IT General

You might be able to get paid (kind of) for using TikTok, which, let's be honest, you might be doing habitually anyway.

Bloomberg reported that TikTok has enacted a few different promotions that gift folks TikTok Shop credits to increase users and time spent on the app. The business outlet reported that TikTokkers can receive $50 in Shop credits for recruiting a first-time user and up to $350 in bonuses for bringing in more new users. TikTok is also reportedly offering credits for checking TikTok every day for a week and for "scrolling through 10 TikTok Shop items five times per week." Users can also get up to an $80 credit for making a TikTok Shop purchase.

Tweet may have been deleted

The move comes at a precarious moment for TikTok. It could be a ploy to add users and engaged time on its app ahead of its potential ban. A Jan. 19 deadline looms for TikTok's parent company ByteDance to find a buyer or face a ban in the U.S.

SEE ALSO: When will TikTok be banned in the U.S.? And what can stop it from happening?

Mashable's Christianna Silva has the full details on the latest updates but a legal fight remains ongoing in the final month or so before the potential ban. Signing up more American users and logging more TikTok Shop sales could be a way to garner public support against a potential ban.

TikTok may be gone in a month in the states but, until then, you might be able to earn some rewards. Bloomberg reported the promotions appeared on users' For You Page, so be on the look out.

SAVE $10: As of Dec. 11, you can snag Astro Bot (PS5) for just $49.99 at Best Buy. That's $10 off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Interactive Entertainment Astro Bot (PS5) $49.99 at Best Buy
$59.99 Save $10.00 Get Deal

If you have a PS5, you’re probably already well-acquainted with a little guy named Astro. (If you have no idea what I’m talking about, you definitely need to check out Astro’s Playroom — a free game that comes pre-installed on every PS5 console.)

Right now, you can get the newest Astro Bot (PS5) game for just $49.99 at Best Buy. That’s $10 off and a great deal for a genuinely fun-to-play PlayStation game. I’ve already beaten the game twice and can, without a doubt, attest to its undeniable cuteness.

SEE ALSO: AstroBot review: The most 'Super Mario Galaxy' game that isn’t actually 'Super Mario Galaxy'

In this edition of Astro’s adventures, the lovable little robot hero is on a mission to save all his Bot friends and the mothership — both of which have been scattered across different planets after an alien takeover. (You’ll also see surprise cameos from some iconic PlayStation characters, including Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon.)

The actual challenges within the game are pretty straightforward, but still fun to work through. I found the single-bot islands the toughest to beat. Another cool thing about this game is the hidden secrets and collectibles dispersed throughout each level.

If you’re looking for a lighthearted game to clear your mind, Astro Bot can be completed in a single weekend, but there's definitely enough content to keep you engaged for longer. It also makes for a great stocking stuffer for kids or PlayStation stans who could use a little more whimsy in their lives.

Check out our full review of Astro Bot by Mashable’s Alex Perry.

The holidays just may be the most wonderful time of the year for scammers.

As consumers part with their cash to fill stockings and spread cheer, scammers see countless opportunities for deception, theft, and fraud.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation highlights some of their go-to tactics, including failing to ship merchandise you purchased, asking you to pay for items with a pre-paid gift card, and phishing for your personal information.

SEE ALSO: How one man lost $56,000 when he opened an Amazon store

These scams may not be different from others that run year-round, but they tend to increase during the holidays.

Jaeson Schultz, technical leader for Cisco Talos Security Intelligence & Research, said that any time there's an increase in information volume, it "provides good places for criminals to blend in and hide."

The spike in data means more work for security teams that look for and filter malicious communication, increasing the odds that something may inadvertently slip through.

Consumers may also let their guard down as they hunt for deals. Eager to make convenient purchases for the right price, some may be duped — even on platforms they know and trust, like Ebay and Amazon.

Because scams are so widespread, Schultz recommends using a credit card with fraud coverage when shopping.

