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OnlyFans Is Reportedly in Talks to Sell Off Its Porn Empire

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OnlyFans, the internet’s kingdom of smut, may be changing hands soon. Reuters reports that the porn platform’s parent company, Fenix International, Ltd., is in talks to sell the business for some $8 billion to a U.S. investor group.

The New York Post previously reported that Leonid Radvinsky, the billionaire owner of the site, was looking to “cash out,” but had not yet found a buyer. Reuters now identifies at least one potential buyer as the Forest Road Company, an investment firm based in Los Angeles that is reportedly leading an investor group that wants to buy the porn platform. On its website, Forest Road describes itself as “not your average investment firm” and says it embraces “complexity and creativity to extract value where others see limitations.” The site also expresses an interest in “media & entertainment” and “digital assets.”

Not much else is known about the talks. Citing sources familiar with the potential deal, Reuters writes that Fenix is also talking to other interested parties. Gizmodo reached out to OnlyFans for more information.

OnlyFans was founded in 2016 and rose to prominence during the pandemic by helping horny web users satisfy their libidos whilst otherwise avoiding human contact. Since then, the business has only continued to grow. Other than a weird brief moment in 2021 (when the company bizarrely claimed it would ban “sexually explicit content”), it has served as a premier destination for dirty content, and has helped re-shaped the porn industry through its gig-worker model. Last year, the company reported that payments made through the platform had surged by 19 percent since 2023, topping some $6.6 billion.

Radvinsky purchased the company in 2019 and it has made an absolute killing since then. Bloomberg reported last year that the mogul had made $1 billion in three years through corporate dividends from the business.

The company has also been the subject of considerable criticism, as well as numerous legal complaints. Critics accuse the platform of being frequented by sex traffickers, and claim that the site has also become a portal for child sexual abuse material. The company was also recently sued by two customers who were outraged to discover that they may have not been messaging with real models (creators often outsource their customer communications to third-party firms).



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29 Best Memorial Day Sales on Our Favorite Gear (2025)
Product Reviews

29 Best Memorial Day Sales on Our Favorite Gear (2025)

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Finding the best Memorial Day sales can be hard, but luckily we do this for a living. We’ve sifted through the piles of subpar deals to find the best actual discounts on products that the WIRED Reviews team has tested and would recommend to our friends. The deals below are the best we’ve found (so far).

Don’t miss our roundups of the Best Memorial Day Mattress Deals and the Best Deals From the REI Anniversary Sale.

Updated May 23: We’ve added new deals on workout equipment, a TV, an iPad, and more. We’ve also double-checked pricing.

WIRED Featured Deals:

Tech Deals

Photograph: Nextbase

The Nextbase 622GW is our very favorite dashcam. It comes in a few configurations with varying prices, but this deal gets you the base model that records the front-end view. (If you want a rear view as well, there’s a slight discount on Amazon, but the price isn’t as good based on historical data.) The camera is easy to mount and can record video in 4K at 30 frames per second, and it offers clear views of license plates and your vehicle’s surroundings. It’s got solid night vision and image stabilization, and the companion app has options for Alexa-based voice support, video review, and subscription-based SOS alerts in case of an accident.

The Sonos Roam 2 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is the best smart Bluetooth speaker. It’s dust- and water-resistant, has 10 hours of listening time, and is about as big as a 16-ounce beer can. It’s easy to tote around and it charges via USB-C, and most important, it sounds fantastic despite its small size. It’s hard to find a better Bluetooth speaker for the price. If you want a larger speaker, the pricier Sonos Move 2 is down to $336 ($113 off).

We like this little Bluetooth speaker, which has a built-in strap and sits flat in a bike basket or cupholder. It’s dust- and water-resistant and boasts a 16-hour battery life, and you can even pair two of these together for stereo sound. It’s just under 4 inches tall, so you can take it with you everywhere—and though it may be small, it still has great sound. There are four available colors, all of which are discounted.

Sony WH-1000MX5Photograph: Sony

We see this deal quite often, but we’d be remiss not to include this discount on one of our favorite pairs of headphones. The Sony WH-1000XM5 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) have an excruciatingly annoying name, but they make up for it in sound quality and value overall. They were just replaced with a new addition to the lineup, but this pair is still fantastic, with excellent sound quality and class-leading noise cancellation. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and easy to control. What more could you ask for?

This affordable, wearable reading light is one of our favorites, and it’s even cheaper right now when you apply the on-page coupon. The light wraps around your neck to provide hands-free illumination. There are three color temperatures and six brightness settings, and the light itself is available in seven different colors. The battery lasts for up to 80 hours on a single charge.

Our favorite reading light overall is both affordable and versatile. It’s got an adjustable gooseneck and two swiveling light bars, and the clamp can be attached to a nightstand or headboard with ease. There are three color temperatures and five brightness levels. If you want a book light but don’t want the wearable option listed above, go with this one.

Photograph: Parker Hall

Most sizes of this TV are $100 off. The LG C4 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is the best high-end TV. It offers excellent brightness and color, with a slim bezel that helps it blend in with your existing living room decor. There’s support for Dolby Vision as well as a magic remove, plus easy casting with Google Chromecast or Apple AirPlay. We haven’t seen this sell for less.

The Beats Pill (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is a feature-packed Bluetooth speaker available in several discounted colors. It has fast pairing for both Apple and Android devices, plus a built-in speakerphone and the ability to charge other devices (though you should probably just use a power bank for that). It also has Beats’ Fast Fuel feature, meaning 10 minutes of charging gets you 5 hours of playback time (a full charge gets you 24 hours of battery life). And it also has Beats’ characteristic bass-heavy sound, making it a good option for parties.

This charging stand fluctuates in price all the time, but this comes within $10 of the lowest price we’ve seen. We think 3-in-1 chargers make the most sense for Apple Watch owners, but if you just need to charge your phone and AirPods, this is a solid pick. It can fast-charge your phone in landscape or portrait mode, and it’ll top off your compatible AirPods too. Perhaps best of all is the fact that this comes with a wall charger, a feature that may seem like a no-brainer but often goes forgotten for gadgets such as this.

Photograph: Brenda Stolyar

The newest base iPad (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is our favorite for most people. This is a small discount, but it’s still the best price drop we’ve seen for this model, which was released in April of this year. It has Touch ID, USB-C charging, and more base storage than its predecessors. It looks nice and performs well, though note that this iPad doesn’t support Apple Intelligence (which you may view as a benefit). Overall, if you’re on the hunt for the best tablet and don’t need any fancy bells and whistles, this is the one you want.

This cute, colorful smartwatch made our list of the best heart rate monitors. It doesn’t need a chest strap to deliver accurate heart rate metrics, including heart rate variability and whether or not you’ve fully recovered from your previous workouts. The battery lasts for up to 13 days depending on whether or not you’re using GPS mode.

It isn’t hard to find high-quality, inexpensive earbuds these days. In fact, we have a whole list of the best cheap headphones. But the Anker Soundcore Space A40 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) remain an honorable mention in our guide despite being a few years old. They have clear sound and great noise canceling, with a polished look that belies their price tag. They’re available in five different colors, all of which are discounted to $45 or $50.

