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The best deals to watch 'Joker: Folie à Deux' at a glance: BEST MAX DEAL Max (With Ads) annual subscription $99.99 per year (save 16%) Get Deal BEST DEAL WITH NO ADS Max Ad-Free annual subscription $169.99/year (save 16%) Get Deal BEST FOR CRICKET CUSTOMERS Max (With Ads) Free for Cricket customers on the $60/month unlimited plan (save $9.99/month) Learn More BEST FOR STUDENTS Max Student $4.99 per month for 12 months (save 50%) Get Deal BEST NON-STREAMING OPTION Buy 'Joker: Folie à Deux' on Prime Video $12.99 (save $7) Get Deal

Todd Phillips' ambitious sequel and box office dud Joker: Folie à Deux seeks to find a new audience this week with its official streaming debut. Starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, the film was met with some rough reviews upon its theatrical release. Streaming is a different ball game, though, and could be the platform that finally puts the divisive film in front of the right audience.

If you missed the Joker sequel in theaters, it's officially available to stream as of Friday, Dec. 13. Here's everything you need to know.

What is Joker 2 about?

The musical sequel to the 2019 supervillain origin story, Joker: Folie à Deux sees Joaquin Phoenix reprise his role as clown-faced criminal Arthur Fleck slash Joker. Now institutionalized at Arkham State Hospital and awaiting trial for his crimes, Joker meets fellow patient Lee Quinzel, aka Harley Quinn (Lady Gaga). Sharing his affinity for violence and mayhem, sparks fly immediately. Most of the film then sees Arthur enduring a trial while escaping into his imagination to sing, frolic, and go on murderous sprees with Lee.

Joker 2 also stars Oscar nominees Brendan Gleeson and Catherine Keener, alongside Zazie Beetz, reprising her role from the first film.

Check out the official trailer below:

Is the Joker sequel worth watching?

There are some sequels that get it right, like Smile 2 and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, and there are others that swing and miss. We found that Joker: Folie à Deux is the latter — and we're not the only ones. Or, as Mashable's reviewer Kristy Puchko wrote, "This sequel feels like a punishment."

On Rotten Tomatoes, the Joker sequel has just a 32 percent critic and audience rating. Its box office debut was largely a flop. Warner Bros. sources claim the film needed to make $375 million worldwide to break even; its worldwide box office tally peaked at $206 million.

Of course, like every other film, whether it's worth watching is subjective. You might love it. It could end up becoming a cult classic years from now. If you're a Gaga fan, you'll probably want to watch it simply for her star power. For what it's worth, several big names actually praised Joker 2, including Quentin Tarantino and John Waters, so it can't be that bad.

Check out our full review of Joker: Folie à Deux.

How to watch Joker: Folie à Deux at home Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

The Joker sequel became available to watch at home via video-on-demand sites like Prime Video and Apple TV as of Oct. 29. You can purchase the film for your digital collection or rent it for 30 days. If you'd rather stream it instead, keep scrolling to learn more about its streaming debut.

Note: Renting a film gives you 30 days to watch and just 48 hours to finish once you begin.

You can purchase and rent the film at the following retailers:

• Prime Video — buy for $12.99 (save $7)

• Apple TV — buy for $12.99 (save $7), rent for $5.99

• Fandango at Home (Vudu) — buy for $19.99, rent for $5.99

• YouTube — buy for $19.99, rent for $5.99

• Google Play — buy for $19.99, rent for $5.99

Opens in a new window Credit: Prime Video Buy 'Joker: Folie à Deux' on VOD $12.99 at Prime Video
$19.99 Save $7.00 Watch Now Is Joker 2 streaming?

As a Warner Bros. film, Joker: Folie à Deux is set to make its streaming debut on Max, the Warner Bros. Discovery-owned streamer on Dec. 13. Yes, that's Friday the 13th (what could go wrong?). The original Joker film from 2019 is also streaming on Max, so you can make it a double feature. Max subscriptions start at $9.99 per month, but there are a few ways you can save some money on your plan. Check out the best Max streaming deals below.

Best Max streaming deal for most people: Save 16% on Max with ads annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max (with ads) yearly subscription $99.99 per year (save 16%) Watch Now

If ads aren't a deal breaker for you, Max will only cost you $9.99 per month. You can easily just sign up for a single month, watch Joker 2 and whatever else you want to within that time frame, then cancel before you're charged for another month. Or you could save some money by sticking around for the long haul. An annual plan with ads will run you $99.99 per year, which breaks down to just $8.33 per month instead — about a 16% savings compared to the monthly plan. The only downside is that you have to splurge on a full year upfront.