Unlike with other types of currency, including cash and debit and pre-paid gift cards, a standard credit card typically offers protection from fraud. Consumers who've been deceived into buying fake goods, for example, can ask for and receive a refund.

While it's impossible to track every type of scam, here are five schemes that should be on your radar:

Deals too good to be true

If you've never seen an iPhone or PlayStation for such a low price, it might not be the real thing. These days, scammers can easily take advantage of the holiday shopping frenzy by posting fake listings on pretty much any platform.

Schultz says scammers can simply open a Shopify or Square account and look like a legitimate business or store, or open their own ecommerce outfit on a platform that hosts third-party sellers, like Amazon, TikTok, or Walmart.

They might sell inauthentic merchandise or repackage returned goods and advertise them as brand new. Scammers can even use artificial intelligence to produce compelling phony reviews.

If the deal you've spotted seems too good to be true, and you're not buying it directly from the manufacturer, Schultz recommends pausing and assessing the situation. It may hurt to pass on a bargain-basement price, but you're likely better off doing exactly that.

Purchases that never arrive

If you mostly shop online, it can be hard to track what has arrived, and what's still missing. Even the most organized shoppers can sometimes just forget that they're expecting a package.

Scammers are counting on the chaos to go undetected as they accept your money for a purchase but then never ship it. The FBI lists this scam as one of the top schemes that holiday shoppers will encounter.

It's a time-consuming task but try to stay on top of your expected shipments. You can note and follow the tracking progress if you receive a tracking number.

If you purchase an item but never receive the tracking number or the package itself, try contacting the seller first. If you get silence or an unsatisfactory response, consider filing a fraud complaint with your credit card company as well as reporting the seller to the Better Business Bureau.

In addition, you can also publish a truthful but negative review online about your experience, and report the company to your state's attorney general.

Gift card scams

Gift-card draining scams are a year-round concern but can escalate during the holidays as shoppers hand the convenient presents out to friends, coworkers, and family.

For this scam, a thief physically tampers with a card sold at a retail shop in order to obtain the barcode and PIN, then puts it back on the shelf. Once the card is loaded with cash, they spend the card before the recipient has a chance to enjoy their gift.

If you buy a gift card, inspect the packaging for signs of tampering. Also consider buying gift cards directly from the brand online rather than purchasing them from a third-party retailer.

A different popular gift card scam involves selling goods online and asking for payment via a pre-paid gift card, according to the FBI. Scammers use this transaction to steal the gift card PIN number, with no intention of ever delivering the item you thought you purchased.

The surefire way to avoid this scam? When shopping online, never pay for your purchase with a pre-paid gift card.

Phishing attempts

Scammers know that you are inundated with physical and digital mail and messages during the holidays, which is why you might see more attempts to steal your valuable data. Known as phishing, these tactics are designed to make you think you've received a legitimate letter, email, or text message from an important person or institution, like a coworker or your bank.

These messages ask you to click on a link or scan a QR code in order to respond to an urgent message or complete a timely form, for example. Particularly during the holidays these messages may have a tracking number purportedly sent by a shipping company.

The number of emails containing a QR code has increased in the last few years, Schultz says. He notes that scammers have realized they're an effective way of sending a link to victims, because they can often bypass messaging security systems.

Though the volume of these messages is low compared to other phishing tactics, people unknowingly scan the QR codes and are redirected to a malicious site that captures their personal data, according to Cisco Talos' research.

Schultz says consumers can lower their risk of being phished by remaining skeptical and wary of unsolicited links and QR codes. If you don't know where the link or code will take you, don't click or scan it. Instead, Schultz recommends navigating directly to your desired site.

Fake charities

The San Francisco bureau of the FBI recently warned consumers about fake charities preying on people who want to make a difference during the holiday season.

It recommended being on the lookout for solicitations via phone, email, crowdfunding platforms, and social media. Additionally, people might be duped by copycats attempting to mimic a legitimate charity in order to steal the funds.