Home and Kitchen Deals

Photograph: Buffy

I love the Buffy Breeze comforter, especially for the summer. It’s permanently in my bedding rotation and has been for years, ever since I first tested it. I struggle to sleep without a blanket, even if there’s a corn sweat heat wave happening outside. The Breeze is made with silky, cooling eucalyptus fabric, making it a perfect option for the warmer months. But the blanket is still warm enough for winter use with another comforter thrown on top. It’s breathable and cozy-feeling. This price makes it even better.

Ooni basically invented the entire category of portable home pizza ovens; its products are distinguished by their attractiveness, efficacy, and relative affordability—they’re easy to unbox, set up, and use instantly. Almost everything is 20 percent off but two standouts are the Volt 12 (8/10, WIRED Recommends), the compact indoor/outdoor electric oven, and the Karu 2, the updated multi-fuel oven, which I am testing right now. I also love the Halo Pro spiral mixer (8/10, WIRED Recommends) but it’s already sold out.—Adrienne So

We recommend Quince bedding in several guides. The brand makes our favorite down comforter, the best budget bamboo sheets, and the best affordable linen sheets. Right now you can upgrade your whole bedding setup and save a bit of cash. There are options for bamboo, percale, down, and linen.

The Mill Food Recycler (6/10, WIRED Review) is usually quite expensive, and it doesn’t go on sale very often. In our guide to the Best Home Composters, we recommend this model for its large capacity and for the fact there’s an option that actually lets you recycle food waste through the mail. It’s a great option if you aren’t a huge gardener or you don’t have a compost pile. The app makes the process user-friendly, and you’ll only need to empty the bin about once per month.

Photograph: Molly Higgins

Meal kit companies almost always have some sort of promotion going for new subscribers, but this is one of the better discounts we’ve seen for Purple Carrot (8/10, WIRED Recommends). It’s a vegan meal kit service that offers adventurous recipes, which can be a little time-consuming but are ultimately a worthy choice for any intermediate-to-advanced home chef. When I tested the service out a few years ago, I was impressed by the use of ingredients in novel ways. You can choose between fresh and premade meals, swap your meal choices, and pause or cancel your plan easily.

Ruggable makes some of the best rugs around, and right now you can save on basically any style and size using the coupon code MEMDAY. Some items are also discounted on Amazon, though they’re a bit cheaper over at Ruggable’s main website. Ruggable is unique because its rugs are machine-washable thanks to a clever Velcro system that makes the patterned area detachable. This also means you can easily swap the appearance of your rugs! They’re stain- and water-resistant, too.

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

We think Mustard Made storage lockers are excellent products for people that work from home. I reviewed the Mustard Made Lowdown (8/10, WIRED Recommends) and editor Julian Chokkattu has a few different lockers in his home office setup (pictured above). They’re stylish, they’re functional, and they’re pretty easy to put together, complete with video instructions. This sale extends to many different styles in six different colors. It’s also worth noting that this gear basically never gets discounted.

I’m currently in the process of testing this pillow, and so far, it’s been fantastic. I’m a side sleeper that frequently wakes up with neck pain, and this pillow has helped prevent that most nights since I started testing. It’s supportive and helps fill that awkward gap between my head and my shoulder. It’s got a unique rectangular shape, so I recommend adding on the pillow case on the product page. There’s also the cooling Ice Cube pillow that you can get for $72 ($18 off). One thing to note is that this pillow is specifically for side sleepers. If you’re on the hunt for an upgrade, check our Best Pillows guide for additional recommendations.

We like this filtered showerhead, which did an excellent job of removing chlorine from our tester’s water. Hydroviv also says that its filters are “bacteriostatic,” which means it’s difficult for mycobacteria to grow inside the filter. The company recommends a $75 filter replacement every six months, but there’s another deal running that gets you the whole package for $115 if you subscribe to automatic filter replenishment, which takes out a bit of the sting of another expense.

Photograph: Matthew Korfhage

Canopy makes our favorite filtered showerhead. It thoroughly removed chlorine from our tester’s water, and it performs its basic functions well, with an adjustable stream and supremely easy installation and filter replacement. The filters are also relatively inexpensive, at $37 roughly every 3 months. There are even aromatherapy options available for purchase to elevate your shower experience. (Personally I think belting out Destiny’s Child achieves the same effect, but you do you.)

We’ve tested many air fryers, and this is our top pick. It fluctuates in price all the time, but it very rarely drops below $100. It keeps temperature precise and has a generously sized 6-quart basket—big enough for a dozen wings or a couple pounds of French fries. The controls are simple and there’s a viewing window that lets you check on your food without opening the basket, thus dropping the air temperature inside. It also has modes for roasting, dehydrating, broiling, baking, and reheating.

Deals on Everything Else

Photograph: Kat Merck

We recommend R+Co products in our guides to heat protectants, dry shampoos, and hair masks. This is an easy way to save if you need to restock. Just make sure to use coupon code SUN. I love R+Co’s eye-catching packaging and pleasant scents, like you get with the On a Cloud Baobob Oil Repair Masque, on sale for $35 ($9 off). That hair mask is hydrating but not heavy, making it great for warmer months when your hair is more likely to get oily. We also like the dry shampoo paste, but stock is fluctuating.

This price matches what we saw during Cyber Monday last year. This little straw filters out bacteria, microplastics, parasites, sand, silt … you name it, and this will probably get rid of it. It’s also super light and durable, and you can even attach it to a water bottle so you don’t need to stoop down to the river to take a drink. It has an unlimited shelf life, making it a popular option for prepping an emergency bag. It can filter over 1,000 gallons of water.

We recommend a few different ShedRain picks in our umbrellas buying guide. All ShedRain umbrellas are automatically 20 percent off right now—the discount will show up in your shopping cart. This option is 20 inches long when closed, but the canopy spans a whopping 50 inches. It’s a bit heavy, but if you want a full-size canopy without a leg-length umbrella to tote around, this is your best bet. It’s also backed by a lifetime warranty.

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

In an upcoming guide to the best sweatpants, editor Julian Chokkattu says these are his favorite for traveling. The tailored fit helps you look put together, and they’ve held up well over months of testing. They’re stretchy and packable, and the double-knit fabric is comfortable but also retains its shape.

Dagne Dover sale is structured as follows: Orders up to $200 get 20 percent off; Orders over $200 get 25 percent off; Orders over $350 get 30 percent off. We recommend a few different Dagne Dover products, including the Mila bag ($75) in our toiletry bags buying guide, the Petra Convertible Tote ($300) in our tote bags buying guide, and the Sloane Water Bottle Sling ($95) in this rave. I personally like the Extra Large Landon Carryall ($260) for weekend trips where I just want to dump a bunch of stuff in a duffel. Dagne Dover gear is generally reliable and durable, and this is a good way to save if you’ve been eyeing a few pieces.

The Aviron Victory Treadmill (8/10, WIRED Recommends) makes running fun. The screen provides access to games or shows, and the deck is nice and low so it’s easy to step on and off. The membership that gets you access to the fun content costs $29 a month or $288 per year, and there are also $299 loadable weights to add strength training to your cardio routine. But if you’re okay with the yearly costs, this is a good option for making home workouts more enticing. Check our guide to the Best Treadmills for more.

