Mashable

Lagging Zoom calls aren't just annoying parts of the average work day. They may be irreparably changing our social interactions.

According to a new study published this week in Nature, audiovisual glitches can have far-reaching affects on users that extend beyond expected nuisances, but which have the power to fundamentally impact major areas of our life, including the outcome of a job interview, trust in medical professionals, and the result of legal proceedings. And for people who don't have reliable internet access, including digitally disconnected, rural, or low-income households, the impact may be even more severe.

SEE ALSO: It's time to add AI protections to your will

Titled "Video-call glitches trigger uncanniness and harm consequential life outcomes," the study focused primarily on on-screen face-to-face video calls, rather than audio-only calls or conversations featuring screen sharing or visual aids. Researchers reviewed several scenarios, including a database of casual video social interactions, a scripted video sales pitch given to participants, and a health consultations. They found that frequent video lags reduced feelings of trust and willingness to engage, such as to take the advice of or reconsult with a health provider.

The reason is that a dropped internet connection or glitches that distort faces, misalign audio and visual feedback, or create choppiness "break the illusion of face-to-face contact" that is created while on a video call, researchers write. This evokes a feeling of uncanniness that reduces a sense of social connectedness and trust — like when you realize you're talking to an AI. This sense is commonly referred to as the "Uncanny Valley," where something looks almost human, but not quite.

"Glitches can be costly in these consequential, virtually held life events. That is, beyond just undermining trivial and fleeting moments of conversation, glitches have the potential to fundamentally alter the trajectory of individuals’ lives, from their health to job status and more," researchers found. "Because people participate in numerous personal and professional virtual interactions annually, even modest glitch-related disadvantages can compound over time into substantial cumulative effects."

The researchers also reviewed court data, and when combined with the above results, found that video glitches correlated with a lower likelihood of being granted parole. "Despite being considered a boon to access, virtual communication might unintentionally perpetuate inequality," write the study's authors. "Because disadvantaged groups often have poorer internet connections, they are likely to encounter more glitches, and, in turn, to experience worse outcomes in consequential contexts such as health, careers, justice and social connection."

The study suggests that the evolving political and technological landscape, which has shifted increasingly toward remote-only processes, consider the impact of reverting to in-person interactions in favor of video interfacing. And the study recognizes there may be an implicit bias in the design of remote systems that advantage certain groups over others.

It also argues for more research on how best to reduce the impact of the Uncanny Valley while video conferencing, with one possible intervention standing out among others: Cracking a joke or two.

ChatGPT users are up in arms over what seems like advertisements appearing in their conversations — while OpenAI disputes that the messages are advertisements at all.

Even users who shell out $200 per month for a Pro subscription say they're seeing suggestions for apps or stores that may not actually be ads, but feel like it.

Here's one example, in which ChatGPT suggests the Peloton app — in a chat that's unrelated to the exercise equipment brand.

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An OpenAI employee responded quickly to the viral tweet. "Thanks for flagging. This is not an ad (there's no financial component)," wrote Daniel McAuley, who works on the data team at OpenAI.

"It's only a suggestion to install Peloton's app. But the lack of relevancy makes it a bad/confusing experience. We're iterating on the suggestions and UX, trying to make sure they're awesome."

Users on Reddit and elsewhere have also complained about so-called "app suggestions" ... that aren't technically ads.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

While these suggestions may not technically be ads, there have also been indications that ChatGPT could integrate straightforward advertisements soon — although when OpenAI CEO Sam Altman declared a "code red" for the company, he suggested this would mean delaying the ad rollout.

As AI companies with massive valuations and a huge burn rate scramble to make money, it seems the era of an ad-free chatbot might be reaching its end.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

Among Amazon's flagship gadgets, like Kindles and Fire TVs, Echos are the stars of the show. These multitasking smart home devices do a little bit of everything in nearly every room in the house. (Plus, with this year's rollout of Alexa+, they're now supercharged with extra AI features.) Whether you need a smart speaker, alarm clock, or hub for your other smart devices, there's an Echo to help you out. Amazon's list of devices is ever-growing, so we've tested them to find the best Echo devices for your smart home.

If you're ready to invest in an Echo, you don't need to buy these devices at full price. They always go on sale during events like Prime Day and Black Friday, so it's worth holding out until the next sale.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Alexa is a Mashable Readers' Choice Award winner New Echos in 2025

On Sept. 30, 2025, Amazon debuted several new Echo devices. We've yet to test the new Amazon Echo Dot Max or the refreshed Echo Studio, however, once we've completed testing, we'll add them to this guide.

Changes to existing Echo devices in 2025

For existing Echo owners, or those looking to become ones, a major change happened in 2025 that affects user privacy. Amazon sent out an email to users saying the "Do Not Send Voice Recordings" feature on the device will no longer be available as of March 28, 2025. But what does that mean?

Previously, the "Do Not Send Voice Recordings" setting allowed the devices to process requests locally without sending them to Amazon servers. However, with that setting no longer supported, all requests will now go through Amazon servers. Plus, if you do have that setting turned on after the change goes into effect, you'll lose access to the Voice ID feature as well.

While Amazon promises that all information requests are encrypted and secure, it still means that the retailer has access to all of that data.

What can an Echo smart speaker do? Trying out the new Echo Spot smart alarm clock. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

All Echo devices utilize Amazon Alexa's AI superpowers — it's just a matter of which form you want your Echo to take. The Echo and Echo Dot are smart speakers that you can use for music, phone calls, calendar reminders, or news alerts. Amazon Echo Show devices, on the other hand, can do all of the aforementioned audio stuff, but they also boast colorful displays for making video calls, streaming entertainment, or managing your day. Think of Echo Shows as stationary, more affordable tablets, essentially.

Most Echo devices are designed to act as smart hubs within your home, but some Echo devices can also be taken on the road. Echo Auto brings hands-free Alexa functionality to the car, while Echo Buds and Echo Frames can travel with you anywhere.

What can Alexa+ do?

Alexa is to Amazon as Siri is to Apple, and is the driving force behind every Echo. But Alexa just got a big upgrade. Now there's Alexa+, a new AI-powered version of Alexa introduced to Echo devices in March 2025. For Prime subscribers, Alexa+ will be included in membership, and non-subscribers will have to pay $19.99 per month for the service.

