IT General
ChatGPT’s Android app now has a real Thinking mode
OpenAI has been swinging for the fences with recent updates like GPT-5.2 and ChatGPT Images. This week, the company rolled out an improvement to its ChatGPT Android app, and it's a change power users have been waiting for. ChatGPT’s official app now has a real Thinking mode, previously only available through a browser.
According to Bleeping Computer, the original Thinking toggle actually rerouted your responses through the Standard thinking time, which uses less compute power and doesn’t think for as long. The new toggle allows users to expressly choose between Auto, Instant, or Thinking modes to determine how long the AI will pontificate over a request before delivering an answer.
This matches the functionality already available for desktop users who choose “Extended Thinking,” which gives the AI more time to work on complex queries to deliver better, more accurate answers.
The rollout is happening now, so if you use ChatGPT on an Android device, make sure you’ve updated to the most recent version. Once done, the new Thinking mode will appear in your chat settings. From there, you’ll be able to choose between Standard and Extended thinking times, allowing you to get better answers on mobile. As of this writing, we have not been able to access the new thinking toggle in the ChatGPT iOS app.
This feature is only available for ChatGPT Plus users, so free users are still stuck with the old Thinking mode, which is really just Standard mode.
Per Bleeping Computer, the feature rolled out alongside a new formatting block feature. Now, when you ask ChatGPT to type an email, it does so in a formatting block, and you can request changes or edit the document without having to regenerate the entire email. This feature started rolling out over Christmas and is available to all users.
It’s a small but pleasant end to the year for ChatGPT users. OpenAI spent the latter half of 2025 allegedly in a “code red” state after losing a sizable number of users to Google’s Gemini 3 and Nano Banana, and has spent much of the rest of the year trying to recapture those people with GPT-5.2 and ChatGPT Images. It has mostly worked, as GPT-5.2 trades blows with Gemini 3 on most benchmark scores while soundly beating Grok 4 in most areas.
Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.
Memory shortages could push PS6 release beyond 2027
Can't wait for the release of the new PlayStation 6? Well, thanks to the computer memory shortages caused by the rise of AI, you may just be waiting even longer.
According to a new report from Insider Gaming, there is talk among the video gaming industries about delaying the release of the next generation of consoles, such as the PS6. Global RAM shortages have led companies like Sony to weigh the benefits of delaying the console instead of pushing for its currently planned release window.
According to previous leaks, Sony was targeting a November 2027 release for the PS6.
As Mashable has previously reported, laptop and smartphone manufacturers have been forced to institute price hikes on their products to make up for the shortages amid the demand. The AI boom has yet to lose steam within the tech industry and this means that global memory shortages will likely continue into the new year and for the foreseeable future. As a result, many computer manufacturers are warning their customers that additional price increases are on the way.
Next-gen video game console makers would be affected by these RAM price increases as well. Sony would likely have to wrestle with two choices if it wanted to maintain a 2027 release for the PS6: pass on the extra cost to customers, which could hurt sales numbers, or eat these costs themselves.
The third option now being discussed, according to this new report, is to simply delay the release of the console in hopes that RAM supply increases over the next few years and prices drop.
Heated Rivalry fans crashed Quinn app for Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie
By the time Quinn's newest audio erotica series starring Heated Rivalry fan favorites Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie finally dropped, the anticipation had already reached an actual breaking point. Within hours of the release of the first two episodes, the Quinn app went down, briefly buckling under the weight of fans who had been waiting mere days to hear the pair reunited.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Ember & Ice marks Quinn's first-ever duet original, shifting the app's usual listener-centric intimacy into a fully dramatized MM romance. Dane (Storrie) and Finn (Williams) rival fae princes locked in a forbidden, years-long affair. A heart-pounding queer romantasy story narrated by a pairing that already carries deep emotional weight for fans was never going to arrive quietly.