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The best projector for 2025
Product Reviews

The best projector for 2025

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If you’re hunting for the best projector, there’s never been a better time to dive in. Projectors aren’t just for movie buffs anymore — they’ve become a great way to upgrade your living room setup, build a cozy home theater or even host an epic outdoor movie night under the stars. Whether you want something ultra-portable or a full-on 4K home cinema experience, there’s a projector out there to fit just about every space and budget.

The cool thing about the projectors you can get today is how versatile they are. Some models are built for gaming, some are designed for streaming your favorite shows and others are tough enough to take camping or on the road. Plus, newer projectors pack in smart features, better brightness and sharper image quality than ever before, making them a real alternative to a traditional TV. No matter what you’re aiming for, we’ll help you find the right projector to upgrade your setup.

Some projectors are for serious cinephiles, projecting sharp 4K video with HDR brightness and hyper realistic colors to a large screen. Others are bright enough to replace your TV for sports or gaming, and some low-cost portable models can be set up for camping or outdoor fun. That’s why we’ve divided this guide into several categories to help you find the right one.

BenQ

Native resolution: 4K UHD (3840×2160) | Brightness: 2,200 ANSI lumens | Connectivity: HDMI 2.0, USB-A, USB-C, audio out, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, Chromecast, AirPlay | Weight: 7.9lbs (3.6 kg) | Contrast ratio: 600,000:1

Mainstream projectors need to be jacks-of-all-trades: bright, sharp, colorful and fast, while not costing a fortune. BenQ’s X500i projector fits the bill perfectly thanks to the 4K resolution and high 3,200 ANSI lumen brightness, along with BenQ-’s HDR-PRO technology that delivers accurate colors, high contrast and high detail in shadows for shows like Game of Thrones. At the same time, it includes lens shift and has Android TV built in. As with any DLP projector, however, beware if you’re sensitive to rainbow color artifacts.

$1,949 at Amazon

Epson

Native resolution: 1080p (1920 × 1080) | Brightness: 3,400 lumens | Connectivity: 2× HDMI, USB-A, composite video, audio out | Weight: 6.17 lbs (2.8 kg) | Contrast ratio: 16,000:1

For a bright and sharp projector on a budget, Epson’s Home Cinema 1080 LCD projector is our pick. It’s rated for 3,400 lumens at the brightest settings, enough for use in ambient light. At the same time, the three-chip system delivers 1080p video that’s sharp enough for movies, sports and gaming. Another plus is its light 5.7 pound weight, which makes installation easy and allows you to take it down for the odd outdoor film festival. As is typical in this price range, though, it lacks HDR and contrast is mediocre.

$600 at Adorama

Epson

Native resolution: 4K PRO-UHD (3840 × 2160) | Brightness: 2,500 lumens | Connectivity: 2× HDMI 2.1, USB, Ethernet | Weight: 28 lbs (12.7 kg) | Contrast ratio: Up to 1,200,000:1

Cinephiles looking for a sharp, bright and color accurate long-throw projector should consider Epson’s LS11000. This LCD laser projector offers features you’d normally find on much more expensive projectors, like 4K resolution (via quad pixel-shift technology), motorized lens zoom and shift capabilities and HDR10+ with a wide color gamut. It’s also great for gamers, thanks to the high-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 inputs, 120Hz refresh rate and <20ms input lag. The laser light source is rated at 20,000 hours and delivers up to 2,500 ANSI lumens of brightness. However, as with other LCD projectors, it’s not quite as sharp as comparable DLP models.

$3,899 at Amazon

Hisense

Native resolution: 4K UHD (3840 × 2160) | Brightness: 3,000 ANSI lumens | Connectivity: 3× HDMI (including HDMI 2.1), USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Weight: 19.8 lbs (9 kg) | Contrast ratio: 3,000:1

Hisense is a leader in ultra short throw projectors and the triple-laser PX3-Pro is its best model yet. It delivers an impressively bright 3,000 ANSI lumens and 4K image at up to 120Hz (1080p at 240Hz), while offering support for all major HDR formats including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. Colors are extremely accurate with 110 percent BT.2020 coverage, better than any TV. And for gamers, the PX3-Pro is the first UST projector designed for Xbox thanks to the high refresh rate and HDMI 2.1 inputs. To top all that off, it’s IMAX Enhanced and includes Google TV, Dolby Atmos and Harmon Kardon speakers. It’s not cheap at $3,500, but is better than more expensive models from LG and Samsung.

$3,498 at Amazon

Formovie

Native resolution: 4K UHD (3840 × 2160) | Brightness: 1,900 ISO lumens | Connectivity: HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Weight: 16.5 lbs (7.5 kg) | Contrast ratio: 3,000:1

Though not as well known as some brands, Formovie builds some of the best UST projectors. The Cinema Edge is priced toward the budget side of the market but still offers premium features like a 120-inch 4K image, HDR10 and 2,100 lumen brightness. Details and contrast are strong, though color rendering isn’t the best. The main advantage of the Cinema Edge is the small size and ability to set it up close to a wall.

$1,799 at Amazon

NEBULA

Native resolution: 1080p (1920 × 1080) | Brightness: 300 ANSI lumens | Connectivity: HDMI 2.1, USB-C, AUX-out, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Weight: 2.1 lbs (0.95 kg) | Contrast ratio: 462:1

Anker has a lot of great portable outdoor (battery powered) projectors, but the Nebula Capsule 3 is the best in terms of performance and price. It uses a laser light source and DLP chip to beam a 1080p image for up to 2.5 hours, enough for a full movie under the stars. And it comes with Google TV for streaming if you’re closer to a Wi-Fi signal. Yes, brightness is limited to 300 ANSI lumens, but that’s an issue with most portable projectors and it’s still easily bright enough for its intended nighttime usage.

$600 at Amazon

Optoma

Native resolution: 4K UHD (3840 × 2160) | Brightness: 4,000 ANSI lumens | Connectivity: 2× HDMI, USB, 3.5mm audio out, RS232, Ethernet | Weight: 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) | Contrast ratio: 500,000:1

Cinephiles may focus on color accuracy when it comes to projectors, but brightness, resolution and speed rule for gamers. The Optoma UHZ66 hits those targets dead center thanks to the super-bright laser light source that pumps out an incredible 4,000 ANSI lumens, 4K resolution, up to a 240Hz refresh rate at 1080p and latency of just 4.4 ms in Gaming Mode. It actually has decent color accuracy with HDR10 support, so it’s not bad for general entertainment as well including TV, sports and movies. The biggest issue with the UHZ66 is fan noise, if you’re sensitive to that.

$1,999 at Adorama

For a deep dive on projector technology check my previous explainer, but there are few key things to keep in mind. What will the projector mainly be used for? What type of room will it be used in? And how big of an image do you want? You’ll also see a variety of specifications that may be confusing, so here are a few to consider and what they mean.

Brightness is measured in ANSI lumens; the brighter the projector, typically the more expensive it will be. 1,500-2,500 lumens is good for darkened rooms, 3,000-4,000 lumens allows you to see with some ambient light and 4,000+ lumens is bright enough to use in direct sunlight. High contrast is important, because projectors are more sensitive to things like ambient light and reflections.