Best Max deal with no ads: Save 16% on a Max Ad-Free annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max (No Ads) annual subscription $169.99 per year (save 16%) Watch Now

Can't stand ads interrupting your viewing experience? You have two options to choose from: Max Ad-Free and Max Ultimate Ad-Free. The basic ad-free tier costs $16.99 per month, while the Max Ultimate tier costs $20.99 per month. However, we recommend choosing a yearly plan instead, as you'll save about 16%. It'll only cost you $169.99 per year (about $14.17 per month) for Max Ad-Free or $209.99 per year (about $17.50 per month) for Max Ultimate.

Note: Both tiers offer an ad-free viewing experience, but the Ultimate tier takes things a step further with 4K Ultra HD video quality and Dolby Atmos immersive audio.

Best Max deal for Cricket customers: Free Max with ads for customers on the $60/month unlimited plan Opens in a new window Credit: Cricket / Max Max (with ads) Free for Cricket customers on the $60/month plan Watch Now

If ever there was a reason to sign up for Cricket Wireless, here it is: Cricket customers on the $60 per month unlimited plan get Max with ads for free (a $99.99 value). If you're on the $60 per month plan, just head over to the Max app (or navigate to Max.com), choose Cricket as your provider, and enter your credentials to log in. Then you're free to watch whatever you want, whenever you want — including Joker: Folie à Deux if you choose. Peep the terms and conditions on Cricket's website to learn more.

Best Max deal for students: Save 50% on Max with ads monthly for one year Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max Student $4.99 per month for 12 months Get Deal

College students can get 50% off a Max monthly subscription with ads for an entire year, dropping the price down to only $4.99 per month. As long as you can verify your student status through UNiDAYS, you'll get a unique discount code that lets you knock half off the full price of Max.

Best bundle deal: Get Max, Disney+, and Hulu for up to 38% off Opens in a new window Credit: Disney / Hulu / Max Disney+, Hulu, and Max $16.99 per month (with ads), $29.99 per month (no ads) Get Deal

It may not be the cheapest way to watch Joker 2, but you can definitely get more bang for your buck by snagging the bundle deal that includes Max, Hulu, and Disney+. Enjoy all three libraries with ads for only $16.99 (reg. $25.97) per month or ad-free for $29.99 (reg. $48.97) per month, which is up to 38% in savings.

Listen, I, too, tried to be loyal to physical books. While you can't replace the feel of paper, the beauty of bound hardcovers, and the ritual of turning the page, an e-reader brings convenience and portability that, yes, a book can't beat. Sure, you can throw a book in your tote bag, but what about an entire library?

SEE ALSO: We tried every Amazon Kindle to find the best for every bibliophile

When you think of e-readers, your first thought is likely an Amazon Kindle, and while it wasn't the first e-reader to hit the market, it is indeed the one to dominate the market. While Kindles are great — there's certainly no denying that — there is a whole world of e-readers that are equally wonderful.

If you're gearing up for the holidays, there's no better gift for the book lover than an e-reader, and these are the best ones you can buy.

Which e-reader is the best? From left to right: Kindle Paperwhite, Nook GlowLight 4 Plus, Kindle Scribe Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Choosing the right e-reader is a decision based on price, the need for special features, and where you get your books from. For instance, most e-readers are easily compatible with Libby but maybe you also want to take advantage of programs like Kindle Unlimited.

To decide what kind of e-reader is right for you, consider the overall design that best suits you. Is a touchscreen okay, or do you need buttons? If you want to take your e-reader near water, whether it be a bathtub or a pool, you'll also need to make sure you have a waterproof device.

Plus, it's worth considering special features. Are you an annotator who wants to write in the margins of your e-book? Or are you sick of multiple devices and need a tablet that you can read and stream on? All of these questions help you determine which e-reader or tablet will blend into your habits.

Can you read on an iPad? The iPad Mini is just the right size for reading compared to a larger model like the iPad 9th generation. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Yes, you can read on an iPad, and as an iPad reader, I highly recommend it. iPads come with the Apple Books app. However, other reading apps, including Libby and the Kindle app, give access to the world of books.

For this reason, I included an iPad in my testing. The iPad Mini made my list because it is the perfect size to feel like you're reading a paperback novel versus larger iPad models like the 9th generation (pictured above), which feel like reading a clunky magazine.

