Technology

Satechi's redesigned Stand & Hub brings enhanced NVMe SSD storage, faster SD card readers, and extra USB ports to Apple's redesigned Mac mini.

The most puzzling conundrum of the Switch era has been the absence of Nintendogs. This staple of Nintendo’s dual-screen handhelds was passed over for its most popular console ever, leaving third-party developers to pick up the leash. Is there any chance Nintendo will wake these sleeping dogs?

Ecovacs has announced its new GOAT A1-3000 robotic lawn mower as part of its 2025 product range. This model will be the main product in the GOAT, a family of robotic lawn care solutions.

Pawport, a tech startup from Phoenix, has announced updates to its smart pet door system at CES 2025, complete with a two-door system and new accessories.

Connections is a game from the New York Times that challenges you to find the association between words. It sounds easy, but it isn't—Connections categories can be almost anything, and they're usually quite specific. If you need a hand getting the answers, we've got you covered.

LG is one of the most popular brands of TVs out there, and for good reason. If you've been eyeing a new OLED TV to put as the centerpiece of your living room, the company's latest OLED Evo TVs might be a good fit.

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Jan. 6: OUR TOP PICK Kindle Scribe (16GB) $324.99 (save $75) Get Deal BEST FITNESS TRACKER DEAL Garmin Forerunner 745 $249.99 (save $150) Get Deal BEST APPLE DEAL Apple AirTags (4-pack) $69.99 (save $29.01) Get Deal BEST KITCHEN DEAL Vitamix Propel Series 750 Blender $449.95 (save $180) Get Deal BEST CAMERA DEAL GoPro Hero 13 + accessory bundle $299.99 (save $150) Get Deal

Sorting through the chaos that is Amazon's daily deals page requires patience and precision. Not every so-called "deal" is worth your money. Fortunately, we've done the hard part for you and highlighted a few of the best deals we think are worth checking out on Jan. 6. From Apple to Kindle to Vitamix, major brand discounts are starting the week off strong.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. Don't see anything you like? Check back every day this week for all new selections.

Our top pick: Kindle Scribe Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle Scribe (16GB) $324.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $75.00 Get Deal

The redesigned Kindle Scribe launched in December with a flush-front display with uniform white borders, an upgraded Premium Pen, and built-in AI notebook tools. Like its predecessor, it's made to bridge the gap between traditional and digital reading by allowing you to markup what you're reading as if you're writing on paper. We haven't had a chance to test out the new e-reader, but our pals at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) had the honor and noted that they "like its large and bright display, the included Premium Pen, and the natural feel of taking notes on the textured glass." However, they felt the improvements weren't big enough for the price increase over the previous model. Fortunately, it just got its first big discount, making that price a bit more palatable. Slash 19% off as of Jan. 6 and grab the 16GB model for $324.99 instead of $399.99.

Apple AirTags (4-pack) Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTags (4-pack) $69.99 at Amazon
$99.00 Save $29.01 Get Deal

We were sad when the four-pack of AirTags jumped back up to its $72.99 sale price, but fortunately, it didn't last too long. As of Jan. 6, the record-low $69.99 price is back at Amazon. That's 29% off the regular cost and essentially gets you more than one and a half for free (reg. $29 per AirTag). These Bluetooth trackers have been our favorite for iPhone users for quite some time. As long as there's an Apple device nearby, you'll be able to track whatever you attach your AirTag to — suitcase, backpack, keys, guitar case, purse, etc. — and see where you are in proximity to it. If you missed out on this best-ever AirTags pricing the first go, be sure to snag it while it's back around.

Garmin Forerunner 745 Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Forerunner 745 $249.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal

There's plenty of general-purpose fitness trackers on the market, but if you're looking for something a bit more running-focused, check out the Garmin Forerunner 745. It offers specialized running metrics like cadence, stride length, ground contact time, balance, and training status. Plus, it lets you tune into stats like VO2 max, training load, intensity minutes, body battery, and blood oxygen saturation to help you train when you're actually feeling your best. And like other Garmin smartwatches, it also has a truly impressive battery life (up to one week in smartwatch mode, six hours straight in GPS mode with music playing). Apple Watch, who? As of Jan. 6, it's on sale for only $249.99 instead of $399.99. That's a savings of 38% and its best price on record.

