $49.99 $99.99 (Save $50)

• Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro — $189.99 $229.99 (Save $40)

• Jabra Elite Noise Canceling Earbuds — $139.99 $229.99 (Save $90)

• Certified Refurbished Beats by Dr. Dre Noise Canceling Earbuds — $74.99 $149.99 (save $75)

• Sony WFX1000M4 Wireless Headphones — $229.99 $279.99 (Save $50)

• Beats Fit Pro In-Ear Headphones — $114.99 $199.99 (Save $85)

• JBL Live 460NC In-Ear Headphones — $99.99 $129.99 (Save $30)

• Samsung Galaxy Buds — $89.99 $149.99 (Save $60)

• Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro — $99.99 $199.99 (Save $100)

• JBL Vibe 200 Wireless Earbuds — $29.99 $49.99 (Save $20)

• Sennheiser RS 175 Wireless Headphones — $199.99 $249.99 (Save $50)

• Bose Sport Earbuds — $129 $179 (Save $50)

• Philips T1207 Wireless Earbuds — $28.13 $39.99 (Save $16.86)

• Onn. Bluetooth Wireless Headphones with Charging Case — $29.88 $49.88 (Save $20)

• Beats Flex Wireless Headphones — $57.70 $69.95 (Save $12.25)

Soundbar deals

• LG SLM5Y 2.1ch 400W Soundbar — $169.99 $219.99 (Save $50)

• LG SP2 2.1ch 100W Soundbar (built-in subwoofer) — $129.99 $179.99 (Save $50)

• Samsung HW-T400 2.0ch Soundbar (built-in subwoofer) — $99.99 $129.99 (Save $30)

• Bose smart Soundbar 900 — $699.99 $899.99 (Save $200)

• Samsung HW-B650 3.1ch Soundbar — $249.99 $399.99 (Save $150)

• Samsung 2.1ch Soundbar with wireless subwoofer — $129.99 $279.99 (Save $150)

Streaming device deals

• Fire TV Stick 4K Max — $34.99 $54.99 (Save $20)

• 2022 Roku Express Stream HD Device — $24 $29 (Save $5)

• 2021 Apple TV (2nd Generation, 32GB) — $79 $99 (Save $20)

• Roku Streaming Stick 4K Streaming device — $39.99 $49.99 (Save $10)

UPDATE: Feb. 2, 2023, 3:00 p.m. EST This story has been updated with the latest 4K and 8K TV deals. Check out our favorites below:

• BEST 55-INCH TV DEAL: The Hisense 55-inch U6GR ULED 4K TV offers the vibrancy of mini LEDs and impressive black uniformity at a super digestible price point — $369.99 $599.99 (save $230)

• BEST 65-INCH TV DEAL: The Samsung 65-inch QN800B 8K QLED TV is Samsung’s more affordable 8K offering and is great for watching sports in bright rooms — $2,599.99 $3,499.99 (save $900)

• BEST 75-INCH TV DEAL: The LG 75-inch 83 Series QNED TV combines mini LED backlighting and NanoCell tech for juicy color and more precise contrast — $1,499.99 $2,499.99 (save $1,000)

Upgrading to a 4K TV — even a QLED or OLED — no longer has to be an intimidating financial setback. High-quality TVs featuring punchy colors, decipherable shadows, and smooth transitions have become increasingly affordable for regular consumers, made even more budget-friendly by frequent sales from retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and Amazon. Here are our top picks, just in time for watching the biggest game of the football season.

TV deals are categorized by brand, then listed in order of size (smallest to largest) and price (lowest to highest).

Samsung TV deals

Why we love it

Get immersed in the big game on a supersized Samsung QLED, now $200 below its price from Cyber Monday. The 2021 Q70A Series isn’t Samsung’s cheapest or most expensive QLED, but it checks all the right boxes for watching sports and gaming: direct backlighting with local dimming, crisp HDR, and bright quantum dot color even in sunlit rooms.

