Technology

Current-generation smart glasses are largely available in two different kinds.

Leading the pack on one side is Xreal, which is building smart glasses that connect to devices like your phone or laptop through a wire and can essentially act as a portable monitor.

The other kind of smart glasses, however, are perhaps a little more interesting. Smart glasses like the Meta Ray-Ban glasses have a speaker, microphone, and camera, and can use the camera to take pictures and see the world around you, or leverage AI to help you find information.

To date, Meta’s glasses have largely been the go-to for those who want this kind of more natural look. But new competitors are popping up – and Solos could have a winner on its hands. The new Solos AirGo Vision glasses boast visual recognition, language translation, and immediate access to an AI assistant powered by GPT-4o. I had to put them to the test while running around like a madman at CES 2025.

A natural design

Of course, the key to any smart glasses experience seems to be a natural design, and that's something that these glasses achieve well. A natural design is partially why the likes of the Meta Ray-Ban have taken off while other smart glasses that try too hard to be futuristic offer too much technology to be natural.

Credit: Christian de Looper

That's not to say the glasses are completely natural, though. On the front, they have two camera lenses, which you'll be able to see, while the arms are a little bulkier than you would get on non-smart glasses. You don’t necessarily have to use the glasses with the cameras – the Solos AirGo3 glasses are the same as the AirGo Vision glasses but without the cameras, and you can use both, simply moving the arms of the glasses, which house many of the components, from one to another. 

SEE ALSO: We hopped into Xpeng Aero HT's 'flying car' at CES

But, at least at a glance, those around you might not be able to immediately tell that you're wearing smart glasses until they take a closer look or until you take a photo and the white LED light flashes.

One thing I didn’t love about the design of the glasses is that you have to manually turn them on and off. You’ll remember to turn them on when you put them on and they don’t work. But after folding them up and putting them in my backpack, I couldn’t understand why the microphone on my phone wasn’t picking up my voice until I realized they were still connected. An automatic off when they fold up would be nice.

The glasses are designed to be worn in everyday life. Credit: Christian de Looper

The glasses offer a battery life of around 10 hours of continuous use, and they’re IP67 water-resistant, so you should be able to use them in the rain perfectly fine. 

AI on tap

Of course, the real advantage of these glasses has little to do with their design and much more to do with the features they offer.

Chief among those is the immediate and instant access to an AI voice assistant powered by ChatGPT. This voice assistant, of course, is highly customized and gets access to data, like your location and images from the cameras built into the glasses. What that means is that you can ask the assistant to find nearby restaurants or analyze things in front of you, like objects signs. While you might assume that this is a bit of a gimmick, it can come in handy for things like translating text.

The glasses are equipped with ChatGPT. Credit: Christian de Looper

In other words, it can be more helpful in day-to-day life than ChatGPT itself would be without access to that data.

That said, I'm not completely sure exactly how it analyzes data like your location. After asking how long it would take to get to another hotel in Vegas, from the one I'm staying at, I was told it would be about a 10-minute Uber ride or a 25-minute walk. Thirty minutes into walking, I found that I was only around halfway there, and I'm a pretty fast walker. Normally, I beat the estimates given by apps like Google maps and Apple Maps.

SEE ALSO: CES 2025's most practical smart glasses are these tint-changing lenses

There are some helpful ways to make the assistant more helpful in your day-to-day life, though. I really appreciated the ability to set its speech speed.  Typically when I ask an AI assistant a question I just want the answer as soon as possible.

The Solos app

The experience of using Solo's app is perfectly fine. From the app, you'll be able to control different settings for both the glasses and your AI assistant, including the aforementioned ability to control how fast it talks. You'll also be able to set audio EQ modes, which is a nice touch. 

The app also allows you to type to your digital or capture a photo to send to it. I like the fact that you can manually type to the assistant instead of just being able to talk to it through the glasses, as it makes for a more versatile experience. The design of the app takes some getting used to, but it's relatively well-designed overall, and most should be able to get used to it relatively quickly.

Privacy questions

Using the glasses did make me a little concerned about privacy, though. Some of the data I can understand needing access to, especially for certain features. I don't love giving up my location, but if I want to be able to ask about nearby restaurants or how to get places, then it makes sense that I need to hand it over.

What doesn't make sense are the constant requests for full photo library access. Initially, I gave limited photo library access simply so that the app could store photos that I captured, but it consistently and annoyingly requested full access every time I opened the app. I never gave in. I wasn't going to hand it over to a company that I barely know. I suggest most do the same.

SEE ALSO: CES 2025: Hands-on with Sony-Honda's AFEELA 1 Signature

I did ask about the privacy of the photos captured by the glasses themselves. Company said that any photos sent to the cloud I deleted after 30 seconds however, the photos that you take manually will be stored on the phone.

Sub-par audio

Like many other smart glasses models, these ones have speakers built into them. Of course, largely, this is used for the AI assistant to be able to talk to you after you make a request, but the glasses also like a basic Bluetooth device for listening to music and other audio.

The camera lens is quite visible on the Solos AirGo Vision smart glasses. Credit: Christian de Looper

Unfortunately, the audio quality leaves a lot to be desired. The speakers are tinny, lack depth, and there’s little bass response to speak of, which is not all that surprising. The speakers built into smart glasses usually aren’t all that great. However, if you want a solid music experience you'll still want to use wireless earbuds.

Conclusions

The Solos AirGo Vision smart glasses are a compelling take on the overall smart glasses concept. That said, I'm not quite sure anyone, including Solos, has truly nailed the idea just. The ability to talk to an AI-powered digital assistant as needed is helpful, and the fact that the assistant has access to information like your location and a camera seriously enhances its usability. But I didn't love the subpar audio, and I'm not thrilled about how the glasses and the app handle private information.

Of course, it’s not like Meta is a home run in the area of privacy though. And, the Solos glasses come at a similar price. They’re available for $299, however it doesn’t seem like they’re available with the cameras from the website right now.

I'm a huge fan of the ecosystem of accessories that MagSafe is spawning. I'm also a huge fan of mobile game controllers like those offered by Backbone. I use them regularly when I'm on the go. Now, however, the two are combining in what could be the coolest MagSafe accessory to date. The OhSnap MCON is a gaming controller that snaps to the back of your phone with MagSafe, and is built to be portable enough to fit in your pocket.

The controller was actually first designed by 19-year-old Josh King, who documented the process on his YouTube channel and created a prototype using a 3D printer. King and OhSnap then combined forces to tweak the design a little and put the controller into production. And I have to say, I'm glad they did. The controller is awesome, and I had a chance to check it out in person at CES 2025.

Magnetic and refined

As mentioned, the MCON, available in black or white, attaches to the back of an iPhone using MagSafe, so it’s easy to attach and detach it from your phone whenever you want to. When it's not in use, the controller simply looks like a rectangle on the back of your phone. None of the buttons or joysticks are visible, except for the rear triggers, which look understated anyway.

Two buttons on the back releases the keyboard, which slides into position. Credit: Christian de Looper

Given the fact that the controller attaches using MagSafe, you might expect it to only work with iPhones, but OhSnap has thought of that too.

