IT General

The TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus tablet is back down to a record low price of under $240

Mashable - Fri, 12/12/2025 - 00:00

SAVE $130: The TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus Android tablet is on sale at Amazon for $239.99, down from the list price of $369.99. That's a 35% discount that matches the record-low price.

Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus Android tablet $239.99 at Amazon
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A new tablet for 2026 could be the fresh start we all crave. You have tons of options these days if you're looking for a new tablet. But if you're shopping on a budget or just want an affordable model, there's a nice deal on offer today at Amazon.

As of Dec. 11, the TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus Android tablet is on sale for $239.99 at Amazon, marked down from the standard price of $369.99. That's a 35% discount that works out a nice $130 savings. It also matches the record-low price.

The versatility of the TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus is one of the standout features of this tablet. TCL designed this tablet with the brand's VeraView mode which means you can use it in regular mode, ink paper, or color paper mode. The ink paper mode utilizes TCL's NXTPAPER 4.0 technology, which aims to give the display the feel of reading physical paper with less eye-stain that could occur with many tablets. This'll be a highlight for those who love to use e-readers like Kindles.

SEE ALSO: Record-low price alert: We've never seen the AirPods Pro 3 this cheap at Walmart

Considering the least expensive Amazon Kindle Colorsoft is priced at $249.99 and doesn't function as a tablet to access email, the web, etc. the TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus could be a more versatile alternative.

Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder spent some time with an older TCL NXTPAPER and wrote, "From the get-go, their displays really do look like photos printed on actual paper. They’re matte, and thus better to use in sunlight than the displays on most phones and tablets. They appear perfectly still and perfectly flat, for lack of better words."

This deal also includes a flip case and the TCL T-Pen, which magnetically attaches to the case for added convenience.

While the TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus is sitting at a record-low price of $239.99, consider the upgrade a gift to start off 2026 on the right foot. You'll have access to an impressive display for reading e-books, taking on creative projects, and keeping up with e-mails.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Turn PDF headaches into hassle-free workflows with this $24 tool

Mashable - Fri, 12/12/2025 - 00:00

TL;DR: Make peace with PDFs with this lifetime subscription to PDF Converter and Editor, now just $23.99 (reg. $99.99) with code CONVERT through Jan. 11.

Opens in a new window Credit: Acethinker PDF Converter & Editor: Lifetime License $23.99
$99.99 Save $76   Get Deal

PDFs don’t have to be frustrating. Whether you edit PDFs daily or just every now and then, the right tool for the job makes a big difference. That’s where the PDF Converter and Editor app comes into play, offering everything you need to tackle PDFs in one convenient place.

Right now, a lifetime subscription to PDF Converter and Editor can be yours for just $23.99 (reg. $99.99) with code CONVERT through Jan. 11.

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No matter how much we try, we can’t escape PDFs. If you’re ready to be prepared every time you encounter one of these frustrating file formats, PDF Converter and Editor can help. This handy tool makes it easy to work with these files and convert them to another format in just a few clicks.

Whether you need to submit a signature or submit a bunch of forms, PDF Converter and Editor helps you work within PDF files and convert them into other file types — including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, text, HTML, PNG, or JPG — with just a few taps.

If you need to edit an existing file, PDF Converter and Editor allows you to merge, split, rotate, or delete pages with just a few taps. You can also use OCR to extract and edit text, or even add notes, stamps, text, or a customizable watermark if needed.

Need to submit something as a PDF? That’s just as straightforward with this app, which lets you create a PDF from a Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or image file as well. Converting files won’t sacrifice quality, as original layouts, images, and hyperlinks will all be preserved in the process.

Conquer PDFs for good with this lifetime subscription to PDF Converter and Editor, now just $23.99 (reg. $99.99) with code CONVERT until Jan. 11.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop doomscrolling and learn something new in your spare time with this $40 app

Mashable - Fri, 12/12/2025 - 00:00

TL;DR: Learn new concepts in 15 minutes with this lifetime subscription to Headway Premium, on sale now for just $39.99, the best price on the web, with code SUMMARY20 through Jan. 31.