More Samsung TVs on sale

• Samsung 55-inch Q70A QLED TV — $899.99 $1,099.99 (save $200)

• Samsung 55-inch S95B OLED TV — $1,449.99 $2,199.99 (save $750)

• Samsung 65-inch TU8300 Curved 4K TV — $647.99 $799.99 (save $152)

• Samsung 65-inch Q85B QLED TV — $1,599.99 $1,799.99 (save $200 plus get a free $200 Best Buy gift card)

• Samsung 65-inch The Frame QLED TV — $1,599.99 $1,999.99 (save $1,400)

• Samsung 65-inch Q90B QLED TV — $1,699.99 $2,599.99 (save $900)

• Samsung 65-inch S95B OLED TV — $1,799.99 $2,999.99 (save $1,200)

• Samsung 65-inch QN800B 8K QLED TV — $2,599.99 $3,499.99 (save $900)

• Samsung 65-inch QN900B 8K QLED TV — $3,799.99 $4,999.99 (save $1,200)

• Samsung 75-inch 7 Series 4K TV — $679.99 $799.99 (save $120)

• Samsung 75-inch QN85B Neo QLED TV — $1,799.99 $2,399.99 (save $600)

• Samsung 75-inch The Frame QLED TV — $1,999.99 $2,999.99 (save $1,000)

• Samsung 75-inch QN90B Neo QLED TV — $2,299.99 $2,999.99 (save $700)

• Samsung 75-inch QN800B 8K QLED TV — $2,999.99 $4,699.99 (save $1,700)

• Samsung 85-inch Q70A QLED TV — $1,799.99 $3,299.99 (save $1,500)

• Samsung 85-inch Q80B QLED TV — $1,999.99 $3,299.99 (save $1,300)

• Samsung 85-inch The Frame QLED TV — $3,299.99 $4,299.99 (save $1,000)

• Samsung 85-inch QN900B 8K QLED TV — $4,999.99 $8,499.99 (save $3,500)

LG TV deals

Why we love it

One $1,000 discount still sticking around from Best Buy’s holiday sale brings a massive LG QNED TV below $1,500. QNED is a mashup of LG’s NanoCell technology and quantum dots (which amp up color depth using an extra light filter of nanoparticles) and the backlighting of mini LEDs (for more precise contrast through extra dimming zones, which will be helpful for keeping track of the football).

More LG TVs on sale

• LG 42-inch C2 OLED TV — $899.99 $1,299.99 (save $400)

• LG 50-inch NanoCell 75UQA 4K TV — $429.99 $549.99 (save $120)

• LG 55-inch UQ7070 4K TV — $358 $448 (save $90)

• LG 55-inch B2 OLED TV — $999.99 $1,299.99 (save $300)

• LG 55-inch C2 OLED TV — $1,299.99 $1,599.99 (save $300)

• LG 65-inch 83 Series QNED TV — $999.99 $1,699.99 (save $700)

• LG 65-inch B2 OLED TV — $1,299.99 $1,899.99 (save $600)

• LG 65-inch G2 Gallery OLED TV — $1,999.99 $2,799.99 (save $800)

• LG 70-inch UQ7590PUB 4K TV — $596.99 $729.99 (save $133)

• LG 70-inch NanoCell 75UQA 4K TV — $649.99 $899.99 (save $250)

• LG 77-inch A2 OLED TV — $1,799.99 $2,799.99 (save $1,000)

• LG 77-inch B2 OLED TV — $1,999.99 $2,899.99 (save $900)

• LG 77-inch C2 OLED TV — $2,499.99 $3,299.99 (save $800)

• LG 77-inch G2 Gallery OLED TV — $3,599.99 $3,799.99 (save $200)

• LG 83-inch C2 OLED TV — $3,999.99 $5,299.99 (save $1,300)

• LG 86-inch 80 QNED TV — $1,999.99 $2,199.99 (save $200)

• LG 86-inch 85 QNED TV — $2,399.99 $2,999.99 (save $600)

• LG 83-inch G2 Gallery OLED TV — $4,799.99 $6,499.99 (save $1,700)

Sony TV deals

Why we love it

Sony debuted a handful of groundbreaking products at CES 2023. TVs weren’t one of them. But the absence of a new line isn’t stopping retailers from following the unspoken January rule of heavily discounting last year’s models. Arguably one of the internet’s favorite TVs right now, the A95K provides a dynamic watching experience through the Bravia QD-OLED panel, which combines the precise viewing angles of OLED and the color-boosting quantum dot layer of QLED.

