IT General

TL;DR: A wide range of ChatGPT courses are available to take for free on Udemy.

Udemy is a popular hub for online courses, covering everything from Python programming to Microsoft Excel. And some of these courses are available to take for free, including some highly-rated lessons on ChatGPT.

We've checked out everything on offer from Udemy and lined up a selection of standout ChatGPT courses to get you started. These are the best online ChatGPT courses you can take for free this month on Udemy:

• AI For Beginners: Learn The Basics of ChatGPT

• Become an AI Accelerated Engineer Using ChatGPT

• Become an AI-Powered Engineer: ChatGPT, Github Copilot

• ChatGPT 101: The Complete Beginner's Guide and Masterclass

• ChatGPT and Durable Masterclass: Make Money with AI

• ChatGPT in 30 Minutes: New Prompt Engineering and AI Skills

• ChatGPT, Midjourney, Firefly, Bard, DALL-E, AI Crash Course

• ChatGPT Quick Guide: Prompt Engineering, Plugins, and More

• ChatGPT Security: Privacy Risks and Data Protection Basics

• Generative AI and Prompt Engineering

• Intro to Manual and Automation Software Testing with ChatGPT

• Mastering ChatGPT 4.0: From Setup to Advanced Interactions

• Midjourney and ChatGPT: Unleash AI for Unique Image Generation

• Personalized Coaching with ChatGPT and Generative AI

• Practical Introduction to ChatGPT

• Prompt Engineering Principles: ChatGPT and DALL-E

• Smart ChatGPT Productivity Hacks for Business Professionals

• The Introduction into ChatGPT Content Creation for Beginners

These free online courses do not offer certificates of completion or direct instructor messaging, but that's the only catch. You still get unrestricted access to all the video content, so you can learn at a pace that suits you.

Find the best free ChatGPT courses on Udemy.

Opens in a new window Credit: Udemy AI Courses Free at Udemy Get Deal

TL;DR: Unblock Sora from anywhere in the world with a reliable VPN. The best VPN for unblocking Sora is ExpressVPN.

OpenAI has officially launched Sora, but not everyone has access.

Sora is a text-to-video AI model, allowing users to generate videos from text, images, and video inputs. Sora is open to users who have subscribed to the Plus or Pro plan of ChatGPT. However, Sora is not available in the EU or UK. That's frustrating for eager users looking to give it a try.

Do not fear. If you're looking for the best way to unblock Sora for free from anywhere in the world, we have the information you need.

How to unblock Sora for free

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

Unblock Sora 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 Sora

4. Access Sora 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 Sora are not free, but most do offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock Sora and then recover your investment at a later date. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it works well if you're waiting for Sora access to rollout worldwide.

If you want to retain permanent access to everything the online world has to offer, you might benefit from a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for unblocking online services is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for Sora?

ExpressVPN is the top choice when it comes to unblocking services like Sora, 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

• 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 Sora for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: A wide range of online courses from Harvard University are available to take for free on edX.

It's time you got to know edX. This popular platform hosts a wide range of free online courses from some of the top educational institutions in the world, including Harvard University. That's right, you could become a student of Harvard University without spending anything. And you wouldn't even need to leave the house.

edX offers free courses on topics like Python programming, AI, cybersecurity, and much more. We have checked out everything on offer and lined up a standout selection of online courses to get you started. These are the best free online courses from Harvard University this month:

• American Government: Constitutional Foundations

• Ancient Masterpieces of World Literature

• Applications of TinyML

• Building Personal Resilience: Managing Anxiety and Mental Health

• Calculus Applied

• Cell Biology: Mitochondria

• Child Protection: Children's Rights in Theory and Practice

• CitiesX: The Past, Present and Future of Urban Life

• CS50's Computer Science for Business Professionals

• CS50's Computer Science for Lawyers

• CS50's Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python

• CS50's Introduction to Computer Science

• CS50's Introduction to Cybersecurity

• CS50's Introduction to Game Development

• CS50's Introduction to Programming with Python

• CS50's Introduction to Programming with R

• CS50's Introduction to Programming with Scratch

• CS50's Understanding Technology

• CS50's Web Programming with Python and JavaScript

• Data Science: Capstone

• Data Science: Inference and Modelling

• Data Science: Machine Learning

• Data Science: Productivity Tools

• Data Science: R Basics

• Data Science: Visualization

• Deploying TinyML

• Early Childhood Development: Global Strategies for Implementation

• Electrochemistry

• Energy and Thermodynamics

• Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies

• Exercising Leadership: Foundational Principles

• Fat Chance: Probability from the Ground Up

• Fundamentals of Neuroscience Part 1

• Fundamentals of TinyML

• High-Dimensional Data Analysis

• Human Anatomy: Musculoskeletal Cases

• Humanitarian Response to Conflict and Disaster

• Improving Your Business Through a Culture of Health

• Introduction to Data Science with Python

• Introduction to Digital Humanities

• Introduction to Probability

• Islam Through Its Scriptures

• Justice

• Justice Today: Money, Markets, and Morals

• Leadership: Creating Public Value

• Leaders of Learning

• Machine Learning and AI with Python

• Managing Happiness

• Masterpieces of World Literature

• MLOps for Scaling TinyML

• Modern Masterpieces of World Literature

• PredictionX: Lost Without Longitude

• Pyramids of Giza: Ancient Egyptian Art and Archaeology

• Remote Work Revolution for Everyone

• Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking

• Shakespeare's Life and Work

• Statistics and R

• Super-Earths and Life

• Technology Entrepreneurship: Lab to Market

• The Architectural Imagination

• The Path to Happiness: What Chinese Philosophy Teaches us about the Good Life

• Using Python for Research

The catch is that these free courses don't include a certificate of completion. But you can still enroll at any time and start learning at your own pace, so what's stopping you from trying out these online courses for yourself?

Find the best free online courses from Harvard University with edX.

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

It would come as a surprise to more people than you think that "roomba" isn't the universal term for a robot vacuum. It is, in fact, a capital "R" that denotes Roomba as a proper noun rather than a generic trademark, though the Band-Aid level interchangeability really does exemplify just how iconic iRobot has become in the world of automated floor cleaners.

That can be attributed to the fact that iRobot has consistently delivered some of the most reliable robot vacuum models for two decades. More than 20 Roombas have come out since the first one hit homes in 2002, but tracking the best Roombas isn't so chaotic when you consider that only a handful of those models are actually relevant at the time of your shopping.

How to tell the difference between the Roomba models

The arbitrary numbers and letters of the Roomba family tree are confusing at face value, but nothing that can't be told apart after learning a few super general classification themes.

SEE ALSO: Why Eufy's X10 Pro Omni is the most surprising robot vacuum I've tested all year

When shopping for a Roomba, you'll really only be choosing from what I call iRobot's core lineup: the group of three to five Roomba series that are actively sold on iRobot's website. Any Roomba whose title includes a letter and a number (like j9+ or i5) or the word Max is more advanced than a Roomba with just numbers in the title (like 692) or just words (like Roomba Vac or Essential).

As of winter 2024, the five main Roomba collections up for grabs are as follows, from most advanced to least advanced: Max, j series, s series (though nearly obsolete), i series, and Essential series.

SEE ALSO: As a Dyson stan, I wouldn't tell anyone to buy the Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum

A plus sign (like j9+) denotes that the model comes with a self-emptying dock, and Roombas that mop will have "Combo" in the title. Note that there are several Roombas that can be purchased with or without mopping capabilities or self-emptying docks. "Max" is a new layer of Roomba typology that was introduced with the drop of the Roomba Combo 10 Max — it refers to the ability of a mopping Roomba to wash and dry its own mopping pad within the self-empty dock. On the other end of the spectrum, "Essential" means "most basic" in the Roomba family, and that means no smart mapping.

To pinpoint which Roombas have smart mapping, pay close attention to how navigation is discussed in the title or in the list. If you don't literally see the words "Smart Mapping" anywhere, that Roomba cannot map your home and clean specific rooms on command. No, "Smart Navigation" or anything about cleaning in "neat rows" does not count.

When is a new Roomba coming out?

Probably not at least until spring 2025, but that probably won't even be the new flagship Roomba.

iRobot is on a different release schedule than most other big robot vacuum brands that typically debut their new flagship models for the year at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) every January. Obviously, the Roomba family is spread out across a range of prices, and iRobot has quietly unveiled the more basic Roombas earlier than the big, new Roomba in the past. But if, in your eyes, a question about "the new Roomba" refers to the next Roomba that'll be a big deal, that probably won't be seen until August or September 2025. The past two flagship Roombas (the Combo j9+ and Combo 10 Max) both dropped in late summer (in 2023 and 2024, respectively), so the fanciest Roomba in this list now will probably be the fanciest Roomba for a while.

This doesn't mean exciting things don't happen to the Roombas already out. Roombas go on sale pretty frequently, even if it's not the Black Friday, holiday, or Prime Day season. So it's possible that at any point in time you're reading this, the particular Roomba you're eyeing is $100 or two off. I list the MSRP for each by default, but will mention the most common sale price that each Roomba drops to in "The Good" section.)

SEE ALSO: It wasn't hard to narrow down the Shark robot vacuums to these top 3

Not sure which Roomba would be the most worth it in your household? I've tested nearly every Roomba series released since 2019 in my own home, and have composed a running Roomba model comparison guide to all of the best iRobot options at any point in the year. Not every single Roomba model in existence will be listed in this guide, and not every "main" Roomba on iRobot's website will be recommended as one of the best. Rather, I've pulled Roombas from multiple price points that I think offer the best value in various categories that people care about, whether that's mopping, smart mapping, small obstacle detection, the cheapest possible path to all of those features, or budget alone. Each Roomba's battery life and automatic emptying capabilities will be noted, along with my reasoning for choosing the highlighted model over other Roombas with similar prices.