Opens in a new window Credit: Headway Headway Premium: Lifetime Subscription $39.99
$299.95 Save $259.96   Get Deal

Do you have some lofty goals for 2026? Whether you have a lengthy TBR list or you are just hoping to learn some new things next year, Headway Premium allows you to access 15-minute summaries of some of the world’s best nonfiction books in your spare time.

Right now, you can score a lifetime subscription to Headway Premium for just $39.99 with code SUMMARY20 until Jan. 31.

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If you’ve got 15 minutes, Headway Premium can teach you something new. Ditch your doomscrolling and start using this app to read or listen to 15-minute summaries of bestselling nonfiction books.

More than 15 million people are already learning with Headway, picking up key ideas and insights from books in their spare time. Choose between listening to professionally narrated audio summaries or reading written ones, depending on your preference.

There are over 2,000 summaries already available, with new ones added each month. Choose from topics such as personal development and business strategies, or health and wellness. Headway’s gamified learning makes the process even more fun, as you can earn achievements, track your progress, and master new skills while you work on your self-growth.

Heading on a trip? You can enjoy summaries offline as well. While it doesn’t replace reading the whole book from cover to cover, it is a great way to discover new subjects you enjoy.

Learn new things in 2026 and beyond with this lifetime subscription to Headway Premium, now only $39.99, the best price on the web, with code SUMMARY20 through Jan. 31.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Gas engines are making a comeback—and not just in America

How-To Geek - Thu, 12/11/2025 - 23:00

As governments keep rethinking their rules around vehicle emissions, buyers are rethinking what they want to drive.

Categories: IT General, Technology

PSA imagines AI chatbots as creepy humans who harm kids

Mashable - Thu, 12/11/2025 - 22:53

On Thursday morning, hours before President Donald Trump signed an executive order designed to stop states from regulating artificial intelligence, a trio of child safety advocacy groups began airing a public service announcement imploring him not to do so.

The ad, entitled "Unwelcome Guests," casts creepy-looking humans as the voices and faces of real AI chatbots that have allegedly shared dangerous information with young users who engaged with them, like how to harm themselves and hide an eating disorder from their parents.

SEE ALSO: 5 strategies to avoid ChatGPT dependency

Three examples reference instances in which ChatGPT allegedly coached young users into attempting suicide. Experts recently reviewed major AI chatbots and concluded they're not safe for teens to use for mental health discussions.

OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, is being sued by multiple families of teens who died by suicide after heavy engagement with the chatbot. The company recently denied responsibility for the death of Adam Raine, a 16-year-old who talked to ChatGPT about his suicidal feelings and killed himself earlier this year.

"As parents, we do everything in our power to protect our children from harm, but how do we protect them from powerful technologies designed to exploit their vulnerabilities for profit?" said Megan Garcia, whose son, Sewell Setzer III, died by suicide in the wake of developing an intense relationship with a chatbot on Character.AI. The company has since shut down teen chats on the platform.

"If state AI regulations are blocked and AI companies are allowed to keep building untested and dangerous products, I'm afraid that many more families will endure the agony of losing a child. We cannot accept losing one more child to AI harms," Garcia said.

The PSA concludes with the text, "Don't stop states from regulating AI," and points to a petition opposing a federal ban.

The spot was commissioned by the child safety advocacy groups Heat Initiative, ParentsTogether Action, and Design It For Us, and is narrated by actress Juliette Lewis.

If you're feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please talk to somebody. You can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. You can reach the Trans Lifeline by calling 877-565-8860 or the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. Text "START" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET, or email info@nami.org. If you don't like the phone, consider using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat. Here is a list of international resources.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

Categories: IT General, Technology

After striking OpenAI deal, Disney demands Google cease and desist from AI infringement

Mashable - Thu, 12/11/2025 - 22:52

Today, Disney and OpenAI announced a surprising partnership, which will allow ChatGPT users to generate content with Disney's iconic characters.

