Technology

Android phones and tablets are at just as much risk as any other device for snooping, surveillance, and cybercrime. To help you combat these dangers, we’ve put together these five best VPNs for Android so you can surf more securely.

Severance fan theorists, step aside. Severance star Zach Cherry, who plays Dylan G., has a theory of his own.

SEE ALSO: The 15 most WTF moments from 'Severance' Season 2, episode 1

As The Severance Podcast with Ben Stiller & Adam Scott dives into Season 2 of Apple TV+'s acclaimed workplace thriller, Stiller and Scott have started a segment where Cherry — whom Stiller and Scott jokingly describe as "a clairvoyant" — shares his theories about what will happen in the show's next episodes.

Stiller jokingly clarified: "These predictions are what Zach thinks, based on, really, probably only having read his sides and his scenes."

"He doesn't like reading other people's lines," Scott added.

For his theory about what will happen in Season 2, episode 2, Cherry dove deep into the mystery of Gemma/Ms. Casey (Dichen Lachman) and Cold Harbor.

"Next time on Severance," Cherry began. "Ms. Casey is trapped in the number four. And then when Mark finishes Cold Harbor, she moves up to number five. But she doesn't want to get to number seven, because obviously seven ate nine, and that's some scary stuff."

He's done it; he's cracked Severance's entire mystery box wide open!

But that's not all. Cherry also came up with a creative solution for Mr. Milchick's (Tramell Tillman) biggest problem — namely, that his computer screen still says, "Hello, Ms. Cobel" instead of his own name.

"I think Milchick is going to to change his name to Ms. Cobel, so then he doesn't have to feel sad about his computer login screen," Cherry said. "Maybe they'll send him two paychecks by accident."

Needless to say, Stiller and Scott are less than impressed by Cherry's theories, with Stiller even calling out his "seven ate nine" moment as a "second-grader joke." I don't know, maybe Cherry really is onto something, and Stiller and Scott are just trying to throw viewers off the scent.

Severance Season 2 is now streaming on Apple TV+, with a new episode every Friday. You can follow along with The Severance Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Audacy, Spotify, and wherever else you get your podcasts.

While we've now seen an official Switch launch trailer, it's entirely devoid of technical specifications. As you might expect, some gamers can't wait to see the numbers under the hood of the Switch 2, and so "leaked" specs have been floating around the internet with rather mixed reactions.

Sony is about to release black versions of its PlayStation 5 accessories, and you can pre-order them starting today ahead of release next month.

While practically every smart home product has now pivoted to using "AI" somewhere in their marketing material, the actual impact of recent AI development hasn't impacted the smart home experience much. However, with the rise of AI agents, that's set to change in a big way.

SAVE 75%: As of Jan. 17, score a two-pack of Skullcandy Indy Evo true wireless Bluetooth earbuds for $34.99. That's a 75% discount or $104.99 off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Skullycandy two-pack of Skullcandy Indy Evo true wireless Bluetooth earbuds $34.99
$139.99 Save $105.00 Get Deal

What’s better than owning one pair of wireless earbuds? Getting two for the price of one.

As of Jan. 17, you can get two pairs of Skullcandy Indy Evo true wireless in-ear Bluetooth earbuds for $34.99 at Woot. We’re pretty sure Woot inflated the list price to $139.99 because Amazon has these same buds for $26.99 on average (though the price fluctuates). Even so, $34.99 is a good deal for two sets of top-rated (40K+ reviews on Amazon) earbuds with decent sound quality, comfortable fit, and long-lasting battery life.

SEE ALSO: Skullcandy's $40 eco-friendly wireless earbuds sound surprisingly good

Each set includes a charging case, stability ear gels (small and large), and a USB-C charging cable. They also have an IP55 rating and are water- and dust-resistant.

The cool thing about these buds, aside from their performance and 30-hour battery life, is that they come with Tile tech built-in, so you'll always be able to track them down if you accidentally leave them somewhere. All you have to do is download the Tile app and pair it with the buds.