Digital light processing units (DLPs) used by Optoma, BenQ, LG and others allow bright 4K images. The negative is that they can produce a “rainbow” effect, or red/blue/green artifacts that affect some viewers more than others. LCDs are used mainly by Epson, but also Sony and Sanyo. Those are often brighter, more color accurate and don’t produce rainbow effects, but are also more expensive and susceptible to image degradation over time.

If you want a true 4K projector, beware: only expensive models have native 4K resolution (many movie theaters still use 2K projectors for various reasons). However, most DLP projectors and some LCD models can use pixel-shifting to attain 4K resolution.

Elite Starling

Projectors can’t produce anywhere close to the amount of light required to qualify as true HDR. Rather, they use a technique called tone mapping to fit the entire HDR gamut into a lower brightness range. That said, many projectors can display millions of colors, with some models surpassing the color accuracy of TVs and monitors.

Classic projectors and screens can be mounted on the ceiling so they’re great if you have no floor space. They can also project a larger video for a truly cinematic experience. UST projectors mount on the floor right next to the screen so they can take the place of a TV. They don’t beam as big an image but are generally brighter, sharper and more expensive. For best results, they require special screens.

Ceiling mounting requires some work and don’t forget to budget for a bracket and any necessary long cables, including extra power for a Google Chromecast or other streaming device. UST projectors require less labor, but getting the image perfectly square can still be surprisingly time-consuming. As for fan noise, some projectors (usually cheaper DLP models) generate more than others.

For more flexibility with location and image size, ceiling mounted projectors need a good zoom range. Lens shift, meanwhile, is used if the projector is mounted higher or lower relative to the screen than recommended by the manufacturer. Otherwise, you might have to use a “keystone correction” to digitally stretch part of the image, resulting in distortion or artifacts. Also, keystore correction may not work in gaming modes for some models.

If you’re interested in a projector for gaming, look up the refresh rate and input lag figures. Some projectors offer good numbers in that regard (240Hz and <20 ms, respectively), but others designed for home entertainment have very poor input lag and refresh rates at just 60 Hz. If it’s streaming you want, be sure to pick a model either with built-in Google TV or a bundled streaming dongle.

Should you project onto a wall, roll-down screen, fixed screen or ambient light rejecting (ALR) screen? The choice depends largely on the room and what kind of projector you have. Roll down screens take up no space as they’re ceiling mounted, fixed screens can be moved easily and ALR models are perfect in rooms with a lot of ambient light.

Yes, because higher resolution is more noticeable on larger screens, so 4K is particularly useful with projectors since they beam images up to 200 inches in size. That being said, brightness and contrast are more important.

Projectors can provide a more immersive experience thanks to the large screen, but they’re not necessarily “better.” Since you usually have to dim the lights with a projector, TVs are superior for everyday use.

Yes, 2000 lumens is easily bright enough, even with some ambient light in the room. However, the image will still be hard to see with the windows open on a bright day.

That depends on your budget and needs. If your budget is below $1,000, look for a 1080p projector with the best brightness and contrast. Between $1,000-$2,000, you’ll need to weigh whether brightness or 4K resolution is most important. Above that, choose the brightest 4K projector you can afford.

The best projectors in daylight are ultra short throw (UST) models, as they have the brightest and sharpest image. However, they generally cost more than $2,000.

Technically, you don’t need a screen to use a projector — any light-colored, smooth wall can work in a pinch. But if you want to get the most out of your projector, a screen can make a difference. Projector screens are designed to reflect light evenly and enhance contrast, so colors look more vibrant and the picture appears sharper. With a screen, you’ll notice darker blacks and brighter colors, which can give a real boost to your movie nights or gaming sessions. So while you can absolutely enjoy a projector without one, a screen can make the experience feel a bit more like your own personal theater.

It depends on how and where you plan to use it. If you want a projector you can easily move around, bring to friends’ houses or set up indoors or outdoors easily, a portable projector is a great choice. They’re usually smaller, lightweight and often have built-in speakers and batteries, making them convenient for on-the-go use.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more permanent setup for a home theater or living room, a home projector might be the way to go. Home projectors tend to be more powerful, with higher resolution and brightness, which gives you that crisp, cinema-quality experience. They’re ideal if you have a dedicated space and don’t mind leaving it set up in one spot.



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Product Reviews

I tested Flexera and was impressed us with its approach to managing software assets across on-premise and cloud environments

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Why you can trust TechRadar


We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Flexera is an enterprise-grade IT asset management software platform that benefits organizations with complex setups.

When we first tried Flexera, we immediately noticed its powerful features for managing software licenses and hardware assets in complex environments. The platform has two main solutions: FlexNet Suite for on-premise and hybrid setups, and Flexera One for cloud-focused organizations. We found that they both excel at optimizing license usage and identifying cost-saving opportunities, leading to substantial ROI.

Flexera stands out for its visibility across the entire IT estate, covering everything from on-premises software to cloud applications. Its customizable dashboards clearly displayed our test environment’s compliance status and spending patterns. The self-service portal and automation features could help IT teams streamline service delivery, freeing them to focus on strategic tasks instead of manual work.


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Yet configuring Flexera properly requires significant expertise and time. The platform’s complexity can hinder smaller organizations without dedicated resources. However, those that manage to navigate the initial setup will find powerful tools for license optimization, cloud cost management, and compliance tracking.

We had a positive experience with Flexera’s reporting, which provided actionable insights into software usage and potential compliance risks. Its integration with major ITSM tools, like ServiceNow, enhances its utility in enterprise settings. Still, Flexera could use some improvements where SaaS management is concerned. For mid to large enterprises managing complex software portfolios, Flexera offers a compelling solution despite its initial complexity.

(Image credit: Flexera)

Flexera: Plans and pricing

Flexera does not publicly share pricing; it operates on a custom quote model based on organization size and needs. During inquiries, we learned that pricing typically follows a subscription model.

Costs depend on factors like the number of endpoints managed, cloud environments monitored, and specific modules chosen. This enterprise-focused solution generally starts in the five-figure range annually, making it suitable mainly for mid to large organizations.

Customers can choose between FlexNet Suite for on-premise deployments or Flexera One for cloud environments. Modular pricing allows organizations to select only the components they need. While the initial investment is high, organizations managing large software portfolios might achieve ROI in 6-12 months through license optimization and cloud cost savings.

(Image credit: Flexera)

Flexera: Features

Flexera offers a full suite of IT asset management tools for optimizing investments across on-premise, cloud, and SaaS environments. But here are the features that impressed us the best:

License optimization

Flexera’s license management features give insights into software usage and compliance. The system spots unused or underused licenses, saving money on renewals. It reconciles actual usage with entitlements and creates clear compliance reports, which is very helpful during vendor audits.

Cloud cost management

Flexera One helps you see your cloud software costs across various providers. Its automated recommendations for rightsizing instances and cutting waste are especially helpful. They even offer clear savings estimates for finance teams. We could set budgets, track spending, and get alerts when we approached limits. These features provide governance that many organizations find hard to achieve.

Vulnerability intelligence

Flexera’s vulnerability management integrates with its software inventory to identify security risks. We appreciate how it correlates known vulnerabilities with software inventory, prioritizing remediation based on risk levels and business impact. Integration with popular security tools and patch management systems creates a combined workflow for addressing vulnerabilities efficiently.

