IT General

If you're still running Windows 10 on your PC, you're probably quite used to Microsoft's reminders that you can upgrade to Windows 11 for free by now. For a multitude of reasons, Windows 10 remains the most popular operating system even though Windows 11 was released in 2021.

SEE ALSO: Microsoft displays full-screen Copilot+ PC ads to Windows 10 users

However, time is ticking for those holding on to Windows 10. A few months ago, Microsoft announced that free security and performance updates for Windows 10 will be coming to an end in October 2025. While you'll still be able to use Windows 10, you'll have to pay for updates and support. 

For most PC users, this will likely be the biggest reason to finally give in and upgrade to Windows 11.

But, wait! Adopting Windows 11 might not be the end of upgrading for you. In fact, Microsoft may want you to even purchase a whole new computer.

Microsoft's Windows 11 watermark warning

Multiple outlets have recently noticed that upgrading to Windows 11 on older, unsupported hardware has resulted in a watermark displaying on the user's desktop notifying them of the situation.

According to Microsoft's support page, "when Windows 11 is installed on a device that doesn't meet the minimum system requirements, a watermark is added to the Windows 11 desktop."

Microsoft has also added a disclaimer to its support page that reads:

This PC doesn't meet the minimum system requirements for running Windows 11 - these requirements help ensure a more reliable and higher quality experience. Installing Windows 11 on this PC is not recommended and may result in compatibility issues. If you proceed with installing Windows 11, your PC will no longer be supported and won't be entitled to receive updates. Damages to your PC due to lack of compatibility aren't covered under the manufacturer warranty. By selecting Accept, you are acknowledging that you read and understand this statement.

Microsoft also provides users with a guide on reverting back to Windows 10 if your PC doesn't meet those minimum requirements. However, with the recently announced sunsetting of free support for Windows 10, this doesn't seem like such a good long-term option anymore.

So, in a little less than a year from now, PC owners with older computers will be left with a choice: Buy a new computer and upgrade to Windows 11 or keep your old computer and stick with an unsupported operating system – unless of course you decide to pay for Windows 10 support. Basically, there's no free upgrade to Windows 11 for older PC users. You'll likely have to pay up one way or another.

Microsoft has yet to announce any pricing model for those who'd like to hold on to Windows 10.

One of the first things you should consider when designing a PowerPoint presentation is ensuring everyone can access your content. In this guide, I'll give you some ways to make this happen.

You have many different ways of installing apps and programs on a Windows PC, but the Microsoft Store is still there to provide a one-stop shop for many of your app needs. Now, the Microsoft Store is becoming much more useful for app updates.

We're fast approaching the end of the year. It's December, the very last month of 2024, which means that many apps and services are creating year-end summaries of all your recent activity. This also includes your Xbox, of course.

Promps and queries with generative AI is processed through data centers that also process thousands, if not millions, of queries at the same time. A lot of companies seem to think nuclear power is a solution to potential power limitations in the long term, including Meta.

Microsoft is doubling down on Windows 11's requirement for a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chip in PCs. The company says it's “non-negotiable” and “a necessity for a secure and future-proof Windows 11.”

A new lawsuit filed against delivery and tech giant Amazon accuses the company of intentionally slowing down Prime deliveries to select neighborhoods in Washington D.C.— areas that happen to be home to predominantly Black households.

Submitted by D.C. attorney general Brian Schwalb on Dec. 4, the lawsuit claims Amazon imposed a secret "delivery exclusion" to zip codes in southeast and northeast D.C. in mid-2022. The alleged policy, which saw Amazon removing its own vehicles from delivery routes in the region, effectively strips Prime-subscribed residents in those areas of the advertised one-day, two-day, or same-day shipment options, constituting a violation of consumer protection laws.

