Tuesday, 31 January 2023

Fable is having a 20% off sale, plus more great pet deals this week

January 31, 2023 , No comments :
Frisco pet bed

UPDATE: Jan. 31, 2023, 2:00 p.m. EST This story has been updated to include new deals on pet tech, toys, and more.

  • BEST PET TECH DEAL: The Whistle GPS tracks your pet and can also give you valuable health and activity insights — $77.42 $149.95 (save $72.53)

  • BEST PET TOY DEAL: The Game from Fable Pets is a multipurpose feeder, toy, and enrichment game all in one small package — $44 $55 (save $11)

  • BEST PET DNA KIT DEAL: The Embark Dog DNA kit will give you a breed breakdown and health risk report on your pup — $159 $199 (save $40)

Got a pandemic puppy or a quarantine cat? You're not alone. Tons of people are still adopting new pets — and finding out that the cost of buying toys, beds, treats, and pet tech adds up quickly. To keep you from spending your entire paycheck on your four-legged friend, we compile a list of the best pet deals every week so you can be the best pet parent ever, even if you're on a budget.

Pet tech deals

Whistle GPS
Credit: Whistle
Our pick: Whistle GPS (opens in a new tab)
$77.42 at Amazon (save $72.53)
(opens in a new tab)

Why we love it

Whistle's GPS tracker is one of the most durable and feature-packed smart collar attachments on the market. You'll get extremely accurate tracking through the companion app and the ability to mark safe zones for your pet, as well as access to in-depth health analytics that can inform the way that you care for your furry friend.

More pet tech and automatic feeders on sale

Pet toy deals

The Game toy from Fable Pets
Credit: Fable Pets
Our pick: Fable Pets' The Game (opens in a new tab)
$44 at Fable Pets (save $11)
(opens in a new tab)

Why we love it

Fable's The Game is a multipurpose feeder, toy, and enrichment game for dogs that we gave a pretty nice score in our review. If you've ever seen a wobble bowl feeder (or something else like one), The Game works in a similar way: Fill it up with a cup of dry food, and let your pup knock it around to get the tasty bits to fall out, all while you get some much-needed relaxation time.

More pet toys on sale

More pet deals

Embark Dog DNA Kit
Credit: Embark
Our pick: Embark Dog DNA Kit (opens in a new tab)
$159 at Amazon (save $40)
(opens in a new tab)

Why we love it

The Embark Dog DNA kit helps you find out your dog's breed, type, and variety — but perhaps most valuable of all, you can learn about potential health risks that your dog's breed is prone to, and use those insights to take preventative measures with the assistance of your vet. The test also lets you find and connect with other dogs that share DNA with yours. Did someone say family reunion?

Even more pet deals



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Samsung Unpacked Is Tomorrow: How to Watch the Galaxy S23 Launch Live - CNET

January 31, 2023 , No comments :
Don't miss Samsung's big announcements at Galaxy Unpacked 2023 tomorrow.

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See 4 Exoplanets Dance Around Their Star in Wondrous Time-Lapse Video - CNET

January 31, 2023 , No comments :
It's a vision of celestial beauty 12 years in the making.

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The Series 8 Apple Watch is on sale everywhere, plus more of the best Apple deals as of Jan. 31

January 31, 2023 , No comments :
a person uses the attached keyboard on their ipad

UPDATE: Jan. 31, 2023, 11:25 a.m. EST We've updated this post with the best deals from across the Apple universe. Here are our top picks:

Apple hive, gather round for the best deals on Macs, iPads, iPhones and more as of Jan. 31.

  • BEST MAC DEAL: The MacBook Pro (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) is great for students, some creatives, and people in need of an everyday laptop — $1,099 $1,299 at Best Buy (save $200)

  • BEST IPAD DEAL: The 2021 iPad (WiFi, 64GB) has everything most people want from a tablet — $269 $329 at Walmart (save $60)

  • BEST IPHONE DEAL: The iPhone 13 Mini (64GB) at Verizon is a mini phone with plenty of storage space and a battery life worth bragging about — $0 on a new line with select 5G unlimited plans $599.99 (save up to $600)

  • BEST APPLE WATCH DEAL: The Apple Watch Series 8 (41mm, GPS) is the best all-around Apple Watch option for standard fitness features — $349 $399 at Walmart (save $50)

  • BEST ACCESSORIES DEAL: The Apple TV 4K (2nd gen, 32GB) is the best value streamer for those already heavily in the Apple ecosystem — $79 $99 at Walmart (save $20)

Apple may have an iron grasp on the general population, but when it comes down to it, their products look good, work well, and stay cutting-edge — so of course, people love 'em. Whether you build your calendar around Apple events or you just want solid tech no matter the brand, Apple's got you covered. Sure, they're a little notorious for their high prices, but we've rounded up the best deals on iPads, AirPods, MacBooks, and more to help you save where you can. Check them out below.