The format change, combined with Williams and Storrie's established chemistry from Heated Rivalry, turned the release into a fandom event — one that spilled immediately onto social media as listeners reacted in real-time to every whimper and carefully placed inhale.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.What Ember & Ice ultimately highlights is the power of fandom continuity, how voices and chemistry can carry emotional meaning across projects and formats. Since premiering in late November, Heated Rivalry has rapidly evolved from a new release into an online obsession, effectively launching Williams and Storrie’s careers in real-time.
The appetite driving that momentum — especially among women eager for more erotic, chemistry-forward content — was strong enough to overwhelm Quinn's servers. With Ember & Ice's third and final episode set for Jan. 6, the question isn't whether fans will return, but whether the app is ready for them.
Last chance to score a month of DirecTV for $50: NFL playoff games live, plus Disney+ and Hulu
SAVE $40: Through Jan. 6, DirecTV's Signature Entertainment streaming package is only $49.99 for your first month (regularly $89.99/month). The package includes 90 channels plus Disney+ and Hulu (with ads), an extra savings of $19.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: DirecTV First month of DirecTV Signature Entertainment streaming package $49.99$89.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal
While the Sling TV day pass is a great hack for watching sports on ESPN, there's a major hole in coverage when it comes to the sports that are on broadcast channels like FOX and CBS — so, pretty much the entire NFL playoff schedule. In that case, the next hack up is DirecTV's rare holiday deal: Get your first month of DirecTV's Signature Entertainment Package with 90 channels for just $49.99 ($40 off its usual $89.99/month).
SEE ALSO: Best 65-inch+ TVs for watching in dark and bright roomsThe promo, which has been running since mid-December, is finally closing out on Jan. 6, so these are your last few days to lock down January NFL games without cable or committing to a live TV subscription.
Past the big broadcast networks that'll cover most of your football needs, other channels in the Entertainment streaming package include E!, FX, Disney Channel, Hallmark, Syfy, and Nickelodeon. With the included access to Hulu (as well as Disney+ and ESPN), you can catch the second season of A Thousand Blows when it drops on Jan. 9, see what all the Alien: Earth hype is about, or hate watch All's Fair.
Why your Android phone isn't charging at full speed (and how to fix it)
So, you bought an Android phone that promised a rapid charging time up to some amount like 80%, but when you plug it into a charger you see a message like "slow charging" or "fully charged in two hours." That's not what you signed up for, so what gives?
30+ of the best kitchen deals to shop if your New Years resolution is to cook more
Another year is approaching, which means it's time to think about what you want to change or focus on in 2026. If you're simply aiming to stop spending so much money on takeout next year, we've rounded up some of the best kitchen deals to help you cook more at home.
The first step in any cooking journey is to make reasonable upgrades that actually encourage you to cook at home. It's a simple New Year's resolution with a simple solution. If your current tools aren't sparking inspiration in the kitchen, here are some essentials that might do the trick.
First and foremost: new cookware Opens in a new window Credit: Our Place Our pick: Our Place Always Pan (10.5-inch) $99 at Amazon$135 Save $36 Get Deal Why we like it
Before you can really start your 2026 cooking journey, you need to upgrade your cookware. That old, rusty pan that everything sticks to isn't doing you any favors. The Always Pan from Our Place is a crowd favorite and it's on sale for over 25% off in several color options at Amazon — just $4 shy of its best-ever price. It's constructed from 100 percent post-consumer recycled aluminum, features a toxin-free nonstick coating, and is oven safe up to 450 degrees. Besides the pan itself, it also comes with a spatula, modular lid, and a stainless steel colander and steamer.
More cookware dealsOur Place Mini Griddle Pan — $58 $69 (save $11)
Carote 14-piece pots and pans set — $66.49 $109.99 (save $43.50)
Our Place Mini Perfect Pot — $95 $125 (save $30)
All-Clad D3 stainless steel frying pan (10-inch) — $109.94 $139.99 (save $30.05)
Our Place Always Pan (12.5-inch) — $125 $159 (save $34)
Sur La Table Chef's Deck 10-piece stainless steel cookware set — $134.29 $169.99 (save $35.70)
$179.99 Save $40 Get Deal Why we like it
The viral Ninja Crispi air fryer is a Mashable favorite — after testing a big batch of Ninja appliances, shopping reporter Sam Mangino crowned it one of the best. Unlike most air fryers, it features a portable design with glass containers that attach to an air-frying lid. Beyond heating and crisping food to perfection, it also doubles as storage for your leftovers. "The Ninja Crispi ... allows you to meal prep and store food directly into glass baskets, where you will then reheat it," Mangino writes. "The storage containers are all dishwasher safe, a rare trait in air fryer baskets." As of Dec. 30, it's also $40 off, which matches its Black Friday price.