SEE ALSO: New consumer protection rules would block data brokers from selling Americans' sensitive info

Notably, these areas (specifically zip codes 20019 and 20020 in Ward 7 and Ward 8) are highly-populous and predominantly Black. The areas are "historically underserved," according to Schwalb. "While Amazon has every right to make operational changes, it cannot covertly decide that a dollar in one zip code is worth less than a dollar in another," wrote the attorney general. "Amazon is charging tens of thousands of hard-working Ward 7 and 8 residents for an expedited delivery service it promises but does not provide."

This is not the first accusation levied against Amazon for discriminatory delivery practices. A 2016 investigation by Bloomberg found that much of Amazon's free same-day delivery service area excluded predominantly Black ZIP codes. Amazon—initially blaming disparities in service on lack of proximity to warehouses—later announced it would expand same-day delivery to affected areas in Boston, New York City, and Chicago as a result of the findings.

An Amazon spokesperson told NBC that the lawsuit's claims of "discriminatory or deceptive" business practices are "categorically false." Instead, according to Amazon representative Kelly Nantel, the policy was enacted to "protect" its employees from area residents. "In the zip codes in question, there have been specific and targeted acts against drivers delivering Amazon packages," she said in a statement. "We made the deliberate choice to adjust our operations, including delivery routes and times, for the sole reason of protecting the safety of drivers."

Max will begin its password-sharing crackdown "in about a week," according to WBD executive JB Perrette. However, policy enforcement won't begin until 2025, and customers who wish to share their account may continue to do so with a paid add-on.

It's December, which means the holidays are nearing and everyone is putting up decorations. Have you ever felt like putting up decorations on your desktop, though? An app called Festivitas is here for just that.

It's undeniable that YouTube is where culture happens. It's how people get their news, consume hours of video podcasts, and dive into fandoms that shape the way we see the world. From the U.S. presidential election to the scandals and comebacks of music icons, the platform has been the ultimate stage for what’s captured our attention in 2024.

In its annual Global Culture & Trends Report, released on Tuesday (Dec. 3), YouTube broke down the trending topics and creators that defined the past year. And while there's a plethora of data to parse through, we're going to focus on its U.S. trends list.

YouTube's U.S. Trending Topics: An overview

In 2024, YouTube cemented its role as the go-to destination for both entertainment and information, particularly in a high-stakes election year that saw the U.S. presidential race dominate the platform’s trending topics. As the most-watched streaming service on televisions worldwide — surpassing giants like Netflix and Disney+ — YouTube has become more than a hub for creators; it’s a source for news. Americans are increasingly turning to online influencers for their news, with 21 percent of U.S. adults and an impressive 37 percent of those under 30 relying on social media personalities for updates, according a Pew study. Of those influencers, nearly half (44 percent) are active on YouTube, underscoring its dominance as a platform where information meets influence.

SEE ALSO: Are the 2024 presidential campaigns Too Online?

Pop culture also thrived on YouTube in 2024. From the hype surrounding the Deadpool & Wolverine movie and the viral "Bye Bye Bye" dance challenge that lit up Shorts, to Sabrina Carpenter’s infectious hit that had everyone singing, "That’s that me espresso," the platform amplified the year’s biggest cultural highlights. It also became a hub for video games like Dress to Impress and Helldivers 2, where gamers shared gameplay, tips, fan art, and IRL competitions.

YouTube served as a battleground for commentary on breaking news stories, including the ongoing Sean Combs scandal and the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar beef that divided the internet, with creators sparking discussions, reactions, and deep dives into the drama. Meanwhile, anime fans rallied around Jujutsu Kaisen, with Gege Akutami’s beloved manga wrapping up its final arc, sparking impassioned fan theories and reactions.

Indie animation takes the spotlight

In 2024, indie animation proved its power on YouTube, captivating viewers with its limitless creativity. Projects like The Amazing Digital Circus and Hazbin Hotel showcased the thriving world of independent creators pushing the boundaries of storytelling and visual artistry on the platform — without the backing of a major studio.

