• Dont Mess with Grandma turns the home invasion thriller into a goofy comedy
    www.polygon.com
    Ive always found the home invasion thriller to be the scariest subgenre of horror: the terror of people infringing on your space, the loss of the sense of safety, the spooky masks. But it doesnt have to be that way. By making the wannabe burglars into incompetent, hopelessly overmatched buffoons and focusing on the complex familial relationship at its center, Tubis new Dont Mess with Grandma is a charming, tension-free, low-budget home invasion action comedy with plenty of laughs and some excellent leading performances.JT (Michael Jai White) is a Marine veteran with a bum knee and a penchant for metal music (the original title when it played at Fantastic Fest was Sunset Superman, referencing the Dio song on the movies soundtrack). In fact, hes a bit of a metal dork he wears denim vests, has an unkempt flat top/mohawk situation going on, and listens to an audiobook of a fantasy series about wizards but hes also a total sweetheart, working with a Meals on Wheels-like organization called Trusted Trays, where he helps seniors with laundry, meals, and getting things from high shelves.JT also drives five hours a day to see his grandmother (Jackie Richardson), who lives in the middle of nowhere. Which, unsurprisingly, means no neighbors, no cell service, and, thus, no opportunities for help if something goes wrong. When a group of aspiring burglars shows up to the house, a decidedly drunk JT decides not to worry Granna, making for a very fun push and pull as he tries to dispatch them without alerting her.While the home invasion is the main source of action, Dont Mess with Grandma is much more about JTs relationship with his grandmother. White and Richardson have fantastic rapport, contrasting his sweetness with her spice; Granna is constantly bossing JT around and telling him his life choices arent good enough (or asking him when hes going to fix that damn sink), while JTs patience is continually tested by both his grandmas demeanor and the repeated incursions of the wannabe home invaders. Writer-director Jason Krawczyk makes ample space for these comedic moments, which feel like the meat of the movie to the action scenes gravy.White may be best known as one of the great martial arts stars of his era, but hes an underrated comedic actor who has actually been in more comedies than action movies in his storied career (its not just Black Dynamite). JT is much more afraid of his grandmas large dog Rufus than the invaders, and he frequently runs toward the criminals to get away from the dog. (I feel its not too much of a spoiler to say he and Rufus eventually team up. Good dog!) There are the physical aspects fighting bad guys while trying to keep Granna unaware but also some ace line deliveries, like when he gives Rufus a pump-up speech, tries and fails to stop a word from coming out of his mouth, or suddenly remarks to himself, Grannas literally bathing in the blood of mine enemies.The plot and atmosphere is a lot like Home Alone, just with a cantankerous, unaware grandmother in the background. But removing children from the situation entirely lessens the tension even more, and Home Alone doesnt feature an outstandingly committed Minnesota-nice Billy Zane, described accurately by Polygon contributor Matt Essary as What if Elmer Fudd was one of The Strangers?The home invaders are very Coen bros.-lite, quirky and incompetent people who have lots of character. Zane is the highlight, but the groups frustration at JTs super-competence is very enjoyable a standout beat is the groups very evocative pig masks they use for the attempted burglary end up preventing them from seeing anything. And theres a surprisingly affirming flirty, queer B-plot that plays out among this group that truly warmed my heart. To its benefit, Dont Mess with Grandma doesnt make a huge deal about this or become self-congratulatory about its inclusiveness, rather just letting it play out as a normal budding romance.The result is a charming movie thats more about complicated and hilarious familial relationships than a home invasion, leaning on the many skills of its leading man to deliver a very enjoyable 80 minutes of action comedy. If youre here for Michael Jai White action, there are better movies for you to explore. But if youre here for Michael Jai White, multifaceted movie star, youre in the right place.Dont Mess with Grandma is now streaming for free with ads on Tubi.