Alexa has an answer to almost anything you ask. Just by shouting out, you can play music, adjust the volume, and set an alarm or timer. And that's just naming a few options. On devices like the Echo Show, you can also ask Alexa to pull up recipes or answer questions that come up while cooking. With Alexa+, the AI agent doesn't just respond to commands but can actually engage in conversation.

Here's a short list of what Alexa+ can do:

• Provide a highlight reel of the day's security footage

• Read stories to kids

• Plan a date night

• Book restaurant reservations

• Control your smart home technology from one central hub

• Access your calendars and set reminders

• Get answers to any question you can think of

• Make phone calls (and video calls with an Echo Show)

• Get the latest weather and news

• Follow recipes

• Shop on Amazon

• Stream music (and video on an Amazon Echo Show)

• Play games

There are more than 100,000 Alexa skills that you can utilize via an Echo device, and Amazon is always adding more.

Alexa gets supercharged when other smart home tech comes into the picture. If you have a smart thermostat or smart light bulbs, as long as they're compatible with the Alexa system, you can create routines through your Echo. That can be as simple as telling Alexa to turn on the lights in one room or programming Alexa to turn the thermostat down before you come home.

If you're ready for an Alexa-powered home, read on for the 10 best Amazon Echo devices of 2025.

I'm not saying that you can expect every robot vacuum that mops to scrub your kitchen grout with the same tenacity as you could by hand with a toothbrush. But the best robot vacuum and mop combos have gotten much closer to true deep cleaning versus the ol' wet light dusting of the cheap mopping robot vacuums of the early 2020s.

Many have smart mopping settings that unleash deeper scrubbing on specified spills or stains, and some even use AI sensors to assess whether a mess has been sufficiently cleaned. The mopping mechanisms themselves are also just more physically able to do a better job — from downward-pressing dual rotating mops that can actually get close to the wall or sturdy roller mops that rinse themselves as they go, automated mopping involves more elbow grease and brainpower than you may be expecting.

You can also set your robot vacuum to take multiple passes over dirty floors in the app's settings — one of my go-to tips for making your vacuum work better.

SEE ALSO: iRobot could be facing bankruptcy. But as a vacuum tester, I saw the Roomba flop era coming from a mile away.

The self-emptying docks of 2-in-1 robot vacuums are far more advanced than they were a few years ago. The best robot mop combos will also self-dispense detergent, automatically wash and dry their mopping pads, and then refill themselves with clean water. In theory, mopping pad maintenance should be nearly as automated as the cleaning itself.

SEE ALSO: I ran the Dyson HushJet 24/7 for a week. It's so quiet that I forgot it was on, but I did notice fresher air. Recent changes to this guide

• Narwal Freo Z10 Ultra: This is the newest recommendation in this list, added on Nov. 13, 2025. I've named it the "best robot vacuum mop combo under $1,000," a mark that it hits when on sale. The Eufy X10 Pro Omni got a similar update: It's now named the "best robot vacuum mop combo under $500," which refers to a sale price it hits quite often.

• Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Roller: I've added this new vacuum as of Oct. 18, 2025. For now, I've named it the "best roller mop robot vacuum," but it's a frontrunner to be my "best overall" pick.

• Roborock Saros 10R: Previously our top pick as the best robot vacuum and mop, I've now named this the "best corner mopping" vacuum, also as of October 2025.

Other robot vacuums I've tested recently

I've tested several other robot vacuum hybrids that didn't make the cut. Some, like the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, Roborock Qrevo Master, Narwal Freo X Ultra were top picks in this list at one point, but were merely upstaged in power and price tag value by newer models.

I've also tested some 2025 robot vacuum releases that were OK, but weren't contenders for this list. The Dreame X50 Ultra grabbed attention during its CES 2025 debut for its ability to "climb," though the fine print is that it can't scale thresholds taller than 6 millimeters (about 2.36 inches). The Roborock Saros 10 and 10R were able to hoist over the few thick doorway thresholds in my apartment just as well as the X50 Ultra. Its mopping and vacuuming capabilities are better than most mid-range robot vacuums, of course, but they weren't impressive enough for me to suggest the X50 Ultra in this list over either Saros model.

I'm also in the process of testing the new fleet of 2025 Roombas. But given iRobot's rocky financial situation and bleak-looking future, I'm only recommending one mopping Roomba (the Combo 505) at this time — and that's only if it's on sale. The Roomba Combo 205 DustCompactor wouldn't be a bad pick if you absolutely can't spare floor space for a self-empty dock. But for being one of iRobot's newest vacuums, I expected it to be a much smoother, smarter navigator.

We finally have a date for the launch of the new Amazon Kindle Scribe and Amazon Kindle Scribe Colorsoft. First announced during Amazon's Devices and Services event on Sept. 30, 2025, no purchase date was provided for the new Amazon e-readers. As of Dec. 4, Amazon has officially announced that the new Amazon Scribe and Scribe Colorsoft will be available for purchase on Wednesday, Dec. 10.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Scribe 2025 (32GB) $499.99 at Amazon
  Learn More Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Scribe Colorsoft 2025 (32GB) $629.99 at Amazon
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During the Amazon Devices and Services event, Mashable's tech editor, Timothy Beck Werth, went hands-on with the new Scribe Colorsoft. The new devices are ultra-thin and lightweight, measuring just 5.4 millimeters in width and weighing just 400 grams. Additionally, Amazon developed a new chip for these e-readers, promising to be 40 percent faster. Each device features an 11-inch display with texture-molded glass, so it feels like writing on paper with the included premium pen. Both the new Scribe and Scribe Colorsoft will be available in 32GB and 64GB versions.

The new Amazon Kindle Scribe Colorsoft finally has color displays, a game changer for avid annotators. Credit: Amazon

The Scribe Colorsoft will finally feature a color display. This means that you can now color-code your notes and annotations. Plus, both devices will have Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive integration.

Neither device is available for preorder, so if you're looking to purchase, you'll have to wait to do so on Dec. 10. But be prepared to cough up some serious dough. The Kindle Scribe and Scribe Colorsoft are the most expensive e-readers from Amazon. The new Amazon Kindle Scribe starts at $499.99, while the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft starts at $629.99.