SEE ALSO: Youtube Music 2024 recap: How to get yours

The Amazing Digital Circus, with its surreal humor and eye-popping animation, quickly became a viral sensation in just three episodes, inspiring fan art, memes, and endless analysis videos. (Netflix is now licensing the episodes for air the same day they premiere on YouTube.) Vivienne Medrano's Hazbin Hotel, which transitioned from a viral pilot to a full-fledged series, continued to prove that YouTube can be a launchpad for unconventional and bold storytelling.

These successes highlight how YouTube has become a key space for indie animators to connect directly with audiences, bypassing traditional gatekeepers. Fans play a crucial role in the success of these projects, sharing episodes, creating content inspired by the shows, and building dedicated communities. Because of this fan fervor, there's been "a lot more interest from studios in indie animation," Medrano during a panel discussion on this year's YouTube trends at The Paley Museum in New York City on Dec. 3.

In an era increasingly defined by AI, indie animation cemented its place as one of YouTube’s most exciting and impactful trends.

Top creators of 2024

Surprise, surprise: At the forefront of this year's top creators is MrBeast, who cemented his reign as the king of YouTube and viral spectacle with an astounding 329 million subscribers. The Stokes Twins (100 million subscribers) kept audiences entertained with their high-energy pranks.

Sports fans turned to Cristiano Ronaldo's channel, UR · Cristiano (71 million subscribers), which mixes soccer highlights with behind-the-scenes content from one of the game’s biggest stars. Creators like Mark Rober (59.3 million subscribers) and Nick DiGiovanni (21.3 million subscribers) took education and creativity to new heights, respectively, with engineering experiments and culinary adventures that captivated tens of millions.

SEE ALSO: Why did 10,000 people show up to buy a MrBeast Burger?

However, what's notably absent from this list is a significant presence of women creators. Family channel The Trench Family (9.8 million subscribers) and influencer Camilla Araújo (7.9 million subscribers) are the only women represented on the list. (Notebaly, Araújo gained a following after appearing in MrBeast's controversial IRL Squid Game video.)

While women on YouTube have certainly made a huge impact in fields like beauty, gaming, lifestyle, and education, this list reflects a broader trend of men overwhelmingly dominating the platform's most subscribed ranks. This raises important questions about visibility and the support systems for women in the creator field, especially when platforms like YouTube are shaping not just entertainment but cultural conversations.

Google's Chrome browser has become much faster on Android devices. These speed improvements come from better software builds, V8 JavaScript and Blink rendering engine upgrades, and more teamwork with Android device makers.

Disney+ has added ESPN+ content to its platform, making it easier for subscribers of the Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ bundle in the U.S. to access everything in one place. Now, there is a new ESPN section within the Disney+ app that released today.

UPDATE: Dec. 4, 2024, 2:10 p.m. EST This article has been updated to include streaming release details for 'Cuckoo.'

The best streaming deals to watch 'Cuckoo': BEST STREAMING DEAL Hulu annual subscription $99.99 per year (save 16%) Get Deal WATCH NOW Rent or buy 'Cuckoo' on Prime Video $5.99 or $14.99 Get Deal BEST BUNDLE DEAL Hulu and Disney+ (with ads) $10.99 per month (save $8.99 per month) Get Deal BEST FOR STUDENTS Hulu Student Deal $1.99 per month (save $8 per month) Get Deal BEST FOR T-MOBILE CUSTOMERS Hulu (with ads) free for one year for Go5G Next customers (save $99.99) Get Deal

Looking for a new horror film to watch? Cuckoo, a bonkers mountain horror-thriller starring Hunter Schafer (Euphoria), is available to watch at home after a successful release this summer.

It's got its fair share of creepy characters, eerie atmosphere, dramatic tension, and cinematic mountain lodge vibes a la The Shining. Far from a jump scare-filled traditional horror movie, Cuckoo is more dependent on building unnerving, creeping dread. Prepare for an uncomfortably tense, truly bizarre movie night.

Here's everything you need to know about how to watch Cuckoo at home.

What is Cuckoo about?

Written and directed by Tilman Singer, the film follows 17-year-old American Gretchen (Schafer) who is uprooted to a resort in Bavaria with her father Luis (Márton Csókás), stepmother, Beth (Jessica Henwick), and 8-year-old stepsister, Alma (Mila Lieu).

