IT General

Connections is a game from the New York Times that challenges you to find the association between words. It sounds easy, but it isn't—Connections categories can be almost anything, and they're usually quite specific. If you need a hand getting the answers, we've got you covered.

For the past two years, a NASA spacecraft has sat lifeless on the surface of Mars, its solar panels caked with dirt. 

From a vantage point in space, the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter recently caught a glimpse of the dormant InSight lander. The new images are not only a last goodbye to the lander but capture the incredibly turbulent nature of dust storms on the Red Planet. 

Despite the fact that InSight retired in December 2022, engineers quietly hoped that the robot, unable to communicate through a deep coma, might still wake up. They believed there was a small chance wind could sweep some dust off the panels, allowing the spacecraft to once again collect sunshine and recharge its batteries. 

Alas, they haven't heard a peep. As 2024 comes to a close, engineers will stop listening for radio signals from InSight, according to NASA.  

“It feels a little bittersweet to look at InSight now. It was a successful mission that produced lots of great science," said Ingrid Daubar, a Brown University planetary scientist, in a statement. "Of course, it would have been nice if it kept going forever, but we knew that wouldn’t happen."

SEE ALSO: NASA's Mars rovers had a gangbusters summer of rocks The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter captured an image of a 12-mile-high dust devil on Mars in 2012. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / University of Arizona

Scientists have long known the hazards of dust devils churning up Martian dirt, though dust devils can also blow accumulating dirt off of solar panels. About 12 years ago, the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter caught sight of an extraordinary one with a plume stretching 12 miles into the sky.

Dust devils on Mars form similarly to those on Earth, despite the fact that Mars' atmosphere is much thinner. They tend to happen on dry days when the ground gets hotter than the surrounding area. Typically smaller than tornadoes, dust devils are whirlwinds that make a funnel-like chimney, channeling warmer air up and around.

The rotating wind accelerates the way ice skaters spin faster as they bring their arms closer to their bodies. On Mars, this phenomenon leaves tracks — straight lines, curves, and curlicues — where it has traveled. The color is a result of picking up the light dust coating virtually all of the Red Planet, exposing layers of dark volcanic rocks.

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Between 2018 and 2022, InSight studied upward of 1,000 marsquakes and collected daily weather reports. It detected the planet's large liquid core and helped map Mars' inner geology. NASA expected that the spacecraft would eventually be so covered in dust, it would no longer be able to generate power. 

Despite the fact that it didn't wake up, scientists have continued to monitor the dust on the lander. They are learning about how much of it gets blown away by gusts and dust devils. And knowing how long it takes for dust to cover craters will help scientists date the collisions that caused them. 

The information also is important as the space agency prepares future missions to Mars.

"Even though we’re no longer hearing from InSight, it’s still teaching us about Mars," Daubar said.

Hari Ravichadran, founder and CEO of the online safety product Aura, recently got a front-row seat to a sophisticated scam designed to turn him into a victim of fraud.

He and his team are regularly targeted by scammers, but this scheme was so well-conducted that it gave the normally skeptical Ravichadran pause.

The play went like this: A scammer seemingly stole someone's identity and used it to share a heart-wrenching story. The pretend victim claimed that the bank mistakenly wired Ravichadran her alleged family's down payment for their new home. They urgently wanted Ravichadran to wire back the money he supposedly received.

The would-be thief contacted not just Ravichadran, but also multiple company executives. The scammer communicated through what looked like a legitimate email address and social media profiles, and had accurate information for Ravichadran. They even invited him and his legal counsel to meet on Zoom with a bank employee in order to sort things out.

SEE ALSO: 5 holiday scams that could wreck your season

Ravichadran knew better than to reflexively trust what he'd been told. But, like most people, he also worried what might happen to the woman if she was telling the truth.

Of course, things quickly fell apart when his lawyer joined a Zoom call with the purported bank employee. The individual appeared on camera for a split second and the conversation eventually became nonsensical. The lawyer suspected they were speaking to an AI-powered deepfake.

Ravichadran says the attempt demonstrates just how savvy scammers have become. Unlike past generic efforts, schemes are now often very personal. That's because scammers may have access to information from data breaches as well as details available on social media or other public platforms, including where you work and the identity of your friends.

Scammers are also leveraging technology to reach people faster and more efficiently. They can now use auto-dialling software connected to an AI chatbot, complete with local or regional accent, to call your phone number.

In general, Ravichadran advises consumers to assume they're not being told the truth when assessing inquiries like the one he received.

"I think you go to it from a place of distrust," Ravichadran says. "If you go from a place of, 'Hey, this is probably true, let me see how to make it work,' you're going to get taken."

Ravichadran says technological advancements will be one of the defining features of how people are scammed in 2025. But bad actors have focused on certain types of fraud that are likely to become even more prevalent next year.

Here's what you need to know:

Cryptocurrency scams

If there's a way to steal people's money through a cryptocurrency scheme, thieves will find it. That's increasingly true as crypto becomes more mainstream and hits milestones, like Bitcoin passing the $100,000 mark, Nick Biasini, head of outreach for Cisco Talos Intelligence Group, says.

One well-established con is so-called "pig butchering," in which a scammer grooms someone digitally over a period of time and then asks them for crypto. (Interpol recently recommended abandoning that term and instead adopting the phrase "romance baiting," which carries less stigma.)

The scammers' alleged purposes vary from helping the victim invest in crypto to helping the scammer pay for fictitious costs, like medical care. These bad actors are typically looking to score a windfall over time or all at once; average losses are hundreds of thousands of dollars, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

Less well-known crypto scams revolve around confusion about the currency, says Biasini.