Keke Palmer may have a murder on her hands in the teaser for Peacock's The 'Burbs.

The upcoming mystery comedy is inspired by the 1989 film of the same name, which stars Tom Hanks, Bruce Dern, and Carrie Fisher as suburbanites investigating their suspicious neighbors, who may or may not be performing ritualistic sacrifices.

SEE ALSO: 'A Thousand Blows' is back with an uppercut of a Season 2 trailer

In Peacock's take on The 'Burbs, created by Celeste Hughey and produced by Seth MacFarlane, Palmer and Jack Whitehall play a young couple who has moved back to the husband's childhood home. There, Palmer's character becomes intrigued by a house that's been vacant for 20 years. In this first teaser, she learns from her neighbors that the prior owners' daughter died in the house, adding a layer of tragic mystery to her new neighborhood.

The house won't be vacant much longer, though. The show's synopsis reveals that Palmer and Whitehall's characters' "world is upended when new neighbors move in next door, bringing old secrets of the cul-de-sac to light, and new deadly threats shatter the illusion of their quiet little neighborhood."

Watch the full teaser above to see Palmer go full Only Murders in the Cul-de-sac, accompanied by the soundtrack of Doechii's smash hit "Anxiety."

The 'Burbs also stars Julia Duffy, Paula Pell, Mark Proksch, and Kapil Talwalkar.

The 'Burbs hits Peacock Feb. 8.

SAVE $82.25: The Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer (gen 1) sunglasses are on sale for $246.75 in the matte black colorway with polarized gradient graphite lenses. That's a 25% discount compared to the list price of $329 and it's the lowest price we've seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ray-Ban Meta Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer (gen 1) sunglasses (matte black, polarized gradient graphite) $246.75 at Amazon
$329 Save $82.25   Get Deal

Cyber Monday deals came with some seriously impressive savings this year, but most of those have vanished by now. But if you were busy on vacation or celebrating with family and missed the big deals, there's something special in store for you today.

As of Dec. 4, the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer (gen 1) sunglasses are on sale at Amazon for $246.75 in the matte black colorway with polarized gradient graphite lenses. That's a savings of $82.25 compared to the standard price of $329 and a new record-low. Amazon is also tossing in a free $1.76 Amazon credit to use on a future purchase.

If you've always been intrigued by the Meta Ray-Ban sunglasses, here's your chance to get a pair that's on a serious discount. This sale price applies to both the regular and large sized Wayfarer AI sunglasses for a classic look with modern tech.

SEE ALSO: Level up your listening with a pair of Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones for their lowest price yet

Packed with a 12 megapixel camera and open-ear speakers, you'll be able to record video or tune into an epic playlist with your sunglasses. The five-mic system can also record exactly what you're hearing for a truly lifelike recording.

Donning the Ray-Ban Meta sunglasses also means you can tap into AI to get more info about your surroundings. Ask about the history of a building or find out the name of a beautiful flower. Of course, you can also make and receive calls via the sunglasses for a hands-free experience.

If you've always wanted to listen to a podcast without earbuds while wearing your sunglasses, this is a great chance to score the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer (gen 1) sunglasses for a record low price.

CES 2026 is just around the corner. Samsung is usually one of the companies that steals the show every year, often using the big annual consumer tech conference to make announcements regarding its line of TVs.

Well, it seems that Samsung's plans might have just leaked, courtesy of the publicly accessible European Samsung spare parts database, as first noticed by the website FlatpanelsHD.

The database lists some newer models of Samsung's most popular OLED TV sets. But, there's also a brand-new model in the database and an absolutely enormous version of Samsung's The Frame

If the leaks are accurate, new 2026 updates to Samsung's current lineup of OLED televisions are set to debut with the S85H, S90H and S95H models listed in the database. "H" denotes a new 2026 model, according to FlatpanelsHD.

However, an OLED TV model S99H is also listed, coming in sizes ranging from 55 inches to 83 inches. Based on the model number, this appears to even be a more premium version of Samsung's S95H line, which starts at just under $2,000 for a 55-inch model. It's unclear exactly what Samsung will add to make a more premium version of its current high-end TV line.

On the opposite side of the pricing spectrum, Samsung also seems poised to reveal new, more affordable lower-end models too with the S82H and S83H. The current cheapest models in this lineup are the 65-inch S84H and the 55-inch S85H, coming in at around $1,000 each. It's unclear what the newer models will be priced at, but are likely to be cheaper (yet still not "budget" priced).

And, finally, the database points to a new gigantic 98-inch version of Samsung's The Frame TV. The Samsung TV that is meant to look like a framed piece of art currently maxes out at 85-inches. Samsung may have felt that was still too small and decided to bring an even larger model to the market in 2026.

We'll find out more details when Samsung officially unveils its new products at CES.

Threads is testing a new way for users to manipulate their own recommendation algorithm.

The feature, aptly called "Dear algo," allows users to post a message to the algorithm with the note "dear algo" asking to see more or less of a certain thing. For instance, you might post "Dear algo, show me more book recommendations" or "Dear algo, stop showing me basketball updates my team is bad and it makes me sad."

Conor Hayes, the head of Threads, said in a post on the site on Dec. 3 that the platform is "testing a new AI feature to help you personalize your feed."

"When people add 'Dear Algo' to a post, it will tell your feed what you want to see more or less of for up to three days. If your profile is public, people can see your request, connect with you about it, or repost it," Hayes wrote. "This is just a test, so not everyone will have access now, but we're working on rolling it out more broadly soon."

Then, the feed responds by showing you what you asked for for the next three days. This won't change your feed entirely (or forever) but the temporary change will allow you to engage with content you like and that engagement will help refine your algorithm in the long term.

It's important to note that these posts are public — so it also informs all your friends and followers what you want to see more or less of.

Mark Zuckerberg, the head of Meta, wrote that the new feature was "inspired" by people on the app "who started 'dear threads algo' requests."

Something smells delicious today. The pumpkin pie from Thanksgiving is gone and we haven't started on the Christmas baking just yet, but we're all in line for a sweet treat today because it's National Cookie Day.