If you want to donate to a worthy cause or nonprofit, consider only doing so via the organization's official website, which matches any profile they may have on a platform like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance.

In general, if you think you've been the victim of a scam, the FBI recommends reporting it to law enforcement and to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.

SAVE $10: Spend $50 or more on eligible toys and games at Amazon and automatically save $10.

Eligible toys and games at Amazon Best board game deal Monopoly Wicked Edition Board Game $23.99 at Amazon (save $6) Get Deal Best Nerf deal Nerf Basketball Hoop Hamper $41.91 at Amazon (save $3.08) Get Deal Best deal for toddlers Melissa & Doug Get Well Doctor’s Kit Play Set $24.97 at Amazon (save $7.52) Get Deal

It's crunch time when it comes to shopping for holiday gifts. In order for them to arrive on time and get wrapped, they'll need to be heading your way soon. If you're still shopping for kiddos or anyone who likes board games, Amazon has a nice deal in store.

As of Dec. 11, spend $50 on toys and games at Amazon to save $10. To grab this deal, browse the selection of over 1,000 eligible items, add at least $50 worth to your cart, and the discount will automatically apply during checkout.

Here are some of our favorite picks eligible for the deal at Amazon. The items listed below are already on sale, but they'll be further discounted with the $10 off deal when you spend $50 or more.

Best board game deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hasbro Gaming Monopoly Wicked Edition Board Game $23.99 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $6.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Anyone who's been enamored by the Wicked film is bound to love the Monopoly Wicked Edition board game. This edition uses the classic Monopoly gameplay goals while adding in Wicked touches. You'll be passing by locations from the movie like Shiz University and Emerald City. Plus, the movie-themed tokens include options like Elphaba's Broom, Glinda's Crown, and the Grimmerie.

The game is designed for anyone ages 8 and up, and gameplay typically takes about 30 minutes.

Best Nerf deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nerf Nerf Basketball Hoop Hamper $41.91 at Amazon
$44.99 Save $3.08 Get Deal Why we like it

Almost any kid would be thrilled to have a Nerf playset in their bedrooms, but how about one that's pleasing for parents too? Enter the Nerf Basketball Hoop Hamper which gamifies tossing dirty clothes into the hamper. Conveniently attaching over a standard size door, the Nerf set doesn't need any tools for installation. The mini basketball hoop and attached hamper means kids can get enjoyment out of tossing dirty clothes into the hamper. Not only does this equal less work for the parents, it's a fun way to encourage kids to keep their room clean.

Come laundry day, the bottom of the hamper unzips, making it easy to take clothes to the washing machine.

Best deal for toddlers Opens in a new window Credit: Melissa & Doug Melissa & Doug Get Well Doctor’s Kit Play Set $24.97 at Amazon
$32.49 Save $7.52 Get Deal Why we like it

For the kids who say they want to be a doctor when they grow up, the Melissa & Doug Get Well Doctor’s Kit Play Set is perfect. While the set usually sells for $32.49, it's discounted at Amazon to just $24.97, which will get even lower once you spend $50 and save $10.

Known for their quality toys, the Melissa & Doug set includes 25 pieces to role-play doctor, like a stethoscope, otoscope, eye cover, and blood pressure cuff. The whole set can fit into the included medical-themed tote bag for easy clean-up and storage after playtime.

