IT General

I'm not a professional video person, but as a YouTuber and someone married to a video pro, my life became a lot easier when I took the time to learn some of the lingo. It won't turn you into Scorsese overnight, but it's a good start!

Apple's Family Sharing feature for its family of devices is an amazing way to simplify the Apple ecosystem in your home, and it can save you a lot of money! However, Family Sharing also has its limits, and there are some things you can't share using this feature. So let's look at what you can share, and perhaps more importantly—what you can't.

2024 was a big year for AI, and not all of it was good. But amidst the ethical dilemmas and growing concerns around the race to integrate the technology anywhere and everywhere, many set out with the goal to harness the power of AI responsibly. Here are 5 projects driven by AI that are genuinely helpful.

The external solid-state drives are excellent for expanding device storage, saving backups, or transferring data. They offer faster data transfer speeds and better reliability than traditional hard disk drives.

The Microsoft desktop apps aren't just for use in the workplace. In fact, you can use them at home to create personalized Christmas paraphernalia, keep yourself organized, and stay in touch with loved ones during the festive period.

Nov. 17th, shop Amazon deals on tablets from Amazon Fire, Samsung, and iPad before the holidays.

The best tablet deals on Amazon Best Fire tablet deal Amazon Fire HD 10 $74.99 (Save $65) Get Deal Best Samsung tablet deal Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Plus 11” $149.00 (Save $70.99) Get Deal Best Apple tablet deal Apple iPad (10th Generation) $279 (Save $70) Get Deal

What's the easiest entry point into the world of technology? Today, that's a tablet. Whether you go for a classic iPad, a Samsung Galaxy Tab, or you score a sweet deal on an Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet, you'll get your hands on a device chock-full of technological capabilities. Stream video, surf the web, play games, and edit photos — all on a responsive screen.

With the holidays so close that we're approaching the end of viable shipping windows, Amazon is offering huge deals on tablets. Amazon Fire Tablets are posting crazy low prices, Samsung Galaxy Tab is plummeting, and even Apple's iPad is on sale.

Don't wait, we don't expect to see category-wide tablet deals like this again anytime soon.

Best Fire tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 10 $74.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $65.00 Get Deal Why we like it

A 46% price drop on the newest Fire tablet? That's a pretty sparkly sale price. This affordable tablet packs 32GB of storage and 3GB of memory. Use it as an e-reader to dig into your libraries stacks from home, travel the world on Youtube, or try and beat Tetris yourself.

The ad-supported Amazon Fire HD 10 is available for only $74.99 for a savings of 46%. Get it now and save $65.

Best Samsung tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Plus 11” $149.00 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $70.99 Get Deal Why we like it

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is an attractive 11-incher with a whole 64GB of storage and four powerful speakers. Perfect for video and surfing the web, it offers a rich display. The tablet's large storage makes it a perfect hub for family photos, e-books, and more.

At 32% off ahead of the holidays, now is a great time to invest in a Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+, whether you're buying for a kid, yourself, or work. Get it now and pay just $149.00.

Best Apple tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad (10th Generation) $279.00 at Amazon
$349.00 Save $70.00 Get Deal Why we like it

We all know the iPad. The device that pioneered what a modern tablet is, the iPad offers seamless touch controls and remarkably powerful specs. With an A14 Bionic Chip and 64GB of storage, the iPad is loaded for the price. It also looks impeccable, with Apple's proprietary Liquid Retina Display — a perfect feature, because with two 12MP cameras, you'll want to be looking at some photographs.

Pair this with an Apple Pencil to draw or build virtual worlds in Minecraft. However you use it, now is a great time to invest in a new iPad. The Apple iPad (10th Generation) is currently on sale for 20% off ahead of the holidays, get it now for just $279.00.

More tablet deals on Amazon

• Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet — $69.99 $139.99 (save $70)

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (2024) — $199.99 $268.99 (save $69)

• Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet — $54.99 $99.99 (save $45)

Got a PlayStation fan in your life who’s difficult to shop for? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with this PlayStation holiday buying guide.