More Sony TVs on sale

• Sony 43-inch X80K TV — $449.99 $549.99 (save $100)

• Sony 55-inch X80K TV — $579.99 $699.99 (save $120)

• Sony 55-inch X85K TV — $699.99 $849.99 (save $150)

• Sony 55-inch X90K 4K TV — $899.99 $1,199.99 (save $300)

• Sony 55-inch A90J OLED TV — $1,798 $2,999.99 (save $1,201.99)

• Sony 65-inch X75K TV — $579.99 $699.99 (save $120)

• Sony 65-inch X80K TV — $699.99 $899.99 (save $200)

• Sony 65-inch X85K TV — $799.99 $1,099.99 (save $300)

• Sony 65-inch X90K TV — $999.99 $1,299.99 (save $300)

• Sony 65-inch X95K TV — $1,799.99 $2,299.99 (save $500)

• Sony 75-inch X85K TV — $1,199.99 $1,499.99 (save $300)

• Sony 75-inch X95K TV — $2,499.99 $3,299.99 (save $800)

• Sony 75-inch Z9 8K TV — $2,999.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,000)

• Sony 85-inch X95K Mini LED TV — $3,999.99 $5,499.99 (save $1,500)

Other TV deals from TCL, Vizio, and more

Why we love it

Hisense’s ULED line is an unexpectedly intimidating competitor to Samsung’s QLED TVs and LG’s mini LED TVs — especially with this price tag. The U6GR ranks below the super-popular U8H, but is still a really solid choice for most streaming and gaming. Its black uniformity is great for dark rooms, its peak brightness and reflection handling make small details legible in bright rooms, and colors are vibrant thanks to local dimming.

More TVs from TCL, Vizio, and more on sale

• Vizio 50-inch V-Series 4K TV — $298 $358 (save $60)

• Amazon 50-inch 4-Series 4K Fire TV — $319.99 $469.99 (save $150)

• Hisense 50-inch U6H 4K TV — $339.99 $599.99 (save $260)

• Amazon 55-inch 4-Series 4K Fire TV — $399.99 $519.99 (save $150)

• Vizio 65-inch V Series 4K TV — $448 $629.99 (save $80)

• Hisense 65-inch U6GR ULED TV — $499.99 $799.99 (save $300)

• Amazon 65-inch Omni 4K Fire TV — $599.99 $759.99 (save $160)

• Hisense 65-inch U6GR ULED TV — $899.99 $1,399.99 (save $500)

• Hisense 75-inch U6H ULED TV — $699.99 $999.99 (save $300)

• TCL 75-inch 5-Series QLED TV — $699.99 $1,099.99 (save $400)

• Hisense 85-inch U7H ULED TV — $1,499.99 $2,499.99 (save $1,000)

Ready the spicy tots and thunder sticks. Game Day is Feb. 12 and, if you’re like us, you’re thrilled to don the jersey and spend the day noshing, screaming at the TV, and high-fiving with your pals. Hosting a big Game Day party at your place this year? No sweat. These rad party favors from Walmart will score serious points from your home team.

Say goodbye to some of your favorite Twitter apps, automated accounts, tools, and services. Twitter will now force everyone who makes the creative things that make the platform fun and enjoyable to pay up or go away.

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In the wee hours of the morning on Wednesday, Twitter’s official account for developers, @TwitterDev, announced that the company will no longer provide a free access tier to its API. Instead, there will soon be a paid subscription to Twitter’s basic API tier. And how soon will this happen? Next week. Feb. 9.