Vitamix Propel Series 750 Blender Opens in a new window Credit: Vitamix Vitamix Propel Series 750 Blender $449.95 at Amazon
$629.95 Save $180.00 Get Deal

It's no secret that Vitamix blenders and kitchen systems are expensive. That's why taking advantage of deals when you see them is key. As of Jan. 6, the Propel Series 750 is on sale for $449.95 at Amazon — that's a 29% price drop from its usual cost and about $50 shy of its lowest price on record. The Propel Series combines the powerful Vitamix performance with convenient preset blending programs — five to be exact, including smoothie, hot soup, frozen dessert, dips and spread, and self-cleaning. Of course, there are also variable speed control and pulse options to let you fine-tune your recipe textures. Currently, only the black model is down to $449.95. If you want another color, you'll have to pay close to full price.

GoPro Hero 13 Black Bundle Opens in a new window Credit: GoPro GoPro Hero 13 Black + accessory bundle $299.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal

The Go Pro Hero 13 Black is "way better than a $400 video camera has any right to be," according to our reviewer Tim Beck Werth. He gave the action camera a 4.7-star rating, crediting the fantastic motion stabilization, return of GPS geotagging, professional footage up to 5.3K, longer battery life, and impressive new lens mods, among other features. While it's not perfect (there are some problems with overheating in low-airflow conditions), it "absolutely justifies its $399.99 price tag." At the discounted price of $299.99 (33% in savings), it's practically a steal. Not to mention, this bundle includes the Handler, two Enduro batteries, two curved adhesive mounts, a 64GB SanDisk MicroSD card, and a carrying case.

Check out our full review of the GoPro Hero 13 Black.

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

SAVE $110: As of Jan. 6, you can get the roborock Q5 Pro robot vacuum and mop for $139.99 at Amazon. That's a 44% discount and a $110 price cut.

Opens in a new window Credit: roborock roborock Q5 Pro $139.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $110.00 Get Deal

If the new year has you in the mood to tidy up, Amazon’s hosting a winter sale with deals on everything you need to refresh your home, from cleaning essentials to smart home gadgets.

One of the best finds in the sale is the 44% discount on the roborock Q5 Pro robot vacuum and mop combo, bringing it back down to its all-time low price of $139.99.

SEE ALSO: CES 2025: Roborock's grabby new robot vacuum is a huge flex

The Roborock Q5 Pro isn't just a robot vacuum — it’s a robot vacuum mop combo that can handle everything from carpets ridden with pet hair to hardwood floors in need of a quick clean. With 5500 Pa stronger suction, a DuoRoller Brush, and PreciSense LiDAR Navigation with 3D mapping, the Q5 Pro is built to cover every inch of your home.

Even though this robo vac doesn’t come with a self-empty base, its large dustbin and water tank (770 ml), 240-minute battery life, and 180-ml SnapMop system are major pluses. And, with the roborock app, you can schedule cleanings, adjust the suction power, and more from your smartphone.

The Internet of Things, or the vast networks of "smart objects" now powering most of our digitally connected lives, is a step closer to living in a single ecosystem.

Google Home, Apple's HomeKit, and Samsung's SmartThings are all now accepting a new smart home testing and compatibility certification that will enable a wider array of smart gadgets to connect to your home network, according to the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA). The CSA is a coalition of companies and technologists building toward universal open standards for smart devices and connected technology.

Amazon's Alexa-enabled smart home system has yet to opt-in.

SEE ALSO: CES 2025: Mashable's guide on what to expect

Consumer products certified with the Matter badge, as its called, can bypass individual testing and certification with each Big Tech ecosystem — the previous, oft-time consuming process — under the single standards body. Launched by the CSA in 2022, the Matter standard was designed to reimagine interoperability between smart devices on the path toward a universal connectivity standard. It harnesses multiple existing connection technologies (Thread, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and ethernet) to bring products together locally. Amazon, Apple, Google, Samsung, LG, and smart home companies, like Lutron, iRobot, Signify (Philips Hue), and Ikea, joined the Build with Matter initiative tasked with designing the system.

But the Matter certification and recertification process has been slow to move in the years since, and while all the major smart home providers signaled their support after the initial unveiling, none had fully phased out their individual testing requirements under the single process. According to the CSA, today's announcement hopes to simplify and streamline the future of it's universal certifications.

