Mashable

The robot vacuums unveiled at CES 2024 are ushering in a new era of automated at-home cleaning. And none of them are Roombas.

Like Apple, iRobot doesn't do CES. Rather, the latest Roombas arrived in September 2023 and had a peaceful few months of (basically) being the best in the business. That's changing with the 2024 fleet of new flagship models from brands like Roborock, Samsung, Ecovacs, and Eufy, all of which showcased serious upgrades to their previous robot vacuums.

SEE ALSO: 10 gadgets from CES 2024 that you can buy already

We're seeing a few recurring glow-ups that are setting new standards for ways a robot vacuum can make your life easier: Small obstacle avoidance (think phone chargers, socks, and pet waste) is non-negotiable at this point, but fully self-sufficient mopping — real elbow grease, AI-fueled stain detection, and automated washing and drying of mopping pads — is the clear theme of the year. Even the most advanced Roomba doesn't offer those last two bullet points.

Below, we're diving into the details of our favorite 2024 competitors, as well as hashing out the differences between the new models and their predecessors. We'll also give pricing and release date information if we have it.

Roborock S8 Max Ultra, and S8 MaxV Ultra

It feels like just yesterday (was October not last month?) that Roborock dropped its last bots of 2023, the Q5 Pro and Q8 Max series. However, Roborock operates on both its release schedule and the CES schedule, and there are yet again new Roborocks.

The more premium vacs of the two new series are the S8 Max Ultra, and S8 MaxV Ultra. This series' main claim to fame is a bendy robotic arm that extends from the underside of the vacuum to detail spots that a side brush would miss — a longstanding blind spot of even the most powerful robot vacuums.

The Roborock MaxV Ultra comes in both white and black colorways. Credit: Roborock Credit: Roborock

A front-facing camera is also on board, which guides more meticulous small obstacle and stain detection and can livestream footage as it roves — technically giving you the ability to talk to someone who's at home by talking through the app.

Smarts aside, we'd be remiss not to mention the enhanced suction power on these bad boys: the Max Ultra clocks 8,000 Pa while the S8 MaxV Ultra clocks a whopping 10,000 Pa — doubling the power of so many vacs on the current market that were previously thought to be pretty damn powerful.

SEE ALSO: CES 2024: This countertop ice cream maker actually makes good soft-serve

Like the S8 Pro Ultra, which was unveiled at last year's CES, the S8 Max Ultra and MaxV Ultra docks wash mop heads and dry them with warm air, then refill the water tank in the bot itself. If you'd prefer to also not be responsible for manually refilling the larger water tank in the dock itself, there is a version of both new S8s that can be hooked up directly to your home's drainage system.

Starting in April 2024, the Roborock S8 Max Ultra will be available for $1,599.99 and the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra will be available for $1,799.99.

Roborock Q Revo Pro and Q Revo MaxV

The more affordable new series is the Q Revo line, with both the Revo Pro and Revo MaxV sticking close to the $1,000 price point. (The latter is more expensive due to the presence of a built-in voice assistant.)

Aside from aesthetic differences of the docks, the main difference from the S8 line is the Q Revo's focus on more detailed mopping than sheer suction power. It mops with two oscillating mopping pads spinning at 200 RPM (rather than the S8's singular pad) for a closer clean around obstacles like table legs.

The Roborock Q Revo has less suction power than the S8 Max series, but is still super powerful. Credit: Roborock Credit: Roborock

Compared to the S8 series, the new Revo models clean with 7,000 Pa of suction instead of 10,000 — still impressive — and are equipped with the same FlexiArm design to reach into corners. They also wash and dry the mopping pads.

The Q Revo Pro will go for $999.99 and the Q Revo MaxV will go for $1,199.99 when they become available for purchase in April 2024.

Ecovacs X2 Combo

Speaking of corner cleaning, Ecovacs is once again taking the literal route with another square robot vacuum — its second released in three months. After the Sept. 2023 drop of the Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni (a welcomed upgrade over the frustrating Deebot X1 Omni) Ecovacs has already found a unique way to build on its most advanced robot vacuum: adding a handheld vacuum to the ensemble.

Credit: Ecovacs

Yes, "Combo" refers to a new docking station that charges the robot vacuum itself on one side and a cordless handheld vacuum on the other side — because we all know that there are some intricate messes that you'd prefer to tackle by hand. Both vacuums self-empty into the bi-directional dustbin in the middle.

Other features seen in the X2 Omni that have carried over to the X2 Combo include mopping, washing and drying of the mopping pads, automatic water tank refilling, AI obstacle avoidance, and a voice assistant called Yiko that you can use to beckon the vacuum to wherever you're standing. Unlike the X2 Omni, the Combo is also Matter-ready, meaning it's compatible with several smart home systems.