Cookie Monster is celebrating today with friends on Sesame Street and here in the outside world, we have some sweet deals in store. Just like National Coffee Day, this cookie celebration means brands and popular cookie bakeries are serving up some excellent opportunities to snack on something sweet for free. Here are some of our favorite cookie deals on offer today.

Crumbl

Like it or not, Crumbl is paying homage to the "6-7" trend on Dec. 4. Order a six-pack of cookies in store and get a seventh item for free while supplies last. There's a sticky toffee pudding cookie on the menu this week if you need extra incentive to visit today.

Dairy Queen

Swing by Dairy Queen today where DQ Rewards members can save $3 on any small Blizzard through Dec. 7. The chain launched the December Blizzard of the month earlier this week and went all-in on the holiday theme with the Frosted Sugar Cookie Blizzard Treat. You can also score a free mini Frosted Sugar Cookie Blizzard Treat with purchase of a six-piece chicken strip basket or a Signature Stackburger combo.

Nestlé Toll House

Set an alarm because at 2 p.m. ET today, you can snag a free Nestlé Toll House Cookie Tacos kit while supplies last. The kit includes ingredients you'll need to bake up your own cookie taco at home to celebrate the day. We expect this deal to vanish quicker than homemade cookies fresh out of the oven, so be sure to have fast fingers come 2 p.m.

Panera Bread

Sign up for a frew MyPanera loyalty program account and then stop in to snag a free cookie with purchase of a cookie. Two cookies is always better than one.

Insomnia Cookies

Sign up for the Insomnia Cookies Rewards loyalty program and then be one of the first 100 members to visit any store today. You'll be rewarded with a free Snowball Classic cookie and you might be in for something extra sweet. One special Snowball cookie at each location is filled with purple buttercream. That signifies your golden ticket to free cookies for a year.

View this post on Instagram Jimmy John's

Get a free Holiday Magic Cookie, which is packed with red and green M&M's, today with any digital order of $5 or more. Be sure you're logged into your JJ Rewards account on mobile or the app before placing your purchase to be sure you're in line for a free cookie.

Milk Bar

If you're lucky enough to visit the Milk Bar flagship location in Los Angeles, New York, or the West Village location in New York or Logan Circle in D.C., you can score a free McCormick x Milk Bar Eggnog English Toffee Cookie. Each location will hand over this free offering to the first 50 to 100 customers, so get there early for this National Cookie Day celebration. If you're not able to snag a free cookie, you can order it online through the Milk Bar website or make them at home with the recipe listed at McCormick.

Pepperidge Farm

Early this morning, Pepperidge Farm offered to send a free Holiday Cookie Courier to anyone you love. The kit included a pack of Milano Mint Chocolate and a pack of Chessmen Butter Cookies in a lovely holiday box with a personalized note. The offering is currently sold out, but it's worth checking back later today in case Pepperidge Farms is feeling extra generous on this sweet day.

Deals for the home baker

Don't feel like heading out to take advantage of any of these free cookie deals? Today is a great excuse to bake up a few dozen cookies at home. In honor of National Cookie Day, check out these at-home baker deals that'll seriously up your baking game this holiday season.

• Gorilla Grip Stainless Steel Cookie Scoop — $14.99 $19.99 (save $5)

• Nordic Ware Holiday Cookie Stamps (Set of 3) — $22.50 $33 (save $10.50)

• Nordic Ware Naturals Sheet Pan (3 Piece Set) — $30 $41 (save $11)

• KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer — $254.99 $399.99 (save $145)

Google is rolling out its Android 16 Quarterly Platform Release (QPR) 2, meaning your device could be due for an update.

The Android 16 QPR2 update comes with a number of new features that should improve performance, ease of use, and more. Here are three new features to check out.

Add widgets to your lock screen

The updated Android 16 allows you to add widgets that appear on your lock screen when you swipe left. Tech site 9to5Google notes you can enable the feature by navigating to "Settings > Display & touch > Lock screen > Widgets on lock screen."

That means you'll be able to easily access things like your calendar, camera, and more.

SEE ALSO: Android 16 is out now. Here are the new features. Notification organizer and summaries

Listen, we all get overwhelmed with notifications. Android 16 QPR2 promises to leverage AI capabilities to keep those pesky notifications in check. The updated software will summarize notifications — a long message in a group chat, for instance — and automatically prioritize more important notifications.

"Notification organizer automatically groups and silences your lower-priority notifications (such as promotions, news, and social alerts), making it easier for you to stay focused on what matters with fewer distractions. Notification organizer is rolling out in stages and will be available in the coming weeks," wrote Google.

Improved parental controls

Android 16 QPR2 introduces a "parental controls" option within settings, which means parents can keep tabs on their kids' devices from a single location. It'll allow parents to remotely set screen-time limits, control app usage, and set a schedule for when a kid's device locks.

If you want further details on updates with Android 16 QPR2 you can head over to Google's blog.

SAVE $100.99: As of Dec. 4, get the Ninja Luxe Café for $499 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $599.99. That's a discount of 17%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Ninja Luxe Café $499 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $100.99   Get Deal

If you spend too much for baristas to whip up hot coffee drinks for you on the daily, there's a solution: a home espresso maker. Yes, you can get absolutely fantastic coffee at home without paying an arm and a leg. Or if you do have the initial arm and leg payment, additional savings will pay for itself when you find a machine that you love. We've found one to help you out so you can start saving and cutting back on those pricey morning drinks.

As of Dec. 4, get the Ninja Luxe Café for $499 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $599.99. That's $100.99 off and a discount of 17%.

SEE ALSO: Our favorite Ninja gifts are still on sale for Cyber Week — save 43% on blenders, air fryers, and ice cream makers

Ninja is a brand you likely already recognize from its line of air fryers and other countertop appliances, but they handle espresso makers, too. This triple threat can do it all, too: espresso, drip coffee, cold brew, and more. Specifically, it can handle two different kinds of espresso, three kinds of drip coffee, and two cold brews.

It features additional options that you can use to customize your drink further as well. You can alter the grind, pressure, temperature, and flavor of each brew, so if you want to make something as close to what a barista might, you've got the option. You can even add milk with the included milk frother and steam wand, to lend to the overall cafe drink authenticity.

There's plenty of reasons to grab the machine for yourself or get it as a gift for the coffee lover in your life, but you'll mainly want to because of easy it is to use and all the savings you'll rack up. Grab yours before this deal grows cold.

