Mashable

Whether you just started dating or you’re practically engaged, shopping for the perfect Valentine's Day gift for your boyfriend can be a surprisingly tricky task. How much should you spend? Are you going for a big romantic gesture or keeping it simple? And what about the classic "we’re not doing gifts this year," but you still "surprise" each other with gifts anyway thing? Seriously, though — what *is* that? If you're stuck in a gift-giving rut, our best advice is to zero in on the items he uses daily and the topics he brings up whenever you hang out — these are easy jumping-off points for Valentine's Day gift ideas that'll make him feel seen. Below, we've rounded up a list of Valentine's Day gift ideas for boyfriends that say "I love you and I get you" without being totally cliché. Spoiler alert: There will be no mention of whiskey stones or beard oil. Need even more ideas? Peep our list of unique gifts for men and check out the best Valentine's Day gifts for dudes.

In the fallout of Elon Musk’s baffling appearance during President Donald Trump’s inauguration, a curious new front in the ongoing online culture war has emerged: a push by Reddit sports mods and users to ban links to X (formerly known as Twitter).

On Tuesday, users in various Reddit sports communities — starting with r/hockey, which has 2.7M members, and spreading to individual Canadian hockey subreddits and then Premier League and NFL forums — began talking about whether it’s time to officially cut X out of their lives, with massive amounts of approval for the action from its users.

The discussions center on a mounting frustration with Musk’s leadership, including the platform’s apparent embrace of hate speech and far-right agitators, its increasingly user-hostile interface changes (such as forcing non-logged-in users to create accounts to view posts), and, of course, Musk himself.

Reddit Reddit Reddit Reddit

If it seems surprising that sports subreddits are leading this charge, it shouldn’t be. These communities thrive on user-posted game highlights, many of which are linked to X posts that a significant number of users can’t access. Sports news also tends to break on X, but with the rise of alternatives like Threads and Bluesky, more Reddit users are voicing their desire to move away from X entirely.

There have already been multiple pushes for X users to migrate to alternative platforms. After the election, thousands of accounts tied to journalism and politics made the jump to Bluesky. However, sports have remained a major anchor keeping many regular users on X. That said, a shift may be underway — many professional teams and beat writers, both at the national and local levels, have started posting on Bluesky, signaling a potential change in the platform’s utility for sports fans.

Not all communities are on board with the push to ban X links, and some are facing backlash for it. A moderator in the r/Chelsea forum has drawn criticism from users for quickly shutting down any posts advocating for an X ban, sparking frustration among the subreddit’s members. Similarly, subreddits for the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings have been swift to remove posts on the topic, prompting further debate and discontent among their users.

This discourse is still in its early stages, and it remains uncertain how many subreddits will ultimately update their community rules. In nearly every subreddit with posts on the topic, the top pinned comment from moderators mentions "internal discussions" about the future of X links.

However, there has been some movement: A few subreddits, such as the one for Nottingham Forest, have already implemented bans on X links. While this shows progress, the overall momentum remains relatively slow and scattered.

Various pages about LGBTQ rights and lives in the U.S. have been wiped from the official White House site, LGBTQ media advocacy organization GLAAD has reported.

Whitehouse.gov received a makeover on Inauguration Day, and not only in looks. Information shared by the Biden administration has been deleted and replaced with profiles on Trump administration officials and his day one actions. The deleted information includes pages about the LGBTQ community. Various search terms, like "lesbian," "gay," and "bisexual," only contain a single result: a rollback of Biden-era executive orders, including "Advancing Equality for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Individuals" from 2022.

SEE ALSO: Is Instagram blocking the #Democrat hashtag?

"Transgender" turns up two results, the aforementioned and Trump's new executive order stating, among other things, that there are only two genders.

"LGBTQ" turns up no results. Some pages removed, according to GLAAD and confirmed by Mashable, include:

• the White House's equity report (current 404 page)

• fact sheet on expanding HIV medication access (current 404 page)

• the Department of State's LGBTQ Rights page (current 404 page)

• the Department of Labor's page on LGBTQ policy (current 404 page)

Other removed pages Mashable found include a fact sheet on the accomplishments of LGBTQ Americans (current 404 page) and a proclamation on Pride Month 2024 (current 404 page).

This move aligns with actions Trump promised to do during his inaugural speech, including removing diversity programs and creating an official policy that there are only two genders.

"President Trump claims to be a strong proponent of freedom of speech, yet he is clearly committed to censorship of any information containing or related to LGBTQ Americans and issues that we face," GLAAD's president and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said in a statement. Ellis refers to Trump stating yesterday that he will "bring back" free speech.

"This action proves the Trump administration's goal of making it as difficult as possible for LGBTQ Americans to find federal resources or otherwise see ourselves reflected under his presidency," she continued. "Sadly for him, our community is more visible than ever; and this pathetic attempt to diminish and remove us will again prove unsuccessful."