SAVE 50%: The AeroGarden Harvest 2.0 is just $45 at Amazon, down from the typical list price of $89.99. That's a savings of $44.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: AeroGarden AeroGarden Harvest 2.0 $45.00 at Amazon
$89.99 Save $44.99 Get Deal

Nothing is as delicious or satisfying as making a meal with vegetables you grew yourself. However, winter weather puts a snag in the ability to grow much of anything outside. If someone on your holiday shopping list loves to garden, but pauses during the winter, check out this great deal at Amazon.

As of Dec. 17, the AeroGarden Harvest 2.0 is on sale for just $45, down from the normal price of $89.99. That's an impressive 50% discount that'll save you $44.99. You can choose any of the four colorway options to get the $45 sale price, but if you're hoping for delivery before Dec. 25, your best option is the green colorway.

SEE ALSO: Save $300 on a 65-inch LG C4 at Best Buy and get a $100 gift card for free

The premise of the AeroGarden Harvest 2.0 is pretty simple — it uses a hydroponic watering system and LED lights to grow produce indoors. It also eliminates the use of soil, which can be great for gardening indoors without the mess.

AeroGarden introduced targeted grow lights into the Harvest 2.0 model that aims to provide more light on the plants themselves and less light on your countertop. Each harvest 2.0 can accommodate six plants, and the LED light adjusts up to 12-inches tall to give plants space to grow.

The AeroGarden comes with the growing container itself, a detachable 15W grow light, a growing starter kit, power adapter, and a bonus lettuce seed packet. Plus, its compact size means this can be a great gift for all gardeners, regardless of their kitchen size.

If you're shopping for last-minute holiday gifts, the AeroGarden Harvest 2.0 is both useful and thoughtful for anyone who enjoys growing their own veggies or herbs. Plus, you could gain some benefit from gifting the AeroGarden, like enjoying fresh produce when you get invited over for dinner.

Fedora Asahi Remix is the best Linux distro for Apple Silicon-based Mac computers, developed in collaboration between the Fedora and Asahi Linux team. The latest update makes it even better, though it’s still not a perfect experience.

The best streaming deals to watch 'Anora': WATCH NOW Buy 'Anora' on Prime Video $19.99 Get Deal WATCH NOW Buy 'Anora' on Apple TV+ $19.99 Get Deal WATCH NOW Buy 'Anora' on Fandango at Home (Vudu) $19.99 Get Deal WATCH NOW Buy 'Anora' on YouTube $19.99 Get Deal WATCH NOW Buy 'Anora' on Google Play $19.99 Get Deal WATCH LATER Hulu annual subscription $99.99 per year (save 16%) Get Deal

Anora, winner of the Palme d'Or at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, is flooding award nomination lists this season. And we couldn't be more thrilled. A Cinderella story that doesn't quite go the way you'd expect, Anora is our favorite film of the year. It's already secured nominations for Best Picture at the Critics Choice Awards and Golden Globes, and we wouldn't be surprised if it nabbed the Oscar nomination as well.

As of Dec. 17, it's gracing the small screen for all to see. Here's everything you need to know to watch Anora at home.

What is Anora about?

Mikey Madison stars as sex worker Anora — call her Ani — whose professional relationship with her young Russian client Ivan (Mark Eydelshtyen), the son of an oligarch, quickly turns into a wedding in Vegas. Ivan's wealthy parents aren't thrilled with the news and they make a visit to Brooklyn, alongside their cronies, to try to put an end to the marriage. It's up to Ani to fight for what she wants. "To borrow from another 2024 cinematic sex worker — she will not accept a life she does not deserve," Mashable film editor Kristy Puchko summarizes.

Check out the official trailer for a sneak peek:

Is Anora worth watching?

Not only do we think Anora is one of indie writer/director Sean Baker's best films yet, but we also think it's the best movie of 2024. "Anora is magnificently alive. Madison is its shining star, her charisma absolute as she wields a Brooklyn accent like a whip to dazzle with or wreak havoc as she sees fit," Mashable's Kristy Puchko writes in her review, adding that it's "as bold as it is brilliant." Other critics largely agree, with the film earning a glowing 96 percent critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 90 percent audience rating.

It's nominated in the major categories at both the Critics Choice Awards and Golden Globes, so it wouldn't be a stretch to say it's an Oscar contender. Get ahead of the hype and watch it before awards season really kicks off — we can't recommend it enough.

Check out our full review of Anora.