IT visibility dashboard

The customizable dashboards provide a unified view of assets, licenses, and cloud resources. We were able to configure role-specific views that delivered relevant insights to stakeholders, from technical details for IT admins to cost summaries for C-suite executives. The ability to drill down from high-level summaries to granular details makes it easy to investigate and understand relationships within the software estate.

(Image credit: Flexera)

Flexera: Analytics

Flexera’s reporting and analytics features stand out as a major highlight, providing actionable intelligence beyond basic inventory reports. We were impressed by its ability to generate detailed license compliance positions, identify optimization opportunities, and forecast future needs based on historical usage.

Pre-built report templates cover common use cases like compliance audits and budget planning. But the custom report builder allows IT teams to create tailored analyses for specific needs.

The analytics dashboard presents key metrics visually, making complex data accessible to various stakeholders. We liked the trend analysis features that help spot gradual changes in resource use and spending patterns.

Automated report distribution ensures decision-makers receive needed insights regularly, while export options can help you integrate this data into broader business intelligence initiatives.

(Image credit: Flexera)

Flexera: Ease of use

Flexera has a sleek interface that organizes many features through easy navigation and customizable dashboards. At first, the extensive options can feel overwhelming. But during testing, we loved the contextual help and guided workflows for complex tasks, like reconciling license entitlements or optimizing cloud resources. Still, new users may need formal training to fully use the platform, as many advanced features aren’t clear without guidance.

The platform combines power and accessibility, with role-based views for different user types. The self-service portal is easy to use, letting end-users request software without technical help, while automation cuts down manual tasks for admins. The mobile experience works for basic monitoring and approvals but does not offer the depth of the desktop interface, which is needed for advanced features.

(Image credit: Flexera)

Flexera: Support

Flexera offers tiered support options. Standard support provides help during business hours. Premium support gives 24/7 coverage with quicker responses for critical issues.

During our research, we found the knowledge base to be quite comprehensive. It includes detailed documentation, implementation guides, and a library of video tutorials for common questions. Customer community forums allow users to share advice. Also, the professional services team offers specialized help and training for organizations needing extra support.

(Image credit: Flexera)

Flexera: Security

Flexera demonstrates a strong commitment to security. It achieves this through SOC 2 Type II compliance, regular penetration testing, and solid data protection measures. There are comprehensive role-based access controls that let organizations define who can view and modify data. Detailed audit logs track user activities. The platform offers single sign-on integration with major identity providers. It also encrypts data in transit and at rest. These features provide essential security controls for managing sensitive IT asset information.

Flexera: The Competition

ServiceNow’s IT Asset Management competes directly with Flexera. It offers similar features but is part of a larger IT service management platform. ServiceNow has better integration with ITSM processes. However, Flexera usually excels in software license optimization and cloud cost management.

Snow Software is another option. It has an easier entry point for mid-sized organizations but may not compete with Flexera’s features for complex enterprises.

For those prioritizing cloud cost management over full ITAM, tools like CloudHealth by VMware or Apptio Cloudability are easier to implement. IBM’s License Metric Tool (ILMT) is tailored for managing IBM software licenses. Meanwhile, Microsoft’s Endpoint Configuration Manager offers basic software inventory for Windows environments. These alternatives suit organizations with specific needs that may find Flexera’s broad approach too much.

Flexera: Final Verdict

Flexera is an enterprise-grade IT asset management tool that benefits organizations with complex setups. This includes on-premise, cloud, and SaaS deployments. Its approach to IT asset management is impressive, especially for license optimization and cloud cost management. While implementation can be complex, larger companies who are able to invest these resources will see significant returns.

We’ve compiled a list of the best software asset management (SAM) tools.



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vive focus vision
Product Reviews

HTC Vive makes impending tariffs a sales event, giving US consumers one last chance to jump into VR before the price hikes

by admin



VIVE Focus Vision – New PC VR and All-In-One Mixed Reality Headset – YouTube

Watch On

With Trump’s tariffs on tech leading the PC gaming industry in uncertainty around potential price hikes, HTC Vive is taking advantage of the situation with a special sale. This gives anyone who didn’t manage to get themselves fully kitted out in some of the best VR machines on offer the chance to do so at pre-tariff prices. It’s a smart move, turning the impending price hikes into an opportunity for one last taste of affordable gaming for those in the US.

While we’ve definitely seen tech prices go up due to the tariffs, it’s worth noting we don’t know exactly how much HTC intends to price things in the future. As such, how much of a deal these regularly priced pieces of tech end up being is up in the air.

“Order by 5/31, we’ll cover the tariff cost!” boasts Vive’s sale site. Essentially it’s a sale, but for the prices you’d’ have expected to see before these announced taxes. The sale covers the Vive Focus Vision, Vive Ultimate Tracker 3+1 Kit, Vive Tracker (3.0), and the Base Station 2.0. This should let most people get setup for a full VR experience, or just grab those last bits before having to pay the extra on top.


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For those brand new to VR, the Vive Focus Vision might be the way to go. It’s the latest headset from Vive and works as a PC headset as well as a standalone VR machine. This means you can go via display port and have a wicked high fidelity experience with a capable PC connected or just go lite mode with what will run on the headset. It also offers mixed reality, eye tracking, and additional tracker support.

If you compare to the potentially more commonly owned Meta’s Quest 3 headset, it’s similar but more feature complete. Realy, the Vive Focus Vision looks more like what the Apple Vision Pro headset was claiming to be, only probably good. It currently goes for $999 on the website, so you’ve got until the end of the month if you want to pick it up before that price goes up.

The Vive Ultimate Tracker 3+1 Kit is a set of accessories that allows you to track more of your body than the standard setup. This one needs to be paired with a SteamVR compatible headset and controllers, so is better as an augment to a current setup, or an addon to the Vive Focus Vision. Once set up, it lets you track your head, hands, waist, and feet without lag. It’s worth being aware that the benefit of something like this will depend on the games you’re looking to play too. You can pick this up in the not-quite-a-sale sale for $599.

If that seems like a bit of overkill for your setup, then there’s the Vive Tracker (3.0). This is a cheaper tracker that works with base station-compatible headsets and allows you to replace controllers with your body movement. Again it’ll depend on what you’re playing and your setup as to whether or not this is worthwhile, but you can pick it up for $129 until the 31st.

Lastly, there’s the Base Station 2.0, which works with Vive Pro Series and Cosmos Elite headsets. This allows for higher precision wide-area tracking of up to Up to 1000 sq. ft, so it’s a good bet for those that have a whole room setup for their VR gaming shenanigans. This one is priced at $199, but at time of writing doesn’t appear to be in stock on the HTC website.

Whether or not Vive’s lineup is what you’re looking for in a headset, this sale makes a good point. If you’re looking to get into VR, or any other kind of gaming tech, it might be worth doing so before price hikes take hold if they haven’t already. Hopefully we’ll see some other companies follow in HTC’s footsteps here and offer some tariff sales to help offset the sudden shock these price hikes are likely to bring to the wallets of the general public.