Mac and MacBook deals

silver 2022 macbook pro
Credit: Apple
Our pick: 2022 MacBook Pro (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) (opens in a new tab)
$1,099 at Best Buy (save $200)
(opens in a new tab)

Why we like it

The MacBook Pro is a bit better than the Air at running CPU- and GPU-intense tasks, whether that be video editing or a five-hour Sims 4 binge. At $200 off, this M2 Pro is $100 cheaper than the Air with the same chipset and built-in storage, but you're likely to get a more capable machine with two extra hours of battery life.

More Mac and MacBook deals

2022 MacBook Pro

2022 MacBook Air

2021 MacBook Pro

2020 MacBook Air

More Mac deals

iPad deals

silver 2021 ipad
Credit: Apple
Our pick: 2021 iPad (WiFi, 64GB) (opens in a new tab)
$269 at Walmart (save $60)
(opens in a new tab)

Why we like it

The best iPad for most people is the classic one. We like the 9th generation because it doesn't come with the bumped-up price of last fall's 10th gen release, instead keeping things firmly in the entry-level tablet range. Despite not being the latest iteration, it still has up to 10 hours of battery life, a 10.2-inch Retina display, and more than enough processing power to get you through basic tasks. While this may not be the record-low $250 we saw this iPad a few weeks back, $60 off still makes it the most affordable option by far (and we'll keep our fingers crossed for another price dip in the meantime).

More iPad deals

iPad (9th Gen)

iPad Air

iPad Pro

SEE ALSO: Apple's foldable iPad might come next year

iPhone deals

starlight iphone 13 mini
Credit: Apple
Our pick: iPhone 13 Mini at Verizon (opens in a new tab)
$0 on select 5G unlimited plans (save up to $600)
(opens in a new tab)

Why we like it

Check out Mashable's official review of the iPhone 13 Mini.

The iPhone 14 may have been a hot ticket item for the holiday season, but the iPhone 13 is by no means outdated. Unlike newer models, you won't need a trade-in to score some savings, with this Verizon deal that'll get you a free 13 mini if you open a new line at Verizon on an unlimited plan.

More iPhone deals

Apple Watch deals

midnight apple watch series 8
Credit: Apple
Our pick: Apple Watch Series 8 (41mm, GPS) (opens in a new tab)
$349 at Walmart (save $50)
(opens in a new tab)

Why we like it

We're back down to the Apple Watch's lowest price ever at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. If you need an Apple wearable with blood oxygen and heart rate sensors, plus safety features like crash detection ASAP, you'll want to grab this deal while it's so widely available.

More Apple Watch deals

Series 8

SE (Second Gen)

SE (First Gen)

Ultra

Apple accessories deals

apple tv 4k and remote
Credit: Apple
Our pick: Apple TV 4K (2nd gen, 32GB) (opens in a new tab)
$79 at Walmart (save $20)
(opens in a new tab)

Why we like it

Chances are streaming is probably your preferred method of watching TV these days. While the 2nd gen Apple TV may not be the brand's latest and greatest, it's still a solid option for those who want a streamer that'll integrate seamlessly within their existing Apple ecosystem. You may not get as much storage in the base model or quite as fast a processor, but at $79, you're saving a good chunk of change.

More deals on Apple accessories



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The COVID Public Health Emergency Is Ending. These Benefits Will End, too - CNET

January 31, 2023 , No comments :
President Biden announced the emergency order will expire on May 11.

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Monday, 30 January 2023

Love HBO's 'The Last of Us'? Here's where you can buy the game that inspired it.

January 30, 2023 , No comments :
'The Last of Us Part I' screenshot.

UPDATE: Jan. 30, 2023, 4:30 p.m. EST This story has been updated with the latest availability info.

Translating a beloved video game franchise to TV or film is a famously dicey move. But so far, HBO appears to have done the almost-impossible with its adaptation of Naughty Dog's 2013 masterpiece The Last of Us, churning out an outstanding show with a stellar cast while staying true to the soul and mechanics of its source material. (Read Mashable entertainment reporter Belen Edwards' review for the full scoop.) The show is so good, actually, that HBO just announced that it would be getting renewed for a second season that will cover the events of The Last of Us Part II.