How to watch Anora at home Credit: NEON

If you skipped the big screen, you're in luck. Anora is now officially available to watch at home as of Dec. 17. You can purchase it for your digital collection through on demand retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV. It will also be available to rent at a later date. If you'd rather wait and stream the film, keep reading for more information.

Here are some of the platforms where you can purchase the film online:

• Prime Video — $19.99

• Apple TV — $19.99

• Fandango at Home (Vudu) — $19.99

• YouTube — $19.99

• Google Play — $19.99

When is Anora streaming?

There's no official streaming date yet for Anora, but since the indie film distributor Neon has a deal with Hulu, we expect the film to make its streaming debut on the service sometime early next year. Based on the release schedule of previous Neon hits like Cuckoo and Immaculate, we expect that Anora will likely hit Hulu in March — but we'll keep you updated as soon as we know for sure.

You can set yourself up for success by signing up for Hulu ahead of time. It's surprisingly one of the most generous streamers for newbies, as it offers a free 30-day trial. Subscriptions start at $9.99 per month, but we've also rounded up a few different ways you can save on your subscription below.

The best Hulu streaming dealsBest Hulu deal for most people: Hulu annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu (with ads) annual subscription $99.99 per year (save 16%) Get Deal

Instead of paying $9.99 per month for Hulu (with ads), which adds up to $119.88 in a year, you can opt for an annual subscription and save 16%. A yearly subscription, paid up front, costs just $99.99, which drops the monthly fee down to just $8.33 per month. It's the best way to keep more money in your pocket in the long run.

Best bundle deal: Get Hulu and Disney+ for 37% off Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu / Disney+ Duo Basic bundle: Hulu and Disney+ with ads $10.99 per month (save 45%) Get Deal

Want the most bang for your buck? Opt for a bundle plan. You can sign up for the Disney Duo Basic bundle and get both Disney+ and Hulu (with ads) for $10.99 per month. That's just $1 more than paying for Hulu alone, or a savings of 45%. If you're a sports fan, you can also throw ESPN+ into the mix for only $16.99 per month total. That's 47% in savings on all three services.

Best for students: Hulu Student Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu Student $1.99 per month (save 80%) Get Deal

Students looking to stream Anora and other Neon hits can sign up for Hulu for only $1.99 per month. That's 80% off the usual cost of a Hulu with ads plan. The only requirement is that you can verify your college email address using SheerID.

Best for T-Mobile users: Hulu (with ads) included for one year for Go5G Next customers Opens in a new window Credit: T-Mobile / Hulu Hulu (with ads) Free for select T-Mobile customers Get Deal

One of the best ways to get free streaming services, including Hulu, is to switch your phone plan to T-Mobile's Go5G Next plan. Customers on this plan can enjoy Hulu with ads for free (as well as Netflix and Apple TV+). If you're already on the Go5G Next plan, just head over to the T-Mobile promo page and choose "redeem now" to claim your offer. You'll have to enter your T-Mobile number and account details in order to sign up for Hulu.

Note: After your initial 12-month promotional period, you'll also have to take action in order to keep your subscription alive.

Most smartphones now support eSIM, allowing you to sign up for and use mobile networks without switching physical SIM cards. Some carriers now offer free trials via eSIM, which can be incredibly useful during travel in the US.

Apple's Home app is about to get more handy.

At least, that's according to the first developer beta for iOS 18.3. Per Aaron Perris on X (via 9to5Mac) Apple launched the first beta for the next iOS build this week, which notably features support for robot vacuums in the Home app. In case you don't know, that's Apple's all-in-one mobile app for controlling supported smart home devices, whether they were made by Apple or come from an authorized third-party.

SEE ALSO: Apple is finally getting serious about foldable devices, reports say

If this does indeed come to pass when iOS 18.3 theoretically launches early next year, expect to be able to control and monitor your robot vacuum from an iPhone. Apple says you will be able to control its power and cleaning functions through the app, as well as give requests via Siri. There's no real info about which robot vacuums will be included, though. It should be noted that Apple doesn't currently make one of its own, so all the supported options will have to be third-party devices.

But at least you'll potentially be able to control the one you have from the same app that you use to control all your other smart home devices soon.