More air fryer dealsNinja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 (5-quart) — $89.99 $129.99 (save $30)
Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 DualZone air fryer (8-quart) — $119.98 $199.99 (save $80.01)
Our Place Wonder Oven — $155 $185 (save $30)
$179.99 Save $52.00 Get Deal Why we like it
If you want to simplify mealtime, do yourself a favor and grab a multicooker. It's a more hands-off way to whip up delicious meals at home. CrockPot's Multimeal multicooker features a dual-pot design, so you can cook your main course and sides with the same appliance at the same time. It has separate temperature controls and cook functions, like slow cook, sear/sauté, bake, rice/steam, and keep warm. Plus, the removable cooking pots are oven safe up to 450 degrees.
More multicooker dealsInstant Pot Rio 7-in-1 (6-quart) — $79.99 $109.99 (save $30)
Ninja Foodi Everyday PossibleCooker Pro (6.5-quart) — $109.99 $129.99 (save $20)
Our Place Dream Cooker (6-quart) — $169 $199 (save $30)
$40 Save $17.58 Get Deal Why we like it
The executive producer and actor on the Emmy Award-winning Hulu show The Bear, Matty Matheson, offers a definitive guide to mastering your kitchen in Home Style Cookery. The recipe-packed cookbook covers everything from pantry staples to creative party treats to go-to weeknight dinners. The hardcover book is usually $40, but you can grab it on sale for only $22.42 at Amazon.
More cookbook dealsFrom Crook to Cook by Snoop Dogg — $14.16 $24.95 (save $10.79)
Half Baked Harvest Super Simple by Tieghan Gerard — $15.73 $29.99 (save $14.26)
Bad B*tch in the Kitch by Cassie Yeung — $19.45 $35 (save $15.55)
What to Cook When You Don't Feel Like Cooking by Caroline Chambers — $19.64 $35 (save $15.36)
Appetites: A Cookbook by Anthony Bourdain and Laurie Woolever — $24.99 $45 (save $20.01)
KitchenAid gourmet multi-sided meat tenderizer — $12.99 $16.99 (save $4)
Astercook 13-piece knife set — $17.98 $49.99 (save $32.01)
KitchenAid food chopper (3.5-cup) — $44.99 $69.99 (save $25)
Gourmia indoor pizza oven — $119.99 $169.99 (save $50)
Drinkmate OmniFizz sparkling water maker — $124.99 $179.99 (save $55)
Ninja NC301 CREAMi Ice Cream Maker — $179.99 $229.99 (save $50)
Chefman Iceman Slush-Ease Max machine — $199.93 $349.99 (save $150.06)
Bartesian Professional cocktail machine — $348.99 $499 (save $150.01)
Ooni Koda 12 portable gas pizza oven bundle — $359.80 $514 (save $149.19)
Halo Versa 16 outdoor pizza oven — $399.99 $549.99 (save $150)
The best deals for anyone looking to cut their screen time in 2026
New year, new you. If you're looking to make 2026 less about spending time on your phone and doom-scrolling, there are plenty of great ways to cut your screen time and do more productive things with your days. But even though that resolution may sound like a simple one, it's not always as easy as you might think to go cold turkey when it comes to spending time in front of a screen, whether that's the TV, a monitor, your phone, or a console.
Because it's something you really need to make a valiant effort to accomplish, we've got your back. We've put together a few of our favorite options that you can lean on to help you cut down your screen time, even if only by a few minutes a day. There are tons of great alternatives out there that you can choose from, but these should at least get you to unplug for a short time, even if it's temporary.