On the heels of that news, Variety reported that Disney sent Google a cease-and-desist notice on Wednesday evening, threatening legal action over the search giant's alleged use of Disney's intellection property in its AI models. Disney is accusing Google of copyright infringement on a “massive scale,” claiming Google's AI models “commercially exploit and distribute” infringing media.

Disney has reportedly accused Google of infringing on Disney properties such as Star Wars, Frozen, The Lion King, Moana, The Little Mermaid, Deadpool, and The Guardians of the Galaxy. Disney has also accused Google of encouraging users to take part in Generative AI trends such as prompts that create images of "action figures" depicting Disney-owned characters. According to Variety, images of figurines depicting Darth Vader, Deadpool, Homer Simpson, and Elsa from Frozen were included in examples in the cease-and-desist letter.

Disney's recent actions are certainly interesting. Just this past June, Disney filed a lawsuit against AI image generation company Midjourney over the use of Disney's IP in AI-generated content. At the time, Disney lawyers called Midjourney "a bottomless pit of plagiarism."

So, why has Disney partnered with one, and only one, AI company? By granting OpenAI an exclusive license to use its characters, OpenAI will now be able to argue that Google and other AI companies are violating that license.

When OpenAI launched its AI video platform Sora in October, the company was immediately criticized for allowing users to generate video content utilizing other brands' copyrighted characters. OpenAI eventually announced that any company could opt out of Sora inclusion on a character-by-character basis.

And in Mashable's testing of AI image and video generators, we found that most of these AI tools will readily produce deepfakes featuring Star Wars and Marvel characters.

Now, Disney has demanded that Google “immediately cease further copying, publicly displaying, publicly performing, distributing, and creating derivative works of Disney’s copyrighted characters” in “outputs of Google’s AI Services, including through YouTube’s mobile app, YouTube Shorts and YouTube.”

In addition, Disney wants Google to put safeguards in place "to ensure that no future outputs infringe Disney works."

In effect, Disney is putting the AI world on notice.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why is the sex in Heated Rivalry so hot?

Mashable - Thu, 12/11/2025 - 22:52

Dropped onto HBO Max in late Nov. with almost zero promotion, the gay hockey series Heated Rivalry is everywhere these days. The show's handsome stars, Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, are dominating social feeds, with a growing legion of fans salivating over the chemistry between their characters, two extremely talented and closeted NHL players. As of Dec. 11, Heated Rivalry sits as the third most-watched series on HBO Max, behind only Mad Men and IT: Welcome to Derry.

What is it about this Canadian show that has captured the public's attention in a way few other recent series have? Yes, it's a rare gay love story on TV, and it depicts the often-untold tales of LGBTQ athletes. The acting is good, as are the production values. Undeniably, though, it's the show's depictions of sex, mostly between Williams' and Storrie's characters, that's pulling in viewers. Their trysts feel different than same-sex "lovemaking" in other notable LGBTQ shows, like Queer as Folk, The L Word, and, more recently, Heartstopper.

The nature of the characters' relationship is certainly part of it — their sexual congress is beyond illicit. If the public were to find out the League's two best players were sleeping together (and were, maybe, in love?), it could wreck their careers and even endanger their lives. The high stakes equate to intense passion.

SEE ALSO: 9 LGBTQ creators discuss not backing down from Pride

It's also to the testament of series creator Jacob Tierney that the sex comes off as authentic and hot. He cast two charismatic leads (who seem to actually like each other in real life) and filmed them beautifully in luxe hotel rooms. Heated Rivalry's lighting is warm and sensual, though HBO Max did darken the show (inadvertently, Tierney maintains), including its sex scenes, from the original Canadian version. The camera stays on the men during the actual intercourse, with no burning candles or hand-holding for suggestion. When the characters of Shane and Ilya give in to their passion, it's less Red, White, & Royal Blue (e.g., soap opera-style timidity) and much more Blue Is the Warmest Color (close-ups, noises, and occasional awkwardness).