The controller comes with a MagSafe adapter that's essentially a magnetic disk that you can attach to the back of your non-MagSafe phone. On top of that, it comes with two pucks that can attach to the controller itself to space it away from the camera module and ensure a good fit no matter what phone you're using and how big its camera is. Of course, instead of using the MagSafe adapter, you could also use a third-party case that adds magnetic compatibility to non-MagSafe phones.

SEE ALSO: CES 2025's most practical smart glasses are these tint-changing lenses

When you want a game, however, you simply press two buttons on the back of the controller, and your phone will essentially slide up, revealing the buttons and joysticks you're used to.

It's a similar approach to the slide-out keyboards that used to be more common on business-focused smartphones. On top of your phone sliding up to reveal the buttons, you can also extend two grips that lock into place for a more ergonomic feel. Sure, the controller isn't going to feel as comfortable as something like the PlayStation 5's DualSense controller, but we wouldn't expect it to – and remember, the MCON is built for portability.

When closed, the phone and attachment both fit in the palm of your hand. Credit: Christian de Looper

Perhaps the biggest downside to a controller like this is that instead of being powered through your phone's USB-C port, the controller connects through Bluetooth and has to be charged separately. That said, OhSnap is including a USB-C cable in the box, and it says that you can connect it to your phone through a wired connection instead of through Bluetooth, if you prefer.

SEE ALSO: We hopped into Xpeng Aero HT's 'flying car' at CES

So, does the OhSnap MCON achieve its goal of being a game controller you can have at the ready all the time? Well, yes and no.

It's definitely slimmer than any mobile controller I've tested before – and I've tested quite a few of them. However, I don't necessarily think you'd have it attached to your phone all the time on the off chance that you'd want to game remotely. Instead, it's probably more likely to be useful for situations in which you think you're likely to game when you're out and about, but left at home when you don't think you will.

That's still an important use case, though – it means you don't have to carry a controller in your backpack or bag when you might not necessarily want to take a backpack for quicker trips like taking the bus across town, for example.

Pro gaming

The OhSnap MCON may be built for portability, but it's also designed for a tactile and responsive gaming experience. That, however, is one area where the company is still refining a little. When I tested the controller at CES 2025, I actually found the buttons to be quite nice, with a clicky feel. The joysticks had a good feel too, and I could easily see myself gaming on the go with the controller. When I spoke to Josh King, the creator of the controller at CES, he noted that they're still ironing out the exact feel of the buttons ahead of the August ship date.

A side view of the attached accessory. Credit: Christian de Looper

Of course, you shouldn't expect the same feel as a controller like the Sony DualSense controller for the PlayStation 5, but the extendable grips helped quite a bit. The grips helped make the controller feel a little more natural and gave a little more leverage for tapping the buttons on the main body of the controller.

The joysticks, in particular, seem to require a lot of effort in development. They are actually full-size Hall Effect joysticks, which will help make the controller more accurate and precise. They'll also ensure that the controller is less prone to issues like stick drift, which is common on compact controllers.

A very clicky gamepad. Credit: Christian de Looper

All in all, while the controller didn't necessarily feel as natural as a much bulkier and bigger controller, that's not the point of this one. I found that it felt very natural despite its small and compact size, and as I said, I could easily see myself gaming it on an airplane, a bus, or simply when I want to game in bed instead of on the couch.

The perfect gaming companion

I've tested plenty of portable controllers, and this one could well be my favorite so far. That largely has to do with the convenience of being able to snap it on and off as needed, instead of trying to wedge the controller into a USB-C port as you have to do with controllers from the likes of Backbone and Razer.

The OhSnap MCON is currently undergoing Kickstarter funding, where it has already surpassed its goal of $25,000. If you're interested in one for yourself, you can pre-order it on its Kickstarter page, where you might be able to get a discount. After the Kickstarter process, the controller will go on sale for $149. It's expected to ship to backers in August 2025, so unfortunately, you'll have to wait a while to get one for yourself.

Mashable is on the ground live at CES 2025! We’re covering all the wildest and most important developments this week, so please keep checking back in with us. Want to submit a product you represent for our teams’ consideration as we identify the Best of CES? Here’s more info on how to do it.

Medical dramas don't tend to be my primary choice of TV show. But I'd be a liar if I said The Pitt didn't hook me right away.

SEE ALSO: 2025 TV preview: All the TV shows you need to know, and where to stream them

The Pitt immerses us in the high-stress environment of Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center's emergency department, headed up by Dr. Michael "Robby" Robinavitch (ER's Noah Wyle, no stranger to on-screen medical emergencies). If all that sounds like a soft ER reboot to you, you wouldn't be the only one. In August 2024, the estate of ER creator Michael Crichton even filed a lawsuit against Warner Bros. Television, claiming the series to be an unauthorized ER reboot.

But while The Pitt certainly stands on ER's shoulders — it's created by longtime ER writer and producer R. Scott Gemmill, and produced by ER showrunner John Wells — it also works hard to set itself apart. From exploring issues with modern-day healthcare systems to employing a real-time conceit in the vein of 24, The Pitt establishes itself as its own beast, one that's harrowing, compulsively watchable, and just the right mix of soapy and grounded.

What's The Pitt about? Isa Briones, Tracy Ifeachor, and Noah Wyle in "The Pitt." Credit: Warrick Page / Max

Each of The Pitt's 15 episodes (an almost unheard-of number in today's streaming landscape) covers about one hour in Robby's 15-hour shift in the ED. That means we clock in with him at 7 a.m. and stay with him until his work day is done.

SEE ALSO: 'Severance' Season 2 may already be the best show of the year: Review

And what a work day it is. It's the anniversary of Robby's mentor Dr. Adamson's death from COVID complications. It's also the first day on the job for several interns and residents, all of whom need guidance from Robby and his colleagues, including senior residents Dr. Collins (Tracy Ifeachor) and Dr. Langdon (Patrick Ball). After a prolonged intro to the large staff of the ED — colloquially known as "the pit" — The Pitt jumps into high gear with an onslaught of high-drama medical emergencies. Heart attacks, drug mishaps, and more race through the ED's doors, mixing with the staff's own personal drama to create a high-octane cocktail of stress.

The Pitt takes stress to new heights. Gerran Howell and Taylor Dearden in "The Pitt." Credit: Warrick Page / Max

Almost every second we spend in the ED feels like a crisis, and that's due in large part to The Pitt's real-time structure. The gimmick doesn't always make narrative sense, as character arcs that might take place over entire weeks are collapsed into mere hours. Yet you can't beat it when it comes to sheer overwhelming tension. Seriously, if you thought The Bear's one-take, real-time episode "Review" was stressful, The Pitt will make that look like a spa day. I can't count the number of times I yelled, "What?" or "No!" or simply retreated behind my own hands.

SEE ALSO: How to get free Peacock, Paramount+, and Max streaming through services you might already have

Here, medical emergencies seem to multiply exponentially from episode to episode, until you feel like you're drowning alongside Dr. Robby and his team. Almost every hour treats you to some new high-pressure surgery, complete with constant medical chatter that doubles as the world's least-soothing ASMR, and some fairly serious gore. (A degloved leg in the first episode is particularly gnarly, but you're in for far more blood spatters as The Pitt continues.) All this comes to life thanks to cinematographer Johanna Coelho's nearly nonstop handheld camera movement, which brings The Pitt's urgency to a fever pitch.