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Corsair Scimitar Elite SE Wireless
Product Reviews

Corsair Scimitar Elite SE Wireless Review: A not-so-virtual virtual Stream Deck?

by admin



Why you can trust Tom’s Hardware


Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

The best gaming mouse for you depends a lot on what types of games you like to play. If you play competitive first-person shooters, you’re probably looking for something speedy and lightweight, like the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2. But if you play MMOs, MOBAs, or other RPGs while also streaming on Twitch or YouTube, you might want… whatever the opposite of that is — something consistent and comfortable, with a bunch of extra buttons that you can program shortcuts into.

Something like Corsair’s Scimitar line of mice — large and with a customizable 12-button side panel so you can do (almost) everything with just one input device.

Corsair’s new Scimitar Elite Wireless SE looks a lot like its predecessor, the Scimitar Elite Wireless — in fact, it’s identical, minus the new color scheme. But it sports some under-the-hood upgrades, including a new sensor: Corsair’s Marksman S 33K optical sensor, which has a maximum resolution of 33,000 DPI, a maximum speed of 750 IPS, and can handle up to 50 G’s of acceleration. It also has improved battery life — up to 150 hours over 2.4GHz wireless and up to 500 hours over Bluetooth, and features Elgato Stream Deck integration, including support for Elgato’s new “Virtual Stream Deck.”


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The mouse comes in black and yellow and gunmetal and white colorways — Corsair points out that this is the first time the Scimitar line has been offered in white, for what that’s worth — and costs $139.99.

Design and Comfort of the Scimitar Elite Wireless SE

The Scimitar Elite Wireless SE is a large, ergonomically-sculpted wireless gaming mouse with 16 programmable buttons — including an adjustable 12-button side panel. Like other mice with a ton of buttons, this mouse is aimed primarily at MMO and MOBA players — it’s large and heavy, designed to support your hand during long gaming marathons, not fly across your desk in seconds.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

Our review unit came in black and yellow, which features a mostly-black chassis with a matte, soft-touch finish, and a bright yellow panel on the left side, surrounding the 12-button side panel. The scroll wheel is also yellow (though it has a textured black rubber cover for grip). It’s an interesting color scheme — the yellow is a bright true yellow just shy of neon, and it definitely pops. I’m not sure how many gaming rigs this is going to seamlessly blend with (probably not many), but the mouse does have two zones of RGB lighting — in Corsair’s ship logo on the palm rest, and in the numbers on the side panel. My high school colors were black and gold (yellow), and this mouse looks like something our Spirit Booth would have sold. It’s a pretty aggressive yellow.

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(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The Scimitar Elite Wireless SE is the same size and weight as the Scimitar Elite Wireless, which we reviewed back in Aug. 2023. It’s a big mouse, measuring 4.69 inches (119.23mm) long by 2.89 inches (73.48mm) wide, and it’s 1.66 inches (42.17mm) high at its highest point, and it feels bigger because it’s designed to have a lot of contact with your hand. It has a wide, flat hump (shifted to the left for right-handed ergonomics) and the right side features a textured side panel / finger rest.

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(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

I still use the Razer Naga V2 Pro as one of my primary mice — I love mice with tons of buttons — and the Scimitar Elite Wireless SE feels bigger than the Naga V2 Pro despite being slightly smaller (the Naga V2 Pro measures 4.7 x 2.97 x 1.72 inches / 119.5 x 75.5 x 43.5mm), because the Scimitar Elite Wirless SE has less sculpting on the left and it just ends up hitting more of your hand. Instead of a gentle slope like the Naga V2 Pro has, the left side of the Scimitar Elite Wireless SE is scooped out somewhat abruptly, which gives it a curved shape — similar to a scimitar. The 12-button side panel follows this curve — the buttons are arranged in a 4 x 3 grid, with texturing on alternating columns for easier distinction.

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(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The side panel can be moved forward or backward approximately 1/4 of an inch, so people with smaller hands or shorter thumbs are better able to reach all 12 buttons. To slide the panel, you’ll need to unscrew it using a hex key (included with the mouse) and then move it to your desired location.

You can lock it into place using the screw at any point along its track, so you can fine-tune the positioning if you need to. I’m sure this flexibility is very much appreciated by some, but in general I don’t think it will wildly affect most people’s experience. Ergonomically the mouse is a little clunky and I don’t love the inward curve of the side panel — I find it makes everything a little less ergonomic. I would prefer a side panel that curves outward and perhaps angled buttons over the ability to move the side panel a quarter of an inch forward.

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(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

Speaking of the buttons, the Scimitar Elite Wireless SE has 16 programmable ones: 12 on the side panel, left/right primary buttons, a DPI switch button above the scroll wheel, and the scroll wheel center click. In addition to texturing, the side-panel buttons are also slightly different heights (the center row is slightly raised compared to the top and bottom row), and I didn’t love this. Maybe there was just too much going on — different textures, different heights, and there’s also a homing bump on the 5 — but it took me a while to get used to where the buttons were by touch. (And I normally use a mouse with a 12-button side panel!) I’m sure it will eventually become second-nature if I keep using it, but I prefer the Razer Naga V2 Pro’s angling.

The mouse has a notched scroll wheel — not a tilt wheel, like the Naga V2 Pro, and not adjustable or dual-mode like the Logitech G502 X Plus, just a regular scroll wheel. The scroll has a comfortable amount of tension, but the notches are on the softer side.

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(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

On the bottom of the mouse, you’ll find four medium-sized PTFE mouse feet, a power/connectivity switch, and a profile switch button. There’s also a small compartment that holds the mouse’s 2.4GHz wireless USB-A dongle; the door is a little flimsy (and perhaps not necessary, as the dongle fits pretty tightly). This is also where you’ll find the screw that unlocks and locks the side panel.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The mouse comes with a 6.5-foot (2m) USB-C to USB-A cable and a hex tool for moving the side button panel. The cable is braided but fairly stiff — it’s a far cry from the ultra-flexible paracord-style cables that come with Razer’s and HyperX’s mice. You’ll be able to use it as a mouse cable if you need to, but it won’t be the most comfortable, drag-free experience.

Specs

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Sensor Model

Marksman S 33K Sensor

Max Sensitivity

33,000 DPI

Max Speed (IPS)

750 IPS

Max Acceleration

50 G

Polling Rates

1,000 Hz / 500 Hz / 250 Hz / 125 Hz

Programmable Buttons

16

LED Zones

2

Cable

6ft / 1.8m USB-C to USB-A

Connectivity

2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, wired (USB-C)

Measurements (L x W x H)

4.69 x 2.89 x 1.66 inches / 119.23 x 73.48 x 42.17 mm

Weight (excluding cable)

4.02oz / 114g

MSRP

$139.99

Release Date

May 19, 2025

Performance of the Scimitar Elite Wireless SE

The Scimitar Elite Wireless SE sports Corsair’s Marksman S 33K optical sensor, which has a maximum resolution of 33,000 DPI, a maximum speed of 750 IPS, and can handle up to 50 G’s of acceleration. Corsair says the sensor features “improved DPI detection and IPS tracking,” as well as lower power consumption, and while the sensor was very accurate and consistent in my testing,

I didn’t have any issues with accuracy or consistency in the Scimitar Elite Wireless, either. The sensor is able to track on a variety of surfaces, including laminate, wood, plastic, glass, polished concrete, and, of course, mouse pads.