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Zachary Zane, Grindr's sex and relationship expert, heaped praise on Heated Rivalry's depiction of gay lust:

"First off, the show masterfully builds suspense and sexual tension, perhaps more so than previous depictions of queer sex on screen. It adopts a slow-burn approach, characterized by constant furtive glances and intense pining between Ilya and Shane, with Shane's longing being particularly noticeable. The viewer can see the sexual tension and desire on their pretty faces.

Two, the production value is also incredibly high. The soft lighting and shadows add a sensual and suspenseful element we didn't get nearly as much of in past queer shows.

Three, the dynamic between Ilya and Shane is a major draw. Their enemies-to-lovers trope is an inherently popular and arousing romance staple, but it's more than that. Shane leans a bit submissive, being coy about his wants while dancing around his anxieties. Ilya is this powerhouse, emotionally-avoidant dom with a sexy accent, deep voice, and adventurous mindset for public trysts. If only we could see their Grindr tags.

While sexual fantasies and desires naturally vary among queer men, this particular dom/sub dynamic is a common interest amongst most gay and bisexual men, who can identify with either Ilya, Shane, or perhaps even both."

Heated Rivalry's fourth episode (of six) drops tomorrow, Dec. 12, on HBO Max.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 ways I use Notion to make my life easier

How-To Geek - Thu, 12/11/2025 - 22:00

Notion has become integral to my daily workflow. During the week, there’s not a day that goes by where I’m not in Notion for at least a few hours, if not most of the workday. Here’s how Notion makes both my personal and professional life so much easier.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This storage tech was supposed to be the future—here is why it failed

How-To Geek - Thu, 12/11/2025 - 21:30

A little over a decade ago, SSDs began to drop in price, making them a viable storage option for consumer PCs and offering significantly faster performance than traditional HDDs.

Categories: IT General, Technology

OpenAI says GPT-5.2 is safer for mental health. What does that mean?

Mashable - Thu, 12/11/2025 - 21:12

Today, OpenAI launched GPT-5.2, touting its stronger safety performance in regard to mental health.

"With this release, we continued our work to strengthen our models' responses in sensitive conversations⁠, with meaningful improvements in how they respond to prompts indicating signs of suicide or self-harm, mental health distress, or emotional reliance on the model," OpenAI's blog post states.

OpenAI has recently been hit with criticism and lawsuits, which accuse ChatGPT of contributing to some users' psychosis, paranoia, and delusions. Some of those users died by suicide after lengthy conversations with the AI chatbot, which has had a well-documented problem with sycophancy.

In response to a wrongful death lawsuit concerning the suicide of 16-year-old Adam Raine, OpenAI denied that the LLM was responsible, claimed ChatGPT directed the teenager to seek help for his suicidal thoughts, and stated that the teenager "misused" the platform. At the same time, OpenAI pledged to improve how ChatGPT responds when users display warning signs of self-harm and mental health crises. As many users develop emotional attachments to AI chatbots like ChatGPT, AI companies are facing growing scrutiny for the safeguards they have in place to protect users.

Now, OpenAI claims that its latest ChatGPT models will offer "fewer undesirable responses" in sensitive situations.

In the blog post announcing GPT-5.2, OpenAI states that GPT-5.2 scores higher on safety tests related to mental health, emotional reliance, and self-harm compared to GPT-5.1 models. Previously, OpenAI has said it's using "safe completion," a new safety-training approach that balances helpfulness and safety. More information on the new models' performance can be found in the 5.2 system card.

Credit: Screenshot: OpenAI

However, the company has also observed that GPT-5.2 refuses fewer requests for mature content, especially sexualized text. OpenAI clarified to Mashable that it has implemented system-level safeguards to mitigate this behavior, and testing indicates that these safeguards do help. OpenAI didn't respond to how this would work in instances of adult users wanting to generate erotica, as "adult mode" is reported to launch next year.