Here's your easy breakdown of all of the best Roomba vacuums as of December 2024:

NASA's Mars helicopter proved so successful, the space agency is conceptualizing larger, more advanced helicopters that might someday fly on Mars.

After over 70 flights, the Ingenuity helicopter — the first craft to ever make a powered, controlled flight on another planet— crashed in the Martian dunes in January 2024. But its unexpected achievement (engineers hoped it might make five flights) has prompted research into what the agency calls its "Mars Chopper."

"In addition to scouting, such a helicopter could carry science instruments to study terrain rovers can’t reach," NASA said.

SEE ALSO: NASA scientist viewed first Voyager images. What he saw gave him chills.

The short video below shows a helicopter with six main rotors, compared with Ingenuity's two. Such a design could allow the craft to have more lift efficiency, and travel greater distances.

Flying on Mars is daunting. The Martian atmosphere is quite thin, with a volume about one percent of Earth's. This makes it difficult to generate the lift needed for flight. To take to the air, Ingenuity spun its four-foot rotor blades at a blazing 2,400 revolutions every minute. But the relatively light design not only succeeded — it's been hugely informative

"Ingenuity has given us the confidence and data to envision the future of flight at Mars," Teddy Tzanetos, Ingenuity’s project manager, said in a NASA statement.

"Ingenuity has given us the confidence and data to envision the future of flight at Mars."

The futuristic chopper's design is still in its infancy, and some things will almost certainly evolve. But the current concept is 20 pounds heavier than Ingenuity and would be able to travel some two miles a day, NASA explained. For reference, Ingenuity's longest flight was 2,310 feet (704 meters).

For its future exploration of the Red Planet, the space agency is also investigating a Mars plane, which would be capable of taking off and landing vertically, like a helicopter. Both choppers and aircraft would be a great boon for Martian exploration, a world that once teemed with water, may harbor great subterranean lakes today, and could hide secrets in caves.

On an extraterrestrial world with no runways, these craft may become invaluable pioneers.

Anyone who grew up in a Christian household knows two truths: One, you can learn a lot about biblical themes from a talking cucumber. And two, no holiday season is complete without an Advent calendar.

A religious custom that stems from 19th-century Lutherans in Germany, Advent calendars traditionally mark each day of (you guessed it) Advent — the hopeful season that spans four Sundays leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ, celebrated on Dec. 25. They typically contain compartments or pockets that can be filled with tiny trinkets for kids, which are designed to be opened one at a time as a fun way of counting down the days until Christmas.

SEE ALSO: 60+ of the absolute best stocking stuffers for 2024

In a moderately blasphemous twist, recent adaptations by big-name brands have given Advent calendars secular appeal as a seasonal holiday indulgence for people (and even pets) of all ages. After hitting a mainstream stride in the mid-2010s, Google search interest has peaked several times — folks are anticipating them so hard, in fact, that search interest for the phrase "advent calendar" in June 2024 had already beat out the number from December 2022 (the previous all-time high). It's popping off in a similar fashion in the midst of the 2024 holiday season.

Much of Advent calendars' modern popularity can be credited to TikTok, where they've starred in myriad unboxing videos that are suspenseful and addictive to watch (in a similar vein as fashion hauls). But it's also because they're easy ways for retailers to tempt cagey, inflation-weary consumers into sampling products they may not have purchased otherwise: everything from fancy French jams to Lego sets. Advent calendars are a prime example of "needing a little treat" culture (treatcore? being treat-pilled?) at work.

Some Advent calendars have sold out already at this point in the season. (This is your reminder for next year to shop by Black Friday if you want your picking of all of the Lego ones, or Sephora's big box for the year.) But if you hurry, you can still order one before carolers start lining up on your doorstep. Keep reading for our curated list of the best Advent calendars for 2024.

Kids aren't the only ones who get excited about birthday gifts. You can be a full-grown adult and still lose your shit when you open up the gift that topped your wish list. But as you get older, it does become a little more difficult to come up with a list of birthday gift ideas. You can't just ask for all the coolest new toys anymore. Well, you can if you want — we're not going to stop you.

SEE ALSO: Try Gift Lab: Our interactive gift guide

If your birthday is coming up and you're struggling to think of what you want, don't sweat it. We compiled the ultimate birthday wish list, with gifts ranging from tech to outdoor essentials to home goods. To make your search easier, we've separated our gift ideas into categories: Our current favorite birthday gifts, gifts under $25, gifts under $50, gifts $50 to $150, and gifts $150+.

Read on for some birthday inspo and start casually dropping hints to your friends and family. And hey, happy birthday!

Our top picksColor-changing smart light bulbs Credit: Philips

Deputy Shopping and Reviews Editor Miller Kern here. I have put a Hue light bulb in every lamp in my apartment, and it's so rare that I use the Big Light now. These color-changing bulbs let me dim the lights when I want to relax or emit fun colors while I'm watching a movie. And the best part is, I don't have to get out of bed to turn the lights off at night.

Opens in a new window Credit: Philips Philips Hue Smart Bulbs $99.99 at Best Buy
Shop Now Coffee from around the world Credit: Atlas Coffee Club

I personally don't drink coffee, but my dad is a big coffee guy. I got him and his wife a three-month subscription to Atlas Coffee Club for Christmas and they freakin' loved it. They sent me a text every month to let me know where their coffee came from, and they love trying new roasts from around the world. Each month you get coffee beans and a postcard from different countries, so you get to try beans you can't get from your grocery store. You can select from whole beans, grounds, Keurig pods, and Nespresso pods. Subscriptions can be three, six, or 12 months.

Opens in a new window Credit: Atlas Coffee Club Atlas Coffee Club gift subscription Starting at $55 Shop Now A new Kindle Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Listen, I used to be such a physical books-only kind of person. Then I bought a Kindle Paperwhite and it changed my reading game for good. I'm able to easily take the e-reader on the plane, to the beach, or even in the bathtub (shoutout to the Paperwhite being waterproof). Plus, I can read library books for free from the Libby app. If you're a reader, trust me when I say a Kindle should be at the top of your birthday list this year. (P.s. A new Kindle Paperwhite was released in October 2024.)

Kindle Paperwhite (2024) $134.99 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $25.00 Shop Now A gorgeous TV that doubles as art Credit: Miller Kern / Mashable

Samsung's The Frame TV made waves when it came out a few years ago, but the price is just not attainable for everyone. The Hisense CanvasTV is an amazing, budget-friendly (well, friendlier) alternative if you want an art TV for your birthday. The Google TV interface is amazing and the TV truly does blend in with your art and decor. This is a bougie birthday ask, but one that's worth it.

Hisense CanvasTV (55-inch, QLED) $697.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $302.00 Shop Now Birthday gifts under $25Elevate your cooking game Credit: TrendPlain

This 2-in-1 oil dispenser pours and sprays so you won't have to buy separate olive oil and Pam cooking spray. This is a practical gift to put on your list whether you're a home chef or use an air fryer for every meal.

Oil dispenser and sprayer $14.99 at Amazon
Shop Now Learn something new Credit: Coursehorse

You’ve successfully completed one more trip around the sun, so to celebrate, develop a new skill or indulge a passion by taking an IRL class on the subject of your choice. Coursehorse partners with real-world instructors and schools in major cities to offer nearly 70,000 classes in subjects such as art, language, music, cooking, self-defense, gardening, and anything else you could possibly want.

Opens in a new window Credit: Coursehorse Coursehorse Gift Card Starting at $5 at Coursehorse Shop Now A tiny bag Credit: Nanobag

Nanobag is a tote bag that can fold up into a pocket-sized ball. It's great for keeping in the car or your bag for those unplanned grocery or Target stops. The standard size starts at $13.95 and comes in 10 different colors and patterns.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nanobag Nanobag $13.95 at Nanobag
Shop Now Simple Lego flowers Credit: Lego

Lego sets can be pretty freakin' expensive, but if you're looking for some more budget-friendly building kits for your birthday list, we've found a fun one. It includes two buildable roses that you can display after you've put them together. Wilting not included!

Lego Roses building kit $10.79 at Amazon
$14.99 Save $4.20 Shop Now A delicious-smelling candle Credit: Bonita Fierce

Candles are a timeless gift that you can ask for at every single gift-giving opportunity (and will likely receive anyway if you don't specify what you actually want). We are firm believers that you can never have too many candles. Add some sweet scents from Bonita Fierce, a Latina-owned small business, to your b-day wish list this year and every year. Candles start at $16. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Bonita Fierce Bonita Fierce candle Starting at $16 at Bonita Fierce Shop Now A puzzle with a few tricks up its sleeve Credit: Magic Puzzle Company

Magic Puzzle Company makes incredibly fun 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzles that have a secret envelope for you to open when you're done. This surprise envelope unlocks a "magical twist ending," so placing that final piece will be even more exciting. The intricate designs feature tons of little Easter eggs, like puzzle pieces in the shape of items in the scene. The Big Rock City puzzle has a hot dog-shaped piece and music note-shaped piece to name a couple.

Opens in a new window Credit: Magic Puzzle Company Magic Puzzle Company (Big Rock City puzzle) $22.99 at Amazon
Shop Now Somewhere to put your headphones Credit: Coreminded

Rather than laying your headphones throughout your home or having them clutter up your desk, ask for a universal headphone stand for your birthday. This one is compatible with almost any pair of over-ear headphones or gaming headsets — and it has a pretty sleek look, too.

Opens in a new window Credit: coreminded Universal headphone stand $24.99 at Amazon
Shop Now A stylish candle warmer lamp Credit: Geezo

Big candle fan? Then a candle warmer should be on your birthday list. It helps your candle last longer and you don't need an open flame burning in your home. And if you're going to ask for a candle warmer, make it a cute one. With a glass lamp shade, this warmer blends seamlessly into your home decor.