The mouse features Corsair’s house-brand optical switches, which are somewhat loud (though not any louder than the optical switches in other mainstream gaming mice). I didn’t have any issues with misclicks or double-clicking while I was testing the Scimitar Elite Wireless SE, but I did find the switches to be a little inconsistent in both sound and feel. They felt and sounded a little lightweight and “fluttery,” which made me worry there would be misclicks or accidental double-clicking, but this never happened.

This sounded more concerning if I clicked off-center — not at the very edge, just not directly in the center. I’m a little concerned with durability, but Corsair does say the switches are rated for 100 million clicks.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The Scimitar Elite Wireless SE performed well in MMOs and RPGS (and MMORPGs), with smooth, accurate movements and a relatively comfortable form factor for a palm grip. While I’m not the biggest fan of the Scimitar Elite Wireless SE’s side panel curve, I don’t use those extra buttons often enough that the lack of ergonomics was really an issue — it’s not like I’m constantly mashing them, even if I bind my most frequently-used actions and macros.

The mouse also performed decently well in more action-oriented / skill-based RPGs, such as Elden Ring, though it’s not the kind of mouse you can move around very quickly. Not only is it particularly wide and therefore difficult to really hold (as opposed to move), it’s also fairly heavy at 4.02 ounces (114g). That still makes it slightly lighter than my go-to, the Naga V2 Pro (4.73oz / 134g), and it definitely feels pretty hefty (especially compared to all the super lightweight mice we’ve been looking at recently).

It’s also not the type of mouse you can pick up and move around your desk — even if you can wrap your hand around it, it has a side panel full of buttons. This is definitely not a mouse for quick swipes and flicks.

Features and Software of the Scimitar Elite Wireless SE

The Scimitar Elite Wireless SE works (well, “works”) with Corsair’s universal peripheral software, iCUE. You can use iCUE to update your device firmware, customize the mouse’s RGB lighting, and adjust some settings, such as DPI steps, polling rate, and surface calibration. Unfortunately, since this is a 16-button mouse, you can’t really avoid iCUE completely — you’ll also need it to remap/program buttons, and I assume you want to do at least some of that if you’re getting a 16-button mouse.

iCUE is, however, terrible — not only did I have to restart my PC more times than I could count during the program’s extremely slow and inefficient updating system (where it updates each device, including the dongle, one at a time and requires like three restarts after each one), but it was unable to complete the mouse’s final firmware update because… it just wouldn’t go (I’m not sure why).

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(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

Anyway, once you remap your keys and tweak some settings on the Scimitar Elite Wireless SE, you can save your changes to the hardware (three profiles) and uninstall iCUE if you want. Well, sort of. The other key feature of this mouse is that it has native Elgato Stream Deck integration and it also works with Elgato’s new Virtual Stream Deck app works with Elgato’s new “Virtual Stream Deck” software. Which is, of course, even more software for you to download (though Elgato’s software is, thankfully, much better than iCUE’s).

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(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The Virtual Stream Deck is… exactly what it sounds like: a virtual Stream Deck, i.e., a pop-up of a stream deck that lives on your desktop and can be used to perform various Stream Deck features, such as interacting with your connected Elgato equipment, or doing complicated multi-task “macros.”

Not only can the mouse interact with your Elgato streaming gear, it can also act as a physical ‘virtual’ stream deck with all of its buttons — you can assign Stream Deck actions directly to the side panel of the mouse, though you’ll need iCUE running in the background for this to work.

Wireless Experience and Battery Life of the Scimitar Elite Wireless SE

The Scimitar Elite Wireless SE offers three forms of connectivity: low-latency 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and wired (via USB-C). Corsair rates the Scimitar Elite Wireless SE’s battery life at up to 150 hours over 2.4GHz wireless with the backlighting turned off, which is pretty solid — 30 hours over the Scimitar Elite Wireless’ 120-hour rating, and on par with the Razer Naga V2 Pro’s 150-hour rating.

The Scimitar Elite Wireless SE also gets a serious boost in battery life over Bluetooth — up to 500 hours with the lighting turned off, which is a big jump from its predecessor’s 150 hours, but this is neither here nor there as even no gamers — not even those playing cozy, dreamy platformer/crafting games such as Infinity Nikki — are connecting over Bluetooth, unless they’re traveling or something.

Bottom Line

The Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE is basically identical to the two-year-old Scimitar Elite Wireless, but it’s been improved on the inside. It has a new sensor, better battery life, and it integrates with Elgato’s Stream Decks as well as the new virtual Stream Deck software.

But I would have liked to see some — any — attention paid to the mouse’s chassis, which felt bigger and clunkier than it needed to be when we tested the Scimitar Elite Wireless and feels even bigger and clunkier now. The fact that you can turn your mouse into an impromptu Stream Deck is neat, especially if you’re the type of person who actually uses their Stream Deck, but it doesn’t really feel like enough to be considered a “real” update. This is sort of like the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K — same mouse, new sensor… but that’s basically it. It’s also $139.99, which is $10 more than MSRP of the Scimitar Elite Wireless.

But if you’re looking for a mouse with a lot of buttons, your choices are a little scarce in our current world of ultralightweight, super-fast, eSports-player-endorsed peripherals. While it’s not my favorite 12-button side panel, it’s still a pretty good one, and it’s $50 cheaper than the $180 Naga V2 Pro.



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3 underrated Netflix movies you should watch this weekend (May 23-25)
Product Reviews

3 underrated Netflix movies you should watch this weekend (May 23-25)

by admin



Netflix is stacked with interesting movies, but they’re often not the easiest to find. Netflix’s algorithm might claim to understand your tastes, but does it? At times, it can feel like the streaming service hides the best stuff from you.

That’s where we come in. We’ve pulled together a list of three great Netflix movies that are well worth watching this weekend. Whether you’re looking for something scary or profound, this list should have you covered.

Need more recommendations? We also have guides to the best movies on Netflix, the best movies on Hulu, the best movies on Amazon Prime Video, the best movies on Max, and the best movies on Disney+.

The Outrun (2024)

Saoirse Ronan is one of the greatest actresses of her generation, and The Outrun is all the proof you need. The movie follows a young girl who flames out of life in London and then returns home to her small Scottish town to deal with her alcohol addiction. As she comes to terms with her sober life and her family, she also forges a new connection to the natural beauty around her.

Ronan elevates what could be a fairly standard addiction drama into something far more fascinating than that, in part because she seems to understand all the ways her character is both fascinating and frustrating.

You can watch The Outrun on Netflix.

Lion (2016)

A fascinating, heartbreaking true story, Lion follows a young boy who gets lost thousands of miles from home in India after staying on a train too long. As he struggles to survive on the streets of Kolkata, he’s eventually adopted by a couple from Australia.

Then, 25 years later, he (Dev Patel) uses Google Earth to find his way back to the town he’s from and reunite with the family he left behind. Lion is uplifting and heartbreaking in equal measure. Most crucially, it’s a story in which everyone tries their best to help those around them, even as they find themselves approaching the limits of what they can do.

You can watch Lion on Netflix.

Talk to Me (2022)

A smart, genuinely original horror film, Talk to Me follows a group of teenagers who discover a hand that allows them to commune with the dead. What starts as a party game eventually becomes something much more genuinely horrific, as they realize just what kind of power they’ve been dealing with.