If the first three episodes have you itching to boot up a PlayStation, you're not alone: The acclaimed third-person survival horror game and its sequel have sold out at some retailers. Here's a quick rundown of all your buying options (in order of release date) and their online availability at the time of publication.

The Last of Us (2013)

joel and ellie in a screenshot from "the last of us"
Meet Joel and Ellie. Credit: Naughty Dog / Sony Computer Entertainment

A PS3 release, the original TLOU earned a slew of awards and quickly solidified itself as one of the greatest PlayStation exclusives to date. (Read our review from the Mashable archives.) It's best as a collector's item nowadays, since there are better-looking remasters and remakes available, but you can still play it if you've held onto an old console.

A few used copies were available on Amazon for about $20 when we last checked; you can also try your luck on eBay.

box art for "the last of us"
Credit: Naughty Dog / Sony Computer Entertainment
"The Last of Us" (used) (opens in a new tab)
From $20.45 on Amazon
(opens in a new tab)

The Last of Us Remastered (2014)

a screenshot from "the last of us remastered"
*clicker squawks* Credit: Naughty Dog / Sony Computer Entertainment

Naughty Dog gave the game a minor facelift for the PS4 a year after launch in the form of TLOU Remastered. This one includes the single-player campaign in full 1080p with improved visuals, higher-res character models, and several gameplay updates, plus an expansion pack called The Last of Us: Left Behind that adds several new chapters about Ellie and her friend Riley, as well as two bonus maps for the game's Factions multiplayer mode.

PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers can download TLOU Remastered for free. Otherwise, grab a new copy of the game from the PlayStation Store or Best Buy for $19.99, or save a few bucks with the pre-owned version at GameStop for $17.99. (Amazon and Target's inventories have both been wiped since the show premiered on Jan 15.)

box art for the last of us remastered
Credit: Naughty Dog / Sony Computer Entertainment
"The Last of Us Remastered" (new) (opens in a new tab)
$19.99 at Best Buy and the PlayStation Store
(opens in a new tab)
box art for the last of us remastered
Credit: Naughty Dog / Sony Computer Entertainment
"The Last of Us Remastered" (pre-owned) (opens in a new tab)
$17.99 at GameStop
(opens in a new tab)

The Last of Us Part II (2020)

a screenshot from the last of us part 2
Stealth skills are essential for survival in "TLOU2." Credit: Naughty Dog / Sony Interactive Entertainment

Set five years after Joel and Ellie's original post-apocalyptic journey out west, TLOU's grueling but gorgeous sequel lived up to players' astronomically high expectations (and then some), nabbing over 300 Game of the Year awards to become the most-awarded game in history (it was only just dethroned by Elden Ring). Note that the first season of the HBO series only covers the events of the first game, but a second season that continues the story is officially on the way.

There are two editions available for the PS4, with a free performance patch for PS5:

Standard Edition

The base game of TLOU2 retails for $39.99, but you can get it on sale at Walmart for $20.99 or on Amazon for $26.99. It's currently stuck at full price at Best Buy, GameStop, and the PlayStation Store, and sold out at Target.

box art for the last of us part 2
Credit: Naughty Dog / Sony Interactive Entertainment
"The Last of Us Part II" Standard Edition (opens in a new tab)
$20.99 at Walmart
(opens in a new tab)

Digital Deluxe Edition

For $10 more, you can upgrade to the Deluxe Edition through the PlayStation Store for a digital soundtrack, a mini digital art book, a dynamic theme for your console, and a set of six exclusive PSN avatars.

cover art for "The Last of Us Part II" Digital Deluxe Edition
Credit: Naughty Dog / Sony Interactive Entertainment
"The Last of Us Part II" Digital Deluxe Edition (opens in a new tab)
$49.99 in the PlayStation Store
(opens in a new tab)

The Last of Us Part I (2022)

a screenshot from the last of us part 1
Re-meet Joel and Ellie. Credit: Naughty Dog / Sony Interactive Entertainment

Naughty Dog re-revisited the first TLOU last year for a PS5 remake that features a complete visual overhaul and modernized gameplay with new controls, new enemy AI, enhanced combat, haptic feedback, improved audio, and more accessibility options. (Psst: It's coming to PC in March 2023.) Like TLOU Remastered, it also includes the Left Behind single-player DLC.