The Pitt's ticking clock also emphasizes the long wait times to get into the ED. Often, The Pitt brings us into the trauma center's chaotic, overflowing wait room, where disgruntled patients wait for hours before being seen. It's a pressure cooker with little hope of relief. Time and time again, Dr. Robby tells hospital administrator Gloria (Michael Hyatt) that he needs more nurses and more beds, only to be denied due to budget constraints. That's just one of the many ways in which The Pitt indicts America's broken healthcare system, but never at the expense of the healthcare workers themselves.

The Pitt tackles serious healthcare issues, including abortion. Ned Brower, Patrick Ball, Noah Wyle, and Tracy Ifeachor in "The Pitt." Credit: Warrick Page / Max

On top of examining systemic problems like understaffing, The Pitt also takes a look at major issues at the intersection of politics and healthcare. An arc about a pregnant teenager (Abby Ryder Fortson, Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret) and abortion rights feels extra pertinent following the re-election of Donald Trump. Elsewhere, resident Dr. Mohan (Supriya Ganesh) hopes to make a difference when it comes to racial disparity in medical care, starting with a Black woman with sickle cell disease (Ashley Romans) whose initial arrival in the ED is marred by racist treatment.

Not every case is a winner, though, with some attempts to gesture out to the greater political landscape falling flat. A fight over wearing masks leads someone to lob the insult "Fauci zombie," subtlety be damned. Meanwhile, cases involving the way social media impacts health remain fairly surface level. At one point, an influencer patient says, "I don't have friends, I have followers," which is about as caricatured as you can get.

For the most part, though, The Pitt does a solid job in granting its doctors and patients alike a fair amount of depth, which is especially impressive given the sheer size of its cast and how little face time we get with most of them. Some characters, like overconfident intern Dr. Santos (Isa Briones), could risk being one-note, yet The Pitt manages to sidestep these pitfalls. (Of course, a tragic backstory or two never hurt.)

At the center of it all is Wyle, whose Dr. Robby projects himself as the calm in the middle of the storm even as he weathers tremendous pain himself. He's particularly good during the scenes The Pitt takes to recenter itself after tragedy, be that a moment of silence after the loss of a patient or a discussion in which he has to break bad news to loved ones. The Pitt may boast its fair share of surgical set pieces or plot twists right out of a soap opera, but it's these quiet moments that really ground the show and set the stage for what could hopefully be TV's next great medical drama.

The first two episodes of The Pitt premiere Jan. 9 at 9 p.m. ET on Max, with new episodes every Thursday.

Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, Max, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each one!

Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services trying to determine what to watch! We've got your back whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, animation, and more.

But if you're seeking something brand spanking new (or new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.

SEE ALSO: The best Netflix TV shows of 2024

Mashable's entertainment team has scoured the streaming services to highlight the most buzzed-about releases of this week and ranked them from worst to best — or least worth your time to most watchable. Whether you're looking for quirky comedies, chilling horror, pulse-pounding action, provocative documentaries, or the juiciest reality TV competition that streaming has to offer, we've got you covered.

Here's what's new on streaming, from worst to best.

8. Get Away

You loved Nick Frost in horror comedies like Shaun of the Dead and Attack the Block. Now you can see what happens when he's the scribe wielding a wicked pen. But fret not, Cornetto Trilogy fans. Frost not only scripted Get Away, he stars in this kooky splatterfest too! 

Directed by Steffen Haars, Get Away centers on an English family of four vacationing on a remote Swedish island. But this isn't exactly a welcoming community to outsiders. Upon arrival, the vibes are off. And as a treasured — and tragic — festival draws nearer, blood will be spilled, terror will reign, and these happy-go-lucky tourists will be caught up in the middle of it! Think Midsommar, but as a slasher comedy. 

Starring: Nick Frost, Aisling Bea, Maisie Ayres, and Sebastian Croft

How to watch: Get Away debuts on Shudder on Jan. 10.

SEE ALSO: Shudder's best horror comedies to scare you AND make you laugh 7. Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action

Jerry! Jerry! Jerry! 

With everything totally '90s coming back into fashion, it was only a matter of time before the "King of Sleaze" did too. This Netflix documentary mini-series explores the talk show that drove audiences wild and guests into fits of chair-throwing rage. The first episode digs into how a former Cincinnati mayor and local news anchor named Jerry Springer came to become a national sensation. But episode 2 turns to true crime, exploring a homicide that some have blamed on the show and its producers' exploitative tactics.

Whether or not you got swept up in The Jerry Springer Show hype, this doc is a fascinating look at American television. Featuring interviews with a slew of crew members and producers from the talk show, Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action reveals not only what happened behind the scenes, but also the moral relativism that has led to the rise of increasingly scandalous (and dangerous?) reality TV. Basically, this addictive doc brings new meaning to the phrase "guilty pleasure."

How to watch: Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action is now streaming on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: The 40 most addictive reality TV shows streaming on Netflix 6. Hundreds of Beavers

You've never seen a comedy quite like Hundreds of Beavers. It's a tale of survival in a tough terrain, but told as a black-and-white, dialogue-free, live-action cartoon with the sensibilities of Looney Tunes and chaotic internet humor.

Written by Mike Cheslik and Ryland Brickson Cole Tews, this outrageous movie stars the latter as an applejack salesman whose jolly life of booze and revelry is destroyed by a band of pesky beavers. Having lost everything, he must rebuild his life in a cold and treacherous terrain, where he is outwitted by animals, mocked by locals, and made witness to a barrage of bizarre events. The slapstick sense of humor is a playful mix of wholesome and deranged. While not for everyone, Hundreds of Beavers certainly has what it takes to become a beloved cult comedy.

Starring: Ryland Brickson Cole Tews, Olivia Graves, Wes Tank, Doug Mancheski, and Luis Rico

How to watch: Hundreds of Beavers debuts on Shudder on Jan. 10. 

5. Look Into My Eyes

Do you believe in psychics?

Directed by Lana Wilson, Look Into My Eyes follows several New York City clairvoyants as they interact with their various clients. From A24, Wilson's documentary was highly praised by critics. In his review for Mashable, Siddhant Adlakha wrote, "Her perspective is one of gentle inquiry, but the film eventually reaches far beyond mere curiosity, yielding a deeply resonant work about the ways in which people cope with everything from grief to climate nihilism.

Even if you see spirit-channeling mediums as scammers and bullshit artists, it's hard not to come away changed. Look Into My Eyes neither seeks to expose nor reaffirm the profession, but rather, through suggestion and implication, it explores these people and what they do. In the process, it comes to an empathetic understanding of why — even if the subjects themselves can't see the bigger picture."

How to watch: Look Into My Eyes debuts on Max on Jan. 10. 

4. A Tale of Two Sisters

Don't be fooled by the tender title. A Tale of Two Sisters is a horror-thriller heralded for its haunting story and shocking climax. 

This South Korean hit centers on trouble teen Su-mi (Yum Jung-ah), who, upon being released from a psychiatric hospital, is eager to reunite with her beloved sister, Su-yeon (Im Soo-jung). But her return to their remote country home is less than welcoming. Their widowed father (Moon Geun-young) has moved in his new bride, Eun-joo (Kim Kap-soo), whom the girls resent. As tensions rise between the stepchildren and their stepmother, strange occurrences around the house suggest a ghost may be among them. But the truth of what's happening in this spooky family drama is even more twisted that you can imagine.