Opens in a new window Credit: Geezo Candle warmer lamp $24.99
Shop Now Cold hard cash Credit: Pixabay

You really can't beat the gift of cold, hard cash — or a gift card. A Visa card is a perfect birthday gift because you can spend it on literally whatever you want; buy yourself something fun or get some help with groceries. Best of all, you don't need to decide exactly what you want before your birthday. The gift card starts at $10.

Opens in a new window Credit: Visa Gift card Starting at $10 at Giftcards.com Shop Now New reading materials Credit: Getty Images / iStock / Extreme-Photographer

Support independent bookstores from around the country with a gift card to Bookshop. Starting at $10, the gift cards can either be used to buy books from a specific shop you love, or the purchase can feed the site’s profit-sharing pool to benefit all of Bookshop's partner stores. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Bookshop.org Bookshop.org Gift Cards Starting at $10 at Bookshop Shop Now Gifts $25 to $50A way to keep track of your keys Credit: Apple

In our opinion, the first thing you add to your keyring should be an AirTag. You can monitor where they are in Apple's Find My app, and you'll get an alert on your phone if you ever leave them behind somewhere.

Apple AirTag $24.00 at Amazon
$29.00 Save $5.00 Shop Now A cookie cutter of your pet Credit: FormaCookieCutters

Celebrate your favorite furry creature by eating their face — in a good way. Send in a photo of your best pet friend to this Etsy store and get a four-inch-wide, food-safe PLA cookie cutter of their likeness in return. Whether you’re taking care of the baking or you’re leaving the prep work for the recipient, you’re going to be hailed as an absolute gift-giving wizard. Order these custom birthday gifts for $30 from Etsy seller the FormaCookieCutters.

Opens in a new window Credit: FormaCookieCutters Custom Pet Portrait Cookie Cutter $30.00 at Etsy
Shop Now Elegant chopsticks Credit: Pingto

Step up your take-out game and do right by the environment with a set of elegant, reusable chopsticks. The bundle of six bamboo chopsticks is available in two color palettes and retails for $32.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pingto Pingto Bamboo Chopstick Sets $32.00 at Amazon
Shop Now A personalized Yeti mug Credit: Yeti

This Yeti Rambler 24-ounce mug is a great size for both true coffee lovers and beer drinkers. It can also hold two Moscow mules, according to Yeti, if that's more your speed. The Rambler is available in an array of fun and neutral colors. Plus, you can customize it with an etched design or monogram. For just $6 to $10, you can choose designs from Yeti's library or upload your own file. (Mashable's review editor owns the king crab orange mug with a cowboy boot and flowers etched on the side, pictured below.)

Opens in a new window Credit: Yeti Yeti Rambler 24-ounce mug $35.00 at Yeti
Shop Now A one-of-a-kind planner Credit: Papier

Are you a proud Type A over-planner and over-thinker? Or maybe your meticulously organized BFF is having a birthday soon? This spiral-bound planner can be customized with the recipient's name and three personal photos.

Opens in a new window Credit: Papier Personalized Photo Strip 2024 Planner $35.00 at Papier
Shop Now An app for exploring Credit: AllTrails

Love to be outside, but can’t fold a map to save your life? Enter AllTrails+, the app designed to get you off your phone and into the wild. Featuring over 400,000 curated trails all over the world, the app allows you to download maps in case of a poor signal, record your hikes, create your own trails, and more. A yearly subscription costs $35.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: AllTrails AllTrails yearly subscription $35.99 at AllTrails
Shop Now Mini zodiac cupcakes Credit: Baked by Melissa

Birthday cake is the standard, but might we suggest this fun alternative: mini cupcakes selected by an astrologer specifically for your zodiac sign. This Baked by Melissa offering comes with 25 cupcakes and the flavors vary depending on your sign — though there are some fan-favorites that show up in each zodiac variation. These also make for a great last-minute ask if you're in Manhattan or Boston, as there's same-day delivery for select locations.

Opens in a new window Credit: Baked by Melissa Baked by Melissa zodiac cupcakes $37.00
Shop Now A custom pet portrait Credit: LeFlore Studio

Sometimes, the best birthday gifts are the ones made just for you. If you're obsessed with your pet, these custom pet portraits need to be on your birthday list. There are many different styles to choose from, each one super freakin' adorable. Prices vary depending on size.

Opens in a new window Credit: LeFlore Studio Custom pet portrait Prices vary at LaFlore Studio on Etsy Shop Now An inconspicuous fanny pack Credit: FlipBelt

Whether you’re going for a run or heading to a music festival, keep your necessities at the ready with a FlipBelt Zipper pack. This handy belt can hold your phone, money, credit card, keys, and all sorts of everyday necessities. Coming in multiple sizes, the FlipBelt doesn’t bounce or chafe and is machine washable.

Opens in a new window Credit: FlipBelt FlipBelt Zipper Running Belt $39.00 at Amazon
Shop Now A cast iron skillet Credit: Lodge

A cast-iron skillet is the true sign that you're graduating from cheap nonstick cookware and all mismatched plates. It's something you probably want, but don't particularly want to spend the money on. Lodge has different sizes depending on what you're wanting to cook.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lodge Lodge cast iron skillet $40.75 at Amazon
Shop Now Authentic chai Credit: Kolkata Chai

Not satisfied with supermarket-bought chai? Get the real thing from New York-based chai-preneurs at Kolkata Chai. This small business will send authentic chai straight to your door with the Chai Trio Variety Pack ($62) or the Chai Starter Kit ($45). For devoted chai drinkers, Kolkata Chai offers subscription packages to keep that tea coming.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kolkata Chai Kolkata Chai Starting at $45 at Kolkata Chai Shop Now A reusable water bottle Credit: Hydroflask

It's always a good time to get more serious about hydration. A HydroFlask is a perfect way to make sure you have a cool (or hot) beverage on hand, and they're super durable during outdoorsy activities.

Opens in a new window Credit: HydroFlask Hydroflask $49.95 at Amazon
Shop Now A Lego set that doubles as decor Credit: LEGO

One of our favorite gifts under $50 is this Lego Orchid that's fun to build and adds a nice touch of greenery to your space that feels more unique than a plastic plant. This set is part of the Lego Icons line, which also features succulents, a bonsai tree, and a bouquet, in case orchids aren't your thing.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Orchid $49.99 at Amazon
Shop Now A smart speaker Credit: Amazon

If you don't have a smart speaker by now, it's time to make a change. The Echo Dot is an affordable voice-controlled companion that'll keep you in the loop on the weather and current events and keep track of your most important reminders. Also, they're great for playing music.

Echo Dot smart speaker $22.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $27.00 Shop Now A media streaming stick Credit: Amazon

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is one of the best streaming devices we've tested, and it's also one of our favorite birthday gift ideas. If you don't already have a smart TV but want to access Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Disney+, and all the other streaming apps directly from your TV, ask for a Fire TV Stick for your b-day. Amazon's streaming stick has better voice control than similar products from Roku, and the 4K version normally goes for $49.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K $49.99 at Amazon
Shop Now The delicious scent without the fire hazard Credit: Pura

If candles are a no-go, opt for a Bluetooth-enabled diffuser to make any room in your home smell divine. The Pura Smart Fragrance Diffuser ($49.99) holds two fragrances and is controlled entirely through the app. Schedule one smell to wake up to and one to fall asleep to with the in-app calendar feature. Pura collaborates with brands like NEST, Anthropologie, Disney, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City to source their scents, so whatever the occasion calls for, they’ve got your back.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pura Pura Smart Fragrance Diffuser $49.99 at Amazon
Shop Now Gifts $50 to $150Local flavors delivered Credit: Goldbelly

Speaking of take-out: if you’ve maxed out your city’s culinary offerings, see what’s available from the rest of the country. Goldbelly makes it possible to order meals and gifts from restaurants around the United States. No matter your craving, a Goldbelly gift card at any price point is bound to satisfy.

Opens in a new window Credit: Goldbelly Goldbelly gift card starting at $50 at Goldbelly Shop Now A custom neon sign Credit: GITM Store

Pick out a funny phrase, inside joke, or a family name and get a custom sign in as little as one week. It might sound too good to be true, but Mashable editors have ordered from this Amazon storefront before and had a great experience. In fact, this is one of our favorite undiscovered gems on Amazon, and you can buy signs for as little as $53.96.

Opens in a new window Credit: GITM Store Custom Neon Sign $53.96 at Amazon
Shop Now Coffee from around the world Credit: Atlas Coffee Club

Atlas Coffee Club is a coffee subscription that sends you coffee beans and postcards from a different country each month. So, you get to try roasts you probably can't get from your grocery store and you get to learn about a new place — and maybe get some travel inspo. You can select from whole beans, grounds, Keurig pods, and Nespresso pods. Subscriptions can be three, six, or 12 months.

Opens in a new window Credit: Atlas Coffee Club Atlas Coffee Club gift subscription Starting at $55 Shop Now A personal blender for smoothies Credit: Nutribullet

Make smoothies in your own kitchen with a NutriBullet personal blender — it's fast and easy. The NutriBullet Nutrient Extractor comes with the 600W motor base, blender blade, 24-ounce blending cup, travel lid, and lip ring, plus a recipe book if you're sick of the same old smoothies.

Opens in a new window Credit: NutriBullet NutriBullet $58.00 at Walmart
Shop Now Enjoy artisanal cocktails at home Credit: Shaker & Spoon

Why go out for overpriced cocktails when you can make them at home? Shaker & Spoon sends you a new cocktail kit every month with all the ingredients you need to make 12 delicious cocktails. All you need to do is buy the alcohol and follow the recipes to recreate the same cocktails mixed up by award-winning bartenders. The company also makes it easy to give a subscription via email, so no excuses. Subscriptions start at $59 per month.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shaker & Spoon Shaker & Spoon Gift Subscription Starting at $59 per month at Shaker & Spoon Shop Now An endless supply of veggies and herbs Credit: AeroGarden

Whether you're an enthusiastic home chef, like a bit of greenery, or simply can't stand running to the grocery store every time a recipe calls for some cilantro, a hydroponic garden is a great way to keep veggies and herbs on hand, even if you don't have a green thumb. We're fans of AeroGarden, which has gardens that start at $60.75.