The Ecovacs X2 Combo will cost $1,599 upon release, which is TBA but likely in the spring.

Samsung Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI+

Samsung's booth theme for CES 2024 — and the bigger theme for CES as a whole this year, apparently — is AI. More tangibly, Samsung's lean into AI is showcased in its new robot vacuum, the Bespoke Jet Combo AI+. Though it isn't Samsung's first robot vacuum with "AI" in the name, it does use AI in a major new way. On top of AI-powered smart mapping and AI-powered small obstacle detection, the Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI+ can also detect stains on hard floors without you having to designate a cleaning zone in the app.

Credit: Samsung

So yes, Samsung's flagship robot vacuum finally mops. Once the Jet Bot finds a stain, the bot quickly returns to the dock to heat the mopping pads with hot enough water to create steam, then heads back to the problem spot to scrub, spinning at 170 RPM.

In line with the trend of fully automated mopping that we've been seeing, the Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI+ charges on a self-emptying dock that also auto-fills the Jet Bot's water tank and washes and dries the mop.

SEE ALSO: CES 2024: Samsung unveils disappearing TV, wireless 8K projector

Pricing and a release date for the Samsung Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI+ are still up in the air. Its predecessor, the Jet Bot AI+ that does not mop, debuted at $1,299.99 in 2021, so we expect the Combo AI+ to be slightly more expensive than that upon release.

Eufy X10 Pro Omni

Eufy's latest botvac doesn't necessarily do anything that we haven't seen before. It empties itself, mops with some elbow grease, washes and dries its mopping pads, and avoids obstacles like cords and socks. It's a solid checklist that's almost expected at this point in the game.

What is groundbreaking about the X10 Pro Omni, though, is the fact that it secures all of those features for half the cost of multiple other vacuums in this list.

Credit: Eufy

While Ecovacs takes a break from using "Omni" in its robot vacuum names, Eufy's Omni era will undoubtedly change the game for the sub-$1,000 robot vacuum category. Despite debuting at a price point that's $100 less than its predecessor, the X9 Pro, the X10 Pro Omni dishes out significantly stronger suction power (8,000 Pa versus the X9 Pro's 5,500 Pa) and cleans with a new edge-hugging feature for better baseboard and corner attention. It's also square-ish with rounded edges.

Like the X9 Pro, the X10 Pro Omni mops with dual spinning, pressurized mops that are fully lifted above carpeting and rugs when it's sensed. After mopping, the self-empty dock also washes and dries the mopping pads.

This packed checklist should cost way more than the mere $799.99 price that Eufy's asking, but we're not complaining. You can secure the X10 Pro Omni for yourself starting on Feb. 20.

TL;DR: Take the first step towards a new career in cloud computing with this AWS Cloud Practitioner and Architect bundle, on sale for just $24.99 (reg. $420) through Jan. 14. That's 94% in savings.

Looking to dabble in a new career this year? If you're intrigued by the potentially lucrative world of Amazon Web Services, you may want to check out what it takes to become an AWS cloud practitioner. With this online learning bundle, you can start diving in from the comfort of your couch. 

This AWS-Certified Cloud Practitioner and Architect certification bundle offers seven info-packed courses complete with over 89 hours of instruction. Through January 14, you can grab them all for just $24.99 — that's less than $4 a course.

There's no prior AWS knowledge required with this bundle, as you can get started with courses geared toward newbies like Complete AWS ECS Bootcamp (Beginner Friendly). Some skills you'll learn are creating your own CI/CD with CodePipeline, becoming well-versed in Elastic Load Balancing in AWS, accurately handling SSL Termination with ACM, and much more. Hands-on, practical lessons show you what you'd run into as a Web-Application Developer so you get some real-world experience and can take your education even further with the other courses in the bundle.

Learn more about AWS with AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner: Essentials Course, which schools you on AWS products, services, and more. This course covers typical terminologies and ideas that are related to the AWS platform and even teaches you how to start an Amazon Relation Database Service. Even more in-depth courses like AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner CLF-C01: Exam and Beyond prep you for the requisite exams you'll encounter, while Amazon VPC Mastery for AWS Certifications helps you prepare for potential certifications. 

Hop into a new field and get ready for AWS certification exams with this AWS Cloud Practitioner and Architect bundle, now just $24.99 (reg. $420) until January 14 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Packt Publishing The AWS Cloud Practitioner and Architect Certification Bundle $24.99 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

TL;DR: Through Jan. 14, you can get the Omnia Q5 5-in-1 wireless charging station for just $83.99 instead of $120 — that's a savings of 30%.

Looking to leave clutter in 2023? An easy way to open up more space on your desk or countertop is by investing in a charging solution that helps you ditch your current messy cord situation.