Meta is reportedly on its hands and knees, begging influencers to use Instagram instead of TikTok.

According to a new report from The Information, Instagram is offering creators monthly bonuses ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 for posting their videos on Instagram Reels before posting them on other platforms, including TikTok. Meta did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Mashable.

It's unclear what kind of a lasting impact this will have on creators. Meta has attempted to draw creators onto its platform with promises of financial gains before, but those incentives were always temporary. For instance, the platform got rid of its Reels Play bonus program, a similar program to TikTok's Creator Fund, that left creators looking for new ways to find the additional $500-$1,000 they had counted on each month. This newly reported bribe or, whoops, sorry, "incentive" doesn't seem to promise longevity, either.

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

It's not the only step Instagram has taken over the past few days to attract users away from TikTok. Square grids have been replaced with rectangles to prioritize short-form videos like Reels in a highly polarizing move that most creators don't like. Instagram also released a new video editing app called Edits, which was seemingly unveiled specifically to rival TikTok's CapCut. The app extended the maximum length of Reels to three minutes.

This comes after Meta gave its all to ensure that TikTok gets banned in the U.S. But, unfortunately for Meta, the payoff of its hard work and lobbying was short-lived. After less than a full day of being offline over the weekend, TikTok returned — for now. It's still absent from U.S. app stores, but if you didn't delete the app from your phone, you can still access new videos, and all users can find what they're looking for on the desktop version of TikTok.

Meanwhile, many creators are uninterested in pivoting their attention to Meta-owned platforms after CEO Mark Zuckerberg made a new decision to bend at the knee of President Donald Trump's administration. The company has eliminated fact-checkers in favor of Community Notes, lifted prohibitions on certain forms of hate speech, scrapped DEI initiatives, removed trans-inclusive features on its apps, and reinstated political content recommendations.

UPDATE: Jan. 21, 2025, 12:45 p.m. EST LG dropped new versions of its flagship OLED and QNED TVs at CES, pushing discounts up to $1,500 on 2023 and 2023 flagship LG TVs. Several prices have dropped further since our original coverage of these deals on Jan. 16. New deals on several sizes of the 2024 G4 TV have also popped up.

In case you forgot, LG is the authority on cool screens. From a 5K2K bendable gaming monitor to another portable TV to quite a few regular ol' TVs, the brand's CES 2025 showcase didn't come to play.

New LG OLEDs are brighter and zippier than ever

LG has completely switched up its whole OLED panel situation for 2025. Its two new flagship OLEDs, the M5 and the G5, will be lit by a "four stack engineering process" rather than the MLA (Micro Lens Array) panels it had been using. You can get into the weeds on that tech elsewhere on Google, here's the short version: It's a new lighting panel featuring a fourth OLED layer, and that means brightness, brightness, brightness.

The LG M5 will likely be the most expensive TV in LG's 2025 OLED lineup, but not 100 percent for the reasons you're thinking. While it will have a lot of LG's best specs for picture quality, it'll be special in another way to gamers: it can wirelessly display the content you're casting to it from a console.

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

Equally as exciting (from a performance standpoint) is the announcement of the LG G5 OLED. Cost-wise, it'll likely run a bit cheaper than the M5. But that ranking doesn't take away from the fact that it's about to be a beast for gamers and avid movie watchers, packing a lot of premium value into a price that'll likely feel more doable for the average household.

Noteworthy G5 specs include a 165Hz refresh rate (a rarity in a sea of 144Hz TVs), four HDMI 2.1 ports, and Brighter Booster Ultimate mode to make it pop 40 percent more than its predecessor, the G4. LG also says that the G5's peak brightness is three times higher than that of the B5, which was also announced at CES. Unlike the G4 line, the G5 is LG's first flagship OLED that'll come in 48 inches.

The LG C5 and B5 OLEDs were also announced and, as expected, will be LG's more entry-level OLED TVs.

New LG QNEDs *checks notes* ditch quantum dots

LG hasn't yet mastered QNED like it has OLED, but damn, it is trying. LG's 2025 crop of QNED TVs got just as much of an internal makeover as the OLED stacks did: Traditional quantum dots are out, some tech called "Dynamic QNED Color Solution" is in. LG hasn't given much intel into what this means past the fact that it focuses on a wider color gamut, using fluorescent elements to more accurately convert light into purer, more vibrant colors.

SEE ALSO: Samsung and LG TVs add AI with Microsoft Copilot

Contributing to a richer viewing experience is a feature called Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro: an AI-fueled tool that fine tunes HDR effects and zoned brightening for each scene. That AI simultaneously keeps tabs on each scene's audio, quickly separating background noise from voices and making those voices clearer.