Opens in a new window Credit: AeroGarden AeroGarden Sprout $60.75 at Amazon
Shop Now A weighted blanket Credit: Quilty

For what seems like an extraneous expense, an extra-heavy blanket can be a total game-changer. Besides providing all the comfort of a partner without the snoring, a weighted blanket can reduce tossing and turning and keep you extra warm. This one at Amazon comes in a bunch of colors, sizes, and weights.

Opens in a new window Credit: quilty Quilty weighted blanket Starting at $63.99 Shop Now A necessary Nintendo Switch upgrade Credit: Nintendo

It's never too late to upgrade your Switch set up, and the Pro controller can help you do just that. This controller is perfect for when you connect your device to a larger display, and it has the added bonus of zero Joy-Con drift.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch Pro Controller $69.99 at Amazon
Shop Now A tea and coffee lover's best friend Credit: Cosori

There's a certain electric gooseneck kettle that's beloved by design nerds, but that's also a tad overpriced (more than a tad, really). Instead, make the smart choice and opt for the infinitely more practical Cosori Electric Gooseneck Kettle. It still has plenty of charm — not to mention pre-set buttons for tea, coffee, and boiling water.

Opens in a new window Credit: Cosori Cosori Electric Gooseneck Kettle $69.99 at Amazon
Shop Now A pack of disposable cameras Credit: Fujifilm

We have a couple of camera options on this list, but sometimes you really just want that classic disposable camera experience. You'll capture some fun, in-the-moment memories with no do-overs. A three-pack of disposable cameras costs $79.99 (these have become kind of expensive since the invention of digital/phone cameras).

Opens in a new window Credit: Fujifilm Fujifilm disposable cameras $53.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $26.00 Shop Now Affordable no-worry earbuds Credit: Anker

Worried your earbuds will fall out of your ears and be lost forever? Get peace of mind with the affordable Soundcore Sport X10 wireless earbuds. Designed for athletes but great for anyone, these headphones hook around your ears and stay put no matter how sweaty or active you get (a fact we can personally attest to). Keep them in their case for on-the-go charging.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Soundcore Sport X10 Earbuds $79.99 at Amazon
Shop Now Fancy olive oils Credit: Brightland

This is one of our favorite gifts to give someone who's difficult to shop for, so it also makes a great gift to ask for when you aren't sure what you want. Brightland makes infused olive oils that come in super cute bottles. This set includes four mini bottles of chili, garlic, lemon, and basil-flavored olive oils. Your kitchen will feel elevated with these on display and in your cooking rotation.

Opens in a new window Credit: Brightland Brightland olive oil Mini Artist Series $85.00 at Brightland
Shop Now Color-changing smart light bulbs Credit: Philips

Turn your bedroom into a party with these color-changing smart light bulbs. You can control the lights from your phone and set whatever mood you're feeling. This kit includes two smart Bluetooth bulbs for $99.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Philips Philips Hue Smart Bulbs $99.99 at Best Buy
Shop Now A year of ad-free music Credit: Spotify

Maybe a Spotify Premium membership isn't in your budget this year, or maybe it's a monthly bill you'd just rather have someone else foot for you. Whatever the case, add a 12-month Spotify subscription gift card to your bday list. It's especially great if you've got someone shopping for you who notoriously waits until the last minute to buy gifts since it can be delivered via email or text.

Spotify Premium 12-month subscriotoin e-gift card $99.00 at Amazon
Shop Now Something to make your life a little more eco-friendly Credit: Stasher

Whether you're packing your lunch or storing leftovers, using plastic bags should be your last resort. Heck, you should be trying to stay away from all single-use plastics if you're able to. But, if you want to start small, these Stasher bags are a great option to make your daily life more eco-friendly. These silicone bags are secure and completely reusable — either wash them by hand or stuff them in the dishwasher. Grab a starter pack for $99.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Stasher Stasher Bags starter kit $99.99 at Stasher
Shop Now Stronger abs Credit: Plankpad

Who says ab workouts can’t be fun? (Most people). The Plankpad PRO turns core exercises into games through the specialty balance board and synchronized app. In addition to games, the app also has the standard exercise series if you’d prefer to suffer through it without graphics to distract you. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Plankpad Plankpad PRO $129.00 at Amazon
Shop Now The smart temperature-controlled mug Credit: Ember

There's a lot of debate about what makes a good gift, but getting something that is a) practical and b) something just extravagant enough that you'd never get it for yourself may be the infallibly perfect combo. We think for coffee and tea drinkers, that combo is found in the Ember Mug 2, which retails for $129.95. This temperature-controlled mug may be unnecessary (and expensive), but boy does it feel good to take a hot sip of coffee after forgetting you poured it an hour ago.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ember Ember Mug 2 $129.95 at Amazon
Shop Now Film vibes from a digital camera Credit: Paper Shoot Camera

Film photos are back in a big way, but not all of us have the patience to fill up an entire roll and then wait for it to get developed. Paper Shoot is a really neat camera that takes film-esque photos and stores them on an SD card so you can pull them to your computer or phone and post immediately. The design is super low-profile, making it easy to slip into your purse or pocket on a night out. Plus, there are a bunch of cute designs to choose from for the outside case.

Opens in a new window Credit: Paper Shoot Camera Paper Camera $139.00 at Paper Shoot
Shop Now A photo printer Credit: Canon

Have some photos on your phone or Instagram that you want to pin to your fridge? Ask for the Canon SELPHY CP1500 Compact Photo Printer. This sleek gadget connects to your Android or iPhone through WiFi, SD card, or USB stick and prints out your favorite pics in a layout design of your choosing. The printing isn’t instant (the color ink layers print one at a time), but the quality of the final product makes it worth the wait.

Opens in a new window Credit: Canon Canon SELPHY CP1500 Compact Photo Printer $139.99 at Amazon
Shop Now The gift of clean air Credit: Levoit

We know, we know, an air purifier is not the sexiest gift, but it is a practical one. The Levoit Core 300S is a smart air purifier with a companion app that lets you control the device and see real-time stats about your home's air quality. It's suitable for spaces up to 1,095 square feet.

Levoit Core 300S smart air purifier $149.99 at Amazon
Shop Now A portable, waterproof speaker Credit: Bose

Beach days and outdoor adventures are made complete with your favorite playlist. The Bose SoundLink Flex is a portable speaker that can handle the elements while still providing stellar sound quality. It's waterproof, rust- and drop-resistant, and even floats. Plus, it comes in five fun colors. For even bigger sound, try the Bose SoundLink Max.

Bose SoundLink Flex $119.00 at Amazon
$149.00 Save $30.00 Shop Now Gifts $150+A new Kindle Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

The Mashable team has tested every Kindle e-reader, and we think the Kindle Paperwhite is the right e-reader for most people. Instead of asking for a book, ask for a Kindle for your birthday and save yourself money and space. Sure, it doesn't smell the same as a new book, but now you'll have no excuses for not keeping up with your yearly reading resolutions. (P.s. A new Kindle Paperwhite was released in October 2024.)

Kindle Paperwhite (2024) $134.99 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $25.00 Shop Now A desk you can take anywhere Credit: Miller Kern / Mashable

If you work remotely, you gotta get this portable desk from Logitech. The Casa Pop-Up Desk includes a wireless keyboard, wireless trackpad, and a desk stand that doubles as a discreet and stylish carrying case. It comes in three colors so you can match your aesthetic. This is an especially great tool if you like working from coffee shops or moving around while you work.

Opens in a new window Credit: Logitech Logitech Casa Pop-Up Desk $179.99 at Amazon
Shop Now A new comforter Credit: Buffy

Comforters, like a mattress, shouldn't be an item you cheap out on. They're supposed to last you a while, so why not have something a little more luxurious? The Buffy Cloud comforter is a sustainable comforter made from recycled fiber and eucalyptus. Mashable Senior Shopping Reporter Leah Stodart reviewed it, calling it "the first piece of bedding I've used that actually feels kind of dreamy." Snag a full/queen size comforter for $195 at Buffy.

Opens in a new window Credit: Buffy Buffy Comforter $195.00 at Buffy
Shop Now Sony's latest bass-heavy headphones Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Sony released its new ULT Power Sound lineup in April, and we adore the headphones. The ULT Wears have Sony's impressive sound quality and noise cancellation and are made even more impressive by the addition of the ULT button, which punches up the bass two additional levels. These headphones are booming, and the best part is they're relatively budget-friendly.

Opens in a new window Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable Sony ULT Wear headphones $198.00 at Amazon
Shop Now A new kind of jump rope Credit: Crossrope

Turn traditional jump roping on its head with Crossrope. The weighted jump rope (available in 1/4, 1/2, one, and two-pound weight options) and associated app keep you on your toes and strengthen your entire body through guided workouts. For those with downstairs neighbors or curious pets, the weighted ropeless option provides a silent solution for an otherwise noisy activity. Upgrade to the Bluetooth-connected AMP handles for a more individualized experience.

Opens in a new window Credit: Crossrope AMP Jump Rope Set $199.00 at Crossrope
Shop Now A pressure cooker and air fryer in one Credit: Instant Pot

Maybe not quite as heavy duty as a cast-iron skillet but just as useful: a pressure cooker that can air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate, slow cook, prepare rice, steam, sauté, and more. Impress guests with your culinary skills (that are in fact just throwing all the ingredients listed in the recipe into this thing and then waiting a few hours). The Instant Pot 11-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker will cost your gift-giver $199.99, but they can reap the rewards when you cook for them with it.