Restrained but riveting, this 2003 South Korean horror movie is still as effective as it was when it first debuted. If you like Goodnight Mommy, you'll love A Tale of Two Sisters.

Starring: Im Soo-jung, Yum Jung-ah, Moon Geun-young, Lee Seung-bi, and Kim Kap-soo

How to watch: A Tale of Two Sisters debuts on Shudder and AMC+ on Jan. 10.

SEE ALSO: The scariest horror movies on Shudder to keep you up at night 3. 65

Sometimes, you get the urge to watch an Oscar–nominated actor blast a bunch of dinosaurs with a laser gun. And when that urge sneaks up on you, the only cure is 65.

65 is built around the genius premise that is "Adam Driver fights dinosaurs," and boy, does it deliver. As Mills, a pilot from a super advanced civilization from 65 million years ago, Driver crash-lands on prehistoric Earth, where he headshots a T. Rex, bludgeons a raptor, and much, much more. He also takes the time to bond with his one fellow survivor, a young girl named Koa (Barbie's Ariana Greenblatt). The result is a sweet "lone wolf and cub" movie full of dino-sized thrills, kills, and a very threatening asteroid.* — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Starring: Adam Driver, Ariana Greenblatt, Chloe Coleman, and Nika King

How to watch: 65 is now streaming on Hulu.

2. The Traitors, Season 3

If you love reality TV, Alan Cumming, or social deduction games, The Traitors is the perfect treat for you. Each season throws famous reality TV stars into a Scottish castle, where the "traitors" among them will seek to murder the "faithful." It's basically a game of high-budget mafia, with Cumming as narrator. In Season 3, contestants include Selling Sunset's Chrishell Stause, The Real Housewives of New York City's Dorinda Medley, Vanderpump Rules' Tom Sandoval, RuPaul's Drag Race winner Bob the Drag Queen, and King Charles III's second cousin, Lord Ivar Mountbatten. Truly, anything could happen.* — B.E.

Starring: Bob the Drag Queen, Wells Adams, Sam Asghari, Dolores Catania, Jeremy Collins, Robyn Dixon, Dylan Efron, Nikki Garcia, Bob Harper, Britney Haynes, Rob Mariano, Dorinda Medley, Ciara Miller, Lord Ivar Mountbatten, Danielle Reyes, Tom Sandoval, Chrishell Stause, Tony Vlachos, Carolyn Wiger, Gabby Windey, and Alan Cumming

How to watch: The first three episodes of The Traitors Season 3 premiere Jan. 9 at 9 p.m. ET on Peacock, with new episodes weekly.

1. The Pitt

ER's Noah Wyle returns to an on-screen hospital in The Pitt — but don't fool yourself in thinking this is a soft ER reboot. Told in real time over the course of one 15-hour shift, The Pitt immerses us in Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center's emergency department, where everything from heart attacks to drug overdoses could burst through the doors at any minute.

SEE ALSO: 'The Pitt' review: Noah Wyle medical drama is part 'ER,' part '24,' and all compelling

What follows is a deeply stressful, endlessly engrossing medical drama packed with intense operations and pertinent commentary on America's broken healthcare system. At the center of it all is medical drama veteran Wyle, who proves a capable anchor to The Pitt's sprawling ensemble cast. As I wrote in my review, Wyle is "particularly good during the scenes The Pitt takes to recenter itself after tragedy, be that a moment of silence after the loss of a patient or a discussion in which he has to break bad news to loved ones. The Pitt may boast its fair share of surgical set pieces or plot twists right out of a soap opera, but it's these quiet moments that really ground the show and set the stage for what could hopefully be TV's next great medical drama." — B.E.

Starring: Noah Wyle, Tracy Ifeachor, Patrick Ball, Supriya Ganesh, Fiona Dourif, Taylor Dearden, Isa Briones, Gerran Howell, Shabana Azeez, and Katherine LaNasa

How to watch: The first two episodes of The Pitt premiere Jan. 9 at 9 p.m. ET on Max, with new episodes every Thursday.

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No more scrambling to write SEO-optimized social posts, searching for the perfect image, or typing up hours of notes — Taskio was designed to do it all quickly, effortlessly, and with professional results.

Let’s say you need content for your brand’s next big campaign. Taskio can generate compelling, audience-targeted copy in seconds, freeing up your creative energy for strategy and planning. Need visuals? Its custom AI image generator produces eye-catching graphics at the click of a button. If you’ve got a brainstorming block, Taskio’s niche idea tools and keyword suggestions can jumpstart your inspiration.

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Get a lifetime subscription to Taskio for just $15.99 (use code HOLIDAY20 at checkout).

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TL;DR: Get two 4K drones for $99.97 and enjoy modular batteries, obstacle avoidance, and pro-level features for epic flights.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Dragon Ninja Dragon Phantom Eagle PRO 4K with Blade K Drone Bundle $99.97
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Why settle for one drone when you can have two? This bundle of the Ninja Dragon Phantom Eagle PRO 4K and Blade K drones gives you not just one, but two feature-packed drones, ready to take your aerial adventures to new heights for $99.97 (reg. $299). For both first-time flyers and experienced pilots, these drones combine easy controls, advanced tech, and stunning 4K footage.

Equipped with dual cameras, these drones capture sharp, high-resolution video and photos from above. Use the obstacle avoidance feature to navigate tricky terrains with ease, and the one-key return ensures your drone makes it back safely every time. Plus, the six-axis gyroscope keeps your flights steady and smooth, even when conditions aren’t perfect.

The modular battery design lets you swap out batteries quickly for longer sessions in the sky. And if you want to get creative, try drawing custom flight paths — the drones will follow your directions for cinematic, hands-free shots.

Perfect for tech enthusiasts, content creators, or anyone looking for a fun new hobby, this bundle delivers two high-quality drones for the price of one. Capture breathtaking landscapes, create dynamic videos, or just practice your piloting skills with these drones.

Priced at $99.97, this deal on the Ninja Dragon Phantom Eagle PRO 4K and Blade K drone bundle is a steal for anyone looking to score two drones for the price of one.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Curiosity Stream’s lifetime subscription offers unlimited access to 1,000s of documentaries for only $159.97 (reg. $399).

Opens in a new window Credit: Curiosity Stream Curiosity Stream Standard Plan: Lifetime Subscription $159.97
$399.99 Save $240.02 Get Deal

Looking for a way to stay entertained, informed, and inspired through the long winter months? Curiosity Stream can oblige.

With a lifetime subscription for just $159.97 (down from $399), you get unlimited access to thousands of stunning, high-quality documentaries that cover everything from science and technology to history, true crime, nature, and art. It’s the ultimate streaming platform for anyone who loves learning something new.

Founded by John Hendricks, the visionary behind Discovery Communications, Curiosity Stream is the go-to service for documentary lovers. Whether you’re a history buff who wants to explore ancient civilizations or a science geek fascinated by groundbreaking innovations, there’s something for everyone.

With on-demand streaming and downloadable content for offline viewing, you can dive into your favorite topics anytime, anywhere — no internet required.