Below, find our favorite picks for the best deals to help you fulfill your New Year's resolution to cut down on screen time.
Best productivity deal Opens in a new window Credit: The Brick The Brick $53.10 at Brick$59 Save $5.90 Get Deal Why we like it
This unassuming little gray block locks certain apps when you tap your phone to it. That means even if you feel like doom-scrolling, you won't be able to, which automatically keeps you out of the "using your phone too much" hot seat. It's quick and easy to use, Mashable Shopping Reporter Samantha Mangino tried out The Brick in a bid to cut down on screen time, and came away finding it was absolutely worth it, praising it as her "favorite option" and "recommending it to everyone I know".
Best activity book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Thrift Books Puzzle Mania! Wordle, Connections, Spelling Bee, Minis and More! $27.85 at Thrift Books$38 Save $10.15 Get Deal Why we like it
Sharpen your brain with this collection of Wordle, Connections, Spelling Bee, and other puzzles taken straight from The New York Times. It's a hardcover book with a lay-flat format that lets you easily puzzle things out alone or share with others, giving you plenty of reasons to skip the screen for the day and work on your focus and concentration with high-quality puzzles and brain-teasers.
Best camera deal Opens in a new window Credit: Camp Snap Camp Snap Camera $59.95 at Camp Snap$69.95 Save $10 Get Deal Why we like it
This screen-free digital camera can cut your screen time in a sneaky way: taking it away entirely. This is essentially a new-school point-and-shoot option that feels like taking pictures with a disposable camera. It's durable, supports storing up to 2,000 photos with its included SD memory card, and it's free of distractions so you can focus on what matters: being there and being present.
Best puzzle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Bepuzzled Classic Mystery Jigsaw Puzzle $10.17 at Amazon$22.67 Save $12.50 Get Deal Why we like it
This 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle is more than just a puzzle. It's also a murder mystery that you work out while putting the puzzle together as there are clues to find within. You can solve the mystery as you search for the right puzzle pieces, and by the end of the puzzle you should know exactly "whodunnit" -- making this a fun way to keep you engaged and excited about what you're working on.
Best diamond painting kit Opens in a new window Credit: PaintGem PaintGem Butterfly Edition Diamond Painting Kit $29.90 at PaintGem$39.90 Save $10 Get Deal Why we like it
Getting into diamond painting is a good way to keep yourself from staring at a screen, because you'll be creating decor and images that you can keep whenever you finish. This kit comes with 16 canvases, with 11,788 gems in total in 38 colors to create some absolutely gorgeous butterflies to display or give as gifts.
More deals on products to help cut down on screen timeCandle Making Kit — $52.99 $62.99 (save $10)
Vellostar Sewing Kit for Adults & Beginners — $17.97 $23.36 (save $5.39)
The Rider Tarot Deck — $19.99 $21.95 (save $1.96)
Gerute Crochet Kit for Beginners — $16.99 $23.99 (save $7)
Windows features secretly eating up your storage: How to reclaim GBs now
We often blame third-party apps or our growing pile of files when storage runs low, but Windows itself can quietly eat up far more space than you’d expect. If your system drive keeps filling up unexpectedly, built-in Windows features are often the real cause. Here’s how to reclaim gigabytes of storage in just minutes.
My favorite smartwatch for working out is on a major discount ahead of 2026
SAVE $34.43: The CMF Nothing Watch 3 Pro (Ash Grey) is on sale at Amazon for $64.57, down from the normal price of $99. That's a 35% discount.
Opens in a new window Credit: CMF by Nothing CMF Nothing Watch 3 Pro (Ash Grey) $64.57 at Amazon$99 Save $34.43 Get Deal
We're about to ring in 2026 and that means many of us are thinking about health and fitness goals. If your current fitness tracker is annoying or doesn't get the job done in the way you'd like, let me fill you in on a great upgrade that's on a major sale.
As of Dec. 30, the CMF Nothing Watch 3 Pro (Ash Grey) is on sale at Amazon for $64.57, down from the normal price of $99. That's a 35% discount that saves you $34.43. If you're like me and smitten with the Light Green colorway, that's also on sale for $67.68. It's only a 32% discount but the beauty could be worth the extra few dollars.