TLDR; Jan. 6th, 2025, our top VPNs including TunnelBear, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN are running deals up to 74% off.

The best VPN deals The biggest VPN price cut NordVPN Get 27 months for $2.99 Get Deal The best VPN deal in the long run TunnelBear Get 3 years for $3.33 per month Get Deal The best VPN deal for international internet ExpressVPN Get 28 months for $4.99 per month Get Deal

Online privacy is in in 2025. Interest in VPNs has surged of late due to increased online restrictions. Whatever you need it for (we won't ask questions) VPNs enable you to browse the web and leave no trace.

All our top VPNs are on sale right now. Shop now to get savings on VPNs up to 74% off.

The biggest VPN price cut Opens in a new window Credit: NordVPN NordVPN Get 27 months for $2.99 Get Deal Why we like it

We might have named NordVPN the best premium VPN, but this deal makes it extremely affordable. Full of customizable options, this suite is for people who are all in with VPN services.

Nab NordVPN's Basic Plan now and lock in a $2.99 monthly price for 27 months. The deal is for the 2-year plan, but when you buy now it adds on an extra three months in addition to the 74% price drop.

SEE ALSO: Break free from geo-restrictions with this easy-to-use VPN The best VPN deal in the long run Opens in a new window Credit: TunnelBear TunnelBear Get 3 years for $3.33 per month Get Deal Why we like it

TunnelBear is our top VPN pick for most people because it has what it takes for just the right price. That price just got even better with this VPN deal.

TunnelBear might not have cut its price quite as drastically as NordVPN did (by $.34 cents), but it runs longer. The VPN service will ask you to pay all at once: $120. That will get you three full years of coverage at $3.33. If you really use a VPN, this value is exceptional.

The best VPN deal for international internet Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN Get 28 months for $4.99 per month Get Deal Why we like it

ExpressVPN is our top pick for those who want to browse content from all over the world. With a server network in 105 countries, you can spoof an IP to access content from half a world away. If you're a frequent international traveler, or you're interested in streaming internationally, ExpressVPN is a great pick.

ExpressVPN is usually quite expensive. However, right now, the service is on sale for 61% off, offering 28 months for $4.99 per month.

SAVE 29%: A 4-pack of Apple AirTags is on sale at Amazon for just $69.99, down from the usual price of $99. That's a savings of $29.01 which matches the record-low price at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTags (4-pack) $69.99 at Amazon
$99.00 Save $29.01 Get Deal

Life is complicated these days. We're tasked with remembering about 94 passwords, logging on for 12 meetings this week, scheduling that dermatologist appointment for the spring, and never forgetting to drink water. If you tend to forget where your car keys are on account of the millions of others things going on, this deal on Bluetooth trackers is calling your name.

As of Jan. 6, a 4-pack of Apple AirTags is just $69.99 at Amazon, down from the typical price of $99. That means you'll be saving 29% and paying just $17.50 per AirTag. This sale price also matches the record low at Amazon.

Apple AirTags are the perfect accessory. Stick one on your car keys, slip one into your wallet, and absolutely pack on into your checked luggage. These small Bluetooth trackers allow you to keep tabs on the whereabouts of your most important items. With Apple's extensive Find My network, you'll be able to locate just about anything that's likely to get misplaced.

The battery lasts about a year, but it's easy to replace so you can use these trackers year after year. They're also water and dust resistant. Keep in mind Apple AirTags only work with Apple devices, which means these aren't the right Bluetooth tracker if you have an Android smartphone.

Today's deal on a pack of four AirTags means you'll have the ability to track four of your most important items or you can share with your family to keep everyone better organized.

Since we're still in the beginning of 2025, why not make this the year the one in which you don't waste anytime looking for a misplaced wallet or keys. For just $69.99, you can snag a 4-pack of Apple AirTags from Amazon which makes life just that much easier.

Tech has, in many ways, migrated away from gadgetry — just look at everything AI — but CES 2025 has already shown there is still room for odd, physical pieces of tech. Case in point: Look at the all the weird, fun robots at this year's version of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

The massive event kicks off this week and we've already gotten a look at some of the, well, WTF-inducing robots. Here's a rundown of all the odd and neat robots thus far.