More eligible toys and games at Amazon

• Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars — $7.75 $14.99 (save $7.24)

• Bluey Figure 4-Pack — $14.88 $15.99 (save $1.11)

• Hatchimals Alive Rainbow Splash Egg Carton Toy — $15.99 $19.99 (save $4)

• OXO Tot Stand Up Bath Toy Storage — $22.49 $27.99 (save $5.50)

• Exploding Kittens Party Pack — $24.99 $29.99 (save $5)

• Melissa & Doug Let's Play House Dust! Sweep! Mop! — $30.09 $42.99 (save $12.90)

• Azul Board Game — $31.97 $39.99 (save $8.02)

• Barbie 31-inch Lenticular Skateboard — $31.99 $39.99 (save $8)

• Splendor Board Game — $31.99 $39.99 (save $8)

• Baby Einstein Sea Dreams Soother Musical Crib Toy and Sound Machine — $33.90 $39.99 (save $6.09)

• Ticket to Ride Board Game — $43.97 $54.99 (save $11.02)

macOS supports three main types of linking for referencing files and folders within the file system on a Mac: hard links, symbolic links (symlinks), and aliases. Each works differently and serves a different purpose. So, how do you decide which one to use?

Valve is now selling certified refurbished Steam Deck OLED models. The LCDs are already out of stock, but the OLED models are available in the US, UK, Canada, and the EU.

SAVE $80 + FREE $20 GIFT CARD: As of Dec. 11, get a pair of Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro for $189.99 at Amazon. Plus, get a free $20 gift card upon purchase.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro with $20 Amazon Gift Card $189.99 at Amazon
$269.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal

If Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales came and went without you being able to secure a new pair of headphones, you've still got a chance to do so now. Getting a new pair can significantly improve how you listen to your favorite songs, so it's well worth investing. Amazon has a deal that you can take advantage of with plenty of time to get a new pair of earbuds before the holidays and for a great price.

As of Dec. 11, get a pair of Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro for $189.99, down from $269.99. That's $80 off its normal price, plus you get a free $20 Amazon gift card with purchase. This deal is valid through Dec. 22, so you've got plenty of time to take advantage of it.

SEE ALSO: Score the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ at its lowest-ever price after Cyber Monday

These buds are a great option for both iOS and Android users, so don't let the Samsung branding scare you off. They're lightweight and comfortable in-ear with a design similar to AirPods and offer active noise cancellation with Galaxy AI power, so they can automatically adapt to your surroundings. They can also help you converse with others in different languages as they have the Real-Time Interpreter feature powered by said Galaxy AI.

Control your buds with their on-board touch controls and use the adaptive equalizer to customize their sound to your liking. Whether you choose to enjoy your music, calls, or podcasts, you can fine-tune your audio to fit the situation. Even if you're just bopping to your favorite playlist, making the smallest adjustments can make a difference.

If you're looking for an easy gift for an audiophile or just want a quick upgrade for yourself, these buds are worth picking up, especially with an additional $20 credit.

SAVE UP TO 50%: As of Dec. 11, you can score up to 50% off select gaming headsets at Best Buy. Shop Razer, Sony, and more.

Best gaming headset deals as of Dec. 11: Best budget pick Razer BlackShark V2 X Wired Gaming Headset $39.99 (save $20 ) Get Deal Best wireless gaming headset deal Logitech G733 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Headset (PC, PS5, PS4, Switch) $91.99 (save $58 ) Get Deal Best earbud-style gaming headset Sony PULSE Explore Wireless Gaming Earbuds (PS5) $169.99 (save $30 ) Get Deal

If you have a gamer on your holiday gift list, or you’re looking to upgrade your own gaming setup, Best Buy has some pretty sweet deals on gaming headsets this week.

SEE ALSO: The best gaming laptop deals up for grabs before the holidays: Shop Alienware, Acer, and more

As of Dec. 11, you can score up to 50% off select gaming headsets from top brands like Razer, Sony, and Logitech. Shop wireless, wired, or earbud-style options depending on your setup and preferences.

Here are our top picks from the sale:

Best budget pick Opens in a new window Credit: Razer Razer BlackShark V2 X Wired Gaming Headset (PC, PS5, PS4, Switch, Xbox, X|S, Xbox One) $39.99 at Best Buy
$59.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Razer BlackShark V2 X Wired Gaming Headset (PC, PS5, PS4, Switch, Xbox, X|S, Xbox One) is a steal at just $39.99. This headset delivers stereo surround 7.1 sound with 50mm drivers for a richer, more immersive audio experience. The only con for some users could be that it's wired.