But this apparently doesn't impact users OpenAI knows to be underage, as the company states that its age safeguards "appear to be working well." OpenAI applies additional content protections for minors, including reducing access to content containing violence, gore, viral challenges, roleplay of sexual, romantic, or violent nature, and "extreme beauty standards."

An age prediction model is also in the works, which will allow ChatGPT to estimate its users' ages to help provide more age-appropriate content for younger users.

Earlier this fall, OpenAI introduced parental controls in ChatGPT, including monitoring and restricting certain types of use.

OpenAI isn't the only AI company accused of exacerbating mental health issues. Last year, a mother sued Character.AI after her son's death by suicide, and another lawsuit claims children were severely harmed by that platform's "characters." Character.AI has been declared unsafe for teens by online safety experts. Likewise, AI chatbots from a variety of platforms, including OpenAI, have been declared unsafe for teens' mental health according to child safety and mental health experts.

If you're feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please talk to somebody. You can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. You can reach the Trans Lifeline by calling 877-565-8860 or the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. Text "START" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET, or email info@nami.org. If you don't like the phone, consider using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat. Here is a list of international resources.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

UPDATE: Dec. 12, 2025, 12:14 p.m. EST This article has been updated with clarity on GPT-5.2 refusing requests for mature content.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why I stopped using a Raspberry Pi for self-hosting

How-To Geek - Thu, 12/11/2025 - 21:00

Raspberry Pis are iconic devices among home labbers, self-hosting enthusiasts, and tinkerers alike. While they can be used for self-hosting services, I've stopped using them for that purpose only completely and moved my projects to a mini PC instead. Here's why.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to try GPT-5.2, the new ChatGPT model series from OpenAI

Mashable - Thu, 12/11/2025 - 20:54

OpenAI has announced its launching GPT-5.2 effective immediately, with access rolling out in phases starting Dec. 11.

This is the second major update to GPT-5, the long-awaited OpenAI model that launched on Aug. 7.

In a blog post announcing the new series of ChatGPT models, the company called GPT-5.2 the "most capable model series yet for professional knowledge work."

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GPT-5.2 is actually a series of models; the series itself is part of the larger GPT-5 series. Here's what we're looking at:

  • GPT-5.2 Instant

  • GPT-5.2 Thinking

  • GPT-5.2 Pro

When can you start using GPT-5.2?

With a Dec. 11 release date, GPT-5.2 is available now — though not all users will see it listed as an available model in ChatGPT.

As with previous model rollouts, OpenAI will first deploy the model to paid users on Plus, Pro, Go, Business, and Enterprise plans.

Even for paying customers, OpenAI tends to make its new models available in phases — so if it's not available immediately via the OpenAI API or ChatGPT, keep checking.

"We deploy GPT‑5.2 gradually to keep ChatGPT as smooth and reliable as we can," the company wrote. "If you don’t see it at first, please try again later. In ChatGPT, GPT‑5.1 will still be available to paid users for three months under legacy models, after which we will sunset GPT‑5.1."

If you have a paid ChatGPT account, go to ChatGPT.com to see if the model is available. Eventually, all ChatGPT users should have free access to GPT-5.2, though that access will be limited on free membership plans.

GPT-5.2 benchmarks and performance

OpenAI published a new system card that shows GPT-5.2 makes iterative improvements on key benchmarks compared to GPT-5 and 5.1. In addition, OpenAI said that GPT-5.2 hallucinates less than previous models.

  • GDPval: GPT-5.2 scored 70.9 percent, while GPT-5 scored 38.8 percent

  • SWE-Bench Pro: GPT-5.2 scored 55.6 percent, while GPT-5 scored 50.8 percent

  • AIME 2025 math: GPT-5.2 scored 100 percent, while GPT-5 scored 94 percent

  • FrontierMath (Tier 1–3): GPT-5.2 scored 40.3 percent, while GPT-5 scored 31.0 percent

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

Categories: IT General, Technology

OpenAI launches GPT-5.2, claiming it hallucinates less and responds better to mental illness

Mashable - Thu, 12/11/2025 - 20:23

OpenAI announced today that it's launching GPT-5.2, the newest model in its GPT-5 series. The new model will start rolling out immediately, with paid ChatGPT customers getting access first.