An API is a software interface that allows two applications to communicate with each other, and this particular one allows developers to access Twitter’s data and services through official channels. In turn, many developers have been able to create an array of both free and paid products that enhance the Twitter experience. Requiring payment will certainly kill many of the free services and accounts.

The response has already been heavily criticized by users across the board. Some developers have already announced their intention to end their Twitter projects. 

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For example, the creator of the Possum Every Hour Twitter account, which auto-tweets out a photo of a possum every hour, posted that the account will stop tweeting next week when the free API tier ends. The account has more than half a million Twitter followers. 

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The decision to remove any free access to its API shows just how much Twitter is flailing to make money. The company has lost roughly 50 percent of its advertisers, which are its main revenue source, after Musk took over and started implementing his vision of the Twitter platform. In order to make up for losses in revenue, Musk rolled out new paid products such as its $8 Twitter Blue premium plan. The ability to buy a verified badge with Twitter Blue turned off even more brands from the platform. And, thus far, Twitter hasn’t even been able to convert an abysmal 0.1 percent of its monthly active users into paying subscribers.

Removal of the free API tier is a questionable path to greater revenue, because it could stifle creativity from developers who aren’t looking to monetize their projects. These creators often create services that promote and encourage more usage of Twitter. Small indie developers who are just starting out will be able to implement their ideas on platforms that still provide free API access, such as Facebook or YouTube.

It’s important to note that Twitter already has a paid tier of service for its API. This existing premium tier, which lifts access limits implemented on the basic tier, serves those social media companies that make revenue from offering Twitter data.

And what about the scammers and spam bots? Won’t this decision kill them off? Not likely. 

Access to Twitter’s API required a user to apply and be approved for an official developer account. Thus, Twitter was able to monitor its usage and suss out bad actors. For this reason, many scammers and spammers who utilize automation never used the API in the first place, instead operating with workarounds such as web scrapers.

Elon Musk already killed off third-party Twitter clients like Twitterific and Tweetbot earlier this month. Just this week, users have complained about Musk’s recent algorithm changes making their feeds unusable. Now, he’s coming for everything else. He’s given developers no details regarding the cost of keeping their projects and services alive. And, oh yeah, don’t forget, those developers have just one week to figure it all out.

It’s Groundhog Day! The odd little annual tradition where Americans and Canadians look to a furry little woodchuck to predict the weather.

While there’s no real harm in our silly Groundhog Day tradition (unless of course it’s the year 2014 and you’re Staten Island Chuck meeting then-New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio), it’s astonishing just how wrong the day’s most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, has been in his predictions over the years.

According to the Stormfax Weather Almanac, which tracks Phil’s predictions, the groundhog has only been right 39 percent of the time over the past 136 years. 39 percent. That’s abysmal! This is your god, western Pennsylvania? 

First, a simple overview of the Groundhog Day rules: If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow when he first emerges from his burrow, we get six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t, we’re in for an early Spring.

So, Phil’s got two choices. A 50 percent chance of guessing it right. Yet his record of correctly forecasting the weather has been terrible. We’re better off going with whatever the opposite of Punxsutawney Phil’s predictions are.

Phil has been doing this since 1887 (as a side note: damn, he’s old). As of 2023, Phil has 137 predictions under his belt. Unfortunately, 9 of those predictions have been lost to history. But, that means we have 128 predictions to look at here. Phil has seen his shadow and predicted 6 more weeks of winter a total of 108 times. He’s predicted an early Spring only 20 times. 

What about this year? For 2023, Phil has gone with his comfortable 6 more weeks of winter prediction after seeing his shadow. On the flip side, his biggest competitor, Staten Island Chuck, just predicted an early Spring for a whopping 8th year in a row. 

Punxsutawney Phil vs Staten Island Chuck

Who will be right this time? If I was a betting man, I would not go with the Nate Silver of Punxsutawney, PA. I’d go with Chuck who has an incredible 80 percent accuracy rate since he’s been in the game starting in 1981. Not bad for a rodent who was dropped by NYC Mayor de Blasio in 2014 and passed away a few days later. 