The most premium QNED of the 2025 bunch, the QNED92, also features a mini-LED backlight. The mid-tier and entry-level models, the QNED9M and QNED85, both feature regular LED backlights in tandem with the new color gamut system mentioned above. Oddly enough, it's the mid-tier LG QNED that got outfitted with the Zero Connect box for wireless console transmission.

SEE ALSO: Check out the best projectors from CES 2025 — and see which you can shop now

All LG TVs announced at CES are expected to be released in the spring.

Don't feel like waiting (or paying) for LG's latest and greatest TVs? You have LG options from years past to shop on sale right now. As of Jan. 16, several 2023 and 2024 LG OLED and QNED models are quietly on sale at Best Buy — just in time to upgrade your NFL playoffs watching experience.

LG OLED TVs on sale

• 2024 LG 55-inch B4 OLED 4K TV — $999.99 $1,399.99 (save $400)

• 2024 LG 55-inch G4 OLED 4K TV — $1,999.99 $2,499.99 (save $500)

• 2024 LG 65-inch C4 OLED 4K TV — $1,499.99 $1,799.99 (save $300)

• 2024 LG 65-inch G4 OLED 4K TV — $2,399.99 $3,099.99 (save $700)

• 2023 LG 77-inch C3 OLED 4K TV — $1,699.99 $2,299.99 (save $600)

• 2024 LG 77-inch B4 OLED 4K TV — $1,799.99 $2,499.99 (save $700)

• 2024 LG 77-inch G4 OLED 4K TV — $3,499.99 $4,299.99 (save $800)

• 2024 LG 83-inch C4 OLED 4K TV — $3,299.99 $4,499.99 (save $1,200)

LG QNED TVs on sale

• 2024 LG 43-inch 80 Series QNED 4K TV — $429.99 $549.99 (save $120)

• 2024 LG 65-inch 80 Series QNED 4K TV — $699.99 $899.99 (save $200)

• 2023 LG 50-inch 75 Series QNED 4K TV — $449.99 $549.99 (save $100)

• 2024 LG 98-inch 89 Series QNED 4K TV — $3,999.99 $5,999.99 (save $2,000)

SAVE $430: As of Jan. 21, get the HP Victus gaming laptop for just $449.99, down from its normal price of $879.99. That's a 52% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy HP Victus Gaming Laptop (Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050, 512GB SSD) $449.99 at Best Buy
$879.99 Save $430.00 Get Deal

There are a ton of great games out right now, and even more to come now that it's officially 2025. If you're glued to your desktop right now for gaming sessions, you might want to consider getting a gaming laptop to help make things decidedly more mobile. Right now, you can snag a great price on one at Best Buy.

As of Jan. 21, get the HP Victus gaming laptop at Best Buy for just $449.99, down from its usual price of $879.99. That's $430 off and a 52% discount.

SEE ALSO: Razer’s Basilisk V3 X gaming mouse is $20 off — and it’s worth every click

This laptop is an excellent option for gaming on the go. It boasts a 15.6-inch full HD display, an Intel Core i5 processor, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPU, 8GB of memory, and 512GB SSD to store all your games and documents. It has a lengthy battery life and fast charging that can get you from 0% to 50% in just 30 minutes. Plus, it comes with an extremely thin bezel for the display, if that's something you're into.

This particular laptop also comes with 3 months of Xbox Game Pass for PC for free, so you can try out a ton of free games without having to spend a dime. That'll come in handy when you're trying to figure out what to play.

Whether you're looking for an entry-level machine or you just want something new to tote around so you can get your game on, this is an awesome deal. It's on for a limited time, so make sure you grab yours soon.

SAVE $900: As of Jan. 21, the 65-inch Samsung S85D OLED 4K TV from 2024 is on sale for $999.99 — its first time below $1,000 after a more than 50% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-inch S85D OLED 4K TV $999.99 at Samsung
$2,099.99 Save $1,100.00 Get Deal

Samsung is once again proving the theory that Black Friday might not always be the best time to buy some flagship TVs on sale. Often, it's actually a few months later — right after CES.

Usually, we see the previous year's TVs match their Black Friday prices right after a brand announces the latest version of a certain model at CES, like we did in early January with The Frame. But the post-CES deal we found today is the rarity that beats Black Friday pricing: The 65-inch Samsung S85D OLED 4K TV has dropped below $1,000 for the first time ever according to Amazon price tracker Camelcamelcamel, shaving more than 50% off of its original price of $2,099.99. (Amazon's price of $997.99 on the same TV technically beats Samsung's by $2, but note that that one is from a third party seller.)

Samsung hasn't given much detail on its 2025 OLEDs past a name for the fanciest one (S95F), so clowning Black Friday prices like this is kind of a bold move. We'll take it, though.