Newcomers to buying or investing in crypto might fall for a scam that starts on social media, when that individual asks for help learning more. Scammers are waiting for posts just like these and will reply with friendly offers that end in financial losses.

Bad actors also take advantage of people who've lost their money by posing as experts who can help them get it back. Their end game, though, is just the same: make off with more of the victim's cash.

Celebrity-backed crypto can be a dangerous investment, too. The recent Hawk Tuah memecoin pump-and-dump scheme demonstrated what happens when a famous person encourages their followers to purchase their memecoin. Insiders close to the celebrity, who bought the memecoin privately for less, sell it as soon as its price spikes, ultimately crashing the value.

Since crypto is rife with scam risk, Biasini recommends exploring the currency with the help of a certified professional who can help you safely invest in it. In general, it's best to stick with well-known exchanges, and avoid social media discussions about crypto in which you share any personal information or data.

Multifactor authentication scams

Multifactor authentication is a security measure designed to provide consumers with greater protection for their personal accounts. But Cisco Talos Threat Intelligence has noted more attempts to fraudulently bypass that security step.

Some criminals are attempting to do that by stealing cookies, or data sent by a website to your computer, that contain their login credentials and allow them to access a victim's email, according to a recent warning from the FBI Atlanta division.

Once the thieves are able to view the email account, they can try logging into that victim's various other online services, including bank and shopping accounts. When the services send the multifactor authentication code via email, the criminal will be able to use it.

The FBI Atlanta division encourages people to regularly clear their Internet browser cookies, consider the risks of checking "remember me" when logging into a website, and only visiting sites with a secure connection in order to prevent your data from being intercepted.

Criminals use other methods, including phishing, to relay mutlifactor authentication codes to themselves in order to access victims' financial and consumer accounts. Beware of digital messages and phone calls that ask you to provide critical login information that you would otherwise enter yourself.

Business phishing scams

Scams that target workplaces are on the rise, according to both Ravichadran and Biasini. Typically these efforts focus on higher-level employees, like the CEO or CFO. Much like Ravichadran experienced, the fraudulent requests involve urgently wiring money into the bad actor's account.

Biasini says that the emergence of large language models (LLMs), like the kind that power OpenAI's ChatGPT, have made it easier for scammers to create prompts that sound very convincing.

Ravichadran notes that these scams often leverage multiple channels of communication, like email and social media messaging. They may use stolen accounts, so that the bad actor appears to be legitimate. They've also typically collected enough information about their target that they're able to demonstrate some level of familiarity — and credibility.

These tactics are becoming widespread, which means employees have to be on guard for suspicious messages, and quickly report them to their information security teams.

AI-powered scams

LLMs and deepfake technology have given scammers frighteningly powerful tools.

With access to software that can essentially write scam scripts in seconds or minutes, and then can conduct a conversation as a chatbot with a victim in real-time, bad actors can rapidly scale their schemes to reach far more people than they could in the past.

Ravichadran says scammers can even program a chatbot to use a regional accent, a detail that could likely persuade a potential victim into handing over their personal data.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI's Sora is officially here

Bad actors can also use deepfake technology to create a vocal or visual clone of someone. If you think you're speaking to someone you know, or could look up online, it might be very difficult to remain skeptical of a scammer's story or their requests.

As this technology becomes more widely available, and easier to use, it'll make scams that much easier to execute.

How to protect yourself from scams

In addition to routinely approaching interactions involving your money and data with skepticism, Ravichadran recommends protecting yourself with basic steps, like changing your password if you know it's been breached, and taking advantage of a password manager in order to use complex phrases that you don't need to remember.

Ravichadran also suggests more sophisticated strategies, including using services that monitor your financial accounts and credit for signs of fraud and identity theft.

He adds that anyone can become a scam victim, despite the perception that bad actors typically target certain people, like seniors. Ravichadran has spoken to people with advanced degrees who are shocked that they were duped by a scammer.

Though many victims feel embarrassed and ashamed, he encourages people to share their experiences with others, and certainly report them to authorities so that investigators can pursue the criminals.

The FBI recommends reporting scams to law enforcement and to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. If you think you've been scammed by a registered business, you can also report suspected fraud to your state attorney general, the state in which the company is listed, and to the Federal Trade Commission.

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Opens in a new window Credit: FileJump FileJump 2TB Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription $79.97
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TL;DR: Own Microsoft Visio Professional 2024 for Windows for $79.97 and transform how you visualize and present ideas.

Explaining complicated ideas can feel impossible when words just don’t cut it. That’s where Microsoft Visio Professional 2024 steps in. Whether you’re mapping workflows, designing IT systems, or just trying to make sense of a project, Visio helps you turn chaos into clean, professional visuals.

With Visio, creating diagrams is as easy as dragging and dropping. You’ll find a library full of templates and shapes, so whether you’re building a flowchart or sketching out a floor plan, the tools are already there. Need to team up? Real-time collaboration lets everyone pitch in without stepping on each other’s toes.

Visio isn’t just for pretty pictures, though. Pull in data from Excel or other Microsoft 365 apps, and watch your diagrams update automatically as the data changes. It’s like having a visual assistant keeping everything current. And if you’re working with AutoCAD files? Visio’s got you covered — just import, edit, and go.

Security fans will appreciate this: Visio comes with built-in Microsoft Information Rights Management (IRM). That means your diagrams are protected with encryption and access controls, so only the right people see the sensitive stuff.

And here’s the kicker: it’s a one-time purchase. No monthly fees, no subscriptions. Just lifetime access to a tool that helps you work smarter and present your ideas like a pro.