Resort owner Mr. König (Dan Stevens) finds Gretchen a job working reception at a nearby lodge, where one day she's chased back to her new home on her bike by a mysterious hooded figure with glowing eyes. When nobody believes she was attacked, she's forced to investigate largely on her own. What she uncovers is quite bonkers and might leave you scratching your head.

Check out the full trailer below:

Is Cuckoo worth watching?

Cuckoo reviews are a mixed bag, but lean mostly positive, with a 78 percent critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 60 percent audience rating. Mashable's own reviewer Siddhant Adlakha calls it "incredibly strange and deviously fun."

"Whatever the film's more overt horrors, whether its chilling atmosphere or its attempts at amusing moral and visceral obscenities, they're all bound by Schafer's increasing physical and emotional despondency," wrote Adlakha in his review. "She doesn't just save the movie. She is the movie, making it all the more remarkable to watch."

As Schafer's first lead role in a film, she knocks it out of the park. And for her performance alone, it's worth a watch. Plus, of course, there's Dan Stevens.

How to watch Cuckoo at home Credit: NEON

If you skipped the big screen, you're in luck. Cuckoo became available to watch at home as of Sept.17. The mountain horror-thriller is available to rent or buy at digital-on-demand retailers like Prime Video, YouTube, and Apple TV. If you'd rather wait and stream the film, keep reading for more information.

Note: If you choose to rent the film, you'll have 30 days to start watching and just 48 hours once you begin.

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

• Prime Video — $5.99 to rent or $14.99

• Apple TV — $5.99 to rent or $14.99 to buy

• Fandango at Home (Vudu) — $5.99 to rent or $14.99 to buy

• YouTube — $5.99 to rent or $14.99 to buy

• Google Play — $5.99 to rent or $14.99 to buy

When is Cuckoo streaming?

Since the indie film distributor Neon has a deal with Hulu, Cuckoo will officially make its debut on the streamer on Dec. 17 alongside other recent theatrical hits from Neon — Immaculate, Robot Dreams, and Infinity Pool. Hulu is surprisingly one of the most generous streamers for newbies, as it offers a free 30-day trial. Subscriptions start at $9.99 per month, but we've rounded up a few different ways you can save on your subscription below.

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

Rather than paying $9.99 per month for Hulu, which adds up to $119.88 in a year, you can opt for an annual subscription and save 16%. An annual subscription with ads costs just $99.99, which drops the monthly fee down to just $8.33 per month. Sure, you'll have to pay more upfront, but you'll end up keeping more in your pocket in the long run.

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

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

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

Students looking to stream Cuckoo and other Neon hits can sign up for Hulu for only $1.99 per month. That's a savings of 80% compared to the full cost of Hulu with ads. You'll just have to verify your college email address using SheerID to score the deal.

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

One of the best ways to get free streaming services, including Hulu, is to switch your mobile plan to T-Mobile's Go5G Next plan. Customers on this plan get Hulu with ads included in their plan for no extra cost, plus Netflix and Apple TV+. If you're already on a Go5G Next plan, head over to the T-Mobile promo page and choose "redeem now" to claim your offer. You'll have to enter your T-Mobile number and account details in order to sign up for Hulu.

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

UPDATE: Dec. 4, 2024, 1:45 p.m. EST This article has been updated with the official streaming release date and details of 'Smile 2,' as well as the latest pricing.