At just 240g, it's lightweight and comfortable to wear for long gaming sessions. Plus, the built-in HyperClear Cardioid Mic is designed to pick up your voice and filter out background noise.

Best wireless gaming headset deal Opens in a new window Credit: Logitech Logitech G733 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Headset (PC, PS5, PS4, Switch) $91.99 at Best Buy
$149.99 Save $58.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you prefer to be untethered while gaming, the Logitech G733 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Headset (PC, PS5, PS4, Switch) is on sale for $91.99, down from $149.99. That’s a $58 discount.

This wireless headset comes in multiple colors, including lilac and bright blue, and features customizable RGB lighting with ~16.8 million color options. (You can also create your own color themes with G Hub software.)

The PRO-G drivers are designed to reduce distortion for clear audio quality. You’ll also get up to 66 feet of range and up to 29 hours of battery per charge.

Best earbud-style gaming headset Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony PULSE Explore Wireless Gaming Earbuds (PS5) $169.99 at Best Buy
$199.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Sony PULSE Explore Wireless Gaming Earbuds (PS5) are a compact, on-the-go option for $169.99, down from $199.99.

These Bluetooth-enabled earbuds feature AI-enhanced noise rejection for clear in-game communication via the built-in microphone. They have a decent battery life — you'll get around 10 hours with the case. And, whenever you’re not gaming, you can use them to take calls or listen to music.

Your iPhone contains a lot of sensitive information, including your location, your personal photos, and more. There are several iPhone privacy features that you can use to help protect this information.

Every year brings tons of new apps and games to Apple's app ecosystem. Now, the mothership itself has graced us with its list of the very best ones from 2024.

Apple released its 2024 App Store awards list on Wednesday. The list honors everything from everyday accessibility apps to games and even device-specific apps. It has 17 honors for the best app developers of the year.

Let's not waste any more time. Here are the App Store award winners for 2024.

SEE ALSO: The 10 best video games you may have missed in 2024 Apple App Store award winners for 2024

Here are all the apps Apple decided to honor this year.

• iPhone app of the year: Kino

• iPad app of the year: Moises

• Mac App of the Year: Adobe Lightroom

• Apple Vision Pro App of the Year: What If…? An Immersive Story

• Apple Watch App of the Year: Lumy

• Apple TV App of the Year: F1 TV

And here are Apple's best games of the year.

• iPhone Game of the Year: AFK Journey

• iPad Game of the Year: Squad Busters

• Mac Game of the Year: Thank Goodness You’re Here!

• Apple Vision Pro Game of the Year: THRASHER: Arcade Odyssey

On top of that, here are some apps Apple recognized for their cultural impact:

• Oko, a navigation app for low-vision users

• EF Hello, an app for people trying to learn new languages

• DailyArt, an app for, well, looking at art

• NYT Games, which you're probably already familiar with

• The Wreck, a narrative visual novel

• Do You Really Want to Know 2, a game about living with HIV

Not to be outdone by OpenAI's Sora drop, Google just released its new AI model Gemini 2.0.

On Wednesday, Google introduced Gemini 2.0 Flash, the first family member of the next generation of AI models. Gemini 2.0 Flash is described in the announcement as a "workhorse model" for developers, capable of powerful performance at scale. Flash supports image and audio generation, has native integration with Google Search, can write code, and works with third-party apps. Alongside the Gemini 2.0 Flash announcement, Google also introduced Deep Research, a Gemini feature that browses the web and compiles research reports based on the initial prompt.

Gemini 2.0 Flash is a step up from Gemini 1.0 in that has improved reasoning, longer context windows, ability to understand complex instructions, and native tool use — all of which has been designed to make the model more agentic, in other words capable of executing multi-step tasks on the user's behalf.