Choose from two editions:

Standard Edition

You can score a free two-hour trial of the base game with a PS Plus Premium subscription, or buy it for $69.99 at Best Buy, GameStop, and the PlayStation Store. It's sold out at Target and Amazon.

box art for the last of us part i
Credit: Naughty Dog / Sony Interactive Entertainment
"The Last of Us Part I" Standard Edition (opens in a new tab)
$69.99 at Best Buy, GameStop, and the PlayStation Store
(opens in a new tab)

Digital Deluxe Edition

This edition sets the player up for success with early unlocks of skill upgrades, weapon upgrades, weapon skins, a gameplay filter, and a speedrun mode. It's up for grabs in the PlayStation Store for $79.99.

cover art for "The Last of Us Part I" Digital Deluxe Edition
Credit: Naughty Dog / Sony Interactive Entertainment
"The Last of Us Part I" Digital Deluxe Edition (opens in a new tab)
$79.99 in the PlayStation Store
(opens in a new tab)


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Super Bowl 2023: How to Watch, Stream Chiefs vs. Eagles From Anywhere - CNET

January 30, 2023 , No comments :
The Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles will play in Super Bowl LVII on Sunday, Feb. 12, on Fox.

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Nespresso's newest coffee and espresso machines are on sale at Amazon for 25% off

January 30, 2023 , No comments :
Nespresso vertuo

SAVE 25%: As of Monday, Jan. 30, Nespresso Vertuo coffee and espresso makers are on sale at Amazon for 25% off.

It's cold and dark first thing in the morning, so the last thing you want to do is to get out of your cozy home to stand in line at a coffee shop. And while some of the coffee machines on the market are too much effort and/or are pricey, Nespresso's Vertuo line of coffee and espresso makers are not, thanks to their massive sale of 25% off at Amazon, as of Jan. 30.

There are two variations of the Nespresso Vertuo coffee and espresso maker on sale. One includes a milk frother and one does not—so it's up to you to determine whether the extra expense is worth it. The Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi without the frother costs $134.99, as opposed to its original price of $179, while the Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi with an included frother costs $171.25, as opposed to its original price of $299. In both cases, you're saving a whopping 25% off.

The newest line by Nespresso, the Vertuo Collection, is one of the few machines that lets you brew both coffee and espresso, all with a simple touch of a button. It works exclusively with Nespresso Vertuo capsules that feature over 30 blends, including unique options from other countries, such as Turkey and India. You can brew five different coffee cup sizes, and the one-touch brewing system employs barcode reading technology to ensure you get the perfect cup every time. You can even connect your machine to your smartphone for seamless updates and helpful descaling alerts.

This Nespresso machine also comes with a 54-ounce removable water tank, along with a container for up to 17 used capsules. It heats up in as little as 15 seconds for when you need a quick morning brew, and automatically shuts off after 9 minutes of inactivity to save energy. Not to mention, it looks great on a countertop, thanks to its incredibly sleek design.

Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi
Credit: Nespresso
Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi (opens in a new tab)
$134.99 at Amazon (save 25%)
(opens in a new tab)
Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi
Credit: Nespresso
Nespresso Vertuo Next Coffee and Espresso Machine by De'Longhi (opens in a new tab)
$171.25 at Amazon (save 25%)
(opens in a new tab)


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Super Bowl 2023 Ads So Far: See Spots Starring Bryan Cranston, Meghan Trainor, Kevin Bacon - CNET

January 30, 2023 , No comments :
The teams are finally set for the Feb. 12 game, and some of the planned commercials are already out.

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Best Game Pass and Xbox Live Deals: 1 Month of Ultimate for $1 - CNET

January 30, 2023 , No comments :
Snag an Xbox gaming subscription at a reduced price.

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Sunday, 29 January 2023

How to Uncover Hidden Fees and Outsmart Your Home Internet Provider - CNET

January 29, 2023 , No comments :
If you think you're paying too much for home internet, you may be right. Here's how to sleuth out those added costs.

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Seriously, Hold Off on Buying a Samsung Galaxy S22 - CNET

January 29, 2023 , No comments :
The Galaxy S23 should be coming this week, so it's best to wait for an upgrade or swap.

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NASA Looks Down at Mars, Sees Adorable Bear Face Staring Back - CNET

January 29, 2023 , No comments :
But what, exactly, created the funny face?

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SNL's Weekend Update tackles TikTok, AI chatbots, and Chipotle

January 29, 2023 , No comments :
SNL cast member Michael Che sits at the Weekend Update desk.

SNL's Weekend Update rounded up quite the mixed-bag of news this week, including a proposed TikTok ban, Chipotle burrito sales, and cheese-induced nightmares.