The best deals for watching 'Smile 2' online: BEST STREAMING DEAL Paramount+ Essential annual subscription Free 7-day trial, then $59.99/year (save 17%) Get Deal BEST THIRD-PARTY STREAMING DEAL Free Paramount+ with Walmart+ membership free 30-day trial, then $98/year Get Deal BEST AD-FREE DEAL Paramount+ with Showtime annual subscription Free 7-day trial, then $119.99/year (save 17%) Get Deal BEST FOR STUDENTS Paramount+ for students $4.50/month (save 25%) Get Deal BEST NON-STREAMING DEAL Buy 'Smile 2' on demand $19.99 at Prime Video (save $5) Get Deal

Smile! The horror box office hit of the fall is coming to spook you on the small screen soon. Smile 2, the pop star-centric sequel to Parker Finn's 2022 feature, is one of the rare film follow-ups to outshine the original. Charlie's Angels actress Naomi Scott stars as the film's lead, a pop megastar named Skye Riley. The cast also features Rosemarie DeWitt, Kyle Gallner, Lukas Gage, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Peter Jacobson, Raúl Castillo, Dylan Gelula, and Ray Nicholson.

Whether you skipped the theater or want to watch it again, Smile 2 is now officially streaming. Here's everything you need to know.

What is Smile 2 about?

Taking place just days after the original left off, the film follows international pop star Skye Riley (Scott), who is working toward a career comeback a year after a devastating crash that killed her boyfriend. Though she's been sober since the crash, the emotional and physical pressure of the tour leads her to seek out an old drug dealer acquaintance Lewis (Gage) for painkillers. Unfortunately, she gets a bit more than she bargained for, as Lewis has been infected by the Smile curse and passes it to Skye. What follows is an "unpredictable narrative that's full of jump scares, creepy imagery, and spine-tingling sound effects," and of course, a bunch of eerie smiling people.

Here's the full trailer:

Is Smile 2 worth watching?

Still in select theaters nationwide, Smile 2 has been a surprising box office hit. Against a $28 million production budget, the film has grossed an exceptional $125 million worldwide. What's more, $23 million of that came from its opening weekend. Even more impressive, critics and fans alike are loving it more than the original — a very rare feat for a sequel. Smile 2 currently holds an 85 percent critic rating and 81 percent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while the original Smile holds 79 percent and 77 percent, respectively.

Mashable reviewer Monica Catillo called it "even more fun and gory this time around" in her review. "It's not often that a sequel exceeds its original, but Smile 2 delivers the thrills and chills of its predecessor with an even more pronounced funhouse feel."

Read our full review of Smile 2.

How to watch Smile 2 at home Credit: Paramount Pictures

Just a month after Smile 2 dominated the box office, it made its at-home debut on video-on-demand sites like Prime Video and Apple TV+. You can now purchase the film for your own digital library. A rental option will also be available eventually. If you'd rather stream the Smile sequel, keep reading to learn more.

As of Nov. 19, you can purchase the film at the following retailers:

• Prime Video — $19.99 to buy

• Apple TV — $19.99 to buy

• YouTube — $19.99 to buy

• Fandango at Home (Vudu) — $19.99 to buy

Is Smile 2 streaming?

Smile 2's first stop in the home entertainment market was digital on demand. If you don't want to pay $19.99 for the film, however, it's now officially streaming as of Dec. 3. Since it's a Paramount Pictures film, it has joined the Paramount+ library alongside the original.

We were anticipating a mid-to-late December streaming release, so we're pleasantly surprised that Smile 2 is already available. For reference, Paramount Pictures' A Quiet Place: Day One opened in theaters June 28 and didn't hit Paramount+ until Aug. 27, almost two months to the date. Smile 2 opened in theaters Oct. 18, so its streaming debut is definitely ahead of schedule.

You can sign up for a Paramount+ subscription starting at $7.99 per month. We've also found a few different ways you can save some money on a subscription. Check out the best Paramount+ streaming deals below.

The best Paramount+ streaming dealsMost affordable: Get a free 7-day trial, then $7.99/month Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ Paramount+ Essential Free 7-day trial Get Deal

Want to spend the least amount of money possible to watch Smile 2? Your best bet is to just sign up for a single month of Paramount+ Essential for $7.99. If you're new to the streamer, you'll get to enjoy a seven-day trial, which will allow you to watch it for free. After you watch, just be sure to cancel your subscription before the week is up if you want to avoid the monthly charge. You'll have to watch some ads throughout the movie, but just think of them as built-in bathroom breaks.