Featured Video For You Kindle Paperwhite vs. Kobo Clara Colour: Which one is better?

The 2024 Game Awards took place in Los Angeles' Peacock Theater on Thursday night, with developers travelling from across the globe to celebrate this year in video games.

Now in its 10th year, The Game Awards have become known for new game announcements and previews as much as they are for celebrity appearances, weird marketing stunts, and forcing timid game developers to awkwardly deliver speeches in front of thousands of people. 

Here are all the biggest announcements from The Game Awards 2024.

SEE ALSO: 'Split Fiction' hands-on: A co-op adventure through sci-fi and fantasy worlds The Witcher IV announced, almost a decade after last game

The 2024 Game Awards started out strong with the announcement of The Witcher IV from CD Projeckt Red. The fourth game in the Witcher series, The Witcher IV will break from its predecessors by following former supporting character Ciri rather than previous protagonist Geralt — and it looks as though she's shaping up to be just as formidable a monster slayer as he is.

The Witcher IV will be a single-player open-world roleplaying game though, with CD Project Red stating that it "marks the beginning of a new saga with Ciri as a protagonist." This project is the studio's first new game since 2020's Cyberpunk 2077, and the first new title in the Witcher series since The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt in 2015. 

Elden Ring co-op spin-off Elden Ring: Nightreign unveiled

Considering how popular FromSoftware's Elden Ring was in 2022, it's unsurprising that we're getting more games in the same universe. What is surprising is that Elden Ring: Nightreign will be a three-person co-op action survival game, and is a spin-off rather than a sequel. Fortunately it will also support singleplayer, so you won't always need to wait for your friends to play.

Elden Ring: Nightreign will have players work together to survive the "everchanging" land of Limveld and level up one of eight characters, each of whom have their own special abilities. Survive for three days, and you'll have to face the dangerous Nightlords.

Though the game will have many of the same weapons and enemies found in Elden Ring, the world will be different in every playthrough. New key locations, enemies, and weapons will appear or shift around in each new game, FromSoftware stating that players will have to overcome "the map itself."

Elden Ring: Nightreign is currently planned for release on PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC in 2025.

Untitled game from Shadow of the Colossus developer teased

We don't even know the title of this game, but its pedigree already makes it one that many people will want to keep an eye on. The Game Awards offered a brief glimpse at a new game from genDESIGN and its founder Fumito Ueda, the creator behind notable titles such as Ico, Shadow of the Colossus, and The Last Guardian.

Borderlands 4 offers official first look

Borderlands 4 was previously announced with a teaser trailer in August, but now we have our official first look at 2K Games' next entry in the popular franchise. 

The new first-person loot shooter will pick up after the events of Borderlands 3, when — spoiler alert — Siren Lilith averted a disastrous collision by teleporting Pandora's moon Elpis to an unknown location. It turns out that said location was the atmosphere above Kairos, which did not do great things for the protective barrier surrounding the planet.

Borderlands 4 positions players as a Vault Hunter searching for treasure, wealth, and glory after crash landing on Kairos several years later. It may not all be hedonistic self-interest though. Players will contend with The Timekeeper, Kairos' ruthless dictator and leader of an army of synthetic soldiers known as The Order. Also opposing him are the Rippers led by their formidable Queen Callis, making the situation on Kairos volatile to say the least.

The game will support solo players as well as co-op games, with two-player local split screen or up to four players online. Borderlands 4 is scheduled to arrive on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC in 2025.

New Virtua Fighter game from Yakuza's studio in development

Virtua Fighter is a hugely influential fighting game series. Considered the first ever 3D fighting game, the game has informed and inspired numerous others since its first title was released in 1993. Even so, there hasn't been a new Virtua Fighter game since Virtua Fighter 5 in 2007. This is about to change.

SEGA announced a new Virtua Fighter game during Thursday's Game Awards, this time led by Like a Dragon/Yakuza developer Ryu Ga Gotoku. In a subsequent livestream, SEGA President and COO Shuji Utsumi revealed that the original Virtua Fighter team has also returned to work on the game for the first time since 2006.

"For a number of years now, we have been working on this project together with the Virtua Fighter developers as a united team," said Ryu Ga Gotoku director Masayoshi Yokoyama (translated from Japanese to English). "[It will] incorporate the game technologies that Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has built and refined over the years, as well as Virtua Fighter's signature full-contact action systems."