If you’ve got a big project coming up — or you’re just tired of messy diagrams — this lifetime license to Microsoft Visio Professional 2024 for $79.97 might just be your new favorite sidekick.

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Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Visio Professional 2024: Lifetime License for Windows $79.97
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TL;DR: Get 1TB of Koofr lifetime cloud storage for $119.97 and simplify your file management forever.

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TL;DR: Simplify charging with the GoCable 8-in-1 EDC Charger for $24.99 (reg. $44) — designed for versatility and portability.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mutant Design Lab GoCable: The Ultimate 8-in-1 EDC Charger $24.99
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Simplify charging with the GoCable 8-in-1 EDC Charger on sale for just $24.99 (reg. $44).

What you get with your versatile charger:

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Say goodbye to cable clutter with the GoCable 8-in-1 EDC Charger — now available for $24.99 for a limited time.

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The best Netflix deals to watch NFL Christmas Gameday: BEST FOR VERIZON HOME INTERNET CUSTOMERS Netflix and Max (with ads) Free for 12 months with select Verizon Home Internet plans Get Deal BEST FOR VERIZON WIRELESS CUSTOMERS Netflix and Max (with ads) $10/month through Verizon myPlan (save $6.98/month) Get Deal BEST FOR VERIZON +PLAY CUSTOMERS Netflix Premium Free with select Verizon +play subscriptions Get Deal BEST FOR T-MOBILE CUSTOMERS Netflix Standard with ads Free with most T-Mobile Go5G plans Get Deal

The NFL has made watching every game this season notoriously complicated. Do you really need a handful of streaming services just to catch your favorite team? As a matter of fact, yes. If you're a cable-hating cord cutter, you'll need even more. One of the newest additions to the NFL broadcast schedule in 2024 is Netflix's Christmas Gameday. Just like it sounds, Netflix will now exclusively air two NFL games on Christmas Day.

It's not just about football, either. On Nov. 17, Netflix also announced that Beyoncé will be performing live at halftime during the second game of the Dec. 25 broadcast. Consider it your Christmas gift, Beyhive. Not to mention, Mariah Carey, the Queen of Christmas herself, will be opening the day with a taped performance of "All I Want for Christmas is You" following her "largest and most spectacular Christmas tour to date."

This marks the first professional sports league to partner with Netflix for live games, although the platform just streamed the high-profile boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson — which didn't exactly go smoothly. Netflix experienced embarrassing buffering problems during the live fight, and football fans can only hope Netflix has solved its live streaming problems come Christmas Day.

NFL Gameday, Netflix edition. Credit: Netflix

"The NFL on Christmas has become a tradition and to partner with Netflix, a service whose biggest day of the year is typically this holiday, is the perfect combination to grow this event globally for NFL fans," says Hans Schroeder, NFL Executive Vice President of Media Distribution.

Here's everything you need to know about how to watch the NFL Christmas games during the first-ever Netflix NFL Christmas Gameday.

What NFL teams are playing Christmas Day 2024?

Netflix is airing two NFL games on Dec. 25, starting at 1 p.m. ET with the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Pittsburgh Steelers. The Baltimore Ravens will then take on the Houston Texans at 4:30 p.m. ET.

When is Beyoncé performing at the halftime show? Credit: Julian Dakdouk for Parkwood Entertainment

Beyoncé will fittingly perform at halftime during the 4:30 p.m. ET Ravens vs. Texans game in her hometown of Houston. For those who are only tuning in for her performance, it'll likely be closer to 5:45 p.m. ET, depending on how the first half unfolds.

This will be the first time the Texan performs tracks from her Cowboy Carter album live. The press release from Netflix notes: "Although the details of her performance are under wraps, Beyoncé is expected to feature some special guests who are featured on the Cowboy Carter album." Those featured artists include Miley Cyrus, Post Malone, Shaboozey, Dolly Parton, Willie Jones, Linda Martell, Willie Nelson, and more.

How can I watch NFL games on Christmas Day?

While Netflix is the official global home of the NFL’s two Christmas Day marquee games, it's actually not the only place you can tune in. If you live in one of the competing team's cities or the surrounding markets, you'll still be able to catch the game on broadcast TV. You can also tune into the game on U.S. mobile devices through NFL+, the league's official subscription service.

Are there any Netflix deals?

There are three Netflix plans to choose from: Standard with ads for $6.99 per month, Standard for $15.49 per month, or Premium for $22.99 per month. However, before you sign up, check to see if you're eligible for one of the deals below. You may be able to secure a Netflix subscription for free — or at least at a discount. Be sure to read all of the details carefully and snag the deals before they expire. As of Dec. 17, these are the best Netflix deals we could find for new customers.

Best Netflix deal for Verizon Home Internet customers Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix / Max Netflix and Max (with ads) Free for 12 months with select Verizon Home Internet plans Get Deal

Verizon is offering an entire year of Netflix and Max (with ads) for those who sign up for select Verizon Home Internet plans, including 5G Home Plus, LTE Home Plus, Fios 1 Gig, or Fios 2 Gig plans. You must enroll in the perk within 60 days after your VHI purchase or by no later than March 2, 2025 (whichever comes first), then register the perks directly with Netflix and Max within 90 days of enrollment. Once your 12-month perk expires, the Netflix and Max bundle will resume its normal cost of $10 per month unless you cancel. For more on terms and conditions, head to the promo page and select "Details" next to the Special Offer.