Apple's recent iOS 26 overhaul included a plethora of major additions and complete system makeovers, but there were even more tweaks, settings, and customization settings that flew under the radar for many users.

One of those was a subtle update to a feature known as Vehicle Motion Cues, launched last year as part of a new suite of accessibility tools, including eye-tracking powered by machine learning, music haptics, and vocal shortcuts controlled using not just whole words, but sounds and utterances as well.

SEE ALSO: Apple iOS 27: Everything we know so far

Using on-device sensors, Vehicle Motion Cues battle the kind of motion sickness commonly experienced by people staring at their screens while in cars, buses, and trains. When turned on, users will see an animated border of dots along the edge of your iPhone, iPad, or (in an update released earlier this year) MacBook screen. The dots move according to the movement of the vehicle, lessening the sensory conflict that leads to motion sickness.

On iOS 26, those features have gotten even better. Now, users can choose between a regular or "dynamic" pattern for those moving dots. The former displays consistent, repeating animations, while "dynamic" turns the dots into a more free-form, sensory-specific spectacle. Users can also now adjust the color and size of the on-screen dots, making it more adaptable to the user's vision needs and the way they use their device while on the move.

Vehicle Motion Cues can be added to the device's control center and automatically sense when in motion, so it's easy to activate as soon as you get in the car.

And it's super simple to turn on.

TL;DR: Live stream Cowboys vs. Lions in the NFL for free on 7Plus. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Thursday Night Football is back with a bang as the Dallas Cowboys clash with the Detroit Lions. It's been a fair season for both teams so far, with the Cowboys at 6-5 and the Lions at 6-5-1 — all of which means this looks like an evenly-matched game. On paper at least.

But Dallas has the momentum. They're coming off a three-game winning streak and a Thanksgiving Day win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Detroit, meanwhile, took a loss at the Green Bay Packers that same day. But don't count them out. With three losses in five, Detroit are looking to regain their footing and keep contending for a playoff spot.

If you want to watch Cowboys vs. Lions in the NFL for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.

When is Cowboys vs. Lions?

Cowboys vs. Lions in the NFL starts at 8:15 p.m. ET on Dec. 4. This game takes place at Ford Field.

How to watch Cowboys vs. Lions for free

Cowboys vs. Lions in the NFL is available to live stream for free on 7Plus.

7Plus is geo-restricted to Australia only, but anyone around the globe can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can help by hiding your real IP address (digital location) and connecting you to a secure server in Australia, allowing you to unblock 7Plus from anywhere in the world.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the NFL online for free

Live stream Cowboys vs. Lions for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia

4. Visit 7Plus

5. Live stream Cowboys vs. Lions for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most VPN providers offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Cowboys vs. Lions in the NFL without committing any cash. While it's not a long-term solution, it does give you enough time to live stream select fixtures from the NFL before claiming back your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites to follow the whole season, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for unblocking streaming services is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for 7Plus?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing free live streams on platforms like 7Plus, 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 so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is currently on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free. That's 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can pick up a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the NFL for free with ExpressVPN.

BEST PRICE: As of Dec. 4, the Magic: The Gathering Marvel’s Spider-Man Play Booster Box is on sale for $123.99 on Amazon. That's the lowest-ever price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Store Magic: The Gathering Marvel's Spider-Man Play Booster Box $123.99 at Amazon
$209.70 Save $85.71   Get Deal

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are long gone now, but the deals just keep coming. Unfortunately, we are seeing a significant drop in the number of deals on top tech items, but to make up for it, Amazon has dropped a number of impressive deals on trading cards.

As of Dec. 4, the Magic: The Gathering Marvel’s Spider-Man Play Booster Box is on sale for $123.99 on Amazon. That's the lowest-ever price for this popular box. So listen up collectors. It doesn't get better than this.

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This set contains 30 Play Boosters, each with 14 cards and at least one rare or mythic rare plus a foil card. This set features your favorite Spider-Man characters, villains, and thematic new game mechanics.

Score the best-ever price on the Magic: The Gathering Marvel’s Spider-Man Play Booster Box at Amazon.

SAVE $150: As of Dec. 4, get the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones for $279 at Amazon, down from their usual price of $429. That's a discount of 35% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones $279 at Amazon
$429 Save $150   Get Deal

There's a ton of great music out right now, and you deserve to enjoy it with a great pair of headphones. If it's high time for an upgrade, or you know someone you want to gift a pair to this year for the holidays, we've found an excellent option that you won't want to pass up at Amazon, even after the Cyber Monday kerfuffle has ended.

As of Dec. 4, get the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones for $279 at Amazon, down from their usual price of $429. That's $150 off and a discount of 35%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: The 11 best headphones of 2025 — see the top contenders from Sony, Apple, Bose, and Beats

These comfortable headphones excel in terms of both audio and wear time. Not only do they feature plush ear cups and an adjustable band that doesn't dig into your head, but they sound fantastic so you'll relish keeping them on to enjoy music, podcasts, audiobooks, and more.

Their deep bass and crisp treble make them excellent candidates for your new go-to headphones, as do the way they offer noise cancellation that's rarely beaten. You can choose between three modes to tailor it to your unique listening preferences: Quiet, Aware, and Immersion. With a different level of noise blocking, they each let you hear what you want and ignore what you don't.

Beyond that, they also offer spatial audio support to help raise the immersion level so that you feel like you're actually in the middle of your favorite artist's concert when listening. Tack on a 15-minute charge time when you've ran out the battery, and these headphones are nothing if not a no-brainer for anyone who takes music seriously. Grab yours while they're still on sale for Cyber Week.

SAVE $465: The 27-inch Samsung Odyssey G8 gaming monitor is on sale at Amazon for $834.99, down from the standard price of $1,299.99. That's a 36% discount and the lowest price on record at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung 27-inch Samsung Odyssey G8 gaming monitor (G81SF) $834.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $465   Get Deal

A good monitor can make a major difference in your gaming experience. That's true whether your preferred game is Animal Crossing, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, or Assassin's Creed Shadows. If you've been limping along with a lame gaming monitor and want an upgrade, there's a top-tier Samsung model on sale today.