SEE ALSO: Top 3 best robot vacuums from CES 2025, from coolest to most practical

Even as the entry level model from the 2024 OLED line, Samsung's S85D doesn't skimp on too many specs. It upscales with the same zippy NQ4 AI Gen 2 processor as the more premium 2024 OLEDs, and still has Object Tracking sound as well as Dolby Atmos. It doesn't officially have Samsung's glare-free technology, but it's still said to rock at handling glare in bright rooms. (Its pricier sibling, the 2024 S95D, was Samsung's first glare-free OLED.)

Adding to its watchability in the daytime is better-than-usual SDR brightness (compared to other budget OLEDs) — and for nighttime, its black levels and vast contrast ratio are chef's kiss for watching movies or gaming in a dark room. Other features to note include a 120Hz refresh rate (compared to 144Hz on more expensive models), Pantone-validated color, and quick phone-to-TV casting.

OpenAI could release its agentic AI tool that could, in theory, autonomously do tasks for you by taking control of your device.

Reports have suggested the tool is getting close to being released. Techcrunch wrote, for instance, that the tool dubbed Operator looks to be "nearing release," citing, in part, Tibor Blaho, a software engineer who often leaks or uncovers AI news. Blaho wrote on X that he noticed "ChatGPT macOS desktop app has hidden options to define shortcuts for the desktop launcher to 'Toggle Operator' and 'Force Quit Operator.'"

Tweet may have been deleted

The Information has reported that OpenAI targeted January as a release date for Operator. It would reportedly first release a research preview and developer tool. The exact release date remains unknown. 

The idea behind the tool is that it can act autonomously to make your life easier — in other words, it could take over your computer and do tasks on your behalf. That means it could things like book flights or write code. Of course, it could also make mistakes on your behalf, which is a bit worrying.

Still, for better or worse, it may be here soon.

SAVE UP TO 89%: This week, shop the best deals on Kindle books. Save up to 89% on bestsellers including Beartown by Fredrik Backman, or Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer, both of which are down to $1.99.

Best Kindle book deals Best fiction deal 'Beartown' by Fredrik Backman $1.99 at Amazon (Save $15.01) Get Deal Best non-fiction deal 'Into Thin Air' by Jon Krakauer $1.99 at Amazon (Save $16.01) Get Deal Best fantasy deal 'Six of Crows' by Leigh Bardugo $2.99 at Amazon (Save $9) Get Deal Best romance deal 'Getaway Girl' by Tessa Bailey $1.99 at Amazon (Save $11) Get Deal

In the thick of winter, the farthest we're looking to travel is from the bed to the couch. With the frigid temperatures outside, we're focusing on indoor-only activities, whether that be bingeing all the best TV shows or catching up on the awards season movies that just hit streaming.

However, if one of your 2025 resolutions is to keep your screen time down, then it's time to curl up with a good book. If you're racing through your stack of TBR books and looking for your next read, do it on a budget. For Kindle users, there are deals to be had on ebooks to stock your library.

Shop all the best ebook deals for as low as $1.99.

Best fiction book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'Beartown' by Fredrik Backman $1.99 at Amazon
$17.00 Save $15.01 Get Deal Why we like it

In Fredrik Backman's Beartown, a shock is sent through the small town and all who inhabit it. The heart of the town lies in the ice rink, where the junior ice hockey team is preparing for the semi-final game. But when a violent act is committed, the whole town finds itself in turmoil, dealing with accusations that test friendships and loyalties.

Right now, you can find this compelling drama for just $1.99 in the Kindle shop. That's down $15.01 from its print price for 88% savings.

More fiction deals

• A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan — $1.99 $18 ($16.01)

• The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware —$2.99 $18.99 (save $16)

• Getaway Girl by Tessa Bailey — $1.99 $12.99 (save $11)

• The Lord of the Rings (Illustrated) by J.R.R. Tolkien — $1.99 $35 (save $33.01)

• The Memory of Babel by Christelle Dabos — $1.99 $11.99 (save $10)

• The Night She Disappeared by Lisa Jewell — $2.99 $17.99 (save $15)

• One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle — $2.99 $17 (save $14.01)

• The Patron Saint Of Liars by Ann Patchett — $1.99 $19 (save $17.01)

• Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo — $2.99 $11.99 (save $9)

• Stories of Your Life and Others by Ted Chiang — $1.99 $18 (save $16.01)

• We Ride Upon Sticks by Quan Barry — $1.99 $18 (save $16.01)

• Can't and Won't: Stories by Lydia Davis — $2.99 $17.99 (save $15)

Best non-fiction book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'Into Thin Air' by Jon Krakauer $1.99 at Amazon
$18.00 Save $16.01 Get Deal Why we like it

The prolific writer Jon Krakauer is best known for is harrowing account of his climb on Mount Everest that resulted in five lives loss and many more altered. Into Thin Air explores Krakauer's deadly climb as he hopes to make sense of the tragedy and his role in it.