The Last of Us developers reveal retro sci-fi game Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet

The Game Awards traditionally end with "just one more thing," a big, exciting reveal to close out the night. This year that reveal was a brand new game in a brand new IP from The Last of Us developer Naughty Dog, offering a cool '80s retro sci-fi aesthetic.

Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet follows bounty hunter Jordan A. Mun (Tati Gabrielle), who pursues her latest target to the mysterious planet of Sempiria. Nobody has left Sempiria's orbit in over 600 years, with all communication from it having gone dark. Now Jordan must keep her wits about her and fight hard if she wants to be the first person in six centuries to escape.

The sci-fi adventure game will be scored by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, who have previously provided the soundtracks for films such as The Social Network, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Gone Girl, and Challengers.

We don't know much else about Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet yet. However, Naughty Dog Studio Head Neil Druckmann states that it "lives up to the Naughty Dog tradition of creating an emotional, character-driven epic journey," and that it will be "the deepest gameplay in Naughty Dog’s history."

Astro Bot won Game of the Year 2024

For many gamers, The Game Awards' main appeal is its slew of new game reveals. Even so, the event is technically an awards ceremony, with one game ultimately taking home the title of Game of the Year.

The 2024 Game Awards' Game of the Year went to platformer Astro Bot, developed by Team Asobi. Though Astro Bot and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth led the nominations with seven each, the former took home the most trophies after winning Best Game Direction, Best Action/Adventure Game, and Best Family Game as well.

TL;DR: Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 is just £22.06 (reg. £393.56) through 22 December.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 for Windows £22.06 at the Mashable Shop
£393.56 Save £371.50 Get Deal

If you're unhappy with your coding process, a software switch could be in order. Elevate your coding experience with Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 for Windows. It was designed to help you code faster, more accurately, and across multiple platforms — and a lifetime device license is only £22.06 through 22 December.

This powerful Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is packed with features that allow you to code smarter, build collaboratively, and bring complex projects to life. From entry-level developers to seasoned programmers, Visual Studio Pro 2022 has the tools you need to tackle any project efficiently.

One of the most helpful features of Visual Studio Pro 2022 is its support for cross-platform development. You’re not limited to one platform. Instead, you can build mobile, web, and desktop applications using the same IDE.

With .NET MAUI, you can craft cross-platform mobile and desktop applications, while Blazor lets you build responsive web UIs in C#. And for those working with Linux, Visual Studio’s debugging and testing capabilities for .NET and C++ apps make it incredibly versatile.

Need to make quick changes on the fly? Hot reload allows you to edit running ASP.NET pages without restarting, saving valuable time and boosting productivity.

Visual Studio Pro 2022 also includes tools like IntelliCode and CodeLens, offering unparalleled productivity boosts. IntelliCode is an AI-powered tool that understands the context of your code, completing lines or blocks with accurate suggestions. It even anticipates your next move, making coding faster and smoother.

The CodeLens feature provides valuable insights directly into your code editor. It shows you information like recent changes, authors, tests, and commit history at a glance, allowing you to gain a deep understanding of your codebase and make informed decisions without interrupting your flow.

Pick up a device license that never expires when you get Microsoft Visual Studio Pro 2022 on sale for £22.06 (reg. £393.56). This price is only available through 22 December at the Mashable Shop.

Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 for Windows - £22.06 | Get It Here

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Score permanent access to Skoove Premium piano lessons on sale for £94.64 (reg. £236.60) at the Mashable Shop.

Opens in a new window Credit: Skoove Skoove Premium Piano Lessons: Lifetime Subscription £94.64 at the Mashable Shop
£236.60 Save £141.96 Get Deal

Thinking of fulfilling a lifelong goal of learning to play the piano? Finding an instructor to teach you every month will quickly set you back hundreds, if not thousands of pounds — not to mention the coordination of both your schedules. And learning from YouTube can be hard without a solid direction.

Thankfully, there's a way to combine the personal approach of an in-person teacher with the flexibility of learning from videos: interactive piano lessons from Skoove Premium. You can get lifetime access to Skoove virtual piano lessons on sale for £94.64 (reg. £236.60).

Skoove uses artificial intelligence to identify and understand what you're playing so it can give real-time feedback. You'll get access to over 400 piano tutorials that are tailored to your preferences, with a variety of genres to choose from like popular music by The Beatles, Adele, and more, as well as classical music by Beethoven, Mozart, etc. And if you need additional help, Skoove music instructors are there to give one-on-one support to supplement your studies. 