When I first saw the CMF Nothing Watch 3 Pro, I thought, "Damn, that looks sleek for coming in at under $100." After spending months testing it, I was left totally shocked that Nothing isn't trying to charge us way more for this smartwatch.
I have almost nothing negative to say about this smartwatch. I loved the numerous fitness tracking capabilities (over 130 sport modes) and that kite flying is listed. I also adored that I could quickly glance down at my wrist to see if I was in an aerobic workout or if I'd hit anaerobic. There's also an AI running coach if you're looking to get into a new routine in 2026.
SEE ALSO: Outdoor deals at Amazon include a 45% discount on the Garmin inReach MessengerOne of the standout highlights of the Nothing Watch 3 Pro is battery life. Apple Watch users are used to charging every other day, but those who go with the Watch 3 Pro as a fitness tracker could be in for weeks of life before you'll need to recharge. In testing, I got nearly two weeks of life. An astonishing feat for a smartwatch at this price.
I also found the sleep tracking features on the CMF Nothing Watch 3 Pro to be impressive. I was also testing the Eight Sleep Pod 5 at the same time and came up with shockingly similar sleep metrics each morning. That means this smartwatch, which is on sale for under $65, tracks sleep almost as well as a bed system that costs at least $3,000.
The CMF Nothing Watch 3 Pro is well worth its $99 standard price tag, but it's pretty common to find it on sale for $79. However, today's sale price of $64.57 makes this a seriously incredible deal. Snag one for yourself to help with 2026 fitness resolutions.
Hackers threaten to leak massive Wired customer database
Tech outlet Wired is at the center of a potential data breach after a lone hacker claimed to have breached Condé Nast and is now threatening to leak the personal information of more than 2.3 million subscribers.
As first reported by Bleeping Computer, the alleged leaker, Lovely, posted on a hacking forum, accusing Condé Nast, the parent company of Wired, Vogue, Vanity Fair, and the New Yorker, of ignoring vulnerability reports and failing to take security concerns seriously. However, independent cybersecurity journalist Dissent Doe of DataBreaches.net alleges the hacker is simply a bad actor who can’t be trusted and is attempting to extract a payout from the media company rather than acting out of any legitimate security concern.
SEE ALSO: Ubisoft takes 'Rainbow Six Siege' offline after significant hackAccording to independent verification by Bleeping Computer and Infostealer, the breach appears to be legitimate and includes email addresses, along with optional fields such as first and last name, phone number, physical address, gender, and date of birth — although many of these fields appear to be empty.
Beyond Wired’s subscriber database, the hacker claims to have access to as many as 40 million additional records across Condé Nast’s portfolio. Lovely's post was found on multiple hacking forums, giving users on those sites access to the database for $2.30.
Condé Nast has not yet issued a public statement confirming the breach. Mashable reached out for comment but did not receive a response before publication.
Per Bleeping Computer, only 1,529 of the more than 2.3 million records appear to be complete profiles, containing full names, birthdays, phone numbers, physical addresses, and gender information. The database has also been added to Have I Been Pwned, allowing affected subscribers to check whether their email address was included in the breach.
Kia’s small sedan is stylish, practical, and one of America’s cheapest cars
The Kia K4 rolls into its second year with barely a tweak from the 2025 model—and a price that still feels just right.
An arrest has been made in the Coinbase ransomware breach
A former Coinbase customer service agent in India who allegedly helped hackers steal sensitive customer information from its database was arrested in India.
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong said in a post on X on Dec. 26 that more arrests are to come.
"We have zero tolerance for bad behavior and will continue to work with law enforcement to bring bad actors to justice," Armstrong posted. "Thanks to the Hyderabad Police in India, an ex-Coinbase customer service agent was just arrested. Another one down and more still to come."
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. SEE ALSO: The 6 biggest cybersecurity breaches of 2025These support agents allegedly gave access to hackers as part of a May 2025 incident in which hackers demanded a $20 million ransom in exchange for not publicly leaking stolen customer data, according to Bleeping Computer.