Mi-Mo: A walking stool, lamp thing

The Mi-Mo robot from Japanese robotics company Jizai looks like a Pixar creation. It looks a wooden stool with a desk lamp for a head.

As Mashable's Haley Henschel, who is on the ground in Vegas, phrased it: "I'd describe it as the love child of a mid-century modern table and one of Sid from Toy Story's mutant toys. (Affectionately!)"

Tweet may have been deleted

As far as practical applications, however, Mi-Mo did little more than greet passersby and look cute.

R2D3: A super-charged domestic robot

Mashable's Chance Townsend described xOpenDroids’ R2D3 as an early standout of CES 2025. It's a domestic robot aimed at doing your chores, things like folding clothes or washing dishes. And frankly, it does look like a robot you'd spot in some futuristic movie.

Tweet may have been deleted Saros Z70: A vacuum that also grabs stuff

Robot vacuums aren't anything new or weird. We here at Mashable cover the latest in robot vacuums on a daily basis.

But the new Roborock Saros Z70, debuted at CES 2025, isn't just any robot vac. It's a robot vacuum with a grabby, arm thing. That robotic arm means it can tidy your home even better than before by performing tasks like picking up stray socks. It won't just avoid objects, it'll clean them. Though, as Henschel writes, while the robot vacuum is neat, the real WTF moment is the price-tag: it's likely to sell for around $2,000.

Featured Video For You CES 2025: Roborock's grabby new robot vacuum is a huge flex Mirumi: A little furry monster thing

Yukai Engineering showed off it's cute little robot monster called the Mirumi at CES 2025. Its whole purpose is to be tiny, cute, and to turn its head to look cute at passersby. Mashable's Matt Binder wrote his immediate reaction was, "Damn, people are going to love this."

The concept is to give folks a cute, robotic companion "designed to recreate people's joyful experiences of noticing a human baby as he/she tries to interact with them," Yukai Engineering noted. And, to be fair, the Mirumi does look adorable.

Tweet may have been deleted Nékojita FuFu: A little cat to cool off your beverage

Here's another one from Yukai Engineering: a tiny robotic cat that'll cool your coffee. The kitty-shaped robot hangs off the side of a mug and blows air at algorithmically determined intervals to cool your hot drink, TechCrunch noted. Dubbed the Nékojita FuFu, it is both cute and a truly strange product.

Tweet may have been deleted Ballie: A rolling projector

Samsung's BB-8-looking robot will soon be an actual product you can purchase. Ballie first made headlines at CES 2020, but as CNET noted Samsung used CES 2025 to announce the rolling home robot will actually start shipping this year. (Full disclosure, CNET is owned by Ziff Davis, the same parent company as Mashable.)

Ballie will apparently be able to roll around your home, do voice-command tasks, and project media onto various surfaces.

Tweet may have been deleted

Qualcomm has revealed the Snapdragon X, bringing its speedy ARM-based hardware to mid-range Windows laptops and desktops. Even though it’s the least-powerful chip in the Snapdragon X family, it still seems like a great option for productivity tasks.

SAVE $70: As of Jan. 6, the Therabody Theragun Prime massage gun (5th gen) is $229 at Best Buy, $70 off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Therabody Therabody Theragun Prime massage gun (5th gen) $229.00 at Best Buy
$299.00 Save $70.00 Get Deal

New year, new fitness routine...new aches and pains? If your muscles are feeling the burn, percussive therapy might be just what you need. It uses rapid bursts of pressure and vibration to ease soreness, improve blood flow, and reduce inflammation.

SEE ALSO: The Theragun Mini is a compact, powerful massage gun ideal for travel

Right now, you can snag a limited-edition Therabody Theragun Prime (5th gen) from Best Buy for $229 — $70 off the list price.

The Theragun Prime includes four attachments to target different muscle groups (dampener, standard ball, thumb, and micro point), and its ergonomic design makes it easy to use in hard-to-reach areas. According to the manufacturer, this handy device can reach 80 percent of your body.

With the Therabody app, you can access guided routines to get the most out of your massage gun.

SAVE $390.99: The 15-inch Lenovo IdeaPad 3i (Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 512 SSD) laptop is on sale at Walmart for just $479, down from the list price of $869.99. That's a 45% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Lenovo IdeaPad 3i (Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 512 SSD) laptop $479.00 at Walmart
$869.99 Save $390.99 Get Deal

A laptop has become an essential piece of tech these days. Some tasks like filling out complicated forms, booking flights, or scoring concert tickets are best suited to a laptop instead of your phone. If you're in need of a laptop upgrade but haven't been looking forward to dishing out the big bucks, check out this awesome deal at Walmart.