If you're looking for affordable wireless earbuds for yourself or to gift to a friend or family member, jump on this deal before it's gone.

Our yearly celebration of the best infographics and data-visualisations from around the world is back for 2023! Now in its eleventh year and in association with The Data Visualisation Society, a professional home and community for those working in this discipline.

If you create in this field, you may wish to submit your work.

We welcome entries of any type: infographics, data journalism, maps, interactives, information art, video, animation, app, site, sculpture, or artwork. Pieces can be created in any software, platform, or medium, using any type of materials.

Here are the categories open for submission:

» Arts, Entertainment & Culture
» Business Analytics
» Current Affairs & Politics
» Humanitarian
» Leisure, Games & Sport
» People, Language & Identity
» Places, Spaces & Environment
» Science, Technology & Health
» Unusual

Entries are currently open and will close on 31st Jan 2025.
Any work created between Sep 1st 2023 and Dec 31st 2023 is eligible.
Winner will share prizes from a $20,000 pot.

» See more criteria for entry

You can see previous years’ winners and entries on the Information is Beautiful Awards Showcase.

GET DOUBLE KINDLE POINTS: As of Jan. 17, get double Kindle Points for each Kindle purchase, today only.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Double Kindle Points with each Kindle book purchase Kindle Rewards Get Deal

Are you a voracious reader? Looking to get paid back for some of the money you spend on Kindle books? Amazon's Kindle Rewards program lets you earn points per dollar spent on Kindle e-books, and print books as well. You can redeem earned points for rewards and discounts (to buy even more books)/. And today, you can stock up on Kindle books and earn more points right now.

As of Jan. 17, you can earn double points on all the Kindle books you purchase today as part of the Kindle Rewards program. Between 12:00 a.m. PT and 11:50 p.m. PT, you can shop 'til you drop and get six points per dollar you spend on Kindle title, and one point per dollar you spend on print books.

SEE ALSO: Prime members can save on the brand new Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition

The rewards you can earn through this program can net you cash for more books. You get $3 for every 300 points you earn, and for a limited time you can choose to redeem 300 points on your next Kindle purchase for $3 off.

It might not seem like a lot, but if you're buying Kindle books anyway, you may as well earn a little cash back on each purchase. Even the smallest of discount can mean a very affordable Kindle book, since there are some titles on sale for as low as 99 cents. You can fill your device with tons of reading material just by splurging on some of the books you've had your eye on.

This deal is only going on today, so if you have some books in mind you still need to buy, go ahead and snag them. Those points aren't going to earn themselves.

Don't settle for the default Steam boot animation. Instead, grab some alternatives from the Points Shop, or use your own custom video. Here's how to change your startup movie on Steam Deck and Big Picture.

Wolf Man stars Julia Garner and Christopher Abbott join producer Beatriz Sequeira and writer/director Leigh Whannell to discuss how they reimagined the iconic werewolf tale and the essentials of telling a good werewolf story.

Wolf Man opens in theaters Jan. 17.

Apple might have a fix for overheating issues with the upcoming iPhone 17.

According to Chinese outlet MyDrivers via WCCF Tech, the iPhone 17 lineup will reportedly be built with a "vapor chamber cooling" system to address any overheating that might arise. Building phones with vapor cooling heatsinks is pretty commonplace for Android phones like the Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel lineups.

SEE ALSO: Apple's iPhone 17 will come with a huge RAM upgrade, report claims

However, Apple has yet to introduce this method of managing overheating, which passes vaporized liquid through a chamber within the phone. This solution is slightly bulkier than traditional cooling methods, which might be why previous iPhones weren't built with this mechanism. Adopting a vapor cooling system will help maintain performance even during intensive use, such as gaming.

The iPhone 15 was plagued with overheating issues, according to users who reported their phones would become too hot to touch. Apple implemented a fix with a software update, and despite concerns that it might slow down the device, testers confirmed that it worked without any compromises to performance. Although the iPhone 16 had improved thermal cooling, there were still reports of overheating with the iPhone 16, although less widespread.