Opens in a new window Credit: Instant Pot Instant Pot Duo Crisp $199.95 at Amazon
Shop Now A trusty pet camera Credit: Furbo

If you're anything like us, you view your pet like it's your actual child. We support that. Now, you can up your pet parent game by picking up a Furbo pet camera. Not only does it livestream what your pet is up to while you aren't home straight to your phone, but it also has the ability to toss treats and produce two-way audio for quick check-ins.

Opens in a new window Credit: Furbo Furbo pet camera $129.00 at Amazon
$210.00 Save $81.00 Shop Now Design-friendly humidifier Credit: Vitruvi

There's something to be said for a product that can marry form and function, and this Vitruvi humidifier does just that. Admittedly, $229 is probably a hefty price for a humidifier you're buying for yourself, but it's a great splurge gift if you prefer your household appliances not be eyesores.

Opens in a new window Credit: Vitruvi Vitruvi Cloud Humidifier $229.00 at Amazon
Shop Now Your own personal ice cream maker Credit: Ninja

If you're as chronically online as we are, you've likely seen people whipping up frozen treat concoctions with the Ninja Creami. The countertop ice cream maker has presets for gelato, ice cream, sorbet, smoothie bowls, milkshakes, and mix-ins if you want to channel your inner Dairy Queen. You do need to freeze your ingredients beforehand, so it's not an instantaneous sweet treat fix, but you have creative freedom to try out whichever flavors your sweet tooth desires.

Ninja Creami $179.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $50.00 Shop Now A portable, smokeless fire pit Credit: Solo Stove

Whether you're a hardcore camper or you just like unwinding with a few beers by the fire, Solo Stove's Ranger fire pit is a fantastic gift to ask for. It's designed to be smokeless and portable, making it great for balconies, backyards, beach hangs, or camping trips. Mashable Senior Shopping Reporter Haley Henschel reviewed the larger Solo Stove Bonfire and wrote that it burns "beautiful, clean fires when conditions are right." The best part? The Ranger is typically on sale for $199.99, so whoever gifts it has 30 extra dollars to spend on your birthday.

Opens in a new window Credit: Solo Stove Solo Stove Ranger 2.0 $199.99 at Solo Stove
$229.99 Save $30.00 Shop Now A Bluetooth record player Credit: Sony

Are your Spotify playlists just not cutting it anymore? Switch it up and go retro with a vinyl music collection. This turntable connects to Bluetooth speakers and headphones, or you can hook it up to a traditional sound system using cords.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony Turntable $248.00 at Amazon
Shop Now A pair of AirPods Pro Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

When you already own a pair of earbuds, it can be hard to justify splurging on a new pair — even if you really, really want to. And that's why the new AirPods Pro (Gen 2) earbuds are an ideal birthday present. For people still using lightning cables (gross), the new USB-C version will be a welcome upgrade. Apple stepped up its audio game with these buds, which feature improved sound quality and active noise cancellation. For a cheaper alternative, ask for the latest 3rd Gen AirPods, which start at $169.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple AirPods Pro 2 $189.00 at Amazon
$249.00 Save $60.00 Shop Now A robot vacuum Credit: iRobot

Stop manually vacuuming your house every day and let a robot vacuum clean your floors for you. The Roomba 694 has WiFi connectivity for mobile and voice controls and it's tough on pet hair. This robot vacuum costs $274.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot Roomba 694 $274.99 at Amazon
Shop Now A cool drone with a 12MP camera Credit: DJI

This drone is small and super lightweight, but it takes stunning photos and videos. It's great for traveling or for use at home. DJI is one of the top names in drones and the Mini 2 SE costs $279 with a remote control.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Magic Mini 2 SE $279.00 at Amazon
Shop Now A massage gun Credit: TheraGun

Whether you're working at a desk all day, running around, or just inexplicably tense, a massage gun will get you limber and relaxed again. What better gift than the gift of painless movement? Our best recommendation? Go for the TheraGun. The Prime model costs $299, but if that's not quite in your budget, then check out our gadget gift guide for more gifting inspiration.

Opens in a new window Credit: Theragun TheraGun $299.00 at Amazon
Shop Now Five hair tools in one Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

Instead of asking for the $600 Dyson Airwrap, you can get a product that performs nearly identically for half the price in the Shark FlexStyle (trust us, we tested them head to head). Pick up a version for textured hair or straighter hair for $299.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark FlexStyle $299.99 at Amazon
Shop Now A portable projector The portable projector fits in the palm of your hands. Credit: Anker

All of your friends will start calling your home the "cool house" if movie nights involve this mini portable projector. Use it to play movies, shows, or games outside on a screen or indoors on a blank wall. The Anker Nebula Capsule in black costs $299.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Nebula Capsule Projector $299.99 at Amazon
Shop Now An Apple Watch Credit: Apple

An Apple Watch lets you access smartphone features conveniently on your wrist. You can control your music, send and receive texts, monitor your health, and tons more. The Apple Watch Series 9 is $399 at Amazon, but you can usually find it on sale.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 9 $399.00 at Amazon
Shop Now Year-round spa days Credit: Molly Flores / Mashable

You can ask for a day at the spa, or you can ask for the gift of getting a facial whenever you want and from the comfort of your home. In her review of the device, Mashable's Deputy Shopping and Reviews Editor Miller Kern wrote the TheraFace Pro is "a hell of a lot cheaper than getting regular professional facials, and I truly feel like I've received a spa treatment every time I use [it]."

Opens in a new window Credit: TheraGun TheraFace Pro $399.00 at Therabody
Shop Now The newest iPad mini Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Our reviewer called the iPad mini 7 the "best choice" if you want a compact tablet, and said it looks better and is a lot more powerful than previous-generation iPad minis. It supports the Apple Pencil Pro and we named it the best tablet for reading.

Apple iPad mini (2024, 7th generation, A17 Pro chip) $499.00 at Amazon
Shop Now A fancy desk chair Credit: Branch

Our favorite type of birthday gift is something you want to buy yourself but just can't justify spending your own money on. The Verve chair is a prime example of that. It's super comfy and ergonomic, and it comes in really cute colors, but it's definitely on the luxury end of pricing. If you work from home or just spend a lot of time sitting at a desk, put this at the top of your birthday wish list.

Opens in a new window Credit: Branch Verve Chair $549.00 at Branch
Shop Now A new bike Credit: Schwinn

Head outdoors with this hybrid bike designed for both leisure and more adventurous rides. It comes in different colors and a couple of different styles for men and women. The 18-inch Schwinn GTX 2.0 bike normally goes for $549.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Schwinn Schwinn GTX bike $549.95 at Amazon
Shop Now A camera to rival your phone Credit: Nikon

When giving your friends and family birthday gift ideas, it's usually best to look for gifts under $50. But if you have a partner or parent who really loves you, then it's okay to dream big.

An easy-to-use mirrorless camera designed with creators in mind, the Nikon Z 30 boasts video, camera, and live streaming capabilities at an affordable price. The camera body can be purchased alone or with one or two kit lenses. There’s also the creators’ accessory bundle which comes with a mic, tripod grip, and Bluetooth remote.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nikon Nikon Z 30 Mirrorless Digital Vlogging Camera Bundle $696.95 at Amazon
Shop Now A handheld gaming console that's not a Switch Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Mashable Tech Reporter Alex Perry described the Lenovo Legion Go as "beefier and more powerful" than the Nintendo Switch. It has a huge display, solid performance, and all-around great specs. It's not a one-to-one competitor of the Switch, but rather a portable way into PC gaming that's "really good at running all kinds of games."

Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Lenovo Legion Go $699.99 at Best Buy
Shop Now A new phone Credit: Apple

Thinking of upgrading from an iPhone that has a Lightning port? Don't spend your own money on an expensive phone — have someone who loves you spend their money! The new iPhone 16 starts at $799 while the iPhone 16 Plus starts at $999. (Group gift, anyone?)

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 16 Starting at $799 at Best Buy Shop Now A robot vacuum that also mops Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Senior Shopping Reporter Leah Stodart called the Eufy X10 Pro Omni the catchall answer to the question, "Which robot vacuum should I get?" It vacuums and mops — and empties its own dust bin, refills its water tank, and washes and dries its mop pads. The Eufy is a true hands-off cleaning device.

Eufy X10 Pro Omni $549.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $250.00 Shop Now A TV that blends into your decor Credit: Miller Kern / Mashable

Samsung's The Frame TV made waves when it came out a few years ago, but the price is just not attainable for everyone. The Hisense CanvasTV is an amazing, budget-friendly (well, friendlier) alternative if you want an art TV for your birthday. The Google TV interface is amazing and the TV truly does blend in with your art and decor. This is a bougie birthday ask, but one that's worth it.

Hisense CanvasTV (55-inch, QLED) $697.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $302.00 Shop Now A MacBook Air Credit: Apple

MacBook Airs are super nice computers, but they can definitely be a bit pricey... which is what makes them such a great addition to a birthday wish list. Someone who loves you can drop the big bucks for you! A 13.6-inch MacBook Air M2 with 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD goes for $1,099 at Best Buy.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple MacBook Air $1,099.00 at Best Buy
Shop Now

Apple's iPads dominate the market. Even with the plethora of tablets from other retailers, iPads are still our favorite. With the 2024 release of the latest iPad Pro and iPad Air, it's clear that Apple is positioning its tablets as a laptop alternative.

Sure, they're great for streaming or reading on the go, but at this point, you can do anything you'd do on your computer on an iPad. Whether you want to illustrate or edit videos, iPads will help you do it. Recent developments in the Pro and Air models are also setting them up to be gaming devices.

But since there's not just one iPad to choose from, finding the right tablet isn't so straightforward. Mashable's reporters have hands-on testing experience with the best iPads, so you can figure out which one is for you.