Right now, you can find Krakauer's memoir for just $1.99 at Amazon, saving you $16.01 for 89% off.

More non-fiction deals

• The Answer Is... by Alex Trebek — $2.99 $17.99 (save $15)

• Being Henry: The Fonz...and Beyond by Henry Winkler — $2.99 $11.99 (save $9)

• Better by Atul Gawande — $2.99 $18.99 (save $16)

• Call Them by Their True Names: American Crises (and Essays) by Rebecca Solnit — $2.99 $17.99 (save $15)

• Making It So by Patrick Stewart — $1.99 $16.99 (save $15)

• Quietly Hostile: Essays by Samantha Irby — $2.99 $17 (save $14.01)

SAVE $250: The Sonos Arc soundbar is on sale at Best Buy for $649.99, down from the standard price of $899.99. That's a 28% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Arc soundbar $649.99 at Best Buy
$899.99 Save $250.00 Get Deal

Two-in-one products usually save time, but at what cost? We can buy one bottle that houses shampoo and conditioner but it doesn't feel as nice as using one shampoo and one conditioner, when each work to their maximum potential. The same can be said for most TVs and their speakers. The TV could be awesome, but the sound usually lacks. If that sounds familiar, check out this deal on superior sound.

As of Jan. 21, the Sonos Arc smart soundbar is on sale at Best Buy for $649.99, marked down from the list price of $899.99. That means you'll be saving $250 by getting a 28% discount.

Sonos brought on Oscar-winning sound engineers to help design the Sonos Ace soundbar which comes packed with wow-worthy specs. For example, those engineers helped to create a soundbar that's specially tuned to human voices, bringing the experience of streaming movies and shows to a whole new level.

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

Of course, the Sonos Arc soundbar is a great option for using as a home speaker, even without your TV. With the TV powered off, you can still use the Arc to play your favorite music or podcast either with the Sonos app or Apple AirPlay 2.

Sonos also incorporated thoughtful details into the soundbar like an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts brightness of the soundbar's LEDs to how bright the room is, making them visible but not distracting.

There's also a magnetic sensor on the Sonos Arc which adjusts the EQ to temper base resonance. If you have other Sonos soundbars in your home, the Arc allows you to connect them together, bringing music into more rooms.

If you've been slogging along with subpar TV speakers, today is a great day to upgrade to the Sonos Arc soundbar. Best Buy chopped $250 off the list price which means you can get significantly improved sound for $649.99. Not only does this mean your next movie viewing experience will be better, you'll have an all-around great speaker for your home.

SAVE UP TO 41% OFF: As of Jan. 21, the FlexiSpot Flash Sale is offering deals like 41% off the E7 Pro Standing Desk as well as ergonomic chairs and more.

Opens in a new window Credit: FlexiSpot FlexiSpot Flash Sale Save up to 41% or beyond on standing desks, ergonomic chairs, beds, and more. Get Deal

In the era of work from home, standing desks and ergonomic chairs have become modern classics. FlexiSpot makes sturdy, attractive standing desks for all sorts of needs and uses. I've personally spent countless hours at my E7 standing desk, and I can't imagine my workspace without it.

Right now, FlexiSpot is offering up to 41% off their standing desks, ergonomic chairs, and more. Whether you're looking for an add-on for a standing desk you already own, a converter, a full desk, or an adjustable easy chair, the FlexiSpot Flash Sale might have exactly the thing you need.

SEE ALSO: The FlexiSpot E7 standing desk boosted my productivity. Will the novelty wear off?

The FlexiSpot E7 Pro and E7 standing desks come with a wide variety of different desktop surfaces (I have bamboo and love it). A small touch screen provides simple controls to lift the desk up or down. It's also programmable, with different set heights for simple cycling between your normal productivity positions. Sturdy and reliable, this is a trustworthy piece of furniture that will last years — it's even got a 15-year warranty to back that up.

However, FlexiSpot is more than just desks. Their C7 Ergonomic Chair is designed for all-day comfort. Right now, the C7 is on sale for $349.99 for a savings of $250.

Shop the FlexiSpot Flash Sale for startling savings on standing desks, ergonomic chairs, bed frames, and more.

And if you're in the market to upgrade the bedroom, FlexiSpot's B6O Japanese Joinery Bed is on sale from $599.99 for a savings of $260.

TLDR; Jan. 21st, the Nintendo Sale is offering huge discounts up to 95% off on a wide array of games including Overcooked! 2 and Among Us.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo The Nintendo Sale Get up to 95% off on Nintendo Switch Games Shop Now

Searching for your next bit of fun? The Nintendo Sale is offering a huge array of Nintendo Switch titles for major discounts. While many of the top discounts are for digital titles, the shop is also offering free shipping on most orders of $50 or more.