SAVE $40: Snag the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids for just $149.99 ahead of Christmas. That saves $40 for 21% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids $149.99 at Amazon
$189.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal

With the holidays creeping up, it's time to kick things into high gear and find last minute gifts guaranteed to arrive in time for Christmas. If you're buying for a kid in your life, and stumped on the hot ticket items, look to the Kindle Paperwhite Kids. It's no secret that Kindles are our favorite e-readers, and if you're purchasing for a kid, the Paperwhite Kids is the best option.

Compared to the standard Kindle Paperwhite, the Paperwhite Kids is heftier, weighing 11.6 oz compared to the Paperwhite's 7.4 oz. The extra weight gives it a sturdier build that can stand up to the antics of a kids rough and tumble lifestyle. It's ad-free, so no ads or games will distract young readers from their books.

It comes with built-in parental controls so you can monitor what your kiddo is reading. However, the Kindle Paperwhite Kids comes with six months of Amazon Kids+ that provides access to a library of age-appropriate books.

Ahead of the holidays, you can find the Kindle Paperwhite Kids for just $149.99, saving $40 for 21% off. And the best news? It will arrive in time for Christmas.

SAVE $17: As of Dec. 17, get Super Mario Bros. Wonder for Nintendo Switch for just $42.99 at Woot, down from its usual price of $59.99. That's a discount of 28%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Woot 'Super Mario Bros. Wonder' $42.99 at Woot
$59.99 Save $17.00 Get Deal

'Tis the season to buy and play more video games. Whether you're planning on gifting a console to someone this year or you want to stock up on some new games as a gift to yourself, saving money is never a bad idea. You can get one of the Nintendo Switch's best Mario games right now at a great price at Woot.

As of Dec. 17, you can get Super Mario Bros. Wonder for Nintendo Switch for just $42.99, down from its usual price of $59.99. That's $17 off, or a discount of 28%. This price is for the physical copy of the game, not a digital code, so you'll have to wait for it to be shipped to you.

SEE ALSO: Looking for a solid gaming TV deal? The LG B4 55-inch OLED TV is $400 off.

This Mario adventure is one of the most exciting games to be added to the long list of platformers starring everyone's favorite plumber. You'll explore the Flower Kingdom in this outing, all while collecting Wonder Flowers that give Mario and friends exciting and unique abilities. They might bring pipes to life, send enemies charging through stages, or make things, well, trippy. You'll have to see it to believe it, really.

You don't have to play as just Mario, though. The whole crew's along for the ride, including Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, and others. And this time around, there's also a new power-up to use, like the Elephant Fruit. It's exactly what you probably think it is: it transforms Mario and the gang into elephants for some unique puzzles involving trunks, water, and other elephant-like shenanigans.

It's a blast, especially with other people. If you haven't yet tried it out, or just want to add a new Switch game to your collection, it's worth the entry price – and it also makes a great last-minute gift for the gamers in your life.

T-Mobile is starting to roll out Starlink access for satellite connectivity in dead zones.

On Monday, the telecom company shared that it has opened registration for a Starlink beta program. All T-Mobile customers can register to join the beta program and test out the satellite messaging feature. But spaces are limited, and T-Mobile is prioritizing first responder individuals and organizations, said the announcement.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon were all tested for speed. Which one won?

The T-Mobile Starlink beta program comes a month after the satellite-to-phone service received approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The regulatory framework for providing satellite coverage involved making sure it didn't interfere with networks provided by cell towers. But the FCC is fully on board with a space solution to supplement earthly coverage areas. "The FCC is actively promoting competition in the space economy by supporting more partnerships between terrestrial mobile carriers and satellite operators to deliver on a single network future that will put an end to mobile dead zones," said FCC Chairperson Jessica Rosenworcel.

Previously, the FCC granted Starlink "special temporary authority" to provide a free trial of emergency satellite texting to T-Mobile users impacted by Hurricane Helene and Milton.

Soon, T-Mobile customers will be able to have this kind of broad access all the time. T-Mobile and Starlink coverage aims to provide connectivity to over half a million square miles of remote areas that can't be access otherwise. "T-Mobile Starlink is the first major low-earth orbit constellation in the world paired with terrestrial cellular spectrum, making the phone in your pocket work in areas of the U.S. that have never, and probably never will, have ground based coverage," said Mike Katz, president of Marketing, Strategy and Products.