SEE ALSO: SNL's cold open makes Merrick Garland a whip-cracking legal hero and nods to Tyre Nichols

Co-hosts Michael Che and Colin Jost went all in on the internet's trending topics, including the state of AI chatbots. They simultaneously roasted the de-facto TikTok lobby and last year's abortion ban in Texas, nailed musician Kanye West for thinking of himself as both "Jesus and Hitler", and even questioned the world's oldest living dog.

The two traded joke after joke for the rest of the sketch, and, as always, made sure to remind viewers that the jokes and reality have become pretty blurred.



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NFC Championship Game: How to Watch, Stream 49ers vs. Eagles on Sunday With or Without Cable - CNET

January 29, 2023 , No comments :
The Eagles host the 49ers, with a trip to Super Bowl 57 on the line.

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7 Things You Didn't Know Siri Could Do on Your iPhone - CNET

January 29, 2023 , No comments :
Siri can do a lot more than just send text messages and tell you the weather forecast.

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Saturday, 28 January 2023

The Absolute Best Sci-Fi TV Shows on HBO Max - CNET

January 28, 2023 , No comments :
Don't worry, Station Eleven is in here.

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Venmo and Cash App: Do You Need to Pay Taxes on That Money? - CNET

January 28, 2023 , No comments :
While the IRS has made a last-minute rule change, you might still need to pay taxes on online income.

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Manchester United vs. Reading Livestream: How to Watch FA Cup Soccer From Anywhere - CNET

January 28, 2023 , No comments :
Championship outfit Reading will be looking to cause an upset as they travel to Old Trafford to face the Red Devils in this fourth round match.

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The bizarre 'To Leslie' Academy Awards controversy, explained

January 28, 2023 , No comments :
Andrea Riseborough

Just a few years after awarding Best Picture to the wrong movie, we might see a surprise nomination get revoked before the Oscars air on March 12.

When the Academy Awards nominations were announced last week, one of the more shocking revelations was that Andrea Riseborough had been nominated for her role in To Leslie. If you haven't heard of To Leslie, don't worry; the film garnered less than $30,000 at the box office. It's a small independent production about a single mother who wins the lottery, and many big Hollywood names like Edward Norton and Kate Winslet publicly endorsed the film in a grassroots campaign during the Oscars voting period.

SEE ALSO: First-time acting nominees dominate the 2023 Oscars nominations

That's all well and good, right? After all, box office success has nothing to do with the quality of a film or the performances therein. However, according to the Academy, something might be awry about the whole situation. Per Deadline, the organization released a statement announcing a review of the nomination process on Friday. It didn't name Riseborough or To Leslie directly, but everyone seems to agree that's what the statement is about:

It is the Academy’s goal to ensure that the Awards competition is conducted in a fair and ethical manner, and we are committed to ensuring an inclusive awards process.

We are conducting a review of the campaign procedures around this year’s nominees, to ensure that no guidelines were violated, and to inform us whether changes to the guidelines may be needed in a new era of social media and digital communication.

We have confidence in the integrity of our nomination and voting procedures, and support genuine grassroots campaigns for outstanding performances.

It's unclear what, if any, rules have been broken here. The Academy has a long list of guidelines for the nomination process, but that doesn't provide a smoking gun. Per Vanity Fair, some Academy voters were contacted with the suggestion that they watch the movie and support it online, which could theoretically breach the Academy's lobbying rules.

For reference, Academy Awards nominations can be revoked, but it's rare. The handful of times it's happened have usually involved something like the film premiering on TV before it was in theaters, or a film coming out in the wrong year. Most relevant to To Leslie's case is that a Best Original Song nomination was revoked in 2014 because songwriter Bruce Broughton had emailed Academy members during the voting period.

The Academy will meet on Tuesday, but Vanity Fair also reported that a rescinded nomination is unlikely.

Aside from the surprising nature by which To Leslie found its way into Oscars history, there are other angles to the controversy. As pointed out in the Vanity Fair report, Riseborough (who is white) got nominated while Black actresses in higher-profile roles like Viola Davis in The Woman King or Danielle Deadwyler in Till were left out. For an institution with a notable history of snubbing Black women in particular, it's easy to see why some would not be happy about Riseborough's nomination from that perspective.

Some people could also feel that To Leslie is being unfairly punished for the crime of not being mainstream enough. It's receiving a level of scrutiny that bigger films haven't had to worry about, even though there's a long, well-reported history of movie studios engaging in backroom politicking during awards season.

Regardless of where you land on To Leslie's nomination, at least those who care more about Oscars drama than the actual awards have something to care about again this year.