In a blog post announcing the new model — which is actually a series of models, comprised of GPT‑5.2 Instant, GPT-5.2 Thinking, and GPT-5.2 Pro — OpenAI said that GPT-5.2 makes noticeable improvements in math and science, imaging, coding, handling agentic tasks, and overall accuracy. The company called GPT-5.2 its "most capable model series yet for professional knowledge work."

The new model comes at a difficult time for OpenAI, which is rumored to be in a "code red" state over stronger competition from rivals like Google Gemini and spreading fears of an AI bubble.

Ever since it launched ChatGPT in 2022, OpenAI has been securely on top of the AI industry. However, the company is in an increasingly precarious position. Google has an almost unfathomable amount of training data at its disposal, and Google AI products like Gemini 3, Veo 3, and Nano Banana have outperformed GPT-5, the new model OpenAI launched earlier this year, in many respects.

Still, ChatGPT is by far the most popular AI chatbot in the world, with an estimated 700 million weekly active users.

How to try GPT-5.2

The new GPT-5.2 models will start rolling out immediately, though access may not be available right away to all users. As per usual, OpenAI will launch the models to paid users on the Plus, Pro, Go, Business, and Enterprise accounts.

As of this writing, GPT-5.2 was not yet available for this reporter, and the rollout will likely happen in phases.

"We deploy GPT‑5.2 gradually to keep ChatGPT as smooth and reliable as we can; if you don’t see it at first, please try again later," OpenAI wrote in a blog post. "In ChatGPT, GPT‑5.1 will still be available to paid users for three months under legacy models, after which we will sunset GPT‑5.1."

OpenAI says GPT-5.2 makes key improvements in safety, accuracy, and performance benchmarks

The AI industry relies on standardized benchmark tests to demonstrate how well models perform, and companies like OpenAI also have their own internal tests. In addition, AI leaderboards like LMArena let users compare and rank various AI models. While GPT-5.2 has already appeared near the top of LMArena's AI coding leaderboard, it will take more time to see how users rate the new series of models against the competition. However, OpenAI released a new model card for GPT-5.2 on Dec. 11, which shows that the model makes across-the-board improvements in a variety of areas, which isn't surprising.

Most notably, OpenAI says that GPT-5.2 is more accurate and will produce fewer hallucinations compared to GPT-5.1. OpenAI's documentation states that GPT-5.2 Thinking has an average hallucination rate of 10.9 percent, compared to 16.8 percent and 12.7 percent for GPT-5 Thinking and GPT-5.1 Thinking, respectively. When GPT-5.2 is given access to the web via a browser, its hallucination rate drops to 5.8 percent.

In its blog post, OpenAI also states that GPT-5.2 scores more highly on benchmark tests for coding, science and math, performing economically valuable tasks, computer vision, and agentic work involving third-party tools. OpenAI also highlighted GPT-5.2's improved abilities with spreadsheets, in particular.

OpenAI says GPT-5.2 is safer for users with mental health problems

Lately, OpenAI has been accused of endangering ChatGPT users with mental health issues. Due to well-documented sycophancy problems, ChatGPT reportedly encouraged delusions and conspiratorial thinking on some users, who later died by suicide. OpenAI is now facing wrongful death suits, including a new suit that was just revealed for the first time today by the Wall Street Journal, in which a ChatGPT user killed himself shortly after killing his own mother.

OpenAI says that according to its internal tests, GPT-5.2 has a better response to users with mental health problems.

"With this release, we continued our work to strengthen our models’ responses in sensitive conversations⁠, with meaningful improvements in how they respond to prompts indicating signs of suicide or self harm, mental health distress, or emotional reliance on the model. These targeted interventions have resulted in fewer undesirable responses in both GPT‑5.2 Instant and GPT‑5.2 Thinking as compared to GPT‑5.1 and GPT‑5 Instant and Thinking models."