Best Netflix deal for Verizon Wireless customers Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix / Max Netflix and Max $10/month through Verizon myPlan (save $6.98/month) Get Deal

Verizon customers with myPlan can add the Netflix and Max bundle to their account for only $10 per month (reg. $16.98 per month). That essentially gets you Netflix with ads for free. You'll need an Unlimited Welcome, Unlimited Plus, or Unlimited Ultimate plan to be eligible (learn more on the Verizon support page). After enrolling in the promo, you'll also have to complete the account setup separately for each service.

Best Netflix deal for Verizon +play customers Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix Netflix Premium Free with select Verizon +play subscriptions Get Deal

Verizon +play, a free part of Verizon’s website (as long as you're a Verizon customer) where you can sign up for and centralize your different subscription services, regularly offers multiple ways to score Netflix for free. As of Dec. 11, these two are standouts:

• Buy one year of NFL+ Premium, get Netflix Premium for free — Buy a one-year subscription of NFL+ Premium for $99.99 through Verizon +play and enjoy Netflix Premium for a year for free. That's a $22.99 per month value on them. Once the year is up, the price will revert back to $22.99 per month, so be sure to cancel through your +play account to avoid that charge.

• Buy Uber One, get Netflix Premium for free — When you buy an annual Uber One plan for $96 per year, you'll also get a free year of Netflix Premium (a $22.99 per month value). Like the previous deal, the price will revert back to $22.99 per month once the promotional period ends. Be sure to cancel ahead of time if you want to avoid charges.

Best Netflix deal for T-Mobile customers Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix Netflix Standard (with ads) Free with most T-Mobile Go5G plans Get Deal

T-Mobile customers have one of the best streaming lineups — if not the best — at their fingertips for free, including Netflix Standard with ads (reg. $6.99 per month). As long as your account remains in good standing, customers on most Go5G plans are able to get the deal. Here are the details.

You need to have two or more lines of any type of Go5G or Magenta plan or at least one line of Go5G Next, Go5G Plus, or Magenta MAX to secure Netflix with ads for free. You'll have to manually activate your subscription by logging into My T-Mobile and selecting "Manage add-ons". Once there, choose "add Netflix" in the Services section and you'll be prompted to either create a new Netflix account or sign in to your existing one. T-Mobile will be in charge of paying Netflix for you. Just note that if you already have a Netflix account, it may take a few billing cycles to transfer your bill over to T-Mobile. Learn more about the terms and FAQs on the promo page.

Whether you work from home, spend a lot of time on airplanes, or simply want to turn down the volume of the outside world, noise-cancelling headphones are exactly the tool you need.

Even the best value headphones will feel lacking if they don't come equipped with halfway decent noise cancellation. Besides, there are simply too many headphones on the market (our testing pool gets bigger month by month) for you to pay hundreds only to get subpar ANC.

SEE ALSO: From studying to working out, these are the best earbuds of 2024

To help you wade through the top options from brands like Apple, Beats, Bose, Sony, and Sonos, Mashable editors and reviewers tested dozens of headphones and earbuds. From flagship models to budget buds, we picked out the best noise-cancelling headphones of 2024.

How do noise-cancelling headphones actually work?

Even cheap headphones can block some noise from the outside world. And you can always blast your music loud enough to drown out nearby conversations and street noise. That's called passive noise cancellation. However, if you really want to turn the volume of the world down to the limit, then you need headphones with active noise cancellation.

Active noise-cancelling headphones electronically cover up the sounds coming from your surroundings. They use internal microphones to listen to the world around you, then invert the noise and send it to the speakers. The idea is that both the output and the input will cancel out, leaving you with near-silence. The best over-ear headphones also create a tight seal around your ears, providing an extra layer of passive sound blocking.

Testing the Apple AirPods Max headphones, which didn't make the final cut for this guide. Credit: zlata ivleva / Mashable Getting up close and personal with Sony noise-cancelling headphones. Credit: Molly Flores / Mashable

If you've tried a pair of noise-cancelling headphones before and haven't been impressed, don't be discouraged, as not all ANC performs equally. For instance, cheaper ANC headphones may have a more noticeable hissing sound that you'll hear when the noise cancellation is turned on, which can be distracting for some folks.

Other headphones may be great at blocking at low tones, but more prone to letting in high-pitched tones. Typically, premium headphones will yield better results, but we have budget picks below that still do a solid job.

In the past, not many wireless earbuds featured active noise cancellation that was comparable to over-ear headphones, but newer iterations like the AirPods Pro and Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds hold their own in the ANC space. However, even these earbuds can't quite get the same seal that headphones can, so if you're looking for maximum silence, stick with over-ear headphones.

What are the best noise-cancelling headphones?

Bose and Sony are both top names when it comes to any type of audio, but especially when it comes to noise cancellation. Both brands feature industry-leading ANC on top of superb sound quality. There are also some other brands and models worth checking out, so if you want to tune out ambient sound, we've laid everything out for you below.

SAVE $1,100: As of Dec. 18, Sony 75-inch BRAVIA XR X93L 4K Mini LED Smart TV is on sale for $1,398 at Walmart. That’s $1,100 off its usual price of $2,498.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony BRAVIA XR X93L $1,398.00 at Walmart
$2,498.00 Save $1,100.00 Get Deal

Ready to upgrade your home theater game? The Sony 75-inch BRAVIA XR X93L 4K Mini LED Smart TV is here to make all your entertainment dreams come true for a whopping $1,100 less than usual. On Dec. 18, it’s available at Walmart for $1,398, down from its original price of $2,498.