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New Customers Get Free Wings for Life This ButcherBox Deal - CNET

January 28, 2023 , No comments :
Sign up now for 14% off your first order and free wings for the life of your subscription.

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Apple might use Siri to create apps for its mixed reality headset

January 28, 2023 , No comments :
Apple logo in store

Well, that's one way to do things.

According to a report from The Information, Apple's upcoming mixed reality headset could have a truly funky method for designing user-created apps. Put simply, users may be able to speak animated AR objects (like animals) and other elements into existence using Siri. This apparently might also include the ability to scan 3D objects using an iPhone to turn them into AR models.

SEE ALSO: Apple wants to take over your home with new iPad-like device, report claims

The Information also reported that users may be able to upload their created apps to the App Store. This would, obviously, negate or at least substantially reduce the need for someone to know how to code in order to make something for Apple's long-rumored headset. It'd be a pretty significant leap forward for XR development, in theory, but its actual implementation could end up being simplistic or restrictive compared to real coding.

That said, it'd give people who buy the headset (said to be priced at around $3,000) something to do with it. The device, which has been dubbed "Reality Pro" in previous reporting, may be aimed more at developers than the common consumer. Apple is said to be working on a second, cheaper headset for a later release, but that one could still ring up a $1,500 price tag whenever it comes out.

Regardless, it may be fun to ask Siri to generate a giant dog or something, if this ever comes to pass.



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Friday, 27 January 2023

'Carnival Row' Season 2 Is Almost Here: Let's Jog Our Memories - CNET

January 27, 2023 , No comments :
There's a lot happening in the Burgue on Prime Video. Here's where Philo, Vignette and the rest stand.

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'Hamilton' deleted songs: How to put them back in the narrative

January 27, 2023 , No comments :
Two people in period garb stand on stage in a production of

So the Disney+ release of the movie of the stage hit Hamilton on July 3 sent you spiraling down the rabbit hole of Hamilfandom. By now you've picked your most resonant songs and picked apart your favorite rhymes. But there's one last obsession where you're still throwing away your shot: All those Hamilton songs Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote that never made it into the Broadway version.

SEE ALSO: 'Hamilton' burnishes its own legacy with a spectacular live recording

This is no easy task, as Miranda is prolific as hell. There are nearly 20 deleted Hamilton tunes and demos scattered across the internet. Some were on the Hamilton Mixtape, an album of tunes related to the show; others were recorded by early attendees to the off-Broadway production. And just when you think you've caught 'em all, Miranda keeps putting more on SoundCloud. The latest dropped at the beginning of the pandemic in the U.S., in March 2020.

Until now, finding them and figuring out where they fit in the show was a Sherlock Holmes-level detective job. Most are in the second act, where Miranda messed with the timeline between versions, which doesn't help. One YouTube video claiming to be a definitive collection in order is incomplete, and even the cut-song obsessives on Reddit haven't catalogued them all.

What we Hamilfans really need is a definitive list of deleted tracks, and when we need to stop the soundtrack album to hear them in context. So that's what follows — along with a quick review of each tune, because as any fan of deleted scenes and songs knows, often the cut is for the best. Some of these songs are for completists only.

SEE ALSO: John Krasinski, Lin-Manuel Miranda surprise a 'Hamilton' superfan with a special full-cast performance

Case in point: Our first former track. To start: Cue up the soundtrack album and listen from "Alexander Hamilton" all the way through "A Winter's Ball." (Or if you really want to get in the weeds, stop in the middle of "My Shot" and add this Hercules Mulligan rap). Then, only if you must, you can bring in the first demo Miranda made for Eliza's meeting with Hamilton:

1. This One's Mine

Yeah, it's not the choice I would have gone with. Luckily, Miranda's wife told him it wasn't as great a love song as he thought, and in a fit of pique he went back to his room to write the insta-classic "Helpless."

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Go back to the soundtrack and listen from "Helpless" through "Wait For It." Pause to collect your head after it's blown away by Leslie Odom Jr.'s delivery, then switch to another Miranda demo that adds some detail to the desperation of America's revolutionary army in its lean years.

2. Valley Forge

As you'll notice, "Valley Forge" contains verses that were reused for the next song on the soundtrack, "Stay Alive." So you can either pick up from the start of that song, or pick up at the line "raise a glass" one minute in. Either way, listen through "Meet Me Inside," where Washington sends Hamilton home.

3. Mulligan's Goodbye

On his way out the door, Hamilton meets Hercules Mulligan, who is (apparently!) quitting the army to go back to his tailor's apprenticeship. His cover story: He's broke, and the army is broken. Mulligan's return to New York was later dropped into "Stay Alive" instead.