The OMNIA Q5 powers up five devices in one sleek spot. And through January 14, you can score major savings and bring one home for just $83.99 (reg. $120), no coupon code required.

Power up your Apple gadgets in an easy and aesthetically pleasing way. This station is ready to wirelessly charge your iPad, Apple Watch, iPhone, Apple Pencil 2, and even your AirPods simultaneously in the same place, so you don't have to worry about keeping track of everything. It helps maximize your counter or desk space and offers modular parts so you can use the charging pad and station separately if needed.

Funded on Kickstarter, the OMNIA is the only charging station that offers wireless charging for the Apple Pencil 2.  It also can be used as an ergonomic stand with a handy 15 to 20-degree angle, so you can work comfortably while using your device, even while it powers up.

Clean up your desk while keeping everything charged with this OMNIA Q5 5-in-1 Wireless Charging Station featured at CES, for just $83.99 (reg. $120) until January 14 at 11:59 p.m. PT. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Omnia Omnia Q5 5-in-1 Wireless Charging Station $83.99 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

TL;DR: Through Jan. 14, the Gamma graphene-infused heated jacket is on sale for just $189.97 instead of $575 — that's a savings of 66%.

Don’t let the frigid temperatures stop you from going outside. This innovative Gamma Graphene-Infused Heated Jacket, which comes with a heated power bank, will help keep you warm, dry, and protected in even the most extreme weather conditions. 

The versatility of the Gamma is infinite. It uses a built-in smart heating system and connects to a power bank for precise control of your upper-body temperature. The HETA hand-warming power bank has three adjustable heat settings so you can choose accordingly. Plus, the smart thermoregulating system is designed to keep you cool in summer and warm in the colder months. 

This water-resistant and UV-proof jacket is machine-washable and built to be easy to maintain. It can be used for skiing, hiking, or even walking your dog. The Gamma-infused heated jacket’s stylish design makes it easy to pair with casual, sporty, or formal outfits. Get up to 8 hours of charge and stay warm all day. The USB-C has fast charging so you can charge personal devices on the go.

If you’re looking for a great piece to spice up your outerwear collection, this heat-infused jacket makes a great addition to your wardrobe.

Until January 14 at 11:59 p.m. PT, get the Gamma Graphene-Infused Heated Jacket and Heated Power Bank bundle on sale for just $189.97 (originally $575).

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Opens in a new window Credit: Gamma Gamma Graphene-Infused Heated Jacket + Power Bank Bundle $189.97 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

TL;DR: As of January 13, get this Desk Mat Pro + 2 Magnetic Cable Block Manager Bundle for only $54.99 — usually $59.95.

Keeping a tidy desk is no doubt one of the most basic things we can do to stay organized. This mat and cable block combo can help transform your workstation into a more productive and aesthetically pleasing space. 

The Desk Mat Pro comes in four colors: black, purple, gray, and navy. The mat protects your work area from scratches and everyday wear and tear. More often than not, we have our coffee or dinner while hovering over the computer, making spills a commonality. The faux suede bottom is water-resistant and should be able to be wiped clean easily, should you make a mess. 

The user-friendly cable block manager simplifies the organization of your wires. Just plug your cord into the silicone block and place it anywhere on the mat surface. The embedded bottom magnet ensures a secure hold, preventing your cable from slipping. Additionally, two embedded weights are included to keep your cables in place even when it's not on the mat. Designed to accommodate standard-size cables, this product offers a convenient and effective way to keep your workspace tidy and cables neatly organized.

Until January 14 at 11:59 p.m. PT, get the Desk Mat Pro and Magnetic Cable Block Manager bundle on sale for just $54.99 (originally $59.95). No coupon is needed.

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Opens in a new window Credit: Function101 Desk Mat Pro + 2 Magnetic Cable Block Manager Bundle $54.99 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

TL;DR: As of January 13, get the Adam Elements Mag 3 Magnetic 3-in-1 Foldable Travel Charging Station for only $88.99 — that's 18% off.

Many of us love our Apple gadgets...but keeping them powered up with their individual charging cords can be annoying. If you're a devoted Apple fan, you know the pain of forgetting one of your chargers. That's where the Adam Elements Mag 3 Magnetic 3-in-1 Foldable Travel Charging Station can help.

This portable charging station offers a convenient spot to power up your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. This game-changing charger is currently on sale for only $88.99 (reg. $109) right here, with no coupon code required. But you'll have to act fast — this deal only lasts through January 14. 

This charging station can make juicing your Apple gadgets a breeze, while simultaneously saving space on your counters, nightstands, or desks. It's a multi-tasking device that's ready to power up an iPhone 12 or later, an Apple Watch, and a pair of AirPods simultaneously. There are also options for both vertical and horizontal charging, complete with secure magnetic connections and alignment so you can continue to use the device while it charges. 