As of Dec. 4, the 27-inch Samsung Odyssey G8 gaming monitor is on sale at Amazon for $834.99, marked down from the list price of $1,299.99. That works out to a savings of $465 from a 36% discount. It's also the lowest price on record at Amazon.

Now that we're almost to December holidays, the dark nights are here. By 4 p.m., it feels like it's time for pajamas and staying indoors. One of winter's greatest activities is catching up on top gaming titles you might have missed earlier in the year. If that's the case at your home, this Samsung monitor could be worth the upgrade.

SEE ALSO: The Toshiba 55-inch Class C350 Series TV is still at its low Cyber Monday price — save $200 right now

One brag-worthy spec is the massive 240Hz refresh rate. Pair that with the GtG response time of 0.03 milliseconds and you're in line for fast action without tearing or screen lag. Samsung uses glare-free technology on this monitor so you won't be dealing with distracting interference from your background.

The Samsung G8 is also designed to shine with showing deep blacks and great color contrast. Plus, Samsung used a dynamic cooling system on this model which is said to diffuse heat five time faster than graphite sheet, spelling a lower likelihood of burn in.

As a nice treat for you and your gaming setup in 2025, consider an upgrade to the 27-inch Samsung Odyssey G8 gaming monitor while it's on sale at Amazon for $834.99. It'll also be ideal for work tasks when those arise.

It's the last full Moon of the year, and it's not just any full Moon, it's a supermoon. The third of three consecutive supermoons to round out the year, so if you missed November and October's, make sure you head out for this one. Supermoons are what the name suggests, a full Moon that appears bigger and brighter in the sky than usual, perfect for late-night stargazing.

There's lots to know about this Moon, so keep reading to find out when it is, and what it means.

When is the December Full Moon?

December's full Moon will occur on Thursday, Dec. 4. Time and Date estimates it will peak at 6:14 p.m. ET.

What is the December full Moon called?

Full Moons all have their own names, and December's is traditionally known as the 'Cold Moon'. As you might imagine, this name has something to do with the arrival of winter, and the drop in the temperature.

December's Full Moon is also a supermoon, which means it appears larger and brighter than usual because it’s closer to Earth in its orbit. This happens when the Full Moon occurs near its closest point to our planet, called lunar perigee, giving us a fuller, more prominent view in the night sky, Royal Museums Greenwich tells us.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon is predicted to occur on Jan. 3, 2026.

What are the lunar phases?

The Full Moon is just one phase in the Moon’s 29.5-day orbit around Earth. The different phases show how much of its surface is lit up from our point of view. We always see the same side of the Moon, but as it circles Earth, the sunlight falls on it differently. That’s why sometimes it appears full, sometimes half, and at other times seems to disappear entirely.

There are eight main Moon phases, and they follow a repeating cycle:

• New Moon — The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

• Waxing Crescent — A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

• First Quarter — Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-moon.

• Waxing Gibbous — More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

• Full Moon — The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.

• Waning Gibbous — The moon starts losing light on the right side.

• Last Quarter (or Third Quarter) — Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.

• Waning Crescent — A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

As someone who has been flying drones for years, it takes a lot to impress me. For the longest time, if you wanted a drone in the U.S., there was DJI, then there was a 50 yards of nothing, then there was everyone else. I'm happy to say that is no longer the case. In the past year, new contenders have started to emerge, which is good timing since DJI is possibly/probably/almost definitely going to get banned in the U.S., and soon.

One alternative has emerged with a very compelling offering in the form of Antigravity A1 drone. Antigravity is an offshoot of Insta360, a fact that will become important (and obvious) once you learn more about this drone. While most drones are cameras that you can fly, the Antigravity A1 is a 360-degree camera that you can fly.

Put simply, you can put this drone up in the sky and fly it like any regular drone, but instead of capturing what's ahead of you, or under you, or over you, it captures all of it in 8K. This has several advantages, but first, let's talk about the hardware.

Credit: Adam Doud / Mashable

The Antigravity A1 8K 360 Drone comes in three bundles, available starting Dec. 4 at Antigravity and Best Buy:

• Antigravity A1 8K 360 Drone Starter Bundle — $1,599

• Antigravity A1 8K 360 Drone Explorer Bundle — $1,899

• Antigravity A1 8K 360 Drone Infinity Bundle — $1,999

What's in the box Unboxing the Antigravity A1 Drone. Credit: Adam Doud / Mashable

It's not entirely clear which bundle I received, but I believe I got the Infinity bundle, which includes a carrying case that carries the drone, a one-handed controller, the goggles, four drone batteries, and a battery for the goggles. There were also a bunch of other accessories — extra blades, screwdrivers, and importantly, four batteries and a charging dock that can handle three of them. The drone itself weighs in at 249 grams, which means there are fewer regulations you need to follow to fly. It's a classic folding drone with four extendable arms. There's also an automatic landing gear which flips down automatically when you land — it's neat.

The controller has a trigger and all sorts of buttons and switches that control the drone. The basics you need to know are the up and down toggle, which increases and decreases altitude, a roller wheel, which turns the drone in place, and a trigger, which makes it go forward. 

Then there are the fancy remote control goggles, which have dual Micro-OLED displays with a resolution of 2,560 x 2,560 pixels. There's also an exterior display, which is handy for a few different reasons. One of the first things I had to do was update the software on the various pieces of equipment, and the display on the outside of the goggles could show me the progress. The display also allows you to share what you're seeing with outside observers, which is pretty cool.

One nice thing about the goggles is that they offload the battery to a lanyard you wear around your neck. This removes the weight of the battery from your face, which is very welcome indeed. The battery attaches to the headset with a cable that has a USB-C connector on one end and a barrel plug on the other. The headset itself also has a USB-C plug on it, but that plug doesn't accept power — it's for data only. I would prefer to have the option to use either the barrel plug or the USB-C port for power, but that is sadly not an option.

When folded up, the drone is smaller than a 16" softball, and it can fit into a jacket pocket — at least a jacket pocket for a guy my size. It's extremely portable, though of course, the goggles and the controller also take up a fair amount of space.