As Mashable reported at the time, Coinbase said the hackers obtained names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, masked bank account numbers, photos of government IDs, and the last four digits of customers' social security numbers. On top of that, the hackers also accessed account data, including balance snapshots and transaction history.
Despite this, Coinbase refused to pay the $20 million ransom, instead offering a $20 million reward fund for anyone providing information on the people responsible for the breach. At this time, it's not clear if the reward fund played a role in the recent arrest in India.
"At Coinbase, we work directly with law enforcement, using blockchain tracing and other tools to help identify offenders and support prosecutions and we will not stop," a Coinbase spokesperson told BleepingComputer.
The best PC upgrade I made in 2025 wasn't a graphics card
As someone who works from home and plays a lot of PC games, I spend countless hours at my desk. I try to stay active outside work, but I still end up sitting for long stretches.
What is brainrot content? And why cant we escape it?
If you spend a decent amount of time online, you've probably heard of brainrot. But you'd be forgiven if it's unclear, really, what that is.
The first thing to understand is that it's everywhere — and has been for a while — and that it's increasingly a central part of the internet, for better or worse. Let's dig into it.
What is brainrot content?Brainrot, believe it or not, was Oxford's word of the year in 2024. The prestigious university defined it as "the supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging. Also: something characterized as likely to lead to such deterioration."
Words change their meaning over time, and in the year that's passed since Oxford's honor, the internet has shifted more toward that second definition. In other words, brainrot is mostly used to describe something that will harm or damage your brain. It's meaningless drivel, often silly, that serves no purpose other than to cook your brain cells.
(Fun fact: Oxford noted the phrase "brain rot" first appeared in Henry David Thoreau's classic book Walden, in which he lamented the demise of complex thinking, writing society "will not any endeavour to cure the brain-rot." Touch grass, etc.)
For another definition, the internet researchers at Know Your Meme wrote:
"Brainrot is a slang term used to describe content that has little to no artistic, educational or substantive value, painting it as having a negative impact on the viewer and thus leading to the degradation and 'rot' of their brain. In relation, the term is used to refer to pieces of 'brain rot content' that a person cannot stop thinking about, leading to further brain rot, such as regularly repeating the Skibidi Toilet song."
Over the last few years, brainrot has proliferated, and the Skibidi Toilet nonsense is a great example. So brainrot content might be a bodyless, disturbing head singing in a toilet. Or it could be kids screaming "6-7" all day long. Or it could be AI-generated, strange animals given nonsensical Italian-sounding names like Tralalero Tralala.
Watch the TikTok embedded below and you'll immediately understand brainrot.
Why is brainrot inescapable?As with most things in 2025, part of the answer for brainrot's inescapability involves AI. Consider those ridiculous Italian animals — a few years ago, you'd need artistic or Photoshop skills to create that nonsense. Now you need only a few seconds to create that slop.
It's no shock that brainrot's rise has come in tandem with AI slop's popularity — one piece of content can be both, in fact. As I previously wrote for Mashable: "AI slop is everywhere because it's easy to create, and because 'slop' in this context describes content made fast, at scale, with little risk or care." A study by video-editing platform Kapwing found that about half of YouTube Shorts were slop or brainrot.
Brainrot doesn't necessarily always involve AI, but when it does, it's super easy to create. And kids really seem to find the whole idea funny, which probably helps account for brainrot's popularity. If young people find it funny to have their brains rotted — or at least act like it — then it's naturally going to become popular.
With the rise of TikTok, we've all gotten quite used to scrolling mindlessly — brainrot seems to be a natural extension of that inclination. It can be nice to check out and tune in to something entirely mindless.
Brainrot isn't going anywhere — and it's not the end of the world — but maybe mix in a book everywhere once in a while.
The best fitness resolution deals to snag before we ring in 2026
We're just days away from ringing in 2026. If you're like of us, we have intentions of being more active, heathy, and fit in the coming year. Cliche as it is, a new year is a great time for a fresh start with good-for-us habits. Getting fit is not only a gift for yourself, it's a gift to loved ones to keep yourself healthy and happy.