Titles like Overcooked! 2 and Among Us are down to $6.24 and $3 respectively. We're also seeing price drops of up to 95% on titles like This War of Mine: Complete Edition.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo Switch 2: Every new feature and game spotted in the announcement

You won't find A-list titles like Zelda or Super Smash Bros in this sale, but there's still some classics like the beloved Cozy Grove for $7.32 (save 51%). There's even some capital C classics, like Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered, which is on sale for $26.99, for a savings of 10%.

Shop the Nintendo Sale to get up to 95% off on Nintendo Switch games.

Whether you're into deep RPGs like the roguelike inflected Children of Morta: Complete Edition or you're into cute, simple fun like Punyan, there's something for you.

The White House has launched the "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE), a tech-focused initiative led by Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, promising to modernize federal systems and slash inefficiency.

As detailed in The New York Times, DOGE is poised to be a hallmark of President Trump’s second term, targeting up to $2 trillion in cost savings by 2026.

DOGE builds on the United States Digital Service, now rebranded as the U.S. DOGE Service. According to Trump's executive order, the newly rebranded department will cut red tape and streamline government IT systems. Per the EO, DOGE has roughly 18 months (July 4, 2026) to achieve the administration's goal.

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk sued by SEC for late disclosure of Twitter stock purchase

Each federal agency will establish a "DOGE Team" of experts, working under Musk’s tech-first guidance to reimagine government operations. These teams are comprised of at least four members: An engineer, an HR specialist, a lawyer, and a team lead.

Per the Times, a cohort of unpaid Silicon Valley elites and tech executives recruited by Musk are key to the effort. These high-profile recruits, some connected to Peter Thiel, will be embedded in agencies for six-month stints, offering their expertise for free. According to the Times, this includes a mix of Thiel Fellows, engineers, and policy specialists, all united by their loyalty to Musk’s vision.

Musk has pitched this as a bold chance to fix a "dysfunctional" government. But critics have doubts. Budget experts question the feasibility of cutting trillions without touching programs like Social Security, which Trump has vowed to protect. Even Musk has tempered expectations, recently calling $1 trillion in savings a more realistic goal.

DOGE was also initially meant to, ironically, be co-lead by Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. However, Ramaswamy may not be in the position for long, according to NBC News. It's rumored that he will quit to focus fully on his run for Ohio governor, a campaign he's expected to announce sometime in the next week.

SAVE $50 + FREE GIFT: As of Jan. 21, get the OnePlus Pad 2 for $499.99 at OnePlus, which is $50 off its normal price of $549.99. Plus, get a free OnePlus Stylo 2 or OnePlus Pad Smart Keyboard with purchase.

Opens in a new window Credit: OnePlus OnePlus Pad 2 $499.99 at OnePlus
$549.99 Save $50.00 with promo code WELCOME25 Get Deal

If you're looking to grab a new tablet, you aren't limited to what Apple and Samsung offer. There are some great options out there, and OnePlus happens to make one in particular that you can't go wrong with. And as of today, you'll get a great deal as well as a free gift if you decide to take the plunge.

As of Jan. 21, you can get the OnePlus Pad 2 for $50 off at OnePlus with promo code WELCOME25. It's normally $549.99, and that will bring it down to a more palatable $499.99. You can also opt for the OnePlus Stylo 2 stylus (normally $99.99) or the OnePlus Pad Smart Keyboard (normally $149.99) for free with your purchase.

SEE ALSO: The best tablets in 2025

The OnePlus Pad 2 features the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, which makes it a great contender that'll work well as a multitasker. If you tend to do a lot of work on the go, you'll appreciate its souped-up performance, as well as its 12.1-inch 3K LCD display and 12GB of RAM with 256GB of storage. It also includes the One-Touch Transmission feature, which lets you make large file transfers from your phone to your tablet in minutes.

All this, plus you get a 9,510mAH battery that offers 40 days of standby and hours of use, so you never have to wait too long to get back to business even when you need a charge. Plus, when you pair your tablet with the OnePlus Stylo 2 stylus, you can use it like an Apple Pencil for sketching, writing, or navigation. Opt for the keyboard, and you can attach it magnetically to get even more out of your tablet and turn it into a portable workstation.

Grab this tablet before this deal expires; as of right now, there's no set date, but it's good to get it while the getting is good.

TL;DR: Live stream Atletico Madrid vs. Leverkusen in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The next round of Champions League fixtures showcases some massive matchups between top sides, including Atletico Madrid vs. Leverkusen. Both sides are near the top end of the standings, with only one point separating them before kick off.

If you want to watch Atletico Madrid vs. Leverkusen in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Atletico Madrid vs. Leverkusen?

Atletico Madrid vs. Leverkusen in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. GMT on Jan. 21. This fixture takes place at the Metropolitano Stadium.