Regardless of who is right this time around, I think we can all agree that Phil and Chuck are already having a better year than Quebec’s groundhog Fred la Marmotte. The Canadians who put together that Groundhog Day event brought everyone out this morning and waited right before Fred was to come out and make his prediction to drop the ultimate surprise: Fred’s dead.

Happy Groundhog Day!

Director Guy Ritchie’s upcoming film The Covenant is a military thriller about the extraordinary bond between two men who save each other’s lives. They are US Army Sergeant John Kinley (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Afghan interpreter Ahmed (Dar Salim), both on assignment in Afghanistan.

After a Taliban ambush injures John, Ahmed cares for him and drags him across mountains in order to get him home safely. However, when John learns that Ahmed and his family did not receive safe passage to America, he must re-enter the war zone to find them and repay his debt.

The Covenant hits theaters Apr. 21.

Need some Valentine’s Day gift ideas? These are some of the best deals on flowers, candles, and other romantic picks as of Feb. 2 that’ll have anyone feeling the love:

• OUR TOP PICK: DoorDash is offering 40% off any flower purchase (up to $25 off) through the app, delivered straight to you or your recipient’s door from now through Feb. 19 — 40% off with coupon code 40VDAY

• BEST CANDLE DEAL: Homesick Candles has all of its candles sitewide on sale, with scents reminiscent of nights on the beach, weddings, and even Friends — 25% off sitewide

• BEST COOKWARE DEAL: Great Jones is offering 20% off select cookware in eye-popping hues and designs — 20% off select cookware with coupon code SWEETVAL20

Love is in the air. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you’ve probably been wondering what you should gift the person in your life that makes you the happiest. Putting a smile on their face is imperative, so you’ve gotta choose wisely. Luckily, there are several great sales in honor of the most romantic day of the year.

As of Feb. 2, you can snag great deals on everything from flowers via DoorDash to candles that smell like your partner’s favorite thing (like taking a hike) to chic cookware. There’s a little something for every Valentine’s Day giftee on sale right now, so you don’t have to rack your brain when it comes to deciding on what you’d like to gift this year as a token of your love.

Shop our favorite picks below to see what’s currently on sale in time for Valentine’s Day, and be sure to snap up a gift before the big day arrives.

Our top pick

Why we like it

DoorDash is offering 40% off flower sales with coupon code 40VDAY from now through Feb. 19. You can choose from any flower delivery service, and have beautiful bouquets delivered straight to your giftee’s doorstep. Flowers are a universal gift that anyone can appreciate, and they’re an easy and affordable way to tell someone that you love them. With an additional 40% off, it’s even easier to send romantic wishes someone’s way, near or far, which makes this a great gift idea for those in long-distance relationships as well.

Best candle deal

Why we like it

Homesick Candles is offering 25% off all its candles sitewide, so all of the scents the brand offers are currently on sale. Candles, like flowers, are another universal gift that anyone can use. With the variety and diversity in scents on offer, there’s a little something for everyone, whether you or your giftee love Friends, the smell of a new home, or a bonfire. These scents are well worth it, especially at this discounted price.

Best cookware deal

Why we like it

Great Jones is known for its aesthetically pleasing, multi-hued cookware, which is the perfect gift to share with anyone you know who spends a lot of time in the kitchen. The brand is offering 20% off select cookware with coupon code SWEETVAL20, which means it may finally be time to grab that hot pink baking dish for your sweetheart, or even yourself.

More Valentine’s Day deals:

• Tushy — Save 14% with code VDAYBIDET

• Aerogarden — Save 50% sitewide

• The Bouqs Co. — Save 20% sitewide with code GALENTINE

• Mejuri — Save 15% on all diamonds with Diamond Week

• Birthdate Co. — Save 20% on all products with code VDAY23

• From You Flowers — Save 20% sitewide with code BIZR

• Sur La Table — Save up to 50% off on select cookware through Feb. 7