Every month, new videos and songs are added, so you'll never get bored. And lifetime access means you only have to pay once for unlimited access.

If you're ready to tickle the ivories and learn to play the piano on your own schedule, consider Skoove.

Score a lifetime subscription to Skoove Premium piano lessons marked down 60% at the price of £94.64.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: A wide range of free online courses from Stanford University are available to take with edX.

edX is one of the best platforms for online courses, with a massive range of lessons covering useful topics like Python, mathematics, computer science, and much more. And some of these online courses are delivered by famous schools like Stanford University.

We have checked out everything on offer and lined up a selection of standout options from Stanford University. And the best thing is that it costs absolutely nothing to enroll. It sounds too good to be true, but it's legit.

These are the best Stanford University courses you can take for free this month.

• Algorithms: Design and Analysis

• America's Poverty and Inequality Course

• Communicating with Presence

• Compilers

• Computer Science 101

• Databases: Advanced Topics in SQL

• Databases: Modeling and Theory

• Databases: OLAP and Recursion

• Databases: Relational Databases and SQL

• Designing Your Career

• Introduction to the Natural Capital Project Approach

• Language, Proof, and Logic

• Nano at Stanford

• Quantum Mechanics for Scientists and Engineers 1

• Quantum Mechanics for Scientists and Engineers 2

• R Programming Fundamentals

• Semantics of First-Order Logic

• Statistical Learning with Python

• Statistical Learning with R

These free courses do not include certificates of completion, but that's the only catch. You can still learn at your own pace with unlimited access to all the resources on offer.

Find the best free online courses from Stanford University at edX.

Opens in a new window Credit: Stanford University Stanford University Courses Free at edX Get Deal

TL;DR: Unblock Pornhub from anywhere in the world with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

Pornhub has been around forever, but your access to this popular site is not guaranteed.

Pornhub has been banned in Alabama, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and more locations around the world, which is frustrating for anyone looking to access their favorite site at an entirely appropriate moment. Fortunately, online restrictions like this can be bypassed with a quick and easy hack.

If you want to unblock sites like Pornhub for free from anywhere in the world, we have the information you need.

How to unblock Pornhub for free

VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure server in another location. This straightforward process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can access sites like Pornhub from anywhere in the world.

Access Pornhub by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to Pornhub

4. Access Pornhub from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free-trial peiods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Pornhub without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you the opportunity to temporarily retain access to Pornhub before recovering your investment.

If you want to permanent retain access to everything the online world has to offer, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for unblocking content is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for Pornhub?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking porn sites like Pornhub, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Unblock Pornhub for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Unblock TikTok by hiding your digital location. The best VPN for unblocking TikTok is ExpressVPN.

The Jan. 19 deadline for the potential TikTok ban is fast approaching. It's still not clear whether or not the TikTok ban will actually come into effect, but if it does, you better be prepared.

If you're looking for the best way to unblock TikTok for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock TikTok for free

VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location. That means you can change your digital location to somewhere that supports the use of TikTok, meaning you can retain access to your favourite app from anywhere in the world.

Follow these simple steps to unblock TikTok:

1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to TikTok

4. Visit TikTok

5. Use the app from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at Express (with money-back guarantee) Learn More

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer generous money-back guarantees. Using these money-back guarantees is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does mean you can temporarily unblock TikTok and then recover your investment at a later date.

If you want to retain permanent access to TikTok from an unsupported location, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for TikTok is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for TikTok?

There are a number of VPNs that can reliably unblock TikTok, but ExpressVPN is probably the best:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This discounted plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Unblock TikTok from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We're stating the obvious but it's worth reiterating: Running is hard. Like, really hard. Unless you're one of those freakish individuals who can just get up and run a half marathon. Otherwise, the idea of hauling oneself off the sofa is effort enough. Never mind pounding the pavement for a few kilometres or more.

That's why it's worth spending some money on something that makes running as easygoing and bearable as possible. Take running watches, for example. These helpful devices are built to optimise and personalise your training, which will improve performance and set you racing towards those ever-increasing PB goals.

Sounds helpful, right? Absolutely. If you're determined to get out there, you might as well make it easy on yourself. Plus, you'll be able to measure how quickly you were running before you passed out — if that's what it comes to, anyway. To get you started, here’s what you need to know about running watches.

What can a running watch do?