Which iPad model should I buy?

Which iPad model is best for you purely depends on your needs. Do you want something that has enough storage and speed for streaming? Do you want to use it to read? Do you want it as your primary workstation? All of that should factor into your decision.

The best iPad for most people is the iPad Air 2024. It has the latest tech and solid performance but is also in the middle of the range in both price and capability. You can find iPads that are even more advanced or some pared down. Read on for Mashable's list of the best iPads for 2024.

In an unspoken sort of way, Roomba has been crowned "the best" on the sole basis that it's the most established brand in the robot vacuum market. But Shark has always had competitive street cred when it comes to vacuums in general, and its newest rounds of robot vacuums make Shark a force to be reckoned with among Roombas and Roborocks.

Having tested the top botvacs from all of the top brands, I can easily narrow down the best three Shark robot vacuums that you should be eyeing heading into 2025.

Are Shark robot vacuums as good as Roomba?

It's not the definitive one-word answer you were hoping for, but making an unequivocal call between the two brands without exploring the gray area just wouldn't make sense. As in the Instant Pot vs. Ninja Foodi debate, both vacuum brands are constantly growing their lineups, expanding their price ranges, and filling blind spots in which the other brand may have previously been the winner.

SEE ALSO: As a Dyson stan, I wouldn't tell anyone to buy the Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum

However, Shark typically does one thing better than Roomba: Making the best robot vacuum features affordable. Now that robot vacuums have firmly moved from the new-fangled The Jetsons vibe they gave off in 2017 to an appliance just as normal to have at home as an upright vacuum, a trifecta of standard cleaning features (outside of the regular vacuuming itself) has arisen that is kind of expected at this point in the robot vacuum game: These are mopping, smart room mapping, and automatic emptying.

iRobot and Shark both have several options that offer all three or some mix-and-match version of two. With Shark's debut of its Matrix robot vacuums in spring 2023 and then the fall 2024 release of its most automated robovac yet (the PowerDetect line with a NeverTouch Base), Shark is your best bet for securing more robot vacuum features at a lower price (compared to the prices on the Roombas with matching capabilities). There's also a high chance that any given Shark robot vacuum is on sale at any given time over year, even if it's not Black Friday, or the holidays, or Prime Day. So don't take the price named for each Shark vac below too seriously — I list the MSRP by default, but have also noted the most common sale price that each vacuum frequently drops to in "The Good" section.

Shark really shines at spot cleaning

Sometimes, there's an unexpected mess that you want to clean without messing around with a map on the app. In those cases, Shark Matrix robot vacuums make spot cleaning much easier than Roombas do. Setting a zone for a one-time clean in the Shark app is as easy as dragging a square in the designated spot cleaning tab, compared to having to create and name an official cleaning zone on the map in the iRobot app. Most modern Shark robot vacuums also have a physical cleaning button if you want to pick the robot up and place it in the right area — an underrated feature that modern Roombas completely skip.

SEE ALSO: I've tested over 20 robot vacuums and these are the best for every budget in 2024

Though the list of Shark robot vacuums to choose from isn't as big as iRobot's is, comparing the differences between them on paper can still get confusing. That's why I've tested most of the main Shark robot vacuums in my own home to compare them to each other in an IRL setting — as well as compare them to other robot vacs from iRobot, Roborock, Eufy, and more that I put through the same standardized obstacle course. Here are the three best Shark robot vacuums that I've tested and that you should consider in 2024:

You can now buy a new car on Amazon. The retail giant has launched Amazon Autos, enabling people across the U.S. to purchase their next vehicle via the online shopping platform like ordering groceries.

Announced on Tuesday, Amazon Autos allows customers to browse vehicles which are available at local participating dealers. Users can also filter results according to model, trim, colour, fuel type, and other features. Though Amazon Autos only offers Hyundai vehicles at launch, Amazon plans to add more automotive brands next year, allowing people to browse by make as well.

SEE ALSO: Hyundai's new Ioniq 5 has bigger battery, native Tesla Supercharging

Amazon states that Autos customers can choose a vehicle, secure financing, electronically sign the relevant paperwork, and place their order "with a few clicks," "streamlining" the process of buying a car. The company's famous delivery service doesn't apply to Amazon Autos, though. Once a purchase is finalised, shoppers will be directed to choose a date and time to pick up their new car from a local dealership themselves.

“We’re partnering with dealers and brands to redesign car shopping — making it more transparent, convenient, and customer-friendly," said global head of Amazon Autos Fan Jin. "With Amazon Autos, we’re bringing the simplicity and ease customers expect from Amazon to car shopping, one of their largest purchases, while offering dealers a new channel to connect with a broad audience."

Credit: Mashable screenshot: Amazon

Of course, the nature of online shopping does mean Amazon Autos eliminates a few previously ubiquitous elements of purchasing a new car, for better or for worse. 

Amazon Autos offers no opportunity to haggle, with set prices keeping costs "transparent" but preventing customers from attempting to negotiate a better deal. There also seems to be no option to test drive vehicles to see if you like how they feel, or any sales associates to consult about whether a different car might better fit your transportation needs. Some may miss that human interaction, however others will no doubt consider the lack of salespeople to be a point in Amazon Autos' favour.

Customers can trade in their current car by answering questions about its condition to have it valued, then dropping it off when they pick up their new one. New functionality such as leasing and additional financing options will also be added next year.

Amazon initially announced that it had partnered with Hyundai to sell its cars online in the U.S. last November. The retail giant's move into the auto market has been predicted since at least 2017, when it struck deals with several auto parts vendors. 

Where is Amazon Autos available? Credit: Amazon

Amazon Autos is only available across 48 U.S. cities at launch, with plans to expand to more locations next year. As of Dec. 2024, Amazon Autos is available in:

• Atlanta

• Austin

• Baltimore

• Beaumont-Port Arthur

• Birmingham

• Boston

• Champaign/Springfield

• Charlotte

• Chicago

• Cincinnati

• Cleveland

• Columbia

• Columbus

• Dallas

• Denver

• El Paso

• Fond Du Lac

• Ft. Myers/Naples

• Harrisburg-Lancaster-Lebanon-York

• Harrisonburg

• Hartford

• Houston

• Indianapolis

• Jacksonville

• Los Angeles

• Miami

• Milwaukee

• Minneapolis-St. Paul

• Nashville

• New York

• Orlando

• Philadelphia

• Phoenix

• Pittsburgh

• Portland

• Providence

• Raleigh-Durham

• Salt Lake City

• San Antonio

• San Diego

• San Francisco

• Seattle

• Sheboygan

• Springfield

• St. Louis

• Tampa

• W. Palm Beach

• Washington D.C.

Collecting all your favourite snacks and drinks, surrounding yourself with comfortable cushions and blankets, and then spending hours in front of a screen can be a truly therapeutic experience. Unfortunately, there is one big problem with this hobby: There is a limited amount of content out there to keep you entertained.

We're a greedy bunch, and regular streamers can easily get to a point where it feels like there's nothing left to watch. What are you supposed to do then? Don't panic, because there is a simple solution to this frustrating issue.

If you've reached this point of streaming shortage, you should consider investing in a VPN. It will likely unlock a lot of shows and movies on services to which you're already subscribed.

What is a VPN?

VPNs are security tools that provide protection for your information by creating a private network that hides your real IP address (digital location). All of your activity is untraceable and secure, because all of your online traffic passes through an encrypted tunnel. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like hackers, viruses, and malware.

SEE ALSO: 30 best movies on Netflix to stream right now

The act of hiding your real IP address is what can trick leading streaming sites into thinking you are based in another country.

Do you need a VPN?

VPNs are used to provide protection for your sensitive information, which is obviously super important. This isn't the only reason VPNs are so popular though, because these tools can be also be used to watch content that is normally blocked in your location.

By hiding your real IP address and connecting you to a server in another country, you can watch all your favourite content from that location. For example, you could watch all the extra films and shows on American Netflix that are not usually accessible outside of the U.S. There is so much content out there that can be accessed with the help of a VPN.

Everyone is in need of something that can bypass geo-restrictions to access all of this blocked entertainment, and that something is a VPN. These services are keys to the online world, granting you access to more of the shows and films you love.

How to unblock U.S. Netflix

If you think accessing American Netflix is going to be difficult with a VPN, think again. It's actually a really simple process that absolutely everyone can understand:

1. Sign up to a streaming-friendly 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 the U.S.

4. Visit Netflix to watch movies and shows from the U.S. content library

If you're worried that this whole thing sounds a bit illegal, then maybe we can reassure you. It's currently legal to watch Netflix while using a VPN, although we should point out that Netflix states in its terms of service that it may restrict your account without compensation or notice if you are engaged in "improper" use. We're not entirely sure what that means, but consider yourself warned.

We should make it very clear that you still need to be subscribed to Netflix for this trick to work. A VPN is not going to grant access to the streaming site for free. A VPN provides access to more libraries from around the world, once you're subscribed.

Should you use free VPNs?

There are plenty of free versions and free trials of VPNs, so why would you ever consider paying for a service? As with most things in life, you get what you pay for with VPNs.

There is always a catch with free versions, and it's normally in the form of limited data usage. These plans will be just fine if you're just an occasional user, but if you're going to be streaming or downloading anything, this isn't going to work. Free trials are different as come with everything you get in a paid plan, but obviously they don't tend to last very long. Trials are great for testing out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution.

To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you generally need to pay up. That being said, services like ProtonVPN offer an impressive set of features for free. However, you might have trouble streaming Netflix with this free version.

What is the best VPN for Netflix?

There are a lot of VPN services out there that can effectively unblock American Netflix, but which is the best? There are plenty of strong options for you to consider, but we wouldn't want you wasting your time checking everything out. To save you time, we've handpicked your best options. Each service has a different set of features that will suit some users better than others, and it's all about finding something that works for you.