Anchored by a mostly unknown young cast filled with excellent actors and some fascinating visuals, Talk to Me feels like the rare horror movie that isn’t just trying to ape something that came before it. It was a major phenomenon among horror fans, and with good reason.

You can watch Talk to Me on Netflix.





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Cooper's Hawk
Product Reviews

This Hawk Figured Out Traffic Signals to Ambush Its Prey

by admin


Birds continue to be amazing. Crows can use tools and hold grudges against specific people. Magpies can recognize themselves in mirrors. And now, hawks are using traffic signals to hunt down prey, according to a study published today in the journal Frontiers in Ethology. 

The story starts with Vladimir Dinets, a zoologist at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and the study’s author, and an intersection in West Orange, New Jersey, near his home. As a zoologist, he had long been interested in animals’ perspective on and understanding of urban environments—and in birds’ relationship with cars, in particular. Scientists have previously observed ravens patrol American highways waiting for roadkill and songbirds using cars to hide from predators.

Dinets was on the lookout for these interesting interactions when a young Cooper’s hawk migrated into his neighborhood and started doing something brilliant.

The intersection wasn’t particularly busy, even during rush hour, Dinets wrote in a guest editorial for Frontiers in Ethology. But sometimes, a pedestrian would cross the street, causing cars to pile up all the way to a small, bushy tree down the block. The pedestrian “walk” signal would also make a sound that indicated it was time to walk.

One morning, Dinets saw the hawk emerge from the tree, fly very low above the line of cars, cross the street between the cars, and then dive to get something near one of the houses.

Then the same thing happened again. And again.

It turns out that the family that lived in that house near the bushy tree liked to have dinner in their front yard. In response, birds—like sparrows and doves—would flock there to claim the leftover crumbs.

That made for easy pickings for the hawk, who would swoop down into the yard to catch said sparrows and doves. But, curiously, the hawk only did this when cars were lined up along the block all the way to the tree.

Dinets eventually figured out that the line of cars provided cover for the hawk, and that the hawk had learned to recognize the sound of the pedestrian “walk” signal. As soon as a pedestrian pressed the button, the hawk would fly from wherever it had been hanging out and into the small, bushy tree. It would then wait for cars to pile up before using the line of cars as cover to sneak up on its prey.

The hawk had, apparently, learned to use the pedestrian signal as a cue to start heading over to the house crowded with defenseless birds, according to Dinets.

“That meant that the hawk understood the connection between the sound and the eventual car queue length,” Dinets explained. The hawk also apparently had a good mental map of the neighborhood.

The hawk (or what Dinets thinks was the same hawk) returned the next year and used the same strategy to hunt. Eventually, though, the family moved away and the signal stopped working, so Dinets hasn’t seen any super smart hawks hunting near his home since.

Life is tough for birds in cities—they have to avoid windows, weave through cars, and deal with noise. But this study shows at least one way that they’ve adapted to urban living.

“I think my observations show that Cooper’s hawks manage to survive and thrive there, at least in part, by being very smart,” Dinets wrote.



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Fire Breaks Out at a Data Center Leased by Elon Musk’s X
Product Reviews

Fire Breaks Out at a Data Center Leased by Elon Musk’s X

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A fire broke out Thursday morning at a data center in Hillsboro, Oregon, leased by Elon Musk’s X, forcing an extended response from emergency crews, according to multiple sources who spoke to WIRED. The sources required anonymity as they aren’t authorized to speak publicly about the company.

Firefighters arrived at the Hillsboro Technology Park, in a suburb west of Portland, at 10:21 am, according to Hillsboro Fire and Rescue spokesperson Piseth Pich. They found a room with batteries that were deemed to be involved in the fire. Pich noted that the fire had not spread to other parts of the building, but said the room in question was heavy with smoke. As of 3:00 pm, the crew was still on the scene.

X did not immediately respond to a request for comment from WIRED. It could not be learned whether server operations at the data center had been affected by the incident.

Before Elon Musk bought Twitter, the company had three data centers in Sacramento, Portland, and Atlanta. This ensured that if one data center went down, traffic could be shifted to the other two—and split so no single data center was overwhelmed.

Around Christmas Eve 2022, Musk shut down X’s data center in Sacramento in an effort to cut costs. The company experienced a major outage in the wake of the shutdown. Over the next six months, the company moved more than 2,573 server racks from the Sacramento facility to data centers in Portland and Atlanta, according to internal documents.

In the Portland area, X appears to lease space from a building that has been linked to Digital Realty, one of the world’s largest developers of data centers. Digital Realty provides varying levels of operating support at its sites, which can have one or more tenants. It’s unclear if X shares this facility with other companies.

Ryan Young, vice president of Americas operations for Digital Realty, said in a statement to WIRED on Thursday evening that the “fire-related incident at our PDX11 facility” had been contained and that the fire department had left. “All personnel were safely evacuated, with no reported injuries,” Young stated. “We continue to monitor the situation, prioritizing the safety of our personnel, the integrity of the facility, and minimizing customer impact.”

Young declined to comment on customers.

Batteries often function as a backup power source at data centers. But lithium-ion varieties can be volatile, and issues with upkeep and inadequate safety measures have contributed to costly blazes at data centers around the world. Pich, the Hillsboro Fire Department spokesperson, says he could not recall any previous fire involving batteries in the Oregon region’s many other data centers.

X’s parent company, xAI, has taken criticism in recent months for its rapid expansion of power capacity at a new data center in Memphis, which opened last year. That facility, which Musk named Colossus, was built up at breakneck speed to train xAI’s Grok and other AI tools. The company installed more than 30 methane-powered gas turbines, but because the turbines are temporary, a federal permit for pollution control isn’t required, which appears to exploit a loophole in the Clean Air Act. The facility has drawn widespread criticism from surrounding Black and brown communities, who are already exposed to a large amount of air pollution and industrial emissions from other facilities in the area.

Update 5/22/25 11:03 ET: This story has been updated to include additional comment from Digital Realty.



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X is experiencing a data center outage
Product Reviews

X is experiencing a data center outage

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If you had trouble using X today, you’re not alone. DownDetector reports that over 5,000 people have reported issues accessing the social media platform as of 4PM ET. X’s official Engineering account claims the issue is due to a data center outage.

“X is aware some of our users are experiencing performance issues on the platform today,” X’s Engineering account writes. “We are experiencing a data center outage and the team is actively working to remediate the issue.” The platform last experienced a major outage in March 2025. At the time, X CEO Elon Musk blamed the outage on a “massive cyberattack.” Security researchers who looked into the issue later said it was poor security on X’s part that left the company’s servers vulnerable to attack.

X is aware some of our users are experiencing performance issues on the platform today. We are experiencing a data center outage and the team is actively working to remediate the issue.

— Engineering (@XEng) May 22, 2025

Update, May 22, 6:30PM ET: Users are still reporting problems accessing X, though at a lesser rate than its peak of 3:40PM ET. The X Engineering report has not posted an update since its original tweet.

Update, May 22, 9:35PM ET: X is still experiencing site-wide outage. Wired has reported that a fire broke out at a data center leased by Elon Musk in Hillsboro, Oregon. It’s not quite clear if that has anything to do with the current outage.





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