Smartwatches and fitness trackers are stacked with so many features, it’s sometimes hard to know what’s what. Also, relatively few fitness watches are only running watches — they are usually equipped for multi-sport activities — so you need choose a watch that includes features best suited for running.

These will include basic data, such as your step count, calorie burn, and distance travelled. Also, a GPS that tells you where you’re going and helps to track runs. More advanced watches will measure heart rate and other bio-metrics, while even analysing elevation, speed, and much more. A solid battery life is an advantage, especially if you’re doing — or working towards — long distances.

What is a GPS watch?

Not every fitness watch has GPS. But for even mid-level runners, GPS is essential. GPS stands for Global Positioning System and uses satellites to track your position and movements with impressive accuracy. In running terms, this means you can track routes without having to map yourself, and also measure key metrics such as pace, distance, and time.

Some watches combine other features, such as an accelerator, to work out your speed and the length of your stride and keep the GPS map accuracy even if you go through a tunnel and out of satellite range.

What stats do running watches track?

As well as all the basics from your run — distance, time, and speed — decent running watches use sensors to measure all kinds of biometric data. This will include calories burned, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and BMI (body mass index). Some can even isolate and report on the kind of energy your body uses while running. These are usually tracked in a fitness app that syncs with your watch and smart device.

Do running watches track other workouts?

Yes, absolutely. It’s unusual to find a watch that’s specific to just running. Most do the very basics — swimming, strength, and cardio exercises — but you’ll find many of the watches on this list have different sport modes built in. Some watches are geared towards triathlon training, and you’ll find others are better for specific types of running — particularly long-distance and endurance running.

How much does a running watch cost?

As with everything, it depends on the kind of specs you want. If a basic, no-frills model suits you, you can get a watch for under £100. But expect to spend a few hundred pounds for a mid-range model. For the very best, prepare to spend £500 or more. It depends on the kind of runner you are. Are you a casual jogger looking to break the 5K? Then a budget or mid-range model will likely suffice. Or are you a serious marathon runner who’s clocking dozens of miles per week? In that case, something more specialist is in order.

What is the best running watch?

It not only depends on the kind of runner you are but the specific goals you’re running towards. But we have attempted to answer this question by tracking down the best options from some of the top brands. Whether you're just starting or training to be an elite runner, there's something on this list for you.

These are the best running watches for 2024.

We finally know what the next game from the makers of The Last of Us and Uncharted looks like.

It's called Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet and it's coming to PlayStation 5. It's a third-person sci-fi adventure with extremely lush visuals, a cool aesthetic that's at least somewhat inspired by stuff like Cowboy Bebop, and 1980s pop music. There isn't much else to say about it just yet because the Game Awards trailer didn't show much, but you play as a cool-looking lady with some kind of laser sword.

Maybe this one will get a hit TV show, too.

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for December 13 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Used in snow

• Green: Worn by athletes

• Blue: Team representatives

• Purple: Sounds broadcasters might make

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Skiing equipment

• Green: Logos of athletic brands

• Blue: NBA mascots

• Purple: Sports onomatopoeias

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #81 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Skiiing equipment - BOOTS, GOGGLES, POLES, SKIS

• Logos of athletic brands - SWOOSH, PUMA, JUMPMAN, THREE STRIPES

• NBA mascots - BENNY, BURNIE, CHUCK, RUMBLE

• Sports onomatopoeias - BLOOP, CLANK, DOINK, SWISH

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

Fighting game old-heads are freaking out right now, and for good reason.

Virtua Fighter, one of the most beloved and also most presumed-dead fighting game series, is back. A new, currently untitled entry in the series was announced at The Game Awards 2024, courtesy of longtime series publisher SEGA and new lead development studio Ryu Ga Gotoku, of the Like a Dragon/Yakuza series.

In other words, the people who make the coolest games about beating dudes up are making a new game about beating dudes up. Sounds great.

Borderlands is back, and you won't be surprised to learn it has plenty of guns and attitude.

That's the rub from the Borderlands 4 reveal trailer aired at The Game Awards, anyway. It has new characters, locations, guns, and enemies, which are all the things you would want from a new Borderlands game. The classic art style returns, too, so Borderlands fans shouldn't be disappointed.

Let's just hope it clears the movie.

Elden Ring was a very popular game, so naturally, they're making another one.

It isn't Elden Ring 2, though. Geoff Keighley took to the stage at The Game Awards 2024 to announce something slightly unexpected: A co-op action game set in the Elden Ring universe. Called Elden Ring: Nightreign and developed by From Software, it looks like it might be a cross between Elden Ring and Monster Hunter, with players teaming up to take down horrifying boss monsters.