As of Jan. 6, the 15-inch Lenovo IdeaPad 3i (Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 512 SSD) laptop is just $479, down from the standard price of $869.99. That means you'll save $390.99 and score a 45% discount.

While a laptop priced at under $500 usually comes with some sacrifices when it comes to specs, today's Lenovo deal escapes this fault. This laptop could be a great option for students, those who travel for work, or anyone who needs to upgrade to modern specs.

While the Intel Core i7-1255U processor isn't the newest version, it gets the job done with no issues and this machine will be capable of multi-tasking without giving off a lagging feel.

At 3.74 pounds and a 19.9mm profile, it's also a travel friendly option for those who need a laptop to take to class, work, or the co-working space. Plus, it has a a USB-C port, HDMI, and a headphone jack.

At a sale price of $479, this deal on the Lenovo IdeaPad 3i is a treat for the new year. Sure, it's not the brand new model or something a competitive gamer would be looking for, but it has solid specs for the rest of us. And there's something so sweet about scoring a 45% discount.

There's nothing cooler than connecting a Nintendo Switch or a PC to a projector and adding a cinematic layer to your experience. A gaming projector will give you that while still providing a smooth gameplay experience.

GET $104 OFF: The Vizio 43" smart TV is currently on sale for $148 at Walmart for a savings of 41%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Vizio Vizio 43" HD smart TV $148.00 at Walmart
$252.00 Save $104.00 Get Deal

The winter months are all about hanging indoors. Whether you're tantalizing a bored cat with their favorite cat-TV channel on Youtube or dipping into the new season of Squid Game, chances are, the Vizio 43" smart TV will get some use.

If you're ready to update your TV, this deal is not to be passed over. Vizio's already affordable screen is currently on sale for 41% off, pushing the price down to just $148 and saving you $104.

SEE ALSO: The 21 best TV shows of 2024, and where to stream them

The Vizio has a 43 inch LED screen with a 1200:1 contrast ratio. Expect dark darks and bright lights.

Gamers need not fear, this TV is quick enough for online play, even at this price. The Vizio sports a 60Hz refresh rate and will keep up with RPGs and online FPS titles.

Get the Vizio 43" HD smart TV for $148 at Walmart and save $104, or 41%.

With smarts built right in, you'll be streaming in no time. The Vizio is compatible with Google Assistant, Alexa, and Apple Home.

SAVE $115: As of Jan. 6, you can get the Blink Outdoor 4 wireless security camera system (four cameras) for $224.99. That's a 33% discount and a savings of $115.

Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Outdoor 4 (four camera system) $224.99 at Amazon
$339.99 Save $115.00 Get Deal

If you’ve been feeling anxious about the security of your home or business, you may want to consider investing in a security camera system.

As of Jan. 6, you can get $115 off the Blink Outdoor 4 four-camera wireless security system at Amazon, bringing the total cost down to just $224.99. That’s a 33% discount off the list price and a great deal compared to what you’d typically pay for a high-quality, multi-camera security setup.

SEE ALSO: The best home security cameras for staying safe and secure

This four-camera system lets you check in on your home or business from anywhere via the Blink app. It features 1080p HD video, two-way audio, infrared night vision, and enhanced motion detection that alerts you whenever movement is detected.

You’ll get a 30-day free trial of the Blink Outdoor 4 Subscription Plan, which includes person detection and additional cloud storage. After that, you'll need to pay $10 a month or $100 annually to continue using those extra features. But you don’t need the subscription to use the cameras' core security functions.

The Blink Outdoor 4 wireless security camera system is battery-powered (they can last up to two years without recharging) and super easy to install. It also works with Alexa, so you can view camera feeds and get motion alerts through your Echo devices.

Flic has opened preorders for its Flic Duo smart button. This new device builds on its previous smart button technology with more features and flexibility.

TP-Link announced the Tapo HybridCam Duo Dual-Lens C675D KIT at CES 2025. It is a security camera system made for outdoor use using a fixed lens and a pan/tilt lens, with 4K video quality.