BRAVIA XR smashes gaming, streaming, and anything cinema. At the heart of the X93L is Sony’s Cognitive Processor XR™, which recreates images with lifelike detail, vibrant color, and pitch-perfect contrast. Paired with the Mini LED technology and XR Backlight Master™ Drive, this display takes brightness and color precision to jaw-dropping levels. Expect stunning HDR visuals, inky blacks, and billions of hues that’ll have you saying, “Wow,” every time you turn it on.

SEE ALSO: How 'The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim' adapts two pages of Tolkien lore into a whole movie

But the BRAVIA XR isn’t just about pretty visuals — it’s also a smart powerhouse. With Google TV built in, all your favorite streaming apps are just a voice command away (thanks, Google Assistant). Plus, features like Apple AirPlay and BRAVIA CORE (complete with complimentary 4K UHD movies) mean you’ll never run out of content to binge.

For gamers, this TV is your new MVP. It’s loaded with HDMI 2.1 features like 4K at 120Hz, VRR, and ALLM for buttery-smooth gameplay. There’s even a Game Menu to tweak settings on the fly, and it’s tailor-made for the PlayStation 5 with Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode for optimal gaming and streaming experiences.

Let’s not forget sound. The Acoustic Multi-Audio system, paired with Dolby Atmos, ensures sound that’s just as immersive as the picture. If you have a Sony soundbar, the Acoustic Center Sync feature will harmonize everything for clearer dialogue and richer soundscapes.

This TV is also designed for real-life use. The wide viewing angles make every seat the best, while the anti-reflective screen keeps glares at bay. With XR 4K Upscaling, your older HD content will look better. And if you’re feeling eco-conscious, the Eco Dashboard makes tweaking energy efficiency settings a breeze.

At $1,398, this is an absolute steal for a premium Sony TV that excels at entertainment and gaming. Don’t wait too long — deals like this disappear faster than you can say “binge night.”

SAVE $300: As of Dec. 18, the Acer Swift 16 AI-powered laptop is available for $899.99 at Best Buy. That’s $300 off its regular price of $1,199.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Swift 16 $899.99 at Best Buy
$1,199.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal

AI-powered productivity has a new name: the Acer Swift 16 AI laptop. And as of Dec. 18, you can snag this sleek powerhouse for just $899.99 at Best Buy, saving you a cool $300. At this price, it’s hard to resist the temptation of bringing some cutting-edge tech into your life.

Let’s talk about what makes this machine a standout. For starters, the Swift 16 boasts a 3K OLED touch display that’s so vivid it might make you forget what reality looks like. With 100% DCI-P3 color gamut support, 340 nits of brightness, and a lightning-fast 0.2ms response time, this screen brings everything to life. Whether you’re streaming movies, designing graphics, or just scrolling through spreadsheets, everything will look chef’s kiss.

SEE ALSO: How 'The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim' adapts two pages of Tolkien lore into a whole movie

Under the hood, you’ve got the Intel Core Ultra 7 processor with a turbocharged NPU. Translation? This laptop doesn’t just keep up with your workflow — it predicts it. Features like Windows Studio Effects and Copilot+ offer smart suggestions to streamline your tasks, and the dedicated Copilot key makes tapping into AI tools a breeze. It’s like having a personal assistant, minus the coffee runs.

The Swift 16 also shines in its design. At just 3.37 pounds, this aluminum beauty is lightweight enough to tote anywhere yet sturdy enough to endure the chaos of daily life. It even opens to 180 degrees, so whether you’re lounging on the couch or hustling in the boardroom, it’s got your back. Its backlit keyboard and Gorilla Glass touchpad add a touch of luxury to an already premium package.

Gamers and streamers, you’ll appreciate the Intel ARC graphics and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity for buttery-smooth visuals and lag-free performance. Meanwhile, the 19.5-hour battery life means you can work, play, and repeat all day.

This isn’t just a laptop; it’s a lifestyle upgrade. But deals like this don’t last forever. At $300 off, the Acer Swift 16 AI laptop is a steal ready to redefine how you work and play. Go on, treat yourself.

Listen, it's no big secret that Samsung typically launches new flagship phones in late January.

But now we know the exact date, thanks to leaker Evan Blass who somehow got a hold of an official invite for the next Galaxy Unpacked launch, and it's happening on January 22, 2025.

Blass shared one image which appears to show the edges of four phones, indicating that that's how many new phones Samsung plans to launch. The text is in Italian, so it actually says "22 gennaio 2025," but fortunately we're experts in Italian so we were able to translate this cryptic message (thanks, Google Translate).

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It is interesting that there are four phones pictured in the image, as we expect to see three new phones this year: Samsung Galaxy S25, Samsung Galaxy S25+, and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. True, we've heard that the company is working on a slim variant of the Galaxy S25, but that was supposed to happen "several months" after the launch of the regular Galaxy S25 phones. Perhaps it's the more affordable Samsung Galaxy S25 FE variant. Or perhaps it's just Samsung deciding that four phone corners look better in promo photos than three phone corners.

SEE ALSO: How to hide an app on iPhone in iOS 18

As far as what we can expect from the new phones, rumors have mostly covered the Ultra, which is getting a new chip (Snapdragon 8 Elite), an upgraded camera system, a flatter overall look, and a near bezel-less display, among other improvements.

Blass also shared all the colors for the new Samsung devices. According to him, the Galaxy S25 and S25+ will be available in Blue Black, Coral Red, Icy Blue, Mint, Navy, Pink Gold, and Silver Shadow. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, on the other hand, will be available in Titanium Black, Titanium Gray, Titanium Jade Green, Titanium Jet Black, Titanium Pink Gold, Titanium Silver Blue, and Titanium White Silver.