The beta program will initially support just texting, but voice and data will eventually be a part of future service.

Dec. 19th, Hydro Flask water bottles are on sale for up to 50% off from retailers like Amazon, REI, and Hydro Flask.

A great water bottle is all-year round. Hydro Flask might have hydro right in the name, but these famous water bottles and tumblers are for far more than a icy draught of water on a hot July day. With thick insulation, they’ll keep your water drinkable in freezing weather or warm. Additionally, many are well-suited for hot beverages. The initiated grab their Hydro Flask whenever they leave home.

Hydro Flask water bottles make great gifts, and right now many of the most popular models are on sale, making them great picks for last minute gifts. Shop now to find Hyrdo Flask water bottles and tumblers up to 50% off at retailers like Amazon, Hydro Flask, REI, and more.

Best Hydro Flask tumbler deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hydro Flask Hydro Flask Travel Tumbler $17.39 at Amazon
$34.95 Save $17.56 Get Deal Why we like it

Tumblers are ever-popular. The Hydro Flask Travel Tumbler is built for days on the road. Chocked with insulation, it keeps beverages cold all day long and fits in drink holders, so it can ride out with you on the way to school and remain sippable for the drive home.

The 32 ounce Travel Tumbler is 50% off at Amazon. Order now and get this iconic tumbler for just $17.39.

SEE ALSO: Best Buy's Last Minute Savings event is bringing deals on everything from Bose headphones to KitchenAid stand mixers Best Hydro Flask deal for hot or cold Opens in a new window Credit: Hydro Flask Hydro Flask National Park Foundation 32 Ounce Wide Mouth - Zion $22.48 at Hydro Flask
$44.95 Save $22.47 Get Deal Why we like it

Keep your coffee hot, your iced tea cold, and the preservation of America's natural spaces a topic of conversation with the National Park Foundation 32 Ounce Wide Mouth Hydro Flask water bottle. Printed with an image of Zion national park in orange, blue, and cream, this special edition water bottle honors American heritage.

This wide-mouth, screw top water bottle holds 32 ounces of liquid and is insulated for hot or cold beverages. At 50% off it's a great present for an outdoor enthusiast. If Zion doesn't call to your heart, this special edition parks water bottle is also available with other national parks graphics including Yellowstone.

Best with flex straw cap Opens in a new window Credit: Hydro Flask Hydro Flask 24 Oz Stainless Steel Standard Mouth Water Bottle with Flex Straw Cap $19.89 at Amazon
$39.95 Save $20.06 Get Deal Why we like it

If you want a water bottle that's made for straw-sipping but will never leak, then Hydro Flask's Flex Straw Cap water bottle is a perfect choice. With 24 ounces of carrying room, this water bottle totes big drinks. Vacuum sealed, it will keep drinks cold or hot — however, the straw is designed for cold drinks rather than warm so you might want to screw off the lid and skip the straw for hot coffee.

The Hydro Flask 24 Ounce Stainless Steel Standard Mouth Water Bottle with Flex Straw Cap is available for 50% off at Amazon. Order now and gift it for the holidays.

More Hydro Flask deals

• Hydro Flask Wide-Mouth Vacuum Water Bottle With Flex Straw Cap 32 Ounce — $32.93 $44.95 (save $12.02)

• 40 Ounce Travel Tumbler - Sugar Crush Limited Edition — $29.96 $39.95 (save $9.99)

• Hydro Flask 32 Ounce Wide Mouth Flex Straw Water Bottle — $31.49 $44.99 (save $13.50)

• Hydro Flask 2pc Coffee Mug Set Trillium — $34.99 $49.99 ($15.00)

ChargePoint and the Colorado Energy Office have finished a project to add 80 fast-charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) along six highways in Colorado. Projects like these make sure EV owners have more locations to charge their cars.