Mashable has not been able to independently verify these results, and the GPT-5.2 system card has scant details on how safety performance was measured in this context.

For more information, check out the OpenAI blog post announcing GPT-5.2 or read the new GPT-5.2 system card.

If you're feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please talk to somebody. You can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. You can reach the Trans Lifeline by calling 877-565-8860 or the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. Text "START" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET, or email info@nami.org. If you don't like the phone, consider using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat. Here is a list of international resources.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why your Home Assistant automations feel slow (and how to speed them up)

How-To Geek - Thu, 12/11/2025 - 20:00

Sluggish automations can make your smart home feel unresponsive, which can ruin the user experience. Diagnosing the issue can be difficult, since there are so many variables you have to consider. Here are some things you should start with when trying to find the cause of your issues.

Categories: IT General, Technology

These 5 Lexus SUVs are ultra reliable and less than 5 years old

How-To Geek - Thu, 12/11/2025 - 19:30

Lexus has built its reputation on long-term dependability, and the brand’s recent SUVs are some of the strongest examples of that legacy. In a market where new-car prices routinely exceed $50,000, finding a nearly new luxury SUV that you can trust for the long haul has never mattered more.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Take a full $1,000 off this Bluetti portable power station and two solar panels

Mashable - Thu, 12/11/2025 - 19:18

SAVE $1,000: As of Dec. 11, the Bluetti Elite 200 V2 solar generator with two 200W solar panels is just $1,299 at Amazon. That's 43% or a full $1,000 off its list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Elite 200 V2 solar generator + two 200W solar panels $1,299 at Amazon
$2,299 Save $1,000   Get Deal

Solar generators (aka portable power stations) can be a real lifesaver in many circumstances. Maybe you have a camping trip coming up, but you still need to access your computer for work. Or maybe you live in an area prone to power outages. In any case, having immediate access to one of these gadgets can keep you up and running. They're not the cheapest investments, so when you find a deal — like this Bluetti Elite 200 V2 bundle — it's worth grabbing.

As of Dec. 11, you can pick up the Bluetti Elite 200 V2 solar generator along with two 200W solar panels for only $1,299 at Amazon. That's 43% or $1,000 in savings. That's also cheaper than buying just the solar generator on its own at full price (reg. $1,699).

The Elite 200 V2 packs a 2,073Wh-capacity battery with a 2,600W (3,900W Power Lifting) AC output. That's enough to power nine devices simultaneously via four AC outlets, two 15W USB-A ports, two 100W USB-C ports, and a 120W car port. Meanwhile, it weighs just over 50 pounds and is the size of a small cooler. It's hefty, but still small enough to fit snugly in a corner of your home or portable enough to take on camping trips, tailgates, and other off-grid adventures.

The power station itself can be charged up via a typical AC outlet, with a car port, or with solar power. This bundle includes two 200W solar panels, so you'll be all set. With a 17-year lifespan, it's a smart long-term investment for your home and adventures. And knowing it will last so long definitely makes the price more justified. Save $1,000 while this deal is live.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This hilarious new Netflix mini-series is the perfect Christmas watch

How-To Geek - Thu, 12/11/2025 - 19:00

Christmas is the time of year when all the best holiday TV specials and movies are released, and this season is no different. Rowan Atkinson’s hotly anticipated comedy miniseries is finally out, making it the perfect time to settle on the couch and enjoy it with the family.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Android now lets you share live video on emergency calls

Mashable - Thu, 12/11/2025 - 18:30

Android users can now share live video of their environment while reaching out for emergency services, providing more context and assistance in potentially dire situations.

Launched on Wednesday, Emergency Live Video on Android lets emergency dispatchers request a live video feed while talking to a person who may be in danger. When initiated, callers are prompted with a single-tap button on their screen, which then provides a live video feed to dispatchers who can assess the environment or provide more specific medical assistance, like CPR instructions.

SEE ALSO: People negatively judge others who glitch on video calls, according to study

A Google blog post states that the resource works for both emergency calls and texts, and the footage is encrypted by default. The company also says it is looking to partner with global public safety organizations to expand the feature's reach.