A Bluey movie is on its way, with everyone's favourite Australian canines headed to the big screen for the first time. Announced on Tuesday, Ludo Studio will produce Bluey's feature film debut in collaboration with BBC Studios.

SEE ALSO: 'Bluey' special episode 'The Sign' has viewers in tears Credit: Ludo Studio

Few details have been released regarding what Mum, Dad, Bingo, and Bluey will be getting up to in the film. However, we do know that the Bluey movie will feature the voices of series regulars Melanie Zanetti (Chilli Heeler aka Mum) and David McCormack (Bandit Heeler aka Dad), and include music from the series' composer Joff Bush. 

The Bluey film will also be written and directed by series creator Joe Brumm, with series director Richard Jeffery co-directing. 

"I really enjoyed the experience of working with a longer format on [special episode] 'The Sign' in Series 3, so going even further with a feature film feels like a natural extension of that," said Brumm. "I’ve always thought Bluey deserved a theatrical movie. I want this to be an experiential event for the whole family to enjoy together."

If Bluey's first feature film follows the same vein as "The Sign", it's likely we can expect another heartfelt and emotional story that's as much about parenthood as it is childhood.

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Interestingly, the Bluey movie will be a CG animated film produced by Amber Naismith (Happy Feet, The LEGO Movie). This has already sparked some questions and concerns regarding whether it will stick to the charming 2D animation we all know and love from the series, or venture into the 3D style Naismith has previously worked with.

The Bluey movie is set to arrive in cinemas in 2027, before being released for streaming on Disney+. It will also be made available to stream in Australia on ABC iview and ABC Kids after its theatrical run.

Bluey's creator Joe Brumm is leaving the series Credit: Ludo Studio

This exciting announcement also comes with some sadder news. Brumm revealed that the feature film will be his last Bluey project for the foreseeable future, as he'll be stepping back from the show.

"I always said I wouldn’t keep making the show if I thought I couldn’t make any new season as good as the last," Brumm said in an open letter. "This would have been the case for me with a potential season four, so I’ve decided to take a break from my involvement in the TV series."

Acknowledging Bluey's phenomenal success, Brumm explained that he decided to leave because he was now struggling to "reach back genuinely into that four to six year old world and write authentically."

"In the event I can’t wrap my head around doing more seasons myself, 'The Sign' will mark my TV finale for Bluey and I wrote it as such," said Brumm.

This exit raises questions regarding how the series will proceed. Brumm is credited as a writer on every single episode of Bluey to date, and is the sole writer for the vast majority of them. His leaving the series will undoubtedly have an impact on how it is produced going forward.

Even so, Brumm was clear that this is not the end for Bluey, with the show to continue on without him for now. We can only hope that the beloved series continues to maintain the high bar its creator has set.

"Bluey has completely changed my life. It’s been an immensely satisfying thing to be a part of, more than I can really put into words," wrote Brumm. "Thank you for taking this show into your homes, the whole experience has been an impossible experience to describe."

Netflix's official trailer for XO, Kitty Season 2 is here, catching up with Kitty Song-Covey (Anna Cathcart) as she refocuses for a fresh semester at the fictional Korean Independent School of Seoul (KISS). Unfortunately for Kitty, it seems as though her turbulent love life will continue to impede her studious resolutions.

SEE ALSO: Why 'XO, Kitty' has the best relationship in the 'To All the Boys...' franchise

The second season of the To All The Boys I've Loved Before spinoff sees Kitty single, ready for some casual dating, and determined to avoid drama. However, her aspirations for a quiet semester are soon put on hold by a letter from her mother's past.

Kitty's continuing adventures in Seoul will also feature a familiar face, with Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo) set appear. We haven't heard from Lara Jean's boyfriend since 2021's To All The Boys: Always and Forever, but the fact that he's visiting her little sister is good indication that they're still going strong.

XO, Kitty Season 2 premieres Jan. 16 on Netflix.

TL;DR: Get Windows 11 Pro for only £14.15 (reg. £156.58) and enjoy a secure, stable OS that supports a wide range of hardware and software.

Opens in a new window Credit: SmartTrainingLab Microsoft Windows 11 Pro £14.15
£156.58 Save £142.43 Get Deal

Looking for a tried-and-true operating system with solid compatibility, excellent performance, and premium security features—all without breaking the bank? Windows 11 Pro was made to deliver a seamless experience, and through 22 December at the Mashable Shop, it's at a new low price. Mashable readers can save 90% and pay just £14.15 while this deal lasts.

It's an affordable option for anyone who needs robust functionality without the steep learning curve and cost of the latest software. Windows 11 Pro is a great choice if you want the best balance of price, stability, and performance. Plus, its familiarity means you’ll feel right at home, even if it’s been a while since your last OS update.

Windows 11 Pro has a lot going for it beyond its budget-friendly price point. With support for a broad array of hardware and legacy software, it’s ideal for anyone with older devices or specialised programs that might not work with older systems.

And with its refined interface and Cortana integration, you can easily search and manage tasks with voice commands. Plus, with three-device activation, Windows 11 Pro offers terrific flexibility for business, remote work, or just making the most of home office setups.

This system’s stability, cost-effectiveness, and array of built-in security features—such as data encryption and remote desktop access—make it a fantastic option for users who prioritise functionality, simplicity, and peace of mind over flashier upgrades. Plus, it comes with Copilot, Microsoft's AI assistant powered by ChatGPT.

Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for just £14.15 (reg. £156.58) and access top-notch performance and familiarity without overspending. Take advantage of this limited-time offer to enjoy Microsoft’s proven operating system and make the most of your device’s potential.

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is just £14.15 through 22 December.