As part of this, Google said Gemini 2.0 would be available for Project Astra, a research prototype for testing a universal AI assistant. Google also shared other research prototypes: Project Mariner, which is specifically designed to explore "human-agent interaction," and Project Jules for developers.

SEE ALSO: Google adds Deep Research to Gemini for browsing the web on your behalf

Gemini 2.0 Flash is available as an "experimental model" via the Gemini API which can be accessed in Google AI Studio and Vertex AI. But casual users can also try out its improved chat capabilities in the Gemini desktop app, with mobile app support coming soon.

Today, Apple released iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2, but not everything went as smoothly as planned. Some features have been pushed off yet again.

TL;DR: Live stream Juventus vs. Manchester City in the Champions League for free on RTÉ Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The next round of Champions League fixtures includes some huge clashes between Europe's elite, but the biggest game of the bunch might be Juventus vs. Manchester City. Both sides have identical records in this year's competition, making this a must-win game.

If you want to watch Juventus vs. Manchester City in the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Juventus vs. Manchester City?

Juventus vs. Manchester City in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. GMT on Dec. 11. This fixture takes place at the Allianz Stadium.

How to watch Juventus vs. Manchester City for free

Juventus vs. Manchester City is available to live stream for free on RTÉ Player in Ireland.

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock RTÉ Player. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Champions League from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Juventus vs. Manchester City on RTÉ Player 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 Ireland

4. Sign in to RTÉ Player

5. Watch Juventus vs. Manchester City for free 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 streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Juventus vs. Manchester City (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RTÉ Player?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Ireland

• 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.

Live stream Juventus vs. Manchester City in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Arsenal vs. Monaco in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The next round of Champions League fixtures includes some really interesting matchups, including Arsenal vs. Monaco.

Arsenal and Monaco have indentical records in this year's competition, with Arsenal ahead on goal difference. It looks like a close game between two exciting sides.

If you want to watch Arsenal vs. Monaco in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Arsenal vs. Monaco?

Arsenal vs. Monaco in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. GMT on Dec. 11. This fixture takes place at the Emirates Stadium.

How to watch Arsenal vs. Monaco for free

Arsenal vs. Monaco is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player in Ireland.

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to access Virgin Media Player. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock Virgin Media Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Arsenal vs. Monaco for free 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 Ireland

4. Visit Virgin Media Player

5. Watch Arsenal vs. Monaco for free 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 streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Arsenal vs. Monaco (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Virgin Media Player?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Ireland

• 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.

Live stream Arsenal vs. Monaco in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

Finder is used to navigate your Mac’s drives, iCloud, and other storage locations. Customizing the app to show exactly what you need can make you far more productive.

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Dec. 11: OUR TOP PICK Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 $59.99 (save $40) Get Deal BEST SMARTHOME DEAL Amazon Echo Spot $44.99 (save $35) Get Deal BEST TABLET DEAL Apple iPad, 10th generation (64GB, WiFi) $279 (save $70) Get Deal BEST OUTDOOR DEAL Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 with Stand $197.99 (save $102 with on-page promotion) Get Deal BEST DEAL FOR KIDS Kindle Paperwhite Kids $144.99 (save $35) Get Deal

We're exactly two weeks away from Santa sliding down the chimney, so it's time to check off your shopping list. If you're on a bit of a budget this year, there's plenty of deals on gadgets and gizmos from major brands at Amazon (think Apple, Solo Stove, and Kindle). To help you on your mission, we've rounded up some of the best deals we could find on Dec. 11.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If none of these catch your eye, check out our picks from Dec. 9 and Dec. 10 as well. Many of those are still live, including a 71% price drop on the Amazon Echo Buds with active noise cancellation and a $100 Lyft gift card for only $85.