ExpressVPN is at the top of this list because it combines essential features with impressive results, but it isn’t the only option available to you. We have lined up all the best VPNs for unblocking Netflix, with something for everyone on this list. We've highlighted the best deals on the likes of Surfshark, PureVPN, CyberGhost VPN, and NordVPN.

These are the best VPNs for Netflix in 2024.

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

If you've got the money to spend, a robot vacuum is always a good purchase. Here are some basic questions to help you decide whether you should buy or not: do you like cleaning the house? No, we thought not. Do you like relaxing and putting your feet up? Yes, of course you do. In that case, you absolutely need a robot vacuum in your life.

Unless you're tech-savvy, choosing a robot vacuum cleaner to whizz around your home can be easier said that done. There are dozens of models out there, all offering variations on the same thing. And there are other questions that need answering: Is a robot vacuum worth the money? How do they work? And which is the best brand?

If all that's got your head spinning, don't worry: We're here to help. We're looked around and done some research on your behalf, which means even more time to put your feet up. Here's a quick guide on robot vacuums — and our pick for the best models you can buy right now.

Are robot vacuums worth buying?

The crisp control of a regular, upright vacuum is its own particular pleasure. But if you're someone who finds cleaning stressful, a robot vacuum could cut a major task off your to-do list. Whether robot vacuums are worth it or not comes with a caveat: It can't be just any robot vacuum. A cheap robovac that acts drunk — scattering dust rather than sucking, bumping into walls, getting stuck on rugs — defies the point. Robot vacuums are made to be convenient — so get one that makes life easier.

What are the most important robot vacuum features?

Here's a rundown of essential features to consider when buying a robot vacuum:

• App control — WiFi-enabled robot vacuums can be synced with a smartphone app to control scheduling and other features. If you're used to asking Alexa or Google to turn off the lights or tell you the weather, a model with voice integration will blend in nicely.

• Battery life — Larger spaces require more time to clean, which means you'll want a battery that lasts. Run times for the list below range between 115 and 240 minutes.

• Docking station — Many robot vacuums have a multipurpose docking station. The robovac will return to the dock automatically and self-empty its bin while also charging the battery. The docking station may double up as a bin that can hold debris.

• Floor types & mopping — Depending on the floors you have at home, look out for models that have features for both carpet and hard floors. This may include the ability to climb up on higher pile rugs. There are also hybrid models that mop hard floors. 

• Low-profile cleaning — No one should have to be scared about what's accumulated under their sofa over the past year. A robot vacuum measuring three inches or less in height should be able to scoot under most low-hanging sofas and beds.

• Navigation & mapping — Every robot vacuum is equipped with sensors and drop detection. But if your home has lots of rooms, lots of turns, or lots of close-together furniture, you'll have fewer navigation issues with an advanced model that uses intelligent mapping to remember exactly how your home is laid out.

• Pet hair cleaning — Pet owners should consider a model with an anti-tangling roller brush, which will make it easier to pick up cat and dog hair and will prevent the robot vacuum from clogging up.

• Suction power — A vacuum is the one purchase that you hope sucks a lot. Suction power is typically measured in Pascals (Pa), ranging between 2,500 and 8,000 Pa in the ones on this list. Stronger sucking will be needed to pick up heavier pieces of debris and to pull patted-down pet hair from rugs.

Keep these features in mind when shopping around for a robot vacuum.

What is the best robot vacuum?

It's not a one-size-fits-all situation. "Best" to someone with four dogs and lots of carpet may not mean "best" to someone with a huge house filled with wooden floors. To help make sense of this confusing situation, we have highlighted a selection of the very best robot vacuums for everyone.

These are the best robot vacuums in 2024.

TL;DR: Give the gift of digital organisation and pay just £62.72 (reg. £366.26) for lifetime access to FileJump's 2TB cloud storage plan.

Opens in a new window Credit: FileJump FileJump 2TB Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription £62.72
£366.26 Save £303.54 Get Deal

Looking to make an impression with your gifts? During this winter sale, you can give the gift of peace of mind with the FileJump 2TB Cloud Storage lifetime subscription for just £62.72 (reg. £366.26).

FileJump offers an easy, secure, and affordable way to store files across devices, ideal for students, professionals, or anyone who hates running out of storage space.

Whether backing up family photos, collaborating on projects, or simply saving space on their devices, FileJump is the perfect solution. With 2TB of storage, end-to-end encryption, and no recurring fees, this gift will keep on giving— no subscription needed.

With FileJump's drag-and-drop interface, you don’t need to be a tech wizard to upload files, while the built-in media preview makes viewing photos, videos, and documents a breeze.

Sharing and collaborating are seamless, too. Share files via custom links or create free accounts for clients and team members to access shared folders. With AES 256-bit encryption, your files are not only accessible but also secure.

What really sets FileJump apart? There are no limits on download speeds or transfer rates, meaning you’ll never wait longer than necessary to access your data. 

At £62.72 (reg. £366.26) for lifetime access to 2TB of storage, an 82% discount for the holidays, FileJump delivers premium features at an incredible value. Competitors charge monthly fees for similar services, but with FileJump, you pay once and own it forever. This offer isn’t just practical and useful — it’s economical, too.

For a limited time, you'll pay just £62.72 (reg. £366.26) for lifetime access to 2TB of FileJump storage.

FileJump 2TB Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription - £62.72 | Get It Here

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get Microsoft Office 2021 and Windows 11 Pro together for £43.11 (reg. £343.52) at the Mashable Shop.

Did your PC or laptop struggle to get through the semester? Then it’s time to get serious about those grades. Whether you’re hitting the books for revision or looking to help your student, check out this ultimate productivity bundle: Microsoft Office and Windows 11 Pro together for just £43.11.

Separately, this office suite and OS cost hundreds, but they’re on sale for a limited time at the Mashable Shop. Best of all, these device licenses never expire, so they'll last as long as the device they're installed on.

Microsoft Office 2021 apps

Every student needs reliable productivity apps for those dreaded assignments and presentations. Lean on tools like Microsoft Word and PowerPoint for homework, OneNote for note-taking, and Outlook and Teams to stay connected to peers and teachers. 

Microsoft Office for Windows also comes with Access and Publisher. You might use Excel and Publisher for math and data science courses and Publisher if you’re designing materials for clubs or art classes.

Windows 11 Pro + Copilot AI

Upgrading your OS isn’t just for the new user design; you’ll also get the new AI assistant, Copilot. Microsoft calls it “the ultimate AI study buddy.”

Copilot uses a custom version of ChatGPT, so it’s like getting the chatbot's premium version without having to pay for it. You could use it to:

• Have it explain complex class concepts in simpler terms

• Make custom flashcards for revision

• Create practice questions

• Simulate conversations in a new language you’re learning

You’ll also enjoy how Windows 11 Pro boosts your PC’s load times, gives you new productivity tools, and adds new security features like BitLocker device encryption. It’s like an internal makeover for your computer.

Take advantage of this Microsoft app bundle with Office 2021 and Windows 11 Pro at £43.11 (reg. £343.52). No coupon is needed for this discount.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle £43.11 at the Mashable Shop
£343.52 Save £300.41 Get Deal

TL;DR: Live stream Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers for free with a 30-day free trial of Prime Video.

Thursday Night Football returns with Week 15 action, which kicks off with an NFC West showdown between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers. The Rams are 7-6 overall, looking to overtake the Seattle Seahawks (8-5) in the division. The 49ers are technically at the bottom of the division with a 6-7 record. The NFC West is the closest division race in either conference and with three weeks left to go, it really could be anyone.

The Rams have won three of their last five games and head to San Francisco with back-to-back wins under their belt. The 49ers have won only two of their last five games, but are coming off a decisive win over the Chicago Bears last week. With a 4-3 record at home, and the Rams having a .500 record on the road, the 49ers are the betting favorite.

When is Rams vs. 49ers?

Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers takes place at 8:15 p.m. ET on Dec. 12. The two teams will face off at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

Al Michaels is expected to do the play-by-play, Kirk Herbstreit will join him in the booth as the analyst. Kaylee Hartung will report from the sidelines.

How to stream Rams vs. 49ers for free

Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers is available to live stream on Prime Video in the U.S., but anyone can watch this game for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime (not to mention other Thursday Night Football fixtures).

If you're already a member, or have already used the 30-day trial, Prime Video subscriptions start at $8.99 per month.

Best streaming services for Rams vs. 49ers

Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers will be aired locally in both Los Angeles and San Francisco. It may be available in some other markets, but NFL games are subject to local blackouts.

If you do not have a cable package in those markets, you have options. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Rams vs. 49ers on local networks.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling TV Sports Plan Get Deal

Sling TV offers its Orange & Blue package of 48 channels at $55 per month that would serve your needs for locally available NFL games. Sign up to enjoy a first-month discounted rate of $27.50.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

For in-market games: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Pro plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Again, Rams vs. 49ers is subject to local blackouts. It is available nationally on Prime Video.

How to watch Rams vs. 49ers from anywhere in the world

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of the NFL from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Rams vs. 49ers from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly 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 the U.S.

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

5. Watch Rams vs. 49ers from anywhere in the world

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

• 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 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

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

TL;DR: Unblock your favorite porn sites with a VPN. The best service for unblocking free porn sites is ExpressVPN.

Your access to porn sites is not always guaranteed. There are many locations that will restrict your access to certain sites, and that's probably a good thing. But online freedom is also nice. And when the time is right, you should be able to access all your favorite sites without a hassle.

Want to bypass online restrictions and access everything the online world has to offer? We have all the information you need to unblock porn sites for free from anywhere in the world.

How to unblock porn for free

VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This quick and easy process means you can bypass geo-restrictions to access your favorite porn sites from anywhere in the world. It sounds complicated, but it's really not.