It's like having an entire library of captivating documentaries at your fingertips without monthly subscription fees. With this lifetime deal, you’ll never run out of inspiring content to binge. Explore shows like Engineering the Future, Into the Jungle, and Planet of Treasures, all presented with breathtaking visuals and engaging storytelling. It’s really like having Discovery Channel, National Geographic, and History Channel rolled into one, but at a fraction of the price.

The Curiosity Stream Standard Plan gives you access to thousands of documentaries in crystal-clear HD (1920x1080), so you can enjoy an immersive experience on your TV, tablet, or phone. You can even bookmark shows to pick up where you left off or download content for offline viewing. And with new content added regularly, you’ll always have fresh stories to explore.

This offer is ideal for documentary enthusiasts, lifelong learners, and families who want meaningful screen-time experiences. Whether looking into the mysteries of deep time history, uncovering the wonders of the natural world, or geeking out over space exploration, Curiosity Stream brings the world to you.

Don't miss a lifetime of Curiosity Stream for just $159.97 (down from $399).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: No need for a time machine — turn any car into a smart ride with this wireless, 10-inch car display for $99.97 (reg. $199).

Opens in a new window Credit: Mesay 10-inch Touchscreen WiFi/Bluetooth Wireless Car Display with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Support $99.97
$199.99 Save $100.02 Get Deal

Your car might not hit 88 miles per hour often, but that doesn’t mean it can’t feel like it belongs in the future. With this 10-inch wireless touchscreen car display, you can ditch the outdated dashboard and give your ride a $99.97 tech upgrade Doc Brown himself would approve of.

No flux capacitor required. Just plug it in and, great Scott, you’ve got Apple CarPlay and Android Auto at your fingertips. Stream music, pull up Google Maps, take hands-free calls, and send messages without fumbling with your phone. Everything runs seamlessly on the crisp, user-friendly 10-inch display, and you don’t even need roads (well, cords) thanks to its wireless connectivity.

WiFi and Bluetooth keep your setup clean and simple, while voice control ensures you stay focused on the road — or, you know, the space-time continuum. Whether you’re driving a 1985 DeLorean or a “modern” car that skipped the smart tech, this display works with virtually any vehicle, so no one gets left behind in the past.

So, hello, McFly, what are you waiting for? Great tech upgrades happen when you put the pedal to the metal.

On sale for $99.97, this 10-inch touchscreen wireless car display with CarPlay and Android Auto is the perfect way to bring your car out of the dark ages and into the future — no time machine required.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

SAVE $10: As of Jan. 9, the Waterpik Cordless Pulse is on sale for $39.99 at Amazon. That's a 20% saving on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Waterpik Waterpik Cordless Pulse $39.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $10.00 Get Deal

As far as trending products go, we didn't expect to see water dental flossers going viral online. After kicking off on TikTok in 2024, we can only imagine that dentists are feeling a whole lot of relief that people are now taking flossing seriously.

A water dental flosser is a fantastic way to remove plaque and debris from hard-to-reach areas between teeth and along the gum line, and as of Jan. 9, you can get a great deal on the Waterpik Cordless Pulse Flosser at Amazon. Reduced by 20%, it's now $39.99. This deal is available in all three colors: gray, white, and blue.

SEE ALSO: 12 new gadgets from CES 2025 that you can actually buy right now

This is a great all-rounder water flosser, featuring two tips and two settings (low and high) for your personal dental needs, a rechargeable battery, and a portable design that makes it handy for travel. It's even safe to be used in the shower. Waterpik is also the first water flosser brand to earn the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance for safety and effectiveness.

This flosser works by using PrecisionPulse technology to deliver a combination of water pressure and pulsations, removing plaque and bacteria from the teeth and gums. This helps reduce the risk of issues such as gingivitis, cavities, and bad breath.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so move fast so you don't miss out.

SAVE $370: As of Jan. 9, the roborock Q5 Pro+ is on sale for $329.99 at Amazon. That's a 53% saving on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: roborock roborock Q5 Pro+ $329.99 at Amazon
$699.99 Save $370.00 Get Deal

If a robot vacuum has been on your wishlist for quite some time, we don't doubt you've been following the sales and tracking discounts. While they are fantastic products (no more manual vacuuming, what could be better?), they almost always come with a high price tag, so you want to get the most for your money. We get it, and that's why we're always on the hunt for great deals and bargains. And we love this latest Amazon deal on the roborock Q5 Pro+.

As of Jan. 9, you can grab a 53% discount on this popular model. Previously priced at $699.99, it is now down to just $329.99, saving you $370 on list price.

SEE ALSO: Our favorite (mostly weird) robots we saw at CES 2025

As the name suggests, this model is equipped with a DuoRoller system, meaning it can pick up dirt, dust, and pet hair easily, whether it's on carpet or hard floors. It boasts a 5500 Pa HyperForce suction power, meaning it can pick up pretty much all kinds of dirt.

The best part of this robot vacuum however is how low-maintenance it is — not only does it self-empty, but the dustbin has a 2.5-liter storage, so you'll only need to empty it around every seven weeks. The voice controls are also a big plus: Whether you use Alexa, Google Home, or Siri, it'll work for them all.

It even uses PreciSense LiDAR Navigation to map out paths in your home. The clever 3D mapping allows the vacuum to navigate its way around your home with no help, avoiding obstacles and convenient cleaning routes.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so don't miss out.

SAVE $26: As of Jan. 9, Beats Studio 3 are on sale for $149.95 at Amazon, saving you 15% off the original price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio 3 $149.95 at Amazon
$175.95 Save $26.00 Get Deal

Beats headphones are some of the best out there. They've long been known for their incredible sound quality and punchy bass, and they're stylish look. With the holiday season and its correlating sales over, you may think you've missed your chance to snag a pair of new headphones, but think again. Amazon's Daily Deals saves the day with this great discount on Beats Studio 3.

As of Jan. 9, this model is reduced by 15% to $149.95. Not only that, this is the lowest they have ever been priced. This price is specific to the shadow gray color.

SEE ALSO: 12 new gadgets from CES 2025 that you can actually buy right now

Like most Beats products, these headphones benefit from pure adaptive noise canceling (Pure ANC) technology, a feature that helps to block out distractions while you enjoy your music, podcasts, or calls. The sound quality is powerful and immersive.

They're powered by the Apple W1 chip meaning you get seamless pairing with Apple devices and impressive battery life — up to 22 hours with noise canceling avtive. Plus, the Fast Fuel setting gives you three hours of playback from just a 10-minute charge.

Head to Amazon now to get this deal.

If you're on TikTok (or my FYP, anyway), you know Pilates is all the rage. Pilates is a full-body workout that can be done on a reformer machine to help with resistance, or on a mat with accessories like hand weights. Millions of videos showcasing women in aesthetically pleasing workout sets doing planks and squats with just as aesthetically pleasing equipment are across the internet. 

The lure of the "Pilates body" being too good to pass up, I started looking for classes in New York City — only to learn that I'd have to drop $30 per hour for the group fitness experience. Thankfully, there's a plethora of free Pilates workouts on YouTube that I can do in my living room.

SEE ALSO: A dozen products to help you kickstart your New Year's resolutions

I already had a yoga mat, which is all you need to work out at home. I've been doing home workouts long before COVID lockdown, as they're cost-effective and perfect for bad weather or low-effort days when I just want to roll out a mat and get some movement in. 