We've barely entered 2025, but there are already rumors about what to expect with the iPhone 17 lineup, expected this September. Apple might introduce the A19 chip for the iPhone 17 Pro, and all models might get a better selfie camera.

And then there's the rumored slimmest model yet, called "iPhone 17 Air" or "iPhone 17 Slim" to replace the Plus versions. That said, Apple is reportedly struggling to fit a 6mm battery within the slimmer size.

Adam Scott, Zach Cherry, Britt Lower, and John Turturro dive into the challenges and joys of filming Season 2, from getting lost in the ever-growing maze of hallways to exploring their characters’ innies and outies.

Severance Season 2 is streaming now on Apple TV+, with a new episode every week.

A rocket from Elon Musk's SpaceX exploded spectacularly during a test flight on Thursday. As one might expect, that caused some issues with air travel.

The Federal Aviation Administration told TechCrunch that it briefly had "slow and divert a number of aircraft" that were flying near the area. Flightradar24 data showed a number of aircraft slowing or changing course in airspace near Puerto Rico. Jet Blue had to delay a couple of flights to San Juan while American Airlines had to divert fewer than 10 flights, CNBC reported.

Tweet may have been deleted SEE ALSO: SpaceX catches Starship booster but loses ship in seventh flight test

In case you missed it, Starship experienced what SpaceX dubbed a "rapid unscheduled disassembly during its ascent burn." In non-euphemism, laymen's terms, that means the ship went kaboom. Apparent video of the debris falling to Earth, shared by Musk himself, was pretty spectacular to witness.

Tweet may have been deleted

Sure, the Starship might've exploded and caused issues with flights, but it definitely did look cool as it fell to the ground. So that's something.

The trailer for upcoming film Cold Wallet promises a home invasion movie with a cryptocurrency twist.

SEE ALSO: What to know about David Sacks, Trump's pick for AI and crypto czar

Directed by Cutter Hodierne and presented by Steven Soderbergh (Presence), Cold Wallet follows a group of Redditors who fell prey to a recent cryptocurrency scam. After losing everything, this trio — played by Raúl Castillo (Smile 2), Tony Cavalero (The Righteous Gemstones), and Melonie Diaz (Fruitvale Station) — decide to kidnap the financial influencer (Josh Brener, Saturday Night) who perpetrated the scam.

Of course, their plan falls apart once they make it to the influencer's mansion. As the trailer shows, the Redditors' target begins to manipulate his would-be kidnappers and turn them against one another. Check out the full trailer above for more crypto-fueled madness — including a nod to both the GameStop and AMC short squeezes from 2021.

Cold Wallet hits theaters Feb. 28.

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled to uphold the forthcoming ban of TikTok, which will see the app phased out of American users' digital diets starting Jan. 19.

Following a short deliberation, the court's unanimous decision keeps the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (as it is officially called) in place.

"There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community. But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok's data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary," the court decision says.

Despite several attempts to ban the app over the last few years, this is the first successful move against the China-owned company, which U.S. politicians have repeatedly accused of being a threat to national security.

SEE ALSO: As TikTok faces a ban, creators brace for an uncertain future

TikTok filed an emergency motion for injunction in early December, requesting the Supreme Court hear arguments against the decision and halt it going into effect. Organizations like the ACLU have called the ban unconstitutional and a violation of free speech, joining a larger call by users and industry leaders to stop the ban. On Dec. 18, the court formally agreed to hear challenges.

In his final days before leaving office, President Joe Biden has said he will not actively enforce the ban, leaving the decision to implement the ban in the hands of the upcoming Trump administration. President-elect Donald Trump, who will be sworn in for the second time on Monday, Jan. 20, has pledged to save the app from leaving the U.S. market and asked the court to grant a stay for the ban's deadline.

SAVE $300: As of Jan. 17, the Apple Mac mini desktop (M2 Pro, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) is available at Best Buy for $899, down from $1,199. That's 25% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Mac mini desktop (M2 Pro, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $899.00 at Best Buy
$1,199.00 Save $300.00 Get Deal

If your standard desktop isn’t cutting it, you might want to consider upgrading to an Apple Mac mini desktop. While these mighty machines typically come with a hefty price tag, Best Buy’s got a deal we couldn’t help but share.