Follow these simple steps to unblock porn sites:

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 porn

4. Watch porn from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for bypassing content restrictions are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can retain access to porn sites when traveling or temporarily away from home.

If you want to retain permanent access to blocked sites, you might benefit from a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing online restrictions is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for porn?

ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking porn sites, 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

• 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 porn for free with ExpressVPN.

Your small children being on YouTube is inevitable at this point. From experience, I know kids master how to swipe and scroll on touchscreens at just months old. This is why YouTube launched a YouTube Kids app for iPhone and Android devices back in 2015.

Now, for the first time since that launch, YouTube Kids has received a complete redesign. With that update, YouTube Kids looks a lot more like YouTube.

"As part of YouTube's design modernization efforts, we’re happy to announce that we’re bringing a new look and feel to the YouTube Kids mobile app!" reads a new update posted by YouTube earlier this week on the official YouTube Kids community site.

Here's what's new in the YouTube Kids app

The biggest update to the YouTube Kids app is obvious: The redesign.

Previously, YouTube Kids (as seen above) looked like an app for children. It barely resembled the current YouTube design at all. 

The old YouTube Kids app design Credit: YouTube

The new YouTube Kids (as seen below) looks like YouTube, but with a kids-oriented twist. The design is more colorful and visual, but it still distinctly like YouTube. The previous design was geared toward toddler-aged children, whereas this one looks like it's meant to be enjoyed throughout childhood.

The new YouTube Kids app design Credit: YouTube

The redesign also brings a more YouTube-like user interface to YouTube Kids as well. YouTube Kids now displays video categories at the top of the homescreen just like YouTube does. The new navigation bar at the bottom of the page is basically straight from the main YouTube app as well.

Another big change is that YouTube Kids can now be used both horizontally and vertically just like the main YouTube app. Previously, YouTube Kids had to be used in landscape mode. But, now that shortform video is popular on the platform thanks to YouTube Shorts, that no longer makes sense.

The new update to the YouTube Kids app allows users to view content vertically for the first time. Credit: YouTube

Aside from the redesign, everything else in YouTube Kids is basically the same. The app remains the best way for kids to safely watch age-appropriate YouTube content. YouTube has greatly improved the content moderation issues that plagued the app years ago.

A few comments on YouTube's update announcement have generated a negative response to the redesign. However, like it or not, the redesigned app should be preferable to what YouTube did to its smart TV kids app. Earlier this year, YouTube completely shut down its standalone kids app for TVs and integrated it into the main YouTube app for smart TVs.

Today’s AI chatbots are far more than simple question-and-answer machines. They can transform how you approach all sorts of work, helping you tackle difficult tasks through the use of simple language. Here's how to harness their power to supercharge your productivity.

There's a story from the earliest days of cinema that seems applicable to Sora, the text-to-video creation tool launched by OpenAI this week. And given that Sora's servers are struggling with demand, with many OpenAI subscribers still waiting to try it out, we've got time for stories.

You probably know of Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat Station (1896) by the Lumiere brothers, even if you've never seen it. Like Sora, the Lumieres created very short movies that showcased the latest tech. We're talking cinematograph rather than AI rendering, and a luxurious 50 seconds of film rather than the maximum 20 seconds allowed in Sora videos.

Still, it's the same principle: This was an early peek at a shockingly new form of entertainment. According to legend — a legend cemented in Martin Scorcese's charming movie about a boy in the Lumiere era, Hugo (2011) — Arrival of a Train audiences ran in terror from a steam engine that appeared to be heading straight for them.

A similar sense of panic clings to Sora — specifically, panic about what AI videos might do to further crack up our "post-truth" media landscape. The average viewer is already having a hard time judging what is real and what isn't, and the problem is worse if they're depressed. We're living in a golden age of conspiracy theories. The world's richest man already shared an AI deepfake video in order to help swing an election.

SEE ALSO: Could an AI chatbot talk you out of believing a conspiracy theory?

What happens when Sora can make any prompt look as real as something you might see on the evening news — ready-made to spread on social media?

OpenAI seems to think its watermarks, both visible and invisible, would prevent any shenanigans. But having downloaded dozens of Sora videos now, I can attest that the visible watermark is tiny, illegible, and fades into the background more often than not. It would be child's play for video editing software to clip it out altogether.

So a world of deliberate disinformation, either from bad political actors or influencers trying to gin up their engagement, is barreling down on us like a train. Right?

Wrong. Because as the actual story of the Lumiere movie tells us, humans are actually a lot smarter about new video entertainment than we give them credit for.

Here's the thing about Arrival of a Train: the legend is almost certainly wrong. We have zero first-hand evidence that audiences fled the cinema, or even flinched when they saw a train approaching in a 50-second clip.

Media studies professor Martin Loiperdinger calls the panic tale "cinema's founding myth," and notes it can be traced back to books written in the second half of the 20th century. It's possible that authors conflated it with the Lumieres' later experimental 3-D version of Arrival of a Train, which screened a handful of times in 1934 and was — like a lot of 3-D movies to come — a novelty, and a commercial failure.

So no, early audiences likely did not confuse a moving image of a train with a real train. Rather, they seem to have adapted to the whole concept of movies very quickly. Contemporary accounts of the Lumiere shorts (of which there were dozens; Arrival of a Train was not seen as a stand-out) are filled with excitement at the possibilities now unlocked.

"Why, if this continues," wrote one newspaper, Le Courier de Paris, in 1896, "we could almost overcome memory loss, almost put an end to separation, almost abolish death itself." (Spoiler alert: we did not, although that sounds like a great premise for a 19th century Black Mirror episode.)

Another periodical, La Science Francais, enthused about the "most unbelievably wonderful sorcery" that had created the cinematograph's "hallucinatory phantasmagoria." Even today's most tech-happy AI boosters would have a hard time endorsing Sora in the same terms.

Because like most AI, Sora is often "hallucinatory" — and not in a good way.

SEE ALSO: 7 wild Sora videos blowing up social media after its launch

As I discovered in the moments that OpenAI servers weren't slammed, almost every Sora-generated video has some detail that looks wrong to human eyes. I typed a prompt for "journalist slams desk in frustration at not being able to access AI videos," then noticed a pen that appears and disappears in the journalist's hand.

The mistakes went on and on. The novelty factor diminished fast. Friends were amused and a little freaked out by the realness of the swag in "hip-hop artist models a cozy Christmas sweater" — until we spotted that the rapper's gold chain had become a gold pony tail at the back, and the reindeer on the sweater had eight legs.

Sora's response to "a funeral mass with circus clowns" pretty much nailed the prompt ... except that the colorful-wigged, red-nosed figure in the casket was missing his body.

That's not to say Sora won't have an immediate impact on the moving image industry. Given less outlandish prompts, it could certainly replace a lot of the generic B-roll often seen in YouTube explainers and corporate training videos. (That's assuming OpenAI isn't going to be forced to cease and desist training Sora on internet video footage without the makers' permission.)

It is to say that there's a significant barrier to entry when it comes to creating videos featuring anything unusual, anything you're trying to lie about, anything that Sora hasn't been specifically trained on. Rooting out all those mistakes, to the point where we won't immediately notice, can be an exercise in frustration.

And perhaps these early mistake-filled AI videos will serve as a kind of mass inoculation — a small dose of the post-truth disease, one that effectively gives our brains AI-resistant antibodies that can better prepare us for a future epidemic of visual fakes.

AI video needs to board the clue train

I'm certainly less impressed with AI after I prompted Sora for a new take on the Lumieres' Arrival of a Train. I asked for a video where a locomotive does actually break through the projection screen at the end, crushing the cinematograph audience.

But Sora couldn't even access the original 50-second short, which is way out of copyright and widely available online (including a version already upscaled by AI). It hallucinated a movie called "Arrival of a tal [sic] train," apparently released in the year "18965."

As for breaking a literal fourth wall, forget about it: despite multiple prompt-rewording attempts, Sora simply couldn't grok what I was asking. The projection screen remained intact.

Still, this version of Sora may still be a harbinger of some terrifying visual fakery to come — perhaps when more robust AI video tech falls into the hands of a future D.W. Griffith.

Two decades passed between Arrival of a Train and Griffith's infamous movieThe Birth of a Nation (1915)— the first real blockbuster, a landmark in the history of cinema, which also happened to be a skewed take on recent American history stuffed with racist lies.

Griffith's movie, protested at the time by the NAACP, was hugely influential in perpetuating segregation and reviving the Ku Klux Klan.

So yes, perhaps Sora's release is slowly nudging us further in the direction of a fragmented post-truth world. But even in an AI-dominated future, bad actors are going to have to work overtime if they want to do more damage to society than the cinematograph's most dangerous prompts.

Trends among teen girls are an ever-changing hellscape. Even millennials — people who are not that old, thank you very much — can have trouble navigating the world that's ruled by TikTok trends and whatever else high-school-aged girls can't seem to stop raving about.

Funneling those trends into a gift that she’ll like and use for longer than a month seems nearly impossible. But you know who does get teenage girls? Other teenage girls. We asked our families, polled our staff, and scoured the internet to find out exactly what teenage girls actually want. 

The same items popping up over and over again each year is a constant reminder that, though the VSCO girl lifestyle meme may have ended in 2019, a few overarching concepts remain alive and well. Gen Z girls are loyal to a defined handful of brands and have very specific aesthetic goals. They don't just want workout gear, they want Lululemon yoga pants. They don't just want skincare products, they want serums from The Ordinary. They don't just want a reusable water bottle, they want the (weirdly specific) Stanley Quencher H2.0 tumbler. You get it.

To make it easier for you to shop for a teen girl — when you're not a teen girl yourself (we get it, it's hard) — we've rounded up the very best gifts for the demographic in this easy-to-browse gift guide that's in the process of being updated for 2024.