When wellness brand Stakt sent me its adjustable hand weights, it seemed like my TikTok-aesthetic home Pilates dreams were coming true. Stakt Weights have a two-pound base with two-pound ends that can twist off on either or both sides, so you can adjust (or "stack") them to be two-, four-, or six-pound dumbbells. Judging from Stakt's Instagram account, the weights are exactly for (aspiring) Pilates girlies.

Stakt Weights come in four colors: iron (gray), dune (beige), seafoam (pastel green), and rosewater (pastel pink), and are made of silicone on the outside and metal on the inside. A set of two six-pound weights retails for $98.00.

Stakt is a fitness company that started by producing its Stakt Mat, a foldable mat featured on Shark Tank in 2022. In September of last year, Stakt introduced Stakt Weights. 

I received my weights at the end of September and have been testing them for three months as I'm writing this review. I've been mostly doing Pilates workouts (shout out to the Move With Nicole YouTube channel) several times a week with Stakt Weights, but I've also done standard weight-lifting movements like squats and shoulder presses with them. Overall, I love using Stakt Weights, but there are some key issues — like screwing the weights and the material — that make me hesitate to recommend them. 

Stakt Weights make me want to work out

A huge pro — but not the only one — is that these weights are aesthetically pleasing. If you're one to post about working out, these will surely fit into your next fitness flatlay.

But these weights are also useful. They feel nice in my hand (something I will never say for metal dumbbells), and I love that I can adjust the weights. Altogether one weight is around 10 inches, a bit longer than my forearm, and the base by itself is around half of that. I've used both the base and the ends by themselves if I needed two-pound weights, and I enjoyed the experience of them both. I've also used the weights in four- and six-pound variations and feel the same about both. From weighted ab twists to tucking a weight behind my knee for donkey kicks, I've enjoyed using Stakt Weights.

A big plus is that I can use either the ends or the base weight (which is the longest and has the Stakt branding on it) as a two-pound weight. Sometimes I'm in the middle of a workout with just a two-pound weight and think I can go heavier, so I quickly screw an end onto the main one. Or, the opposite: By the end of the workout I need something lighter, so I screw an end off. 

All three Stakt Weight pieces. Credit: Anna Iovine / Mashable

Stakt Weights are compact and don't take up too much space in my one-bedroom Brooklyn apartment, which is more than I can say for other clunky non-adjustable dumbbells I own.

The two six-pound dumbbells are perfect for the kind of workouts I'm doing, and I find myself wanting to use them. I can psyche myself into wanting to work out with the "look good, feel good" mentality just like wearing cute workout clothes versus old sweats. I'll continue using my Stakt Weights long after this review — with a few caveats.

Screw-on problems with Stakt Weights

My biggest gripe about these weights is the screeching noise the ends make going in and out of the base. It's unavoidable. (I noticed that videos of Stakt Weights on the brand's Instagram have music playing over footage of folks screwing on the weights).

While my partner and my cat haven't expressed annoyance at this sound, evoking the New York City subway as it grinds to a halt during my workout isn't my favorite. When I made this video for the purpose of this review, I also managed to get one end stuck to one base. My partner and I both tried to free the end, but we couldn't. It might be stuck forever now…

Stakt? Stuck. Credit: Anna Iovine / Mashable

There is also one base and one end weight that simply won't fit in with each other. As I often take ends off during workouts and screw them back to store them, I swap bases and ends and can't figure out which one won't fit until it happens (I suppose I could mark them, but wouldn't that ruin the look?).

A lesser problem is that hair and dust stick to the weights' silicone. I store them on the floor of my living room and I have the aforementioned cat, so maybe this is just a "me problem," but I do find myself having to wipe the weights before I use them. 

Lint or cat hair stuck to Stakt Weight. Credit: Anna Iovine / Mashable Are Stakt Weights worth it?

Given these issues, it's difficult to justify the $98 price tag. You're mostly paying for style here. Granted, there isn't another product like Stakt Weights that I can easily find with a Google search. Many adjustable weights, like on Amazon for example, are for much heavier weight and look more utilitarian than Stakt. 

Most comparable to Stakt are these $33.24 light adjustable weights that come in several pastel colors and range from two to five pounds. I haven't used these or seen them in real life, but they seem a bit bulkier than Stakt. While Stakt Weights twist on and off in two-pound intervals, these weights have half-pound discs that snap on and off the base. While Stakt looks more sleek, they are also around three times the price. 

There is an option on the Stakt website to pay with an HSA/FSA (health savings account/flexible spending account), a pre-tax medical benefit, where you can apparently save up to 30 percent on Stakt Weights. If you have an HSA/FSA, that might be worth looking into. 

I use Stakt weights often and I really hope I can manage to get the stuck end off — but even if I can't, I can still use the other pieces for my workouts without too much of a disruption. I'm not sure if the pros would outweigh this con if I paid for these, however.

If you value looks over high-pitched metal and can swing $98, purchase Stakt Weights. If not, look elsewhere. It's not all about aesthetics. 

I promise that headline isn't a Mad Libs.

The Canadian company Plantaform introduced its eponymous smart indoor garden powered by "fogponics" at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, marking its hard launch in the U.S. CEO Alberto Aguilar plugs it as a "Nespresso for your vegetables" that uses an ultra-fine vapor to hydrate plants, resulting in faster growth and 30 to 50 percent less water usage compared to standard hydroponic systems.

The Mashable team caught the Plantaform at CES' Pepcom media showcase Monday night, and it's easily one of the neatest smart home gadgets I've seen here all week. The Consumer Technology, the trade show's organizer, shares my enthusiasm: It's a 2025 CES Innovation Awards Best of Innovation winner in the Food and AgTech category.

Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

Not too shabby for NASA leftovers, mind you. Aguilar told me that the Plantaform's fog-based watering technology was originally developed (then ditched) by the administration as a way to grow plants in space.

SEE ALSO: I bent LG's new 5K2K bendable gaming monitor at CES 2025

Design-wise, the Plantaform is a 26-inch-tall egg-shaped vessel (available in midnight black or frost white) with removable windows, full-spectrum LED lights, and a central chamber filled with holes for up to 15 individual soil-free seed pods. The Plantaform tends to the plants throughout their entire growth cycles using an algorithm-determined combination of water, light, and nutrients, per the company's website.

Via Giphy

The fog in question hits the plants right at their roots from inside the Plantaform's chamber. Some of it inevitably leaks out and floats among their leaves, humidifiying the system's immediate surroundings while looking cool as hell.

Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

As far as maintenance goes, users need to do little more than make sure the Plantaform is topped off with water dosed with fertilizer every two to three weeks. Its companion mobile app offers setup guidance and care reminders. Notably, the system features a self-cleaning cycle, eliminating a tedious between-plants chore. Popular indoor hydroponic systems like the Gardyn and the Lettuce Grow Indoor Farmstand need to be emptied, taken apart, scrubbed of algae and grime, and then reassembled before new rounds of seed pods go in.

Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

While not exactly cheap, the Plantaform is competitively priced at $499.99. (For comparison's sake, Gardyns and Lettuce Grows start at $499 and $973, respectively.) Plant pod packs are $29.99 each and available in mixes of lettuces, cherry tomatoes, and cocktail herbs.