Whatever it is, it probably just became the single most anticipated game for millions of people.

Every year's edition of The Game Awards, which seems to be a lot more about trailers than awards, gives us at least one really striking-looking original game to look forward to. It's usually buried in between trailers for updates to mobile games, but it's always there.

This year, that game might be Split Fiction. Developed by Hazelight Studios and headed up by Josef Fares (known for using colorful language at previous Game Awards shows) Split Fiction is the spiritual follow-up to 2021 Game of the Year recipient It Takes Two. That means it's a really wacky and inventive adventure about rival fiction novelists meant specifically to be played by two people together cooperatively. I didn't get the impression that single-player is even an option, nor would it make sense for it to be one.

Anyway, I got to sit down and play about 45 minutes of Split Fiction with Fares himself before the big reveal at The Game Awards. While it remains to be seen if any of its big ideas will work when the game releases in early March, I can at least confirm that Split Fiction makes a hell of a first impression.

SEE ALSO: The 10 best video games you may have missed in 2024 Split Fiction hands-on preview: You got sci-fi in my fantasy Regardless of which aesthetic it's using at any given time, 'Split Fiction' looks very nice. Credit: Hazelight/EA

To understand what, exactly, Split Fiction is, you need to understand the premise. The problem is that I didn't fully grasp it in my brief time with the game, but I'll do my best to explain.

Two female novelists named Zoe and Mio (Fares was quick to mention these are his daughter's names) have, through seemingly nefarious means, been trapped inside a virtual simulation of their work together by an evil publishing company that wants to steal their stories. One of them is a sci-fi writer and the other is a fantasy novelist. The bulk of the gameplay seems like it will take place in either a fantasy or sci-fi world, depending on the level, with the idea being that these two women who don't like each other (or each other's work) very much need to work together creatively to get out of the simulation.

The name of the game in Split Fiction is variety. Every single level appears to have some kind of unique, bespoke co-op mechanic that probably only lasts for 10 to 15 minutes, and that you won't see anywhere else in the game. Here are just a few examples that Fares showed me in the very quick demo I got to play:

• A level where Zoe and Mio do competitive snowboarding down a mountain, complete with a reasonably deep trick and scoring system

• A level where Zoe and Mio hatch, raise, and ultimately ride on two dragons who grow as the level progresses

• A level where Zoe and Mio play as two pigs, one of whom can extend vertically like a Slinky toy, while the other farts rainbows in order to clear horizontal gaps

Oh yeah, there's a level where you shapeshift into weird monsters, too. Credit: Hazelight/EA

The most important part is that everything I got to play was fun. Split Fiction's base third-person platforming mechanics are solid and snappy on their own, but once the more goofy mechanics come into play, things get pretty neat. The snowboarding level was a decent enough approximation of SSX, while the pig level was a neat little optional distraction that Fares assured me lasts like 10 minutes. Speaking of optional distractions, Split Fiction seems like it will be full of hidden levels that are set in other stories these two characters have written. The pig level was one of these, but another one turned the game into a hand-drawn-in-pencil side-scroller for a while.

Hazelight's previous work in making unique co-op games shone through in the short demo I played, as well. It's not just that these mechanics are fun and two players get to do them together; in many cases, each player is given a different ability or role, so coordination is key. Sometimes one player will have to alter gravity to walk along the ceiling, cutting down platforms for the other. You know, stuff like that.

I can't say whether or not Split Fiction will live up to the excellent first impression it makes when the full game launches on March 5. But between a bunch of really fun co-op shenanigans I saw in just a brief demo, and the fact that there isn't a very annoying, omnipresent narrator like It Takes Two, Split Fiction is lining up to be one of the more interesting games of early 2025.

Hey folks, they're making a new The Witcher game. Yes, you play as Ciri. Remain calm.

CD Projekt Red announced its first new game since Cyberpunk 2077 at The Game Awards 2024. The lengthy trailer for The Witcher IV doesn't show any gameplay, but it does confirm something incredibly important: Ciri, not Geralt of Rivia, is the protagonist this time around. Geralt's voice is heard briefly at the end of the trailer, but he is not seen at any point. This is a Ciri adventure, which is what lots of folks (me) wanted after The Witcher 3.

Hopefully it launches in a better state than Cyberpunk.