Pick up with "That Would Be Enough." Pause before "Nonstop" if you care for the clunky first draft, which focuses a lot more on Aaron Burr than the final product. Proceed to Act 2 as normal with "What'd I Miss," then wait for this:

4. No John Trumbull

Delivered by Aaron Burr in the off-Broadway version, this version for the Mixtape was a cover by the Roots. The original was most notable for its ominous backing track (later reused in "The Reynolds Pamphlet"). It's a simple little rap telling us that the real Founding Fathers were nothing like the passive, benign versions we see in John Trumbull paintings from the Revolutionary era.

SEE ALSO: Lin-Manuel Miranda freestyles with The Roots in a new #Ham4Ham video, and you're going to love it

Pick up the story with "Cabinet Battle #1" and "Take a Break." Pause if you wish to listen to the slightly altered off-Broadway version of "Say No To This," which wears inspiration on its sleeve by stealing the opening lines from LL Cool J's "I Need Love." Continue with "The Room Where It Happens," and then we arrive at a nice meaty block of deleted goodness.

5. Schuyler Defeated (original)

Here is the strongest candidate so far for a song that should have made it to the final edit. The "Schuyler Defeated" we know is over in the blink of an eye: Eliza, Philip, and then Alexander are blindsided by the news that Aaron Burr has defeated Eliza's dad in a Senate election. In the original, they find out that Burr is running for the seat, which makes them look distinctly less clueless about politics.

And that's just the beginning. Burr gets to test his "talk less, smile more" slogan with the public for the first time. Hamilton tracks him down and gets furious with him, which seems more in keeping with his character. Eliza and Philip follow and intercede, and in a super-awkward moment discover that Burr's wife Theodosia is sick. This is, of course, foreshadowing for another deleted moment.

6. Let it Go

No, it's not the Frozen version. In this neat little Off-Broadway follow-up to "Schuyler Defeated," Eliza and president Washington both attempt to get Hamilton to calm the hell down and pick his battles. Which was in fact the historical Hamilton's response to Burr running for Senate. There was just too much else going on in the wider war between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans.

Case in point: "Cabinet Battle #2," which is where you should pick up the soundtrack. Then pause again for more deleted political warfare:

7. Cabinet Battle #3

Miranda was eager to get a clearer example of Hamilton's opposition to slavery into the show. That's why he labored for years over a third Cabinet rap battle between Jefferson and Hamilton, this time over how to treat Benjamin Franklin's anti-slavery petition of 1789. This time, Jefferson wins.

The timeline gets pretty fuzzy here, since the ending suggests Hamilton and Jefferson both have the goods on each others' sex scandals. But Hamilton won't discover that Jefferson knows about Maria Reynolds until "We Know," which comes after Washington's retirement — and yet Washington's still the president here. Plot confusion was one reason why Miranda had to kill his darling here before the show even hit previews.

Pick up the soundtrack with "Washington on Your Side," then pause again for a plot-packed alternative to Washington's retirement.

8. One Last Ride

In the "One Last Time" we know and love, Hamilton and Washington chill out with a drink and craft the outgoing president's farewell address. But the original was distinctly more action-packed. Here, Washington and Hamilton do what they did in real life: Suit up and beat down the Whiskey Rebellion.

This absolutely real incident, where a tax collector was shot in the liquor-producing backwoods of Pennsylvania, was foreshadowed by Jefferson back in "Cabinet Battle #1": "Imagine what gon' happen when you try to tax our whiskey." It's one of the most bizarre incidents of Hamilton's life, where he acted like the Secretary of War despite being the Secretary of the Treasury.

This version may not have the poignancy of "One Last Time," but it does come with a priceless comedy moment: Miranda as Hamilton screaming "pay your fucking taxes!"

9. The Adams Administration (full version)

In the Hamilton we know, our protagonist merely yells at the new president to "sit down, John" — a deep cut for anyone who knows the musical 1776. Of course, Miranda had prepared a full dis song for John Adams, slamming him for spending so much time back home in Massachusetts with his wife Abigail rather than the brand new swamp-infested capital of Washington, D.C.

Above, Miranda and the original cast perform the deleted rap live on stage early in the Broadway run. Alas, the video misses the first line, but it simply starts with "an open letter to President John Adams," as you can see in the lyric video version.

Pick up the soundtrack with "We Know," then pause again for the latest addition to the deleted song canon.