Aguilar said the Plantaform will also support users' own seeds by the end of the year.

Opens in a new window Credit: Plantaform Plantaform $499.99 at Plantaform
Shop Now

Airbnb is offering free temporary housing to people impacted by the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles. Here's how to get help.

California's wildfires have been raging out of control this week, with at least five people dead, over 1000 buildings destroyed, and more than 100,000 residents ordered to evacuate. The fires remain largely uncontained despite local firefighters' best efforts, burning thousands of acres with no signs of slowing. Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency while President Joe Biden has approved a Major Disaster declaration, and agencies across the country are sending assistance in fighting the flames.

SEE ALSO: How to protect your pets from wildfire smoke

However, with so many people evacuating, it raises the question of where they should go. Information on evacuation centers can be found on the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and Los Angeles Fire Department's websites, with the Westwood Recreation Center, Pan Pacific Recreation Center, and Ritchie Valens Recreation Center a few of the options available. The Los Angeles Equestrian Center will temporarily house large animals.

Now Airbnb.org has partnered with non-profit 221 LA County to offer free temporary housing as well, helping more evacuees find a safe place to stay. A non-profit founded by short-term rental platform Airbnb, Airbnb.org coordinates discounted or free emergency housing during crises. It previously ran a similar program in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

"Stays are completely free for guests and are funded by Airbnb.org and the generosity of Airbnb hosts — many of whom offer their home for free or at a discount through Airbnb.org," said Airbnb in its announcement on Wednesday. The company has also stated that it is waiving all service fees for both hosts and guests.

How to get free Airbnb housing if you're fleeing the L.A. wildfires Credit: Robyn Beck / AFP via Getty Images

To be eligible for Airbnb's free temporary housing, you must currently reside in an evacuation zone and have been displaced due to the current wildfires. This means that either your home has been destroyed, or you've been forced to evacuate. You must also be over 18 and have an Airbnb account. 

If you fulfill these requirements, you can apply for Airbnb's housing support by filling out a form on 211 LA County's website. As of writing, all available Airbnb locations have already been allocated. Nevertheless, 211 LA County is still encouraging people to sign up in case more space becomes available.

Airbnb's housing offer is currently focused on people in Altadena, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Santa Monica, and Sylmar areas, however the company states that it may expand to other areas as well.

Hosts can visit Airbnb.org if they would like to offer free or discounted stays to people impacted by the wildfires.

The Los Angeles Fire Department's map of evacuation areas as of Jan. 9, 1 a.m. EST / Jan. 8, 10 p.m. PST. Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / The Los Angeles Fire Department

The announcement of this initiative coincided with notable criticism of Airbnb on social media, after the company reportedly told a user that her cancellation of a booking close to the ongoing Palisades Fire wasn't covered by its Major Disruptive Events Policy. 

"To clarify, I called Airbnb to request help with rebooking accommodations farther from the danger zone," wrote Ana Mostarac, providing further context to her widely-shared post on X. "As always, their policies failed to account for context."

The company later told CNN that it has since offered Mostarac a full refund.

Mashable has reached out to Airbnb for comment.

TL;DR: Help them preserve cherished photos, videos, and important files with 1TB of Koofr cloud storage for life for just £88.98, with no recurring fees.

Give your loved ones the gift of secure, lifetime cloud storage with Koofr’s 1TB plan — just £88.98 (reg. £655.38) through 12 January. Because it's made to be user-friendly, it's ideal for parents, grandparents, or anyone who wants to keep photos, videos, and important files safe (even if they're not all that comfortable with digital files).

Koofr makes digital organisation simple and worry-free. Unlike other storage services, Koofr’s one-time payment model means no monthly fees, ever. Once you’re in, you’re set for life.

More than just a place to park files, it’s a thoughtful solution built to make digital storage easy, accessible, and secure. With 1TB of space, you can store up to 250,000 photos, 500 hours of HD video, or millions of documents. And if you’re already using services like Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive, Koofr lets you connect them all in one place for simplified access to all your files.

One of the more thoughtful features is the Koofr Duplicate Finder. Say goodbye to duplicate files taking up unnecessary space. Koofr makes it easy to keep storage neat and organised. And it's good to know that Koofr takes privacy seriously. It doesn’t track your activity, and all files are encrypted during transfer and at rest, so you can rest assured your data is private.

Koofr is ideal for anyone who wants to keep their digital files safe and accessible, especially those who might not be very tech-savvy. It’s a useful gift for backing up photos, archiving family memories, or securing important work documents.

Grab a lifetime access to 1TB of Koofr Cloud Storage while it's on sale for just £88.98 (reg. £655.38) through 12 January at the Mashable Shop.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Koofr Koofr Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription (1TB) £88.98
£655.38 Save £566.40 Get Deal

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

We know there's a chance that AI is going to take over the world, but before we get to that point, we should all learn how to make the most out of this technology. We might as well get what we can before things turn sour.

The good news is that a wide range of online courses covering AI can be found on Udemy. And better yet, some of the best examples can be taken for free. We've checked out everything on offer and lined up a selection of standout courses to get you started.

These are the best online AI courses you can take for free this month:

• A Gentle Introduction to Generative AI

• AI-900: Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals

• AI Art Generation Guide: Create AI Images For Free

• AI Filmmaking

• AI for Beginners: Learn The Basics of ChatGPT

• AI for Everyone

• AI-Powered Chatbot: Build Your Own with No Code

• AI Product Strategy

• Artificial Intelligence for Accountants

• Artificial Intelligence for Humans: AI Explained

• Artificial Intelligence: Preparing Your Career for AI

• Become an AI Accelerated Engineer Using ChatGPT

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

• Become an AI-Powered Engineer: Cursor, the AI-First IDE

• Business Analyst: Digital Director for AI and Data Science

• Canva AI: Master Canva AI Tools and Apps 2024

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

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

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

• ChatGPT Security: Privacy Risks and Data Protection Basics

• Create Faceless YouTube Videos Using Free AI Tools Only

• Deep Learning and AI with Python for Beginners

• Digital, Virtual and AI Photography

• Gemini AI Course for Beginners

• Generative AI and Prompt Engineering

• Generative AI For Leaders

• Google Gemini AI with Python API

• How To Make YouTube Automation Videos in 20 Minutes Using AI

• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

• Learn Basics About AI

• Master Gemini AI

• Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals: Get Started with AI

• Midjourney and ChatGPT: Unleash AI for Unique Image Generation

• Prompt Engineering+: Master Speaking To AI

• Prompt Engineering Principles: ChatGPT & DALL-E

• Unleash your Creativity with Stable Diffusion AI

These free online courses don't include certificates of completion or direct instructor messaging, but you still get unrestricted access to all the video content. So what's stopping you from enrolling? You can learn at a pace that suits you, so there's no pressure.

Find the best free AI courses on Udemy.

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

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

Imagine a scenario where your access to your favorite online sites is restricted. This isn't a horrible nightmare that we've conjured up purely to torment you. This is the reality for a lot of people around the world.

In an effort to preserve your online freedom, we're giving you the information you need to bypass online restrictions and access sites like XVideos from anywhere in the world. You can thank us later.

Looking for the best way to unblock porn sites like XVideos for free from anywhere in the world? We have the information you need.