Our top pick: Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 Opens in a new window Credit: Ultimate Ears Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 $59.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal

Last week, we featured the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 as one of our best Amazon deals of the day when it was on sale for $79.99. This week, it's $20 cheaper and our top pick. This tiny powerhouse is our favorite sub-$100 Bluetooth speaker for its well-rounded sound profile that wows for a speaker of its size. It's also got an impressive battery life of 14 hours and a rugged design that can handle drops from up to five feet and be dunked in water for up to 30 minutes. Slash 40% off as of Dec. 11 and pick up the fourth-generation speaker for only $59.99 at Amazon. That's the lowest price it's ever been.

Amazon Echo Spot Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Spot $44.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal

The newest gadget in the Amazon Echo lineup, the Echo Spot is a basically a fancy alarm clock designed to sit atop your nightstand. It can help you wake up and wind down with smart features. Control your smart devices with your voice, ask for the weather, play your favorite morning tunes or white noise to fall asleep, and of course, set alarms. And don't worry, there's no integrated camera watching you sleep. Usually $79.99, it's on sale for just $44.99 as of Dec. 11. That's 44% in savings and matches its best price ever.

Apple iPad, 10th generation Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad, 10th generation (64GB, WiFi) $279.00 at Amazon
$349.00 Save $70.00 Get Deal

The 10th generation iPad may not be the fanciest iPad in the Apple ecosystem, but it's the most affordable current model — and that certainly matters for something. It offers a powerful A14 Bionic chip, a Liquid Retina display, and comes in a variety of colors. However, only the silver option is left in stock at the time of writing. In our best iPad roundup, Mashable shopping reporter Sam Mangino writes, "It's perfect for someone who wants a portable screen for streaming, playing games, and reading. It's also a nice choice if you're interested in using your tablet as a laptop but don't want to spend a ton of money." Usually $349, it's on sale for just $279 as of Dec. 11. That's 20% in savings and just $20 shy of its record-low.

Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 with Stand Opens in a new window Credit: Solo Stove Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 with Stand $197.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $102.00 with on-page promotion Get Deal

Ideal for intimate hangs with friends this season, the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 is designed with smokeless 360-degree airflow for four to six people to enjoy. Weighing in at about 22 pounds, it's also portable, making it ideal for camping trips and tailgates as well as backyard gatherings. The Bonfire 2.0 bundled with a stand is usually $299.99, but it's on sale at Amazon for just $197.99 with an on-page promotion. Just click "Redeem" next to the promo to apply it to your cart.

Kindle Paperwhite Kids Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle Paperwhite Kids $144.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal

A step up from the basic Kindle Kids, the Kindle Paperwhite Kids is our favorite option for little readers. The newest version, released in October, comes in its thinnest, fastest form yet — and in a variety of new designs. The seven-inch display also packs a higher contrast ratio and 25 percent faster page turns. Otherwise, it's still the Paperwhite Kids we know and love, with a waterproof build, two-year worry-free guarantee, and six months of Amazon Kids+ included. It's usually $179.99, which we find to be a bit steep, but as of Dec. 11, it's down to $144.99 at Amazon. That's just shy of 20% in savings.

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

A federal bankruptcy judge has rejected The Onion’s unexpected effort to acquire the conspiracy-laden media outlet InfoWars from its founder, Alex Jones. The judge cited concerns that the satirical news site's winning bid drastically undervalued the property.

SEE ALSO: Yes, The Onion really bought Alex Jones' InfoWars

The Onion, owned by media conglomerate Global Tetrahedron, snagged auction rights to InfoWars last month with a sealed bid totaling roughly $1.7 million in cash and an additional noncash component that brought the offer closer to $7 million. That figure still fell short of a competing $3.5 million bid from Jones’ associates at First United American Companies, which helps market the supplements frequently advertised on InfoWars.

However, after reviewing the numbers, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez said even the higher offer might not have been enough. In a ruling that tossed out The Onion’s attempt to finalize the deal, Lopez made it clear that InfoWars could command a bigger payout.

"I don’t think it’s enough money," Lopez said in his ruling. "I’m not going to approve the sale… I think you’ve got to go out and try to get every dollar. I think that the process fell down."