Best long-term deal: Save 38% on a Paramount+ Essential annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ Paramount+ Essential annual subscription $59.99/year (save 38%) Watch Now

If you opt for the annual plan instead of the monthly plan, you can save 38% on your subscription. You'll have to pay more upfront, but it pays off in the grand scheme of your streaming lineup. An annual Paramount+ Essential plan will run you $59.99 per year, which breaks down to only $5 per month as opposed to $7.99 per month. That's basically like getting 12 months for less than the price of eight. If you want to watch more than just Smile 2 and ads aren't a dealbreaker, this is your best bet.

Best deal for no ads: Save 23% on a Paramount+ with Showtime annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ with Showtime Paramount+ with Showtime Free 7-day trial, then $119.99/year Watch Now

If ads are a deal breaker for you, you'll have to sign up for the ad-free tier: Paramount+ with Showtime. This will run you either $12.99 per month or $119.99 per year (which breaks down to just $10 per month). Plus, if you're new to the streamer, you can also take advantage of that seven-day trial. Beyond just giving you ad-free Paramount+ content, the extra cost also unlocks access to Showtime originals and movies (like Yellowjackets and The Curse), live TV with CBS, and college football. Although you'll have to pay more, it's definitely a whole lot of bang for your buck.

Best deal for students: Save 25% on Paramount+ Essential Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ Paramount+ Essential for students $4.50/month (save 25%) Watch Now

College students can score a Paramount+ Essential monthly subscription for just $4.50 per month, so long as they can verify their student status using SheerID. Once verified, student discounts are valid for four years, even if you graduate prior to the four-year period. After four years, you'll be charged the standard rate for an Essential monthly subscription.

Best third-party deal: Get Paramount+ for free with a Walmart+ membership Opens in a new window Credit: Walmart / Paramount Walmart+ membership Free 30-day trial, then $98/year Watch Now

It may not be the simplest way to watch Smile 2, but a Walmart+ membership gives you free access to Paramount+ and plenty of other sweet benefits. Better yet, you can kick things off with a free 30-day trial, so you can enjoy an entire month of streaming without paying a cent. Just be sure to cancel before your trial ends if you want to avoid charges. If you want to keep your Walmart+ membership going, it'll cost you either $12.95 per month or $98 per year ($8.17/month).

Oh you thought the holiday season would be a time of peace on Earth — or at least peace on the internet? OpenAI has other ideas.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI is definitely, maybe thinking about ads for ChatGPT

On Wednesday, the ChatGPT maker announced "12 Days of OpenAI." Starting on Thursday, Dec. 5, OpenAI will livestream a new product release everyday. For 12 days.

Tweet may have been deleted

According to The Verge, one of the announcements will be its highly-anticipated AI video generator Sora. That would be one of the most significant releases in a long time for OpenAI. But not everyday will be a Sora-level blowout. OpenAI spokesperson Leah Anise said, "not every day will be a big launch - the 12 days will include some stocking stuffers and some bigger gifts." Minor releases might include a holiday-themed voice for Advanced Voice Mode, according to a user who spotted a new voice and snowflake icon in the ChatGPT code.

View on Threads

Ever since OpenAI announced Sora, which is currently in a closed research preview, the AI video generator has attracted controversy. Based on demos, the text-to-video model is capable of detailed photorealistic renderings, purportedly from simple text prompts. But as is the case with its other AI models, OpenAI hasn't shared any details about Sora's training data. That hasn't stopped creatives from speculating that it was trained on human-created work on YouTube and other parts of the web.

Recently, Sora testers added fuel to the proverbial fire by leaking its API access as a form of protest against "corporate AI overlords" who say they are "being lured into 'art washing' to tell the world that Sora is a useful tool for artists." If Sora really ships in the next 12 days, it will no doubt ignite the AI discourse once again, and just when all we at Mashable wanted to think about was chestnuts roasting on an open fire.