Google has launched a variety of emergency safety features across its Android devices, including crash and fall detection, Emergency SOS, and satellite-based services. With the most recent Android 16, Google also added new accessibility features, parental controls, and the ability to mark communications as urgent.

Emergency Live Video has already rolled out to U.S. devices and emergency service calls in select regions of Germany and Mexico. In order to use the feature, devices must be running Android 8+ with Google Play services.

Categories: IT General, Technology

South Park closes Season 28 with a horrifying Jeffrey Epstein twist

Mashable - Thu, 12/11/2025 - 18:28

Most Christmas specials don't feature President Donald Trump giving Vice President JD Vance genital warts, Jesus Christ committing domestic violence, and Satan mpreg. But then again, most Christmas specials aren't South Park.

The show's Season 28 finale doubled as its holiday special, which meant creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone had to wrap up all of Season 27 and 28's fittingly unhinged Trump critiques in a neat Christmas bow.

SEE ALSO: 'South Park' creators have the most deadpan response to Trump episode controversy

Most pressingly, South Park had to conclude the tale of Satan and Trump's baby. As the episode starts, Satan is almost due and busy decorating the White House for the Antichrist's impending arrival. However, when he learns that Trump and Vance have absconded to Colorado in order to free Peter Thiel from jail and kill the Antichrist, Satan joins them in South Park to give him a piece of his mind.

What follows is a showdown where Jesus, Stan, and the Satanic Woodland Critters from South Park's Season 8 Christmas special square off against Trump, Vance, Peter Thiel, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and dirtbag Jesus. Due to Stan's pleas for a Christmas miracle, Jesus recognizes the error of his ways and drops his allegiance to Trump.

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While that marks a happy ending for one of Season 28's most upsetting storylines — that of Jesus embracing a conservative, hateful version of Christianity — the same can't be said for the Antichrist storyline. Here, South Park goes as dark as it possibly can.

What happens to Trump and Satan's baby in South Park?

Satan never gives birth to the Antichrist. Instead, according to an ultrasound, the baby appears to have died by suicide in the womb.

"It appears that at some point when nobody was watching, the baby hung itself and took its own life," a doctor tells Trump. He then shows him the ultrasound, saying, "I’m afraid you can see it all in the video. The baby got hold of some bedsheets. There are a couple of minutes missing from the ultrasound, but it’s definitely a suicide."

The death is a reference to that of Jeffrey Epstein, who hanged himself with bedsheets in his cell at New York’s Metropolitan Correctional Center while awaiting trial for federal sex trafficking charges. Just like with the ultrasound in South Park, there is missing footage from security cameras outside Epstein's cell on the night of his death, leading to theories that Epstein did not die by suicide.

Trump celebrates the death of the Antichrist at his holiday party, dancing around figures like Apple CEO Tim Cook and Attorney General Pam Bondi, both of whom played roles in South Park Seasons 27 and 28. Satan, for his part, packs up all of his baby supplies and leaves the White House. It's a genuinely sobering moment in an episode packed with madcap shock value, including the darkly horrifying Epstein twist.

With that, South Park wishes us a Merry Christmas and closes out a two-season run that angered the White House, drew ratings highs, and managed to combine memes like 6-7 and Labubus with real-world atrocities like the Trump administration's ICE raids.

South Park is now streaming on Paramount+.

If you're feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please talk to somebody. You can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. You can reach the Trans Lifeline by calling 877-565-8860 or the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. Text "START" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET, or email info@nami.org. If you don't like the phone, consider using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat. Here is a list of international resources.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Obsidian 1.11.0 brings markdown links to properties and safer renaming

How-To Geek - Thu, 12/11/2025 - 18:28

Obsidian 1.11.0 Early Access is officially rolling out. It completely changes how you access your notes on the go, thanks to a massive focus on widgets and deep system integration across both iOS and Android. There are also many upgrades for desktop users.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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