How to watch Atletico Madrid vs. Leverkusen for free

Atletico Madrid vs. Leverkusen is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player in Ireland.

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to access Virgin Media Player. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock Virgin Media Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Atletico Madrid vs. Leverkusen 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 Ireland

4. Visit Virgin Media Player

5. Watch Atletico Madrid vs. Leverkusen for free 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 streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Atletico Madrid vs. Leverkusen (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Virgin Media Player?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Virgin Media Player, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Ireland

• 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 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Atletico Madrid vs. Leverkusen in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Monaco vs. Aston Villa in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The next round of Champions League fixtures includes some really interesting matchups, including Monaco vs. Aston Villa. Both sides have a strong chance of progressing to the knockout rounds, but the job is not done yet.

If you want to watch Monaco vs. Aston Villa in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Monaco vs. Aston Villa?

Monaco vs. Aston Villa in the Champions League kicks off at 5:45 p.m. GMT on Jan. 21. This fixture takes place at the Stade Louis II.

How to watch Monaco vs. Aston Villa for free

Monaco vs. Aston Villa is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player in Ireland.

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to access Virgin Media Player. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock Virgin Media Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Monaco vs. Aston Villa 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 Ireland

4. Visit Virgin Media Player

5. Watch Monaco vs. Aston Villa for free 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 streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Monaco vs. Aston Villa (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Virgin Media Player?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Virgin Media Player, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Ireland

• 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 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Monaco vs. Aston Villa in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Liverpool vs. Lille in the Champions League for free with a 30-day trial of Prime Video. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League is back with some absolutely massive games involving the top sides in Europe. There are a number of interesting matchups in this round of fixtures, including Liverpool vs. Lille. The French side will need to be at their best to take anything from Liverpool.

If you want to watch Liverpool vs. Lille in the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Liverpool vs. Lille?

Liverpool vs. Lille in the Champions League starts at 8 p.m. GMT on Jan. 21. This fixture takes place at Anfield.

How to watch Liverpool vs. Lille for free

Liverpool vs. Lille is available to live stream on Prime Video in the UK, but you don't need to be subscribed to Amazon Prime to watch this fixture. Instead, you can watch Liverpool vs. Lille (plus more Champions League fixtures) for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

Fans from outside the UK will need to use a VPN to watch the Champions League for free on Prime Video. This process is straightforward:

1. Sign up for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial (if you're not already a member)

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

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

4. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

5. Watch Liverpool vs. Lille for free from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

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 streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Liverpool vs. Lille on Prime Video without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select Champions League fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Prime Video?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Prime Video, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• 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 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.

Stream Liverpool vs. Lille in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

FLIGHTS AS LOW AS $69: Book Southwest flights for as low as $69 each way before 11:59 p.m. PT on Jan. 23. Travel between Feb. 11 and May 22. Some location and date restrictions apply.

Opens in a new window Credit: Southwest Southwest flights starting at $69 Get Deal

While it might seem like winter holidays were just a few days ago, it's already time to start thinking about spring break plans. Before prices skyrocket, check out this deal with Southwest that could save you hundreds on upcoming travel this spring.

Until 11:59 p.m. PT on Jan. 23, book one-way tickets on Southwest for as low as $69. This deal includes travel between Feb. 11 and May 22, but comes with a few blackout dates to destinations like Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and international locations.

With prices starting at just $69, now is the perfect time to plan that spring getaway to get out of your home's dreary weather, or head to a snowy destination for a skiing holiday of your dreams with unlimited hot chocolate.

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

Like all good things, this deal comes with some fine print. If you plan to leave the continental U.S. and head for Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or one of Southwest's international destinations, pay attention to the blackout dates between Feb. 13 and 16 and March 7 through April 19.

If your plans involve flying to the continental U.S. from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or a Southwest international location, you have blackout dates from Feb. 21 until 23 and again from March 14 through April 27. But even with these blackout dates and destinations, the Southwest map covers plenty of great holiday getaway options.

The sale is also perfect for anyone who didn't make it home for the holidays and plans to make up for that in 2025.

Wherever your travels will take you this year, book before 11:59 p.m. PT on Jan. 23 to score Southwest fares for as low as $69. That might even be less expensive than the gas it'll take you to get back and forth to the airport from home.

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Jan. 21: OUR TOP PICK Apple 15-inch MacBook Air (M3, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,249 (save $250) Get Deal BEST SPEAKER DEAL Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 $79.86 (save $20.13) Get Deal BEST E-READER DEAL Kindle Colorsoft $229.99 (save $50) Get Deal BEST STREAMING DEVICE DEAL Roku Express 4K+ $24 (save $15.99) Get Deal BEST TABLET DEAL Amazon Fire HD 10 $94.99 (save $45) Get Deal

Retail therapy is a good way to battle the cold weather blues. And it's even better if you can save some money. Amazon always has an endless array of discounts on its daily deals page, but not everything is worth snagging. We've sorted through the noise for you and handpicked a few of the best deals we would actually grab ourselves.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day on Jan. 21. Be sure to check back later this week for even more of our top picks.