Flying the Antigravity AI 360 drone Credit: Adam Doud / Mashable

One of my favorite drones to fly up until this point has been the DJI Avata 2, which is an FPV drone. To fly it, you wear a set of goggles and use a one-handed controller, which allows you to fly in, around, and through obstacles with aplomb. It's like those drone videos you see of flying through a bowling alley or Wrigley Field. It's intuitive and simple to learn.

The Antigravity A1 is very similar to that — you wear a headset and use a one-handed controller to fly in the direction you want to go. The only difference is that you're capturing everything around you using top and bottom-mounted sensors. The really trippy part is where the headset comes in, because as you're flying, you can turn your head and look around you. You can turn in a complete circle and look up and down and see everything, including straight down, a view that's not for the faint of heart.

If you turn your head away from the direction you're flying, you get a small picture-in-picture (PIP) that pops up to show you where you're going while you look around. It's brilliant, and I love that part of it. It gives drone pilots a freedom we didn't have before.

The remote control glasses have dual microOLED displays, not unlike a VR headset. Credit: Adam Doud / Mashable

The control interface is similar as well — there's a small square that you point with the controller to control the direction of flight. One thing that Antigravity does differently from the Avata is that it asks you to move your entire arm in order to direct the drone, as opposed to the wrist movements the Avata relies on.

Speaking of which, there are a lot more controls on the controller for the A1, which makes it less intuitive and a bit harder to learn. It's also very possible and indeed likely that my muscle memory — developed from flying the Avata for over two years — made it harder for me to wrap my mind around the controls of the A1. It's not a lot harder to learn, but it is more complicated.

The anti-collision sensors on the A1 also made the drone harder to fly — at least in my backyard. I have a tree that complicates maneuvers greatly, but the sensors tend to be extremely conservative. While the Avata is capable of flying through the rungs of a ladder, the A1 freaked out when I tried to fly it through the four-foot gap between tree branches and my fence. This is with default settings, mind.

I tested the drone over the past couple of weeks in the latter part of the fall and early winter. In Chicago, that means in windy conditions and cold temperatures, neither of which are great for flying. Antigravity suggests you can get up to 24 minutes of flight time on a charge. That seems about right, under optimal conditions. I got closer to 18 to 20 minutes in my testing, but again, that's in suboptimal conditions.

Capturing everything all at once

Flying the drone and being able to look all around you is fun, and an incredible experience on its own. You can fly up to 400 feet in the air (the maximum allowed by the FAA) and just turn your head to look around and see what's going on around you. But where this really becomes beneficial is when you are capturing the footage as a creator.

With a "normal" drone, you almost need two different operators — one to fly the drone and the other to aim the camera. In fact, many professional-grade drones actually require that. The Antigravity A1 eliminates that issue by capturing a full sphere of footage around it at all times. All you have to do as a pilot is fly in proximity to what you want to capture, and you can focus the camera later when you're sitting at your computer.

That's at the heart of the Antigravity A1 experience — freedom. As a casual user, you can fly this intuitive drone anywhere you want in the sky and look around and see whatever you want to see without having to manipulate and maneuver the drone just right. As a content creator, all you have to focus on is putting the drone near the event you want to capture, and it takes care of the rest.

Credit: Adam Doud / Mashable

While the technology isn't all the way there yet, imagine having a drone with a 360 camera on it to film Tom Cruise's cliff diving stunt in Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning. Needless to say — don't try that at home — but rather than worrying about drone positioning and camera angle, you eliminate a variable by just flying the drone next to the motorcycle and capturing everything.

While we're on the subject of capturing with the device, this would be a great time to talk about the fact that I wasn't able to actually retrieve what I captured from the device.

You may have noticed this review doesn't feature any photos or videos taken by the drone, which is its main job. That's because explorting my files has proven impossible. I don't know if that's because I'm testing the drone before its official launch, or some unknown technical problem, but it's certainly frustrating.

I'm working with Antigravtiy as we speak to address this issue, and we'll be sure to update this review — with photos! — once we get that resolved.

It all comes at a cost

All that being said, one of the reasons DJI has been so successful in the U.S. market is how inexpensive its drones have been. The DJI Mini 3 currently starts at $419. The DJI Avata 2 Fly More combo, which comes with a similar set of accessories as the A1, is $1,199. Meanwhile, the Antigravity A1 starts at $1,599. That price includes the drone, goggles, and grip controller. There are also various accessories that can bump the price up to $1,999 at its highest level. 

That's not terrible, but it's also not very accessible. You have to really want to fly a 360-degree camera to buy this drone. It's a very cool experience, and it takes an enormous burden off your shoulders if you're a content creator. 

It's also important to remember that this is a Gen-1 product. It's very well built and designed, but there are still a few kinks to work out. I'd like to see the controller itself get a little tighter with fewer buttons, so it's easier to fly. I'd also like the default settings of the collision sensors to tone down a little so I don't need to find an open field to fly in.

But for a first effort that solves a lot of problems, there is a lot to like here. I keep coming back to the idea of freedom, because that's what flight is supposed to feel like. It's great to just get up in the air and take everything in without having to worry about which way the drone is pointed. It sounds like a minor thing, but this drone changes your relationship with flight on a fundamental level.

Is the Antigravity A1 drone worth it?

While I had a positive experience actually unboxing and piloting this innovative new drone, because I've been unable to export my files, I can't give a proper recommendation yet. Check back as I update this review after spending some additional time with the product. Hopefully, you'll be able to see all the photos and videos I took.

I can say that the Antigravity A1 does look like a viable alternative to DJI drones, albeit without any budget-friendly options for beginners. And considering that Insta360 is also a Chinese company, I'm a little worried they'll also face a ban eventually, too.