SAVE $90: The solar-powered Netvue Birdfy smart bird feeder is on sale at Amazon for $159.99, down from the list price at Netvue of $249.99. That's a 36% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Netvue Netvue Birdfy smart bird feeder $159.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $90.00 Solar-powered, yellow Get Deal

Bird watching is one of the most wholesome and enjoyable hobbies around. Not only does it give you a glimpse of the outdoors, it encourages you to get to know the local fauna. If you or anyone on your holiday shopping list enjoys watching birds come into the yard, check out this great deal at Amazon.

As of Dec. 4, the solar-powered Netvue Birdfy smart bird feeder is on sale for $159.99, down from the listed price at Netvue of $249.99. That's a 36% discount and a savings of $90. To get this sale price, opt for the yellow colorway.

SEE ALSO: Amazon deal of the day: Snag the Sony ULT Wear headphones while they're still at Cyber Monday pricing

The Birdfy smart bird feeder allows you to tune into the smartphone app to view and identify each bird that comes to visit. With 1080p resolution, you'll be able to see vivid details of feathered friends, including 1080p full-color night vision. The Birdfy app can send you automatic notifications when a bird arrives with 30 days of cloud storage. Plus, you can share the Birdfy's stream with up to 20 guests, so family members or neighbors can also enjoy seeing which birds come to visit.

The included solar panel means you'll be using renewable energy to power the smart bird feeder, and the weatherproof materials mean you won't have to worry about it during a winter storm or a summer heat warning.

Netvue included an extended perch on this model to give birds a more comfortable place to enjoy the feeder, which also gives you a better opportunity to check out the visitors.

The bird feeder can hold up to 50 ounces of bird seed and has an easy-to-use cover that flips open for refilling. To help deter squirrels, the Birdfy app also has a siren feature on the livestream page.

If you or anyone on your holiday shopping list has taken a liking to bird watching, the Netvue Birdfy smart bird feeder is a dream, giving you live access to each bird that comes to visit. Thanks to today's sale price at Amazon, you can grab the yellow solar-powered feeder for $159.99, which works out to an impressive $90 discount.

General Motors and its EV charging partner, EVgo, have doubled the number of public stations in their U.S. charging network to 2,000 in total, in just over a year and with hundreds potentially more on the way by the end of 2024.

SAVE $40: As of Dec. 4, you can snag an HP DeskJet 4255e wireless all-in-one color inkjet printer, scanner, and copier for just $59.99 at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP DeskJet 4255e wireless all-in-one color inkjet printer, scanner, and copier $59.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal

Having a printer at home is an underrated luxury that almost no one talks about until it’s time to go to the DMV, file taxes, or print an important document. It’s like the home office flex equivalent of having an in-unit washer and dryer — a true testament to one's adulting skills. If you haven’t been able to get a printer of your own (and you’re tired of running to FedEx whenever you need one), Amazon’s got a steal of a deal right now on the HP DeskJet 4255e wireless all-in-one printer, scanner, and copier (588S6A).

As of Dec. 4, you can get this versatile HP wireless printer for just $59.99 at Amazon. That’s a 40% discount off the list price and a savings of $40. It’s also the lowest price we’ve seen on this particular model.

SEE ALSO: The best Cyber Monday deals still live in 2024

This printer is a triple threat: It can print, scan, and copy documents, photos, and more. Its print speed is 5.5 ppm per color page and 8.5 ppm per black-and-white page. It has a 60-sheet input tray, and with the HP App, you can print, scan, copy, and even fax documents directly from your smartphone.

If you decide to activate HP+ (HP's ink subscription service), you’ll get three months' worth of ink included. Once the three months are up, you can renew at $6.99 per month or cancel.

GET UP TO 50% OFF: As of Dec. 4, get a year-long subscription of MoviePass for 25% off, or a month membership for 50% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: MoviePass MoviePass Subscription Get a year-long subscription of MoviePass for 25% off, or a month membership for 50% off Get Deal

The weather's getting colder. If you don't want to brave the cold, you might instead consider some warmer activities, like going to see a movie. But that can be expensive – unless you invest in a membership to something like MoviePass, which lets you watch tons of movies each month for a membership fee. Good news: it's still available at its Black Friday price right now.