Our top pick: Apple 15-inch MacBook Air Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple 15-inch MacBook Air (M3, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,249.00 at Amazon
$1,499.00 Save $250.00 Get Deal

The M3 MacBook Air packs a major punch. During testing, Mashable Tech Editor Kim Gedeon was highly impressed with its performance — specifically its zippy M3 chip that's nearly 20 percent faster than the previous model. It offers dual-display support when you close the lid and WiFi 6E support, but otherwise features the same display, design, keyboard, ports, webcam, weight, and dimensions as its predecessor — and that's not a bad thing. It shines as our top MacBook pick for most people and as of Jan. 21, the 15-inch model with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD is on sale for just $1,249 instead of $1,499. That's 17% off and just $15 away from its best price ever.

Read our full review of the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M3).

Kindle Colorsoft Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Colorsoft $229.99 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

In October, Amazon unveiled its first Kindle model with a color display after almost 17 years: the Kindle Colorsoft. It's a 7-inch waterproof e-reader with a glare-free display that supports a full spectrum of color. On top of that, it has an auto-adjusting front light, 32GB of storage, wireless charging, eight weeks of battery life, and no lockscreen ads. It's usually $279.99, but as of Jan. 21, you can grab it on sale for just $229.99. That's 18% in savings and the first price drop since its release.

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 Opens in a new window Credit: Ultimate Ears Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 $79.86 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $20.13 Get Deal

Our favorite sub-$100 Bluetooth speaker, the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 is a tiny powerhouse with a well-rounded sound profile. It can last up to 14 hours on a full charge, endure drops from up to five feet, and be submerged in water for up to half an hour. We wish it offered a companion app to customize the sound, but overall, it's a solid pick — especially while it's 20% off.

Roku Express 4K+ Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku Expess 4K+ $24.00 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $15.99 Get Deal

Our favorite budget-friendly streaming device, the Roku Express 4K+ delivers ultra-HD quality, multiple HDR standards, and a voice-enabled remote. It's meant to be an entry-level 4K device and it excels in that department. "It’s one of the cheapest streaming devices around but still has all the essential functionality and reliability of more expensive alternatives," our reviewer writes. It's only $39.99 at full price, but as of Jan. 21, it's down to just $24. That's a 40% discount.

Read our full review of the Roku Express 4K+.

Amazon Fire HD 10 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 10 $94.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $45.00 Get Deal

The Amazon Fire HD 10 is not the fanciest tablet on the market, but its no-frills design makes it a solid choice for casual users looking to browse the web, answer some emails, or read on the go. Mashable reviewer SaVanna Shoemaker says it's "lighter and faster than its predecessors, with a long battery life and vivid picture that makes it great for on-the-go entertainment." It typically costs $139.99, but as of Jan. 21, it's on sale for only $94.99. That's 32% in savings.

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

GET $250 OFF: Jan. 21, Amazon is offering the Apple Macbook Air M3 chip 24GB RAM 512GB SSD for $1,449.00, saving you 15%, or $250.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Macbook Air M3 chip 24GB RAM 512GB SSD $1,449.00 at Amazon
$1,699.00 Save $250.00 Get Deal

The featherweight of computers, this laptop might be slim and portable but it still packs quite a computational punch. While its thin profile means that its lighter under the hood than a Macbook Pro, it's still got powerful specs, including an M3 chip, 24GB of RAM and more. We liked it so much we named the Macbook Air 2024 the best Macbook for most people.

Right now, the Macbook Air M3 is available for the rare sale price of $1,449.00 at Amazon. Get it now to save 15% or $250 off.

SEE ALSO: The best AI laptops we saw at CES 2025

The M3 chip is complex and includes both an 8-core CPU and a 10-core GPU for graphics. Apple sports the tagline "Built for Apple Intelligence," and sure that's a valid use for it, but this also a great creator's laptop. Whether you're using that chip to build models in 3D, game, design placards for the zoo, or power your live Ableton sets, this is a computer that's built to perform.

You might worry that the Macbook Air's half-inch-thin profile would mean you'd be sacrificing battery longevity, but that's not the case. The laptop's battery will go up to 18 hours on a charge, long enough to forget your charger at home before a weekend trip.

Right now, get the Apple Macbook Air M3 chip 24GB RAM 512GB SSD from Amazon to take advantage of this deal and get it for $1,449.00 for a savings of $250 or 15%.

Whether you're looking for a great productivity laptop, a school computer that can handle any new assignment your professor throws at you, or you're a creative looking to start a business, this 2024 Macbook Air has the juice you need to make it happen.