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Dec. 17: OUR TOP PICK Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus $199.99 (save $50) Get Deal BEST SMARTHOME DEAL Amazon Echo Show 8 $84.99 (save $65) Get Deal BEST DEAL FOR KIDS Kindle Kids $109.99 (save $20) Get Deal BEST PHOTO PRINTER DEAL HP Sprocket 3x4 instant photo printer $110.49 (save $39.50) Get Deal BEST FITNESS TRACKER DEAL Fitbit Charge 6 $119.95 (save $40) Get Deal

If you're a last-minute holiday shopper (guilty), you'll be happy to know there are still tons of deals at Amazon just waiting around for you to add to your cart. Sure, they're not quite at Black Friday level, but they're still definitely worth grabbing. Brands like Kindle, Fitbit, HP, and Amazon Echo are still offering discounts up to 43% as of Dec. 17 — and we've rounded up the best ones.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If none of these are your cup of tea, be sure to take a peek at our selections from Dec. 16 as well. Most of those deals are still live, including nearly half-price Beats Studio Buds.

Our top pick: Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus $199.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar debuted last year as a budget-friendly way to upgrade your home theater experience. The Soundbar Plus, which just debuted last month, takes your setup to brand-new heights. Unlike the classic Fire TV Soundbar, the Soundbar Plus has a built-in subwoofer and offers Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and DTS TruVolume support. In other words, its all-in-one design makes for truly immersive audio. It packs three full-range speakers, three tweeters, and two woofers to pump out sound in every direction. If you already have a Fire TV or a Fire TV Stick, it's a perfect companion. You can even use the same remote to control both. As of Dec. 17, it's on sale for the first time ever. Snag it for just $199.99 instead of $249.99 ahead of the holidays.

Amazon Echo Show 8 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Show 8 $84.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $65.00 Get Deal

The latest Echo Show 8, released last year, improves all of the things we already loved about its predecessor. It packs a centered 13MP front camera for clearer calls, spatial audio for more enjoyable listening, and a dynamic interface that adjust based on your distance to the device. And like the previous generation, it can still be used as a central hub for everything from controlling your security cameras and lights to making video calls and streaming your favorite shows. As of Dec. 17, you can scoop it up for just $84.99 instead of $149.99. That's 43% in savings and just $5 shy of its best-ever price from Black Friday.

Kindle Kids Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle Kids $109.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

Just like the classic Kindle, but built with young readers in mind, the Kindle Kids is the most budget-friendly option for your little ones. While it doesn't offer the waterproof build and adjustable warm light like the Paperwhite Kids, it's still a solid pick for an e-reader. It features a six-inch, glare-free display with 300 ppi for sharp resolution, adjustable front light, dark mode to prevent eye strain, and one year of unlimited access to Amazon Kids+. This subscription would normally run you $4.99 per month and includes thousands of ad-free books and a Vocabulary Builder, where kids can look up definitions and learn new words. It's usually $129.99, but you can snag the new Kindle Kids for only $109.99 as of Dec. 17.

HP Sprocket 3x4 instant photo printer Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP Sprocket 3x4 instant smartphone photo printer $110.49 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $39.50 Get Deal

Whether you're looking for a unique gift idea or a creative way to capture holiday memories, the HP Sprocket is a fun option. With a few taps on your phone, it pumps out 3-by-4-inch sticky-back photos you can customize with stickers, borders, filters, and other effects. No need to buy ink; this tiny printer uses zero-ink (Zink) technology on tear-resistant, waterproof, and blot-proof paper. It works with both iOS and Android devices, is extremely light and portable, and lets you print from your device's gallery as well as your Instagram, Facebook, and Google accounts. Our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) gave it four stars, writing that "the Sprocket 3x4 will land in your portable-printer Goldilocks zone."

It's usually $149.99, but as of Dec. 17, you can snag it for only $110.49. That's 26% in savings.

Fitbit Charge 6 Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Charge 6 $119.95 at Amazon
$159.95 Save $40.00 Get Deal

One of our readers' top purchases during Cyber Week, the Fitbit Charge 6 is back on sale in time for last-minute shoppers to snag. As far as fitness trackers go, it checks all the right boxes. It packs a seven-day battery life, 40+ exercise modes, heart rate, step, sleep, and stress tracking, making it a solid choice if you're looking to improve your health and habits. It also comes with six months of Fitbit Premium to help you really kickstart your fitness routine.

sAs of Dec. 17, it's just $119.95 instead of $159.95. That's 25% in savings. While that's not quite as cheap as it was on Black Friday, it certainly still beats paying full price.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.