Opens in a new window Credit: Antigravity Antigravity A1 8K 360 Drone Starter Bundle $1,599 at Best Buy
  Learn More Antigravity A1 360 8K Camera Drone: Specifications

• Takeoff weight: 249 grams with Flight Battery

• Folded dimensions: 141.3 × 96.2 × 81.4 mm

• Unfolded dimensions: 308.6 × 382.3 × 89.2 mm

• Flight time: 24 minutes with Flight Battery; 39 minutes with High-Capacity Flight Battery

• Max flight distance: 8.0 miles with Flight Battery; 14.3 miles with High-Capacity Flight Battery

• Max wind speed resistance: 24 mph (Level 5)

• Global Navigation Satellite System: GPS + Galileo + Beidou

• Storage: 20GB (also supports microSD)

• Camera sensor: 1/1.28-inch

• Lens aperture: F2.2

• Maximum video resolution: 8K (7680×3840) @ 30/25/24 fps

• Maximum photo resolution: 55MP (10496×5248)

• Maximum video bitrate: 170Mbps

• ISO range: 100-6400

• Live view quality: 2K @ 30 fps

Antigravity has officially launched Antigravity A1, saying it's the "world's first" consumer aerial drone with inbuilt 360-degree video capture. The release comes a month earlier than its previously scheduled January 2026 release date. Having spent some time with the A1, it's the first gadget in a while that has reminded me that tech was once wondrous and fun — and can be again.

If you're still stumped about what to get your loved ones for Christmas, a hot new bombshell has entered the villa.

SEE ALSO: Antigravity unveils 'world first' 360-degree video camera drone

Action camera company Insta360 initially unveiled new drone brand Antigravity in July. At the time, the company teased that its first product would not only offer unprecedented 360-degree 8K aerial recording, but would be designed so that even amateurs could easily use it.

This debut drone was subsequently revealed to be the A1, with Antigravity stating that it is piloted using controls similar to that of virtual reality headsets. In a press release, the company said product is "for everyone who's ever wanted a drone, but felt it would be too big of an investment for something they may never be able to use to its full potential."

It's an ambitious goal, with drones often considered gadgets for enthusiasts. Nevertheless, having played around with the A1 drone myself, it seems as though Antigravity may have achieved it. Mashable can confirm the Antigravity A1 is indeed delightfully easy to fly, and the device makes it simple even for drone novices to capture spectacular, high quality aerial images. 

Antigravity A1 first impressions: Intuitive and fun Credit: Amanda Yeo / Mashable

My previous experience flying drones involved far more common twin stick controls, which I found difficult to navigate and left me fearful that I'd crash. In contrast, the Antigravity A1's controls are simple and intuitive enough that I was able to hand it over to someone else to pilot on the spot, only providing a quick run down of the controls.

The Antigravity A1 has three main components: the Vision goggles, the Grip controller, and the A1 drone itself. The lightweight white drone weighs just 249 grams, and is notably compact. Once its four arms are folded in, the drone fits neatly into a small protective case, which in turn fits into a padded camera bag along with its accessories. This makes the A1 easily portable to wherever you're taking aerial shots.

Antigravity A1's controls are simple and intuitive enough that I was able to hand it over to someone else to pilot on the spot.

The Vision goggles are also lightweight, helped by the fact that Antigravity doesn't incorporate its battery into the body of the gadget. Instead, users hang the battery from their neck like a pendant, with a wire running up to the goggles to keep it powered. It's no more annoying than wearing wired headphones, but even so, it wouldn't be surprising if Antigravity continues to refine this in the future.

Credit: Antigravity

The combination of the Vision goggles and the Grip controller make the A1 drone delightfully easy and intuitive to pilot. Simply press the trigger to accelerate and move the controller in the direction you want to go. Pointing the controller up will cause the A1 to climb higher, or you can slide a tab on the controller to adjust its elevation. Taking off is just a slide of the tab as well.

Landing is even simpler. When you're finished flying, simply use the Grip controller to open a menu on the Vision goggles and tell your A1 to go home. This will prompt the drone to return to its take-off location and autonomously deploy its landing gear. Not having to manually land the A1 relieves a lot of stress, particularly for nervous first-time pilots. 

Factor in an inbuilt obstacle avoidance system which stops the drone before collisions, and the Antigravity A1 feels practically foolproof. Even so, the A1 does come with spare propellers, while its 360-degree camera lens can be replaced with a separately sold kit.

Credit: Antigravity

The Antigravity A1 is simple enough to operate that many less tech-savvy users should be able to pick it up and jump into flying with relative ease. A clear onboard tutorial quickly runs new users though most of the basics needed to get into the air, leaving the finer details for later discovery when digging through the Vision goggles' menu. This includes features such as the Virtual Cockpit, a slightly silly first-person view option which adds an animated dragon for you to "ride."

However, it's worth noting that Antigravity's faith in the A1's intuitive controls results in a fairly minimalist approach to its included print instructions. I had some difficulty figuring out how to turn the A1 off, leading to several long, confusing minutes pressing buttons and scouring through the manual for anything I'd missed. (Pro tip: You'll want to press the power button once, then press it a second time and hold it.)

Featured Video For You This drone could be the key to learning more about our oceans

Users should also bring a spotter with them when they take to the skies, so there's someone to keep an eye on both the drone and you. Though the Vision goggles are great for immersing yourself in the A1's point of view, they also cut off vision of everything around you, leaving you with no situational awareness. You can switch between the drone's view and a black and white passthrough view by double tapping a side button. However, there's currently no option to see both views at once. Hopefully this feature might be added in a future update.

Credit: Antigravity

When it came to image quality, the Antigravity A1 continued to impress, offering beautifully smooth, clear, and seamless 8K 360 video. This is unsurprising, as Antigravity previously confirmed that the A1's dual-lens camera system mirrors Insta360's tried and true X series of 360 cameras. Footage can be edited straight in the Antigravity app, though there's also an option to produce an AI-generated edit set to in-app music if you're feeling lazy or lacking in editing skills. 

For those concerned about privacy, Antigravity states that there is no automatic upload of the drone's video recordings. Footage is solely stored onboard the A1, Vision goggles, and any SD card you might insert, which you can then transfer to your phone or computer. Antigravity told Mashable that it only collects crucial drone usage data such as activation details and flight safety information, and doesn't gather personal or location data unless users upload flight logs. Information it does gather is stored in nearby data centres, with U.S. users' data kept on servers within the country.

Where to buy the Antigravity A1 drone

The Antigravity A1 drone is available from today, and starts from $1,599 for the Standard Bundle. There's also a $1,899 Explorer Bundle and $1,999 Infinity Bundle, each of which include different accessories depending upon your needs.

U.S. drone pilots can pick up the Antigravity A1 from Best Buy or from the Antigravity Store online. As always, remember to check your local laws and airspace restrictions prior to flying any drone.