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro - $19.97 | Get It Here

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Through 22 December, this lifetime subscription to FastestVPN covers up to 10 devices and is on sale for just £19.66 (reg. £283.44) at the Mashable Shop.

In today's interconnected digital world, safeguarding your online privacy is a proactive measure that's simply par for the course. And lucky for all of us, there are tools available to make it easy. FastestVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) that creates a secure and anonymous connection over the internet. This week, a lifetime subscription is on sale for just under £20.

When you connect to a VPN server, all data transmitted between your device and the VPN server is encrypted. This encryption prevents unauthorised parties from accessing your data or identifying you, which is especially helpful when traveling and connecting to public networks. FastestVPN has more than 600 servers working in more than 41 countries for your convenience.

FastestVPN uses advanced encryption to keep security tight. It also features an ad-blocker, firewall, and anti-malware software. With a no-logging policy, you can rest assured that even FastestVPN doesn't have access to your information. This is as close as you can get to being truly invisible online.

This service is made for no-buffering while downloading and streaming via its fast P2P-optimised 10Gbps+ servers. The Smart Connect feature instantly connects you to the fastest server available, an ideal feature if you do a lot of streaming.

It's compatible with a huge variety of different systems, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Xbox, Apple TV, and more. You get access on up to 10 devices for life with an internet kill switch and round-the-clock tech support. No matter how you access the internet — on your phone, tablet, computer, or all of the above — you can protect yourself with this lifetime membership.

Take control of your digital privacy for life with this limited-time offer for Mashable readers.

A lifetime subscription to FastestVPN that covers up to 10 devices is now on sale for just £19.66 (reg. £283.44) until 22 December at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: FastestVPN FastestVPN: Lifetime Subscription (10 Devices) £19.66 at the Mashable Shop
£283.44 Save £263.78 Get Deal

TL;DR: A wide range of Amazon Web Services courses are available to take for free on edX.

Do you know all about Amazon Web Services? You probably use some aspect of AWS, but do you really know how to harness this technology? If not, you can address this knowledge gap without spending anything.

AWS is the world’s most comprehensive cloud platform, offering storage, databases, analytics, networking, developer tools, management tools, IoT, security services, enterprise applications, and much more to users all around the world. But we're not here to teach you about AWS. We'll leave that to the professionals.

A wide range of online courses from AWS are available to take for free on edX. We recommend taking some time to check everything out, but we've got you started with a standout selection of free online courses from AWS. These are the best free online courses from AWS this month:

• Architecting Solutions on AWS

• AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials

• AWS Cloud Technical Essentials

• DevOps on AWS: Code, Build, and Test

• Exam Prep: AWS Certified Solutions Architect — Associate

• Getting Started with Data Analytics on AWS

• Hands-on with AWS: Software Development Practices

• Introduction to AWS Cloud Careers

• Introduction to Designing Data Lakes on AWS

• Introduction to Machine Learning on AWS

These courses are totally free, but they don't include things like a certificate of completion. That shouldn't stop you from getting started though, because you can still learn at your own pace with unlimited access to all the video content.

Find the best free AWS courses on edX.

Opens in a new window Credit: edX Free AWS Courses Get Deal

Have you ever skipped doing a proper warm down and stretch after a workout because you just didn't have the time? Hey, we all have. It's the bane of a gym-based life.

That's just the reality of trying to stay fit in amongst the hustle and bustle of everyday life. When you're pushed for time, a warm down — never mind a proper massage — is the first thing to go. What you need are the tools to help you stay on top of both your body and your schedule. That means a massage gun, a must-have tool for pro athletes and average gym members alike.

If you have chronic shoulder, neck, or back pain, the ability to give yourself a deep-tissue massage at home can be life-changing. You'll find there's a range of models to hit the spot of your muscle recovery needs. Not sure if you're ready for the big (massage) guns? Let us get you started with some useful information.

How do massage guns work?

Athletes use deep-tissue massage for quick pain relief and faster recovery times. This is when a professional masseuse delivers forceful, rapid thumps to a specific area of the body to stimulate a specific set of muscles. The percussive therapy offered by massage guns allows individuals perform this same type of penetrative tissue attention on themselves without extra help. These devices are said to provide hours worth of massage benefits in just a couple of minutes.

What are the benefits of a massage gun?

Massage guns deliver short-duration pulses to enhance the blood flow, soften knots, and accelerate the repair of muscle fibres, all of which can lead to better-prepared warmups and quicker recovery times. Your mood might see a spike, too. The pressure point relief that massage provides has been linked to decreased levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), an increased production of endorphins (the feel-good chemical), and even a lower heart rate.

We should point out that percussive therapy isn't a fix-all solution. A massage gun can replace pricey massage appointments, but there's literally no substitute for the nutrients you get from a balanced diet, sleep, and getting proper hydration are still crucial to the muscle growth and recovery process.

Percussion massagers vs. vibration massagers — what's the difference?

Percussion massagers mimic the kneading hands of a masseuse, providing pressure that hammers below the top layers and work damaged muscle fibres. Perfect for heavy-duty workouts. Casual exercisers and chronic pain sufferers may prefer surface-level rumblings from a vibration massager, which gives speedy pulses but less "punch".

What features do massage guns have?

Massage guns tend to offer some key features that appear in multiple models:

• Battery life — Many people depend on their massage gun for a rushed cool down in the middle of a busy schedule, and charging after every use is a huge inconvenience. The best massage guns will get up to three hours of battery life while the weaker ones max out at around 40 minutes.

• Massage heads – The first thing you'll notice when buying a massage gun is that they usually come with a selection of heads, each designed to work specific muscle groups in a different way and get different results.