But workout resolutions tend to fall by the wayside quickly. In an attempt to stick to those new routines, it's helpful to have some fitness gear on hand that you love. Instead of dealing with headphones that fall out with every lift, a solid pair of workout earbuds can help with motivation. The same can be said for investing in a rowing machine or a workout app that you actually enjoy.
We've compiled the best fitness deals that we love ahead of the New Year. Upgrade to items that help you reach your goals from a great new water bottle to a shockingly inexpensive fitness tracker. Here are some great deals to snag today.
Best Apple fitness tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch 11 (GPS, 42mm) $299 at Amazon$399 Save $100 Get Deal
Read our full review of the Apple Watch Series 11.
Why we like itA fitness tracker is one of the best ways to easily keep tabs on your health journey. Whether you walk the dog twice a day or have plans to train for a marathon in 2026, the Apple Watch 11 is perfect smartwatch that's loaded with fitness-tracking features. With GPS in a 41mm size, it usually sells for $399 but Amazon has it on sale for only $299 ahead of the New Year.
In Mashable's rating of the best fitness trackers, the Apple Watch 11 earns top marks thanks to its gorgeous design, comfortable fit, and speedy charging.
More fitness tracker dealsAmazfit Bip 6 — $64.99 $79.99 (save $15)
Fitbit Inspire 3 — $69.95 $99.95 (save $30)
Fitbit Charge 6 — $119.95 $159.95 (save $40)
Garmin Forerunner 55 — $149.99 $199.99 (save $50)
Garmin Venu Sq 2 — $149.99 $249.99 (save $100)
Garmin vívoactive 5 — $186.83 $299.99 (save $113.16)
Whoop 5.0/MG — $199 $239 (save $40)
Google Pixel Watch 4 (41mm) — $299.99 $349.99 (save $50)
$249.95 Save $50 Get Deal
Read our full review of the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 sports earbuds.
Why we like itA good set of earbuds can make a world of difference, whether you're rocking out while working hard at the gym or listening to a podcast while walking around the neighborhood. In Mashable's analysis of the best workout earbuds, the Beats Prowerbeats Pro 2 earn the top spot. Lucky for us, they're $50 off at Amazon right now.
They satisfy the brief on so many levels like being durable, having accessible controls, and being comfortable enough for extended wear. Plus, the 10 hours of battery life is a big bonus.
More workout earbuds dealsJLab Go Sport+ — $19.99 $29.88 (save $9.89)
Soundcore V20i — $39.99 $49.99 (save $10)
JBL Endurance Peak 3 — $59.95 $99.95 (save $40)
Beats Fit Pro (1st Gen) — $149 $199.99 (save $50.95)
Soundcore AeroClip — $149.99 $169.99 (save $20)
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds — $229 $299 (save $70)
$2,195 Save $500 Get Deal Why we like it
If you're not looking to join a gym this year but you still yearn for a great workout from home, it's hard to beat a Hydrow. A rowing workout is a full-body strengthening experience and its low-impact is great for folks of all ages. Hydrow does is right with the Origin Rowing Machine which has a 22-inch rotating screen so you can follow along with beginner-friendly workouts or intense strength exercises. Snagging it from Amazon today will put you in line for a $500 discount which is a solid start to the New Year.
More fitness equipment dealsMerach Water Rowing Machine — $269.99 $499.99 (save $230)
Merach R50 Rowing Machine — $449.99 $799.99 (save $350)
NordicTrack T Series Treadmill — $699 $999 (save $300)
Echelon Stride-6 Treadmill — $1,699.99 $1,999.99 (save $300)
Ergatta Luxe Rowing Machine — $1,899 $2,499 (save $600)
How to run Photoshop on Linux
Linux operating systems have become increasingly popular over the last year, as Windows 10 reached end-of-life, unwanted AI features and buggy updates pushed people away from Windows 11, and Linux distros became more user-friendly.