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  • Rooster Teeth rises from the post-Warner Bros. ashes
    www.polygon.com
    Nearly a year after news of Rooster Teeths demise, company founder Burnie Burns announced Wednesday that hes acquired the brand, marking a new chapter for Rooster Teeth as it returns to the hands of its original creator.Burns company Box Canyon Productions will launch a new slate of productions under the Rooster Teeth brand in 2025, according to a news release, including renewed production of some of the platforms classic shows. Burns and Box Canyon did not announce which shows it will focus on, but it sounds like a revival of, say, Red vs. Blue is not off the table. That longtime popular machinima series ostensibly ended last year with Red vs. Blue: Restoration, a movie-length sendoff for the franchise. Prior to the release of Restoration, Rooster Teeth founders Matt Hullum, Geoff Ramsey, Gus Sorola, and Burns reunited for one last epic Halo gaming session.I am excited at the challenge of bringing Rooster Teeth back to its roots, said Burns in a statement. The heart of this brand has always been its fans, and I look forward to writing a new chapter together. Burns said his plans for Rooster Teeth will focus on innovation, community engagement, and the spirit of creativity that first defined its success.In an episode of Burnie and Ashley Burns podcast Morning Somewhere, the former said that the acquisition of Rooster Teeth encompasses the brand, its various channels on YouTube, and its social media accounts. It does not include Rooster Teeth spinoff series like FunHaus and Achievement Hunter, nor does it include the RWBY intellectual property, which is owned by Viz Media.The reborn Rooster Teeth currently consists of two employees. Burnie asked that fans refrain from pestering the companys other founders to ask if theyre returning to Rooster Teeth, and promised to answer questions about the new company to subscribers of the Morning Somewhere Patreon this weekend. Burnie expanded somewhat on the companys plans during the podcast, saying vaguely that the plan for 2025 is to deshittify our little corner of the internet.Polygon has reached out to Burnie Burns for further comment and will update when he responds.Rooster Teeth was founded in 2003, the same year it launchedRed vs. Blue, a machinima-styled show that usedHalo: Combat Evolvedto tell a story of two groups of isolated, opposing armies dropped into a barren canyon. The show quickly became a hit, thanks to its parody of both wartime narratives and military video games.The company branched out with shows likeAchievement Unlocked,Lets Play, and the hit anime web seriesRWBY. Fullscreen acquired Rooster Teeth in 2014, an acquisition that kicked off a string of mergers and restructurings that led to Rooster Teeths consolidation under AT&T. AT&T tried to sell Rooster Teeth in 2021, but failed to find a buyer, so it was included in the AT&T deal that merged WarnerMedia with Discovery to create Warner Bros. Discovery. In March 2024, Rooster Teeth announced it would close.
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  • Virgin O2 Media Emphasizes Connectivity in an Expansive New London Headquarters
    design-milk.com
    Gensler was tapped to design an ultra-connected and inclusive workplace for telecommunications giant Virgin Media O2 the first major office investment since the merger of the two companies in 2021.Located in the Paddington neighborhood of London, and spanning 81,750 square feet across six floors (plus additional ground-floor space), the new hub unites diverse teams and aligns with the organizations See what you can do mantra. The designers not only had to set the right tone, but also reference unseen offerings like broadband and mobile networks rather than typical products that can be displayed. It was a challenge to take some things that arent necessarily tangible products and to bring them to life in the space, says Megan Dobstaff, design director at Gensler London.By partnering with employee focus groups and an accessibility and DEI consultant, it was clear that the office had to accommodate hybrid and flexible work modes with solutions that would allow users to complete tasks in a range of settings. Every floor has a different theme representing cultural threads of influence, which tie in with the Virgin Media O2 mission and also resonate with the collective. Streaming, gaming, dance, and other motifs are highlighted, utilizing a variety of materials, lighting, and hues to create energy and invite collaboration in each area.To form these unique zones, the designers decided to forgo basic signage and instead formulated profiles of the senses via an architectural lens. The sports-themed floor, for example, features bleacher-style seating and carpeting that mimics the look of a grass field. At the music level, black and white pieces call to mind the keys of a piano. On the 9th floor, staff members can gather for occasions big or small. An arena is used for corporate events, while the caf is a place to share meals or have quick check-ins. Libraries are ideal for individuals who want quieter spots to work in.The brand colors were strategically placed in what Dobstaff describes as a controlled, poetic way. Deep signature red and blue tints are found in the main work zones, and then transition to lighter shades in the informal, hospitality-led arrival points with the employee and visitor lounges. Alternating soft and deep green tones enliven the interiors, and complement the foliage throughout.Furniture is suitable for a range of body types and abilities. Traditional and treadmill desks are available, and height-adjustable counters allow those that are shorter or taller in stature to perform daily tasks without sacrificing comfort. Meeting rooms have enough space for wheelchair users to move around tables and chairs more easily.The wellness of people and the planet was also key, and approximately 630 tons of carbon was saved by integrating sustainable practices. While the headquarters boasts a striking design, the goal was to also have a lasting impact on the workers of today and tomorrow. We created these experience destinations, which hopefully will help to change behavior and evolve how the employees are working, Dobstaff adds.To see more work by Gensler, visit gensler.com.Photography by Gareth Gardner.