• Noise — No one wants to sit at the gym (or at home with a sleeping baby) using a device that sounds like a pneumatic drill. It's impossible for massage guns to be completely silent, but check the reviews for sound levels.

• Speeds — Look for a gun with different speeds, or revs per minute (RPM. But don't forget that higher speed doesn't always mean vigour. The amplitude (how deep the massage head will push into your body) relies on the amount of force behind each pulse, and heavier force on a slow RPM setting will feel more intense than a faster RPM setting with weaker force. 

Keep these points in mind when shopping around for a massage gun.

What is the best massage gun?

There is a lot to know about massage guns, and it's important to do your research before making a purchase. To make your job a little easier, we have tracked down six of the best guns to cover all muscular bases. We've tried to find something for everyone and every budget. You just need to scroll through the options and pick a favourite. Your muscles will thank you — well, they certainly won't complain as much.

These are the best massage guns in 2024.

Fitness trackers, or general wearable devices, have become part and parcel of everyday life. Chances are you've got one or you're thinking of getting one for the first time. Either way, it's always a good time to shop around and see what fitness trackers are available — not to mention smart watches that are packed with health and fitness features, such as the Apple Watch.

The great thing about fitness trackers is the fact they promote healthy routines and positive lifestyle change, helping with exercise, sleep, vitals, and mindset.

Yes, fitness trackers can do an awful lot for you. The difficult part is choosing one. We all have different lifestyles and fitness goals, which means there's no catch-all solution when it comes to fitness trackers. But don't worry, we've searched the internet and scanned the reviews to pull together a selection of the very best fitness tracker options. First up, here's a quick guide.

Can fitness trackers monitor your heart rate?

Absolutely. In fact, one of the big reasons to get a fitness tracker is how they help with heart health. Most fitness trackers will monitor your heart rate as a basic feature, while more advanced trackers can pick up on irregularities, give you on-demand ECG reports, and alert you to changing heart rate zones as you work out.

How do you choose a fitness tracker?

Before you start shopping for a fitness tracker, there are few things to you might want to consider: 

• Design — Wearables are meant to make our lives easier, yet some can be super clunky and uncomfortable. Invest in a fitness tracker that’s not an eyesore and fits nicely on your wrist. You don’t want to cut off your circulation or have it slip off while you’re on the move. Look for models that come in different colours too, so you can have one that goes with your activewear, casual, and work outfits. 

• Physical activity — What are your daily workout needs? Consider how a fitness tracker can benefit your exercise regimen. If you engage in activities like pilates, yoga, or walking, opt for a basic fitness tracker for heart rate monitoring and sleep data. On the other hand, if high-intensity workouts, including running and swimming, are more of your thing, choose a fitness tracker that can give you vital reads and remember your mileage. 

• Power — Most fitness trackers run on batteries or need to be charged regularly. Check the power life of a tracker first before buying it. If it doesn’t last long, skip it and opt for another model. You don’t want to have a tracker that can’t keep up with your physical activity needs. 

• Smartphone compatibility — Your smartphone is probably one of your most important tech devices, so it might be helpful to find a fitness tracker that connects with it. If that’s the case, you can receive call and text notifications when you’re commuting, exercising, or moving around the house. This is a major plus if you're prone to miss phone calls from coworkers, family members, and friends. Plus, some trackers come with smartphone apps, so you can store all your data in one convenient place. 

• Wellness features — A fitness tracker might already monitor heart rate, but what are its other wellness features? Some trackers give you stats on your sleep patterns, daily movement, and distance after workouts. Even though fitness trackers are not meant to cure or prevent any diseases, they can give valuable insights on your physical and mental state. 

What is the best fitness tracker for monitoring heart rate?

Finding the right fitness tracker can be challenging with so many options. You might be an avid athlete or more of an occasional gym rat, but regardless of what your activities are, there is a fitness tracker out there for your health needs.

We've checked out everything on offer from top brands like Fitbit, Garmin, and Apple, and lined up a selection of your best options. It's worth taking some time to properly consider these models, because there is something for everyone and every budget.

These are the best heart rate fitness trackers in 2024.

OpenAI announced numerous new options for developers who use their technology to build products and services, promising the upgrades will "improve performance, flexibility, and cost-efficiency."

In their live announcement today — which suffered from audio problems — the OpenAI team first highlighted changes to OpenAI o1, the company's reasoning model that can "handle complex multi-step tasks," according to the company. Developers can now utilize the model on their highest usage tier; it's currently used by developers to build automated customer service systems, help inform supply chain decisions, and even forecast financial trends.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI makes ChatGPT Search available to everyone starting now

The new o1 model can also connect to external data and APIs (aka Application Programming Interfaces, which is how different software applications communicate with each other). Developers can also use o1 to fine-tune messaging to give their AI applications a specific tone and style; the model also has vision capabilities so it can use images to "unlock many more applications in science, manufacturing, or coding, where visual inputs matter."

Improvement were also announced for OpenAI's Realtime API, which developers utilize for voice assistants, virtual tutors, translation bots, and AI Santa voices. The company's new WebRTC Support will help in real-time voice services, utilizing JavaScript to ostensibly create better audio quality and more helpful responses (e.g., the RealTime API can start formulating responses to a query even while a user is still speaking). OpenAI also announced price reductions for services like WebRTC Support.

Also of note, OpenAI is now offering Preference Fine-Tuning to developers, which customizes the technology to respond better to "subjective tasks where tone, style, and creativity matter" than so-called Supervised Fine-Tuning. Catch the full presentation below.