SAVE $120: The Dec. 17 Best Buy Drop of the day is the Litter-Robot 4 Self-Cleaning Litter Box Core Accessories Bundle. Usually $799, the Litter-Robot 4 is now on sale for $679 ($120 in savings) as long as you go through the Best Buy mobile app.

Opens in a new window Credit: Whisker Whisker Litter-Robot 4 Self-Cleaning Litter Box Core Accessories Bundle $679.00 at Best Buy
$799.00 Save $120.00 Get Deal

Cat parents share countless universal experiences, but hosting around the holidays spotlights one in particular: the dread that your cat will poop in its litter box in the room right next to where all the people are standing.

If you've been considering switching to an automatic litter box for this exact reason, Best Buy has a last-minute holiday deal that should be your sign to make the investment. The Best Buy Drop of the day for Dec. 17 is the Litter-Robot 4 Self-Cleaning Litter Box Core Accessories Bundle for $679 — a savings of $120 that beats the $100 discount that Whisker litter box bundles were seeing during Black Friday.

Wait, what's Best Buy Drops? The "Drops" tab at the top of the Best Buy mobile app is a running list of items that Best Buy is dropping that week, which are often big name products getting a rare discount that likely won't be found elsewhere. (Past Drops have included the Shark FlexStyle, Samsung's The Frame, or the PS5 Slim Edition — and the M2 iPad Air is the Drop coming up on Dec. 20.) Here, shoppers can preview which items are coming on which day so that they're ready to hit "add to cart" when each deal goes live at 11 a.m. ET on its respective day. Once one goes live, a status bar keeps track of how much inventory is left for that item. This could last anywhere from a few seconds to a few hours, depending on popularity.

SEE ALSO: https://mashable.com/review/litter-robot-4-review

Having to move so quickly during the Drops rush can make the purchase feel impulsive, especially when the splurge is more than a few hundred dollars. But if you have the budget, I'm here to tell you that you won't regret your self-scooping litter box purchase. While I personally haven't tried a Litter-Robot specifically, I do live in a two-cat, two-automatic litter box household, and those litter boxes being able to scoop themselves has saved me so much time and stress. That's stress over the smell, which is kept at bay for a week or two at a time, and stress over planning when I'm going to be away from home. Whether it's a quick day trip or several days away, not having to beg my roommates to manually scoop or force my cats to live in their own filth has been such a game changer. And no, my cats aren't afraid of the automatic litter boxes at all.

My most similar litter box to the Litter-Robot 4 is the $699.99 Leo's Loo Too, which features the same spin and sift set up that separates clumped litter pieces into a waste drawer in the bottom. Your cat may or may not like the fact that the Litter-Robot's opening is much wider than that of Leo's Loo Too (some cats find the bigger hole intimidating). On the subject of entering and exiting the box, the mini ramp shown in many Litter-Robot photos would be a reason to go the Litter-Robot route if your cat has any type of mobility issues. It is sold separately for $65 at Litter-Robot, Target, Amazon, and more, but you can technically use the money you just saved with this Drop. (If your cats don't like the big egg-shaped design at all, I recommend the PetSafe ScoopFree.)

On top of the litter box itself, the Core Accessories a fence and litter trap mat to prevent litter tracking, 25 waste drawer liners (that you'll need to switch every week or so, depending on the number of cats using it). six OdorTrap packs, cleaning wipes, and a one-year warranty.

A green sea turtle, named Charlotte by rescuers, was struck by a boat back in 2008, in an accident which left him with with partial paralysis and “bubble butt syndrome" — an ailment where air trapped in the back of turtles’ shells makes their rears buoyant, impacting their ability to swim.

Charlotte was rescued by Connecticut's Mystic Aquarium, who collaborated with 3D printing companies Adia and Formlabs to develop a harness to help the turtle swim again. The team 3D-scanned Charlotte’s body and created a weight system that can be adjusted as air bubbles shift, tilting the turtle at different angles. The harness was completed in late 2024, using SLS 3D printers, some of the most accessible in the U.S., so that other aquariums can adopt the technology and print harnesses for more sea turtles.

Adia and New Balance are issuing a call for volunteers with experience in 3D printing, computational design, and materials science to help with future harnesses.