One of the first reveals at the 2024 Game Awards will probably wind up sucking thousands of hours out of countless players.

At least, that's what Slay the Spire has done over the last few years, so it's reasonable to expect Slay the Spire 2 to do the same. It looks to add to the already-versatile card-based gameplay of the original with new cards, items, and other wild variables to consider as you try to, well, slay the spire.

The best part is you don't have to wait long. Slay the Spire 2 will launch in early access in 2025.

Still aiming to become a global leader in AI, the United States announced it will be moving forward on initiatives to incorporate generative AI into the inner workings of the Department of Defense (DoD)— just as AI's creators pitch their offerings to major defense contractors.

Announced today, the office will be moving ahead with a new $100 million AI Rapid Capabilities Cell "focused on accelerating DoD adoption of next-generation artificial intelligence," including generative AI. It will be led by the department's Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) and Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). The announcement comes as a result of Task Force Lima, a Department of Defense generative AI task force established in 2023 to "assess, synchronize, and employ generative AI capabilities" in the DoD.

SEE ALSO: Rising use of generative AI by police is a threat to Americans' civil liberties, ACLU warns

"DIU's role is bringing the very best commercial tech to bear to meet critical warfighter problems with the focus, speed, and scale required to meet the strategic imperative," said DIU Director Doug Beck. "The result will help us scale the tech faster and more reliably, and will also help change the way the Department thinks about software development and delivery tempo for the future." The department's AI applications will include "decision support, operational planning, logistics, weapons development and testing, uncrewed and autonomous systems, intelligence activities, information operations, and cyber operations," as well as administrative purposes.  

Under the Biden Administration, the U.S. endorsed the international Political Declaration on Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy, a best practices initiative to explore the development of AI's military capabilities — despite already using the technology in warfare applications. In a Nov. 2023 statement, the Department of Defense announced its intention to explore "the responsible military use of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems." AI watchdogs have warned of the accelerated use of AI in warfare and its global repercussions.

One month prior, the White House announced an extensive regulatory executive order outlining risk and safety standards for AI, cybersecurity provisions, and various guidelines that spanned the Department of Commerce, Homeland Security, and Energy. The administration announced even more AI initiatives soon after, including the creation of a United States AI Safety Institute (US AISI). This was later followed by a warning to Big Tech to curb the spread of synthetic, AI-generated content.

While it's uncertain whether President-elect Donald Trump will uphold the Biden administration's national and international AI commitments, the soon-to-be sworn in leader has already announced his pick for a position he's calling the "White House AI Czar." As for his picks for the country's defense leaders, Trump is rumored to be eyeing Palantir chief technology officer Shyam Shankir for a top spot in the Pentagon — Shankir is a proponent of the Department of Defense's rapid adoption of commercial tech, including AI.

"The DoD has an imperative to responsibly pursue the adoption of generative AI models while identifying proper protective measures and mitigating national security risks that may result from issues such as poorly managed training data," said DoD Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer Dr. Radha Plumb. "We must also consider the extent to which our adversaries will employ this technology and seek to disrupt our own use of AI-based solutions."

Since Nick Fury first broke into Tony Stark's cliffside mansion, comic books fans have been primed to expect bonus goods once the credits roll on the superhero movies. The MCU has unleashed jaw-dropping cameos, bizarre callbacks, and teases for future adventures, and Sony Pictures followed super suit.

At the end of Morbius, a cameo of Michael Keaton as Adrian "The Vulture" Toomes seemingly tied this movie to the MCU's Spider-Man: Homecoming, in which he was the Big Bad. More recently, the post-credits scene in Venom: The Last Dance revealed the fate of a character caught in the military-versus-symbiote crossfire — and set up a path to a could-be sequel.

However, what path forward might Kraven the Hunter tease when The Wrap is reporting Sony's closing up shop on Spider-Man spinoffs for now?

Does Kraven the Hunter have a post-credit scene?

Nope. At the film's New York premiere, critics, cast, and crew who stayed through the credits saw the long list of names of all the people who worked on J.C. Chandor's curious action movie. But there was not a post-credit scene with bonus goodies.

However, seeing the incredible amount of people power that went into Kraven the Hunter is its own reward, right?

Kraven the Hunter opens only in theaters Dec. 13.

Starting with models from the early 90s, I have owned numerous laptops in my life, and for almost all that time battery life has been the biggest concern of all. For the past few years, I never spared a thought for how much battery life is left on my laptop—so should we stop adding more?