As of Jan. 17, you can score an Apple Mac mini desktop (M2 Pro, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) that's normally $1,199 for $899 at Best Buy — that's a whopping $300 discount, or 25% off. And, if you’re a Total or Plus member, you can drop that price by another $100 to just $799.

Bonus: You’ll also get three months of Apple TV+, three months of Apple Fitness+, three months of iCloud+, three months of Apple Music, and four months of Apple Arcade for free with this purchase.

SEE ALSO: M4 Mac mini vs. M2 Mac mini: What are the differences?

With an M2 Pro chip, 10-core CPU, and 16-core GPU, you’ll be able to edit photos and video, code, or do pretty much anything else you need to do in a flash — with enough power to spare. And, if you need an extra screen (or two), this Mac mini supports up to three displays and features four Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports, HDMI, Ethernet, and two USB-A ports.

If that’s not enough to sell you, just wait until you see how small and mighty this little machine is. Measuring just 7.76 inches square and 1.42 inches tall, it'll easily fit on any desk without taking up too much space.

SAVE $61.53: As of Jan. 17, get the Technics Premium Hi-Fi Bluetooth Earbuds for just $197.47 at Amazon, down from their usual price of $259. That's a discount of 24%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Technics Premium Hi-Fi Bluetooth Earbuds $197.47 at Amazon
$259.00 Save $61.53 Get Deal

There are tons of options on the market if you're looking to buy some new earbuds. You've got the coveted Apple line, excellent options from brands like Bose, and much more. But one of the brands we recently named our Mashable Choice pick, the Technics AZ100 Earbuds, are particularly excellent. While you can't go wrong with Sony and Bose according to reviewer Timothy Beck Werth, you might not want to pony up as much cash as those command. The next best thing? The previous-gen version of these earbuds, on sale right now.

As of Jan. 17, you can get the Technics Premium Hi-Fi Bluetooth Earbuds for $197.47 at Amazon, down from their usual price of $259. That's $61.53 of and a discount of 24%.

These buds offer much the same as their newer model, with great noise cancellation, Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, and multipoint connections with support for up to three devices so you can swap between them as necessary. They offer crisp treble with some seriously booming bass as well, with up to 7 hour sof playback with noise cancellation on. Just toss them in their case to charge up again when you need a boost.

They're not just great for listening to music. They have three microphones so your voice comes through loud and clear, with Voice Focus AI features that isolate voices on both end for better clarity. The adaptive noise cancellation feature also helps to keep other noises from taking over your calls, too.

If you're lookig to scoop up some excellent earbuds, now's your chance – chances are you'll love these as much as we loved their follow-up model.

There's a delicious surprise in Night Call, a Brussels-set action movie that plays out over one brutal night shift. And it's just how plausible every moment feels. Forget high-flying superheroes, Force-wielding Jedis, or car thieves who defy the laws of physics. There's good fun to be had in such movies, for sure. But filmmaker Michiel Blanchart makes his directorial feature debut with a lean and brilliant thriller that is uniquely thrilling because of how devotedly grounded it is. 

The screenplay (written by Blanchart and Gilles Marchand) begins simply enough, following twentysomething Mady Bala (Jonathan Feltre) through the routine of his night job as a locksmith. He gets a call, checks for proof of ID, cracks the lock, and gets paid cash. Easy. That is, until a cute brunette who calls herself Claire (Natacha Krief) lures him into a heist. Next thing Mady knows, his routine is in the rearview mirror as he races to survive a night where he's enraged a ruthless gangster with a band of skinheads at his beck and call. To live, he'll need to get the girl — or at least the cash. 

Racing across Brussels, from its high-rise apartments to its bumping nightclubs, seedy brothels, and claustrophobic basements, Blanchart puts Mady through the wringer, and we get to be his captive audience. 