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  • My Favorite Amazon Deal of the Day: The Sonos Era 100
    lifehacker.com
    We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.The Sonos Era 100 is an improved version of the Sonos One, with much more powerful bass and other upgrades that make it one of the best multi-room smart speakers you can buy. It's currently at its lowest price ever$199 (originally $249) after a $50 discountaccording to price-tracking tools. Most of the other Sonos speakers are also seeing their lowest prices right now. Sonos Era 100 Black - Wireless, Alexa Enabled Smart Speaker $199.00 at Amazon $249.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal Get Deal $199.00 at Amazon $249.00 Save $50.00 The Sonos Era 100 came out in early 2023 and received an "excellent" review from PCMag for its ability to create stereo audio with a single device (it has a dual tweeter setup); its balanced audio; the useful companion app that allows you to adjust the EQ; its ability to connect with Bluetooth and wifi; Alexa and Sonos voice integration; and compatibility with most major music streaming services. As it is still a single speaker, the stereo effect won't match a true stereo setup, but it's a good approximation and an improvement over previous Sonos speakers. The real point of differentiation for the Sonos Era 100 (and most Sonos speakers, for that matter) is the ability to seamlessly group with other Sonos speakers that you own. Sonos makes it easy to handle multi-room pairing (lets you play your music in multiple Sonos speakers in different rooms) without needing to connect to your wifi over and over again.Back when the speaker first launched, it only supported Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, and Pandorawith Spotify a notable omission. However, Spotify and other music services are now available. The Sonos voice assistant is still limited in capability, with no Google Assistant or Google Cast integration, and the speaker also doesn't support Dolby Atmos, which is disappointing for a device at this price level. Caveats aside, if you're looking for a stationary smart speaker with great audio that can easily connect with other Sonos speakers you own or might add in the future (they also work as rear speakers with a Sonos soundbar), the Sonos Era 100 is a great choiceespecially at 20% off.
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  • You Can Now Unsend Outlook Emails on Mac
    lifehacker.com
    Gmail has had an Undo Send feature for years now, and it looks like Outlook for Mac is about to get a version of it too. While Outlook Recall technically isn't new, Microsoft is streamlining bringing it to Outlook's Mac app. Recall allows you to unsend an email in Outlook and works on both the service's free and paid tiers, and you can try out a beta version right now. What is Outlook Recall?I've often sent emails without thinking too much, and only after sending did I realize that I could have chosen a different example to illustrate a problem, my tone could be perceived as a bit rude, or that my email has an embarrassing typo. I've even misspelled my own name in an email once (I still pray that the receiver didn't notice it). In all these cases, I wished that Microsoft allowed me to quickly unsend the email, and eventually, I trained myself to take a deep breath and review emails before hitting the dreaded Send button.Now, with Outlook Recall, Microsoft has a way to help you unsend emails. It works with Outlook's Windows and web apps, and now the Mac app, too. This feature is not to be confused with Microsoft's AI Recall, which quietly records everything you do on your PC. The Outlook Recall feature is only for bringing back sent emails.How to use Outlook Recall Credit: Microsoft To use Outlook Recall for Mac, you'll need to be on the Microsoft 365 Insider program. To join it, visit this page and follow the instructions for the type of Office account that you have. Note that you using updates intended for the Insider program might mean troubleshooting and dealing with occasional bugs and crashes, as they're not fully ready yet. The program is meant for testing features before they're released to the general public, so you could face weird issues in your Microsoft 365 apps.Once you've joined the Insider program, you may have to update the Outlook for Mac app to version 16.94 or newer to start using the Recall feature. Check under File > Office Account > Update Options to be sure. Outlook Recall only works if you and the receiver are subscribed to Microsoft 365 or Exchange within the same organization. If you've emailed something to someone outside the organization, you're out of luck. Once you've sent an email to another person in the same organization, follow these steps to use Outlook Recall:Go to the Sent Items folder in Outlook for Mac.Right-click the email you wish to unsend.Click Recall. This button is also available in the toolbar above your emails.Go back to your Inbox and you'll see a small popover notification telling you that the message was successfully recalled.Right-click the sent message and select Resend to send it again.Microsoft said it plans to roll out this feature to the (confusingly separate from Beta) Preview channel this month (February 2025). If all goes well, it should make it to stable version of Outlook for Mac soon.