How to unblock XVideos for free

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

Unblock XVideos by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to XVideos

4. Access XVideos from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-year subscription + 3 months free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites and then recover your investment at a later date. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it works well if you're temporarily away from home on an unsecured network.

What is the best VPN for porn?

ExpressVPN is the top choice when it comes to unblocking porn sites like XVideos, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Unblock XVideos for free with ExpressVPN.

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Members of

• Green: Cities with with an original hockey team

• Blue: Share the same mascot

• Purple: Related to game played on the green

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Team

• Green: Original six NHL teams

• Blue: Panthers

• Purple: Golf ______

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #108 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Team - CREW, GROUP, SIDE, SQUAD

• Original six NHL teams - BOSTON, MONTREAL, NEW YORK, TORONTO

• Panthers - CAROLINA, FLORIDA, NORTHERN IOWA, PITTSBURGH

• Golf _____ - CART, CLAP, CLUB, COURSE

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

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Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

Robots are everywhere at CES 2025. We've been waved at by a robot stool, watched a droid do our laundry, hugged an adorable furry monster bot, and fact-checked a robot who claims to be able to climb stairs while vacuuming. Here's some of the highlights from the consumer tech show floor, where Mashable has walked among our future bot overlords.

Tech lovers: Bigger price tags may be on the horizon.

The incoming Trump administration has proposed a sweeping economic agenda that includes controversially high tariffs on imported goods, and while the plan has reportedly fluctuated over the last month, the President-elect argues increased tariffs on imports is the best way to pay for sweeping tax cuts and reduce the amount of drugs and immigrant workers coming into the U.S. 

The more likely result? Higher prices for consumers and their favorite foreign-made goods. 

Analysts and businesses themselves have warned about the potential price surge, and predict that Trump's current tariff plan would have disproportionate effects on consumer goods and electronics made in China, as the President-elect proposes blanket tariffs on all imports and a levy on Chinese goods that could be upwards of 60 percent. 

SEE ALSO: CES 2025 highlights: What we've seen so far

According to reports from the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), this policy path would have a net negative effect on purchasing power for U.S. consumers in the tech market, which could see a $90 to $143 billion decline over the next year. 

Meanwhile, the consumer tech industry is still on track for multi-billion dollar revenues in 2025, with the Consumer Technology Association predicting a $537 billion market in 2025. This year may see a reverse of the previous, which recorded dismal sales in its first half. For now, the industry's innovators and sales-folk aren't slowing down. 

The annual Consumer Electronics Showcase (CES), which is produced by the CTA, unveiled everything from stair-climbing robot vacuums (well, sort of) to a laptop that unrolls itself into a bigger display.

But Trump's tariff crackdown may affect the kinds of products that make up CES' bread and butter, including the non-automobile lithium-ion batteries powering portable electronics, televisions, computer accessories, PCs, laptops, tablets, and other connected devices, among others, writes Business Insider. Around a quarter of CES exhibitioners are made up of Chinese AI hardware and robotics firms this year, the Information reports, amid an ongoing tech and AI race between the U.S. and China. In a statement to the Global Times, China's display maker BOE explained it has doubled its exhibition area since 2024, with more than 1,000 registered Chinese companies in attendance.

Speaking in Las Vegas this week, CES organizers made an indirect jab at Trump's economic plan to the international crowd: "To keep our economies thriving and inflation in check, we need policies that enable startups, allow businesses to flourish, and create the next generation of tech leaders — policies that create rules of the road for tech companies and offer guardrails to protect safety, privacy, and fairness," said CES CEO Gary Shapiro. "Here in the U.S., that means finding a way to break through the gridlock and pass sensible immigration reforms to promote highly skilled immigration and recognizing that tariffs are taxes paid for by American businesses and the American people and the world.”

Companies and brands at the showcase are taking a much less vocal approach to the looming levies, either avoiding discussion of tariffs or taking a "wait and see" stance as they debut new products. 

"We will keep monitoring global regulations and will take strategic actions that increase our operational resilience, which includes being closer to the markets with a shorter supply chain so that we can act faster," said Lisa Emard, Acer's Director of Media Relations, in a comment to Mashable. "We work with ODMs (original design manufacturers) for manufacturing of our computers and in some regions, we have our own final assembly lines to increase our flexibility to meet local customer needs. Currently we also have manufacturing and assembly capacity in Australia, Azerbaijan, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, South Africa, and the United States." 

Behind the scenes, some, like Apple, have tried to shift away from Chinese-dependent supply chains in recent years, with mixed results. 

Consumers, on the other hand, are raring to go in a market full of shiny new products. Here's where some of CES' most anticipated showings fit into the country's potential economic future.

SEE ALSO: 12 new gadgets from CES 2025 that you can actually buy right now Vacuum cleaners

With Chinese companies quickly taking over the market for home cleaning electronics, consumers may first feel the tariff pinch as they shop for increasingly more expensive vacuum cleaners — including the robotic ones. 

And CES exhibitors showcased a veritable army of new robotic vacuums this year. The Roborock Saros Z70 has an extendable arm that can help pick up obstacles in its path, while the Dreame X50 Ultra can breeze over thresholds that other vacuums balk at — as long as they're not taller than two inches. 

Computers, tablets, and smartphones

In its most recent report, the CTA estimates that Trump's economic plan could bump up the average price of laptops and tablets as high as 47 percent — that's a $200 to $350 margin. Due to rising prices, laptop sales overall could take a 68 percent hit in 2025, according to the CTA. 

Those in the market for their own Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable (a laptop that can enlarge itself) or Nvidia's personal AI supercomputer may be inclined to get in early, then. New products from brands like Alienware and Acer could also feel the pressure later on, and monitors, like LG's buzzy 5K2K bendable gaming monitor, aren't safe from price hikes. 

Gaming consoles 

The CTA estimates that gaming consoles will see an average $250 increase from their current sales price, which, at the extreme, could drop sales by as much as 58 percent. 

Notable CES showings include the handheld hybrid Acer Nitro Blaze 11 and the third-party SteamOS powered Lenovo Legion Go S. 

Smart TVs 

With AI set to innovate the somewhat bloated market of smart TVs, the products themselves may see up to a nine percent price increase in prices under the new tariff plan. 

At CES, Samsung's Neo QLED, OLED and QLED, and The Frame models, as well as LG's OLED evo lineup debuted with a new suite of AI features. Samsung and LG also announced partnerships with Microsoft's Copilot AI, and Google unveiled it would be bringing Gemini AI to TVs, too. 

Battery-powered TVs, like LG's StanByMe 2, could also take a hit.

Tech-boosted vehicles

Trump's tariff plan could also bump up the price of vehicles in the U.S., including from American-made brands, with some experts estimating a $600 to $2,500 price increase per vehicle. And while Canadian, Mexican, and Chinese assembled vehicles would certainly be hit by a country-specific tariff plan, the fate of other foreign vehicles is up-in-the-air.  

CES audiences were introduced to the AFEELA 1 Signature, a brainchild of Sony and Honda, that debuted at CES this year with LiDAR cameras, touchless doors, and a Sony PlayStation 5 controller that you can literally game with. It's already sitting pretty with a six figure price tag.

Haley Henschel contributed to this report.