Ruggable rugs are up to 30% off for anyone trying to refresh their space for the new year
SAVE UP TO 30%: As of Dec. 30, Ruggable is holding an end of year sale featuring 15% off dog beds, 20% off select pillows and doormats, and between 25% and 30% off its machine washable rugs.
Opens in a new window Credit: Ruggable Ruggable end of year sale Save up to 30% Shop NowIf your New Year's Resolution is merely to get your shit together, start with your home — if your space feels chaotic, your brain tends to follow suit. Get inspired for a refresh with Ruggable's end of year sale. Shop more than 30 pages of machine washable rugs between 25% and 30% off, including already-cushioned options that don't require assembly.
SEE ALSO: My cats and I found the 8 best vacuums for pet owners, from powerful hair pickup to livestream camerasWith an extended return window through Jan. 31, you might as well finally investigate firsthand whether Ruggable is worth it. If you need extra encouragement to make the investment, just peep the reviews on each rug (most have five stars). Mashable's hands-on Ruggable review will tell you that Ruggable rugs are definitely worth it in any home with lots of foot traffic.
A new rug is the obvious jumping point for any home refresh. That's partly due to the opportunities to switch up the vibe or color scheme that you've gotten bored with. But when it's a washable rug specifically, "refresh" can be taken more literally — you'll no longer be living with the ghosts of dirty shoe bottoms, drink spills, or muddy paw prints past. You could fully revamp a bigger space with a one of several large area rug sizes, or opt to test the waters with a new runner for a hallway. Most holiday patterns are on sale, too. (Personal note: The Ruggable that I have, the best-selling Calabria rug as a kitchen runner, is 25% off. Just saying.)
This new engine technology could be the lifeline that saves gas cars
Everyone loves a turbo. The sound, the rush as the power kicks in, and the feeling in the seat of your pants as the wheels struggle to grip—it's a unique experience! That said, the venerable turbocharger has its issues. Now, however, a new electric take on the turbine could give it a new life in the 21st century,
Samsung is reportedly losing money on each Galaxy Z Trifold it sells
Well, now we know why Samsung is only selling the new Galaxy Z TriFold in limited markets. According to a new report, the company is selling its groundbreaking new foldable at a loss.
In fact, Samsung reportedly isn't even trying to profit off of each Galaxy Z TriFold phone it sells just yet.
A new report from Korean publication The Bell (via 9to5google) indicated that Samsung is selling the device, which recently launched in the company's home country, at a loss. In South Korea, the TriFold retails for 3,594,000 won, or roughly $2,500 USD, making it the most expensive phone in the company's portfolio by a pretty considerable margin. Still, Samsung is reportedly losing money on each unit sold, raising the question of how future TriFold phones might be priced going forward.
“This is a special edition product, so rather than selling it in bulk, we prepared it so that those who want it can try it out,” said Samsung Electronics Korea Vice President Lim Sung-taek at a Z Trifold launch event, according to a translated version of The Bell’s report. “There were various issues, such as the memory price, but we made a grand decision to reduce it and achieve this difficult price.
Currently, a global memory shortage driven by the AI boom has left critical RAM hardware components in short supply, as Mashable has reported previously.
SEE ALSO: The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold is coming to America soon: Everything we know so farWhile it's unusual to sell a product like this at a loss, there is precedent in the world of luxury tech devices.
Products like high-end video game consoles, for example, have been sold at a loss in the past, with the idea being that they'll remain on the market long enough for parts and manufacturing costs to eventually decrease, and the manufacturer will find other ways to recoup those losses in the meantime. Still, $2,500 is a lot of money for a phone, so if Samsung is losing money even at that extremely high price point, one has to wonder what the phone would actually cost if it were designed to make a profit from day one.
At any rate, U.S. customers don't have to worry about this for a little while longer. The Galaxy Z TriFold is slated to launch stateside in the early months of 2026, and it'll probably be expensive here, too.
Protect your files: Secure sharing with OneDrive links
CLoud services are an important part of our day-to-day lives, but a careless mistake can result in you accidentally sharing sensitive files or documents with the wrong person, or accidentally exposing a file to the entire internet.