Night Call's violence hits harder because it feels real.  Mady (Jonathan Feltre) is caught in the middle of a protest in "Night Call." Credit: Mika Cotellon / Magnet Releasing

The first taste of action comes in the apartment Claire claimed was hers. Left alone, Mady silently takes in the living room's layout, the Nazi memorabilia prominently displayed, and the hulking stranger who has just found an intruder in his place. Before Mady can explain, he's attacked. And scrambling to fight back against a brute who would turn his face into a fire — with an assist from the lit stovetop — Mady has to think fast. He smashes a plate, turning its shards into a knife, perfect for a quick stab to the gut. 

While this might sound like a masterful improvisation of weaponry, Feltre's performance is one of terror and bewilderment. His limbs fly in defense powerfully, but not confidently. He's not Jason Bourne, conveniently trained to best any adversary. He's just a guy trying to get through the night. And this scramble makes all the violence inflicted by and on him hit like a gut punch. The stakes feel real as Mady wriggles away from the neo-Nazi on a rampage. And even as this scrappy locksmith bests him with a lucky blow to the neck, he's not ready for the fallout. Specifically, Mady gags at the sight of blood burbling from his fallen foe's neck. 

In one swift and brutal action sequence at the film's top, Blanchart keenly establishes the life-or-death stakes and the gritty reality of this action movie. The broader details of the gangsters and their crimes are kept smartly vague, as none of that matters in the urgency of Mady's dilemma. And it's absolutely enthralling to see this slim everyman in a bulky jacket, obscuring his ripped physique — as opposed to a jacked-up Wolverine — take on the hell that is the night ahead of him.

Night Call delivers exhilarating twists and superb performances.  Credit: Mika Cotellon / Magnet Releasing.

Not versed in how to commit murder, much less covering one up, Mady is soon in the hands of a scowling kingpin (French actor Romain Duris, The Beat That My Heart Skipped), who turns him over to two cronies assigned to the task of recovering the loot that clever Claire stole. No one cares that Mady was an unwitting accomplice. Reason and rationale are a luxury Mady is not granted, and so he must look for any opportunity to best his captors. 

Night Call veers from Mady being pushed around to him defiantly breaking free in ways small and large, changing his fortune with impulse or ingenuity. It's thrilling to see where his story will go next, because it's impossible to predict. Blanchart and Marchand reject action movie tropes by having their hero be a true underdog, who must rely not only on the kindness of strangers (or in this case, Black Lives Matter protesters) but also the femme fatale who set him up to survive. But even as Night Call turns into film-noir territory with Claire, the screenwriters refuse to keep her an easily evil figure. Instead, the film twists into emotionally intelligent terrain that makes its climax incredible in more ways than one. Not only does Night Call defy genre expectations, but it also plays to reality without feeling like a letdown. 

Credit: Mika Cotellon / Magnet Releasing

Props to an impeccable cast. Feltre is a riveting leady man, committing convincingly to the fight choreography without losing Mady's wide-eyed shock at his circumstances. Opposite him, Duris — whose previous movies range from Jacques Audiard's neo-noir Beat to rom-coms like Heartbreaker and the dreamy Mood Indigo — is harrowing as a snarling gangster. As a young tough, Jonas Bloquet is both intimidating and intriguing, while Natacha Krief as Claire is so deeply charming that it's easy to see how Mady fell for her ruse. All down the line, the performances in Night Call are distinctive, dark, grimy, and even sometimes grimly funny, making the underbelly of Brussels a place that's sinister but sensational. 

Combine these crackling performances and the savagely smart script with cinematographer Sylvestre Vannoorenberghe's smooth sensibility, which thoughtfully pushes and pulls audiences through the labyrinth that is Mady's mad night, and this movie is an absolute stunner. In the end, Blanchart's first film is as electrifying as it is surprising. An action movie that's daring, dark, and distinctly wild, Night Call is not to be missed. 

Night Call opens only in theaters Jan. 17. 