10. I Have This Friend

Here's where the timeline gets really screwy. Miranda says "I Have This Friend" would have replaced "Hurricane" in the show, had it lived long enough to see previews. But it features Hamilton obliquely seeking advice over the Reynolds blackmail situation from Washington, who is supposed to have retired at this point.

So for the purposes of our reconstructed version, let's assume Hamilton has gone to see the ex-president at Mount Vernon. Then pick up with the "Hurricane" we know — or if you prefer, there's a workshop version of the song with a key extra line. "The friend who would tell me not to [release the Reynolds pamphlet] is in the ground," says our hero — a clear reference to John Laurens. It's historically accurate to say that Hamilton never opened up to anyone the way he opened up to his old war pal and possible lover.

Was Hamilton this aware of his own self-destructive grief? It's a chilling question to consider.

After picking up with "The Reynolds Pamphlet," your next question is whether you want to listen to a brief demo of a discarded rap for Jefferson, which came immediately after. Either way, it's worth pausing for Angelica's full and furious response to the pamphlet.

11. Congratulations

Angelica's song was slashed way down, one verse inserted at the end of "Reynolds Pamphlet," because audiences were keen to get straight to Eliza's reaction. It was revived for the Hamilton Mixtape album, where it was performed by indie rapper Dessa. You can listen to original Angelica, Renée Goldsberry, sing the off-Broadway version here.

12. First Burn

As you might guess, this is the somewhat different first draft of Eliza's searing solo "Burn." Here it's performed by five actors who play Eliza in various productions of Hamilton, all of whom knock it out of the park. It will never replace Phillipa Soo's devastating take from the Broadway show, but "First Burn" is worth it just for the mention of the Hamiltons' children, plural.

In real life, the couple had seven kids besides Philip. One of whom, Angelica Hamilton, had an even more tragic story. She was 17 when Philip was killed in his duel, and never recovered — spending the rest of her life with a mental illness that Ron Chernow, who wrote the biography on which this show is based, likened to "eternal childhood." That was the main reason why the Hamiltons moved to the quiet of uptown Harlem.

13. Dear Theodosia (reprise)

The Hamiltons were not the only family struck by grief around this time. Here Burr explains to his daughter that her mother, also named Theodosia, died after a long illness in 1794.

You can choose Leslie Odom Jr.'s off-Broadway version if you wish. But the longer, sadder Hamilton Mixtape version by Sara Bareilles, above, just blows us all away.

14. George Washington's Death

Just to pile on the grief, Miranda's original plan was to squeeze an explicit reference to the death of Washington between the death of Theodosia and the death of Philip. (In the final show, Washington simply goes home and isn't mentioned again until the ghostly ending.) It's a brief interlude — but in it we hear the first mention of "wailing in the streets," a line which will appear in the show after Hamilton's own death.

Watch the animatic version if you prefer, then go back to the soundtrack to be devastated again by "Blow Us All Away," "It's Quiet Uptown" and "The Election of 1800." Then pause again for our final stop on the deleted songs express.

15. Your obedient servant (original)

Hamilton and Burr had a voluminous exchange that led to their duel, and Miranda went to read the original letters as part of his research. So it's no surprise that he took a while to hone in on the comedic version that ended up in the show.

Here's his original demo, above, and here's his off-Broadway take. Both come a little closer to representing the actual letters (the "itemized list of 30 years of disagreements," a Parks and Rec homage, came later). Hamilton had indeed declared a "despicable opinion" about his arch-nemesis at a political dinner in 1804.

What that opinion was is never made clear in the letters, but some historians (including Chernow) suggest Hamilton aired a rumor that Burr had committed incest by sleeping with his daughter Theodosia. If that is true, it's no wonder Burr felt he had to duel.

16. Ten Things, One Thing

And so we arrive at the end of Hamilton's life as Miranda originally envisioned it. "Ten Things, One Thing," which replaces most of "The World Is Wide Enough," has one more surprise in store: It gives us way more insight into Hamilton's thinking during the duel.

As in the final version, Burr gives us his perspective to the tune of "Ten Duel Commandments." But then we rewind time, "Satisfied"-style, and Hamilton explains his side of the story. Why was he wearing his glasses? Why was he methodically fiddling with the trigger? No spoilers, but "Ten Things, One Thing" explains all.

For the complete experience, pick up "The World Was Wide Enough" with the gunshot at 1:40, then find yourself in floods of tears again with the finale, "Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story."

Hamilton is a story we'll never stop telling, it seems — and now, with all these deleted song options, it's a Choose Your Own Adventure.

Hamilton is now streaming on Disney+.



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