In the fallout of a colossal $1.2 billion defamation judgment by families of the Sandy Hook shooting victims, Alex Jones has been forced into bankruptcy, and his signature platform, InfoWars, has landed on the auction block. But following a judge’s decision to reject The Onion’s bid — one initially expected to clinch the deal — Jones might be getting a shot at retaking control.

Ben Collins, the former disinformation reporter now heading Global Tetrahedron, isn't giving up. In a post on X, he vowed to keep chasing InfoWars, declaring that he'll "seek a path towards purchasing InfoWars in the coming weeks."

For now, though, the entire process is stuck in a holding pattern. Lopez handed the keys back to the court-appointed trustee, Christopher Murray, faulting him for mishandling the previous auction. Murray must now figure out a new game plan to sell off InfoWars.

SAVE $5: Etsy orders of $30 or more are eligible for a $5 discount when you use checkout code LASTCHANCE24.

Opens in a new window Credit: Etsy Save $5 on orders of $30+ use code LASTCHANCE24 Get Deal

Gifting is hard work, especially if you're shopping for people who have everything. It's also nearly impossible to shop for that friend who says they like something and buys it immediately after saying so. But have no fear because there's a great retailer that has something unique and thoughtful for everyone. And thanks to this last-minute shopping deal, you'll save $5 on your purchase.

Shop Etsy for holiday gifts and save $5 on any purchase of $30 or more when using code LASTCHANCE24. But you'll need to hurry because this promo code expires at 11:59 pm ET tonight, Dec. 11.

Etsy is packed with creative gifts that have a handmade touch. The Etsy list of sellers includes over 9 million creative entrepreneurs worldwide. To find the perfect gifts this holiday season, check out the selection of one-of-a-kind jewelry, thoughtful toys and games, or get a personalized gift that will be enjoyed for years to come.

If you're totally stumped on what to gift, Etsy has a really cool gift finder mode that allows you to browse based on interests or by selecting who you're shopping for.

And it's not too late to be shopping at Etsy because plenty of shopfronts are still packed with gifts that'll arrive before Dec. 25, and some even come with free shipping.

If you're still struggling with finding the perfect holiday gift, check out the massive selection of thoughtful options at Etsy. Choose your items tonight before midnight ET and use code LASTCHANCE24 to save $5 on any order of $30 or more.

The phased rollout of Apple Intelligence continues with iOS 18.2, but there are plenty of other new features for those who couldn't care less about AI. As ever, you can install the update via Settings > General > Software Update once it's available.

FREE $5 TIP: As of Dec. 11, thank your Amazon delivery driver with a $5 tip at no cost to you. This offer is available for customers up to the first 2 million "thank you" requests. After that, your "thank you" notes will still be sent, but tips will no longer be.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Tip your Amazon driver Get Deal

Amazon delivery drivers have a lot to handle. They work to get your packages to you on time so you don't have to be empty-handed during the holidays. And they do it through the wind, sleet, and snow – kind of like the Postal Service. But it can be a thankless job, getting you all your doodads and your gifts. So why not thank your Amazon driver with a $5 tip courtesy of Amazon?

As of Dec. 11, Amazon will award the first 2 million drivers who receive "thank you" requests from customers with a $5 tip per delivery. You're limited to sending one tip per delivery, and all you have to do is click a button. Your gratitude will be shared, and your driver will get a quick monetary token of your appreciation.

All you have to do is head over to this page and click the button that says "Thank my driver" or use any Alexa-enabled device. Say "Alexa, thank my driver" and you'll be able to thank those veritable Amazon heroes for your most recent delivery from over the past 14 years.

Orders beyond your 14-day window won't be eligible to tip, and you can't send multiple $5 tips to the same driver over and over. But this is such a small, easy gesture to show your thanks, and well worth getting in on while there's still some cash floating around on Amazon's part.

Head on over, press the button, and share the love. Your drivers don't get enough of it.