SAVE $100: As of Jan. 16, get AirPods Max (USB-C) for $449.99 at Best Buy, saving $100 off the original price of $549.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) $449.99 at Best Buy
$549.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal

Apple's AirPods Max are the ultimate over-ear headphones, and they just got even better — and cheaper.

Right now, Best Buy is offering the AirPods Max with USB-C for $449.99, down $100 from their regular price of $549.99. If you've been waiting for a price drop, this might be the time to snag them.

These aren't just headphones; they're Apple's high-fidelity audio powerhouse. The dynamic driver delivers pristine sound quality with deep bass, crisp highs, and everything in between. Thanks to Active Noise Cancellation, you can dive into your favorite playlist or catch up on a podcast with zero distractions. It's so effective that you might forget the outside world exists. And when you need to tune back in, the Transparency mode ensures you can hear what's happening around you without taking the headphones off.

SEE ALSO: Rate your favorite smart home gear for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card

One standout feature of the AirPods Max is their Spatial Audio capability. With dynamic head tracking and personalized sound tuning, these headphones make you feel like you're sitting in the middle of a recording studio or a movie theater. The sound isn't just great—it's immersive, enveloping, and pure Apple magic. With Dolby Atmos support, streaming your favorite shows or music becomes a next-level experience.

The AirPods Max have also been designed with comfort in mind. The knit-mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions ensure a snug but cozy fit for hours of listening. Add to that the Digital Crown for precise control over playback and volume, and you've got a pair of headphones that feel as premium as they sound.

And here's the big news: Apple finally gave the AirPods Max a USB-C port. You can charge them with the same cable you use for your iPhone 15, iPad, or Mac. It's a small change but a massive convenience upgrade.

Whether you're an audiophile, a frequent traveler, or someone who values great sound and seamless connectivity, the AirPods Max are worth the hype — and at this price, they're worth every penny.

SAVE $200: As of Jan. 16, snag 13-inch Apple MacBook Air (M2 chip, 16GB memory, 256GB SSD, midnight color) for $799 at Best Buy. That’s $200 off its regular price of $999.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 13-inch Apple MacBook Air (M2 chip, 16GB memory, 256GB SSD, midnight color) $799.00 at Best Buy
$999.00 Save $200.00 Get Deal

If you've been looking for a gorgeous and powerful laptop, 13-inch MacBook Air with the M2 chip is calling your name. Thanks to Best Buy's four-day sale, you can pick one up for $799 — knocking a hefty $200 off its usual $999 price tag.

The M2 chip is the show's star, delivering fast CPU and GPU performance, making multitasking a breeze. Edit videos and your spreadsheets or watch Netflix in stunning quality; this MacBook Air handles it without breaking a sweat. And with 16GB of memory and a 256GB SSD, you'll have the speed you'll need to keep everything running smoothly.

SEE ALSO: Rate your favorite smart home gear for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card

Design-wise, it's Apple through and through: sleek, minimalist, and skinny at just 2.7 pounds. The midnight finish is an absolute stunner, but it's not just about colorways. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display with 500 nits of brightness brings vibrant colors and crisp details, so your eyes will thank you during long work (or binge-watching) sessions.

Battery life? It's a beast. With up to 8 hours on a single charge, this laptop won't flake out on you mid-edit or binge. And since it's fanless, it won't sound like it's taking off when you're grafting — just silent, efficient performance all day.

Apple's attention to detail is everywhere: the 1080p FaceTime HD camera makes you look your best on calls, while the three-mic array and four-speaker system with Spatial Audio delivers clear sound. It has a MagSafe 3 port, two Thunderbolt ports, and a headphone jack, so users are covered in accessories, extra storage, and jacked headphones.

At $799, this MacBook Air packs insane value, especially for students, creatives, or anyone looking to upgrade their setup without diving into MacBook Pro territory. It's lightweight, powerful, and ready to roll for work, studying, or just streaming your favorite shows.

Deals like this don't last, so if the MacBook Air has been on your radar, this is your sign to grab it before Best Buy's four-day sale ends.