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  • The Super Bowl is being broadcast with Dolby Atmos audio for the first time
    www.engadget.com
    Tubi isnt the only service touting its Super Bowl LIX presentation prowess ahead of Sundays big game. If you have the right setup, the whistles, slamming helmets and quarterback play-calls in this years matchup could sound a bit more immersive. Comcast said on Wednesday that it will not only offer Dolby Vision, as it did in 2023, for the big game. This year, the showdown between the Chiefs and Eagles will also add Dolby Atmos for the first time.The pairing is part of Comcasts Enhanced 4K programming for X1 customers. The feature, which debuted at last years Paris Olympics, uses Dolby Vision HDR and Atmos surround sound for crisp quality,brighter colors and immersive audio. Enhanced 4K streams in ultra-low latency at higher bitrates than traditional 4K.To get in on the jazzy presentation, youll need to be an Xfinity X1 subscriber with a checklist of required hardware. That starts with a 4K TV, 4K HDR set-top box (Xfinity X1, XG1v4 or Xi6) and a 4K-capable HDMI cord. In addition, your TV, external speakers or soundbar will need to support Dolby Atmos for the virtual surround sound experience. X1 subscribers can also get Enhanced 4K through the Xfinity Stream app.Fox, which has the broadcast rights to this years Super Bowl, will also show the game for free in 4K on Tubi, which it owns. This will be the first time the streaming service has shown the big game quite the departure from its usual fare of ad-supported Dog the Bounty Hunter and Duck Dynasty reruns.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/the-super-bowl-is-being-broadcast-with-dolby-atmos-audio-for-the-first-time-180035421.html?src=rss
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  • Amazon is holding a devices event on February 26
    www.engadget.com
    Amazon is set to show off some new stuff later this month. The company has scheduled a devices event for February 26 in New York City. The company's hardware chief, Panos Panay, and his devices and services team will be on hand. The event will start at 10AM ET.The event invitation that Amazon sent to the media doesn't give much away. It includes the date, the Amazon smile/arrow logo and a tagline that reads "See what's next." Some swoopy blue lines are in the background.It hasn't been too long since Amazon refreshed the Kindle lineup, so it seems a little unlikely that we'll see new e-readers from the company later this month. Instead, Amazon may finally be ready to spill the beans about the long-gestating next-gen Alexa, which it reportedly planned to reveal last October before a delay. The head of Amazon's artificial general intelligence said in January that the company had been dealing with technical difficulties, such as incorrect or false results that tend to be an issue for generative AIs.If, indeed, the next-gen Alexa is the focal point of the event, Amazon may have new audio gear to show off. As such, new Echo speakers and Echo Buds could be on the agenda. We might also learn just how much Amazon plans to charge for a subscription to this turbocharged version of Alexa.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/amazon-is-holding-a-devices-event-on-february-26-164421400.html?src=rss
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  • Chinese hackers develop effective new hacking technique to go after business networks
    www.techradar.com
    Cybercriminals are using new backdoors for persistent access and remote code execution, experts warn
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  • Don't worry about the Nintendo Switch 2 price, Nintendo says it will follow the 'affordable prices customers expect'
    www.techradar.com
    Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa has shared some insight into the potential cost of the Switch 2.
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  • USPS says it will resume accepting inbound packages from China, Hong Kong
    www.cnbc.com
    The USPS said it will resume accepting inbound mail and packages from China and Hong Kong Posts, just hours after it suspended service from those regions.
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