As of Dec. 4, you can get a yearlong subscription of MoviePass for 25% off or a month membership for 50% off. That means you can subscribe to an annual or monthly plan that nets you a certain denomination of credits that you can then use to watch a number of movies without having to pay the (sometimes outrageous) fees that come with them.

SEE ALSO: The best Netflix movies of 2024 now streaming

MoviePass credits work similarly to cash. Depending on where and when you see a movie, you'll need to put a certain number of credits toward doing so. You can expect to pay up to 20 credits for a weekend movie, while matinees can cost around 10 credits. The basic $10 month plan, for example, nets you 34 credits, so you can watch one weekend movie a month, or a few matinees. Or, if you watch a lot of movies, you can spend more each month for more credits to spend on multiple showtimes.

Credits do roll over, so you can save up and plan to go on a movie-watching spree if that sounds like something you'd be interested in doing. And no matter which plan you choose, you'll still be saving a significant amount of money, since even one ticket per showing can cost anywhere from $13 and up according to where you live. So if you're planning on catching some movies this year, this deal is worth snagging before it runs out.

SAVE $60: As of Dec. 4, you can snag a Fitbit Charge 6 for just $99.95, down from $159.95. That's 38% off the list price. Plus, more Fitbit deals.

Best Fitbit deals as of Dec. 4 Best deal overall Fitbit Charge 6 $99.95 (save $60) Get Deal Best budget deal Fitbit Inspire 3 $69.95 (save $30) Get Deal Best smartwatch deal Fitbit Versa 4 $119.95 (save $80) Get Deal

Cyber Monday may be over, but Amazon isn’t holding back on its deals. While many of the low prices from the annual shopping event have come and gone, we’ve found a few lingering discounts worth taking advantage of before they disappear for good.

SEE ALSO: The best Cyber Monday deals still live in 2024

You can now get a Fitbit for a fraction of the cost. (A gasp-worthy find, considering Amazon is super stingy about dropping the prices of Fitbit trackers, even on major shopping holidays — we didn’t see any good Fitbit deals during Prime Day.)

Here are the best Fitbit deals to shop this week:

Best Fitbit deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Charge 6 $99.95 at Amazon
$159.95 Save $60.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Fitbit Charge 6 was one of the most popular products among Mashable readers over Cyber Weekend, and it’s still available for $99.95 at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target. This is the lowest price we’ve seen for this model and a great deal for a fitness tracker that typically retails for $159.95.

The Fitbit Charge 6 has a seven-day battery life, 40 exercise modes, built-in GPS, and tons of other features to help you reach your fitness goals and track your progress. It’ll also give you a stress management score and nightly sleep score to help you better understand how your body responds to your daily routine.

Bonus: You’ll get six months of Fitbit Premium for free.

Best budget Fitbit Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Inspire 3 $69.95 at Amazon
$99.95 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Fitbit Inspire 3 has reached its record-low price of $69.95 at Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Kohl's. That’s 30% off the original price of $99.95.

It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the Charge 6, but for this price, it’s a steal. The Fitbit Inspire 3 tracks your steps, calories burned, heart rate, and sleep. (It also tracks menstrual health.) It has a 10-day battery life and 20 exercise modes.

You’ll also get six months of Fitbit Premium with this model.

Check out our full review of the Fitbit Inspire 3.

Best Fitbit smartwatch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Versa 4 $119.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $80.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Fitbit Versa 4 is down to $119.95 at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target. That’s 40% off the list price of $199.95.

The Fitbit Versa 4 has a built-in GPS, 40+ exercise modes, six days of battery life, and all the tools you need to stay on top of your health and fitness goals, including a stress management score, menstrual health tracking, and mindfulness content.

You can take calls and respond to texts on the go with this smartwatch, or ask Alexa for help.

It also comes with six months of Fitbit Premium.