A foldable design makes it simple to bring this charging station along for any ride, preventing you from being stranded without one of your chargers. The solid metal construction blends in with any type of decor. Foreign Object Detection, Over-current Protection, and Over-voltage Protection are all safety features included that allow you to charge with peace of mind. 

Charge anytime, anywhere with this Adam Elements Mag 3 Magnetic 3-in-1 Foldable Travel Charging Station, only $88.99 (reg. $109) until January 14 at 11:59 p.m. PT, no coupon code required. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Adam Elements Adam Elements Mag 3 Magnetic 3-in-1 Foldable Travel Charging Station $88.99 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

The 2000s yielded some iconic films. The Lord of the Rings, Matrix, and Paranormal Activity franchises all trace their storied histories to the heady first decade of the new millennium. But you surely haven’t forgotten about these movies, nor have you forgotten about My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Avatar, or Batman Begins. All are streaming on Max, and none of them belong on this list.

This list is about the 2000s movies that, for one reason or another, haven’t stayed as fresh in our collective consciousness as, say, The Devil Wears Prada. Perhaps they were small budget movies that got overshadowed by the Star Wars prequels. Maybe they were middling movies you loved but never watched again, or they were award-winners you completely forgot once you leaped joyously into the 2010s. Whatever the case may be, each of the movies on this list is sure to spark joy when you remember that they exist and, hopefully, that they deserve a rewatch.

1. Heartbreakers

The romantic crime comedy is a highly underutilized movie subgenre. The stakes are high, the laughs are big, and the twists come with a kiss. It’s a winning combo, any way you slice it, and Heartbreakers is an archetypal triumph of the form.

Sigourney Weaver and Jennifer Love Hewitt are Max and Page, a mother-daughter con artist team who have to complete one last grift together to pay a debt to the IRS. But when Page develops feelings for a man she’s trying to con on the side (Jason Lee), their whole delicate web of lies is placed in jeopardy. Heartbreakers is a rom-com with an edge: it’s funny, it’s irreverent, and it’s unpredictable. 

How to watch: Heartbreakers is now streaming on Max.

2. American Gangster Credit: Moviestore / Shutterstock

American Gangster is a smart, smooth crime thriller about the rise of 1970s heroin kingpin Frank Lucas. Denzel Washington commands the screen as Lucas, who used returning Vietnam War servicemen to smuggle drugs from Asia into the U.S. The product, Blue Magic, is so pure that it quickly dominates the markets and turns Lucas into Harlem's top crime lord. Across the river, Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe) is a Newark detective whose partner overdosed on Blue Magic, and he's been tasked with bringing Lucas’s sprawling heroin racket down.

Directed by Ridley Scott, American Gangster is enthralling, entertaining, and unforgettable. It takes the classic gangster flick and adds to it an intelligent conversation about class structure. But its most impressive features are the dynamic performances of its two arresting leads.

How to watch: American Gangster is now streaming on Max.

3. Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow

Gwyneth Paltrow is Polly, a determined reporter in an incredible fedora who always gets her story. Jude Law is Joe, the head of an elite air force squadron, and also Polly’s ex. When enormous metal monsters attack New York City, the pair are thrown back together in a race to get to the bottom of the mystery and stop the doomsday device they fear is waiting for them there.

Taking inspiration from Old Hollywood science-fiction films, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow is a modern movie with a nostalgic, 1930s aesthetic. The technology seen in this fictional New York is both antique and futuristic — people travel by airships that dock at the Empire State building — a vision of the "future" as imagined by those in the past. The result is an exciting film noir/sci-fi adventure that lovingly evokes the romance of a bygone era.

How to watch: Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow is now streaming on Max.

4. Jennifer’s Body

You can thank the internet for facilitating pop culture's reevaluation of numerous cult classics. But few were as overdue and as important as the critical reassessment of Jennifer's Body.

Directed by Karyn Kusama and written by Diablo Cody, this snarky story of a teen girl sacrificed to the devil by a rock band was largely maligned upon its release in 2009. Critics complained about its balance of comedy and horror, with many admitting they just didn't get it.

But in the wake of the #MeToo movement, female horror fans and filmmakers took to social media to reconsider the film's strongest elements — namely, its nuanced approach to addressing sexual trauma and playful presentation of queer characters in a horror context. You'll want to queue this one up just for Megan Fox's wickedly fun delivery of, "No, I'm killing boys."* — Alison Foreman, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Jennifer’s Body is now streaming on Max.

5. Walk the Line Credit: Moviestore / Shutterstock

Written and directed by James Mangold, Walk the Line is a hall-of-famer when it comes to movies about musicians. 

This story of Johnny Cash’s ascent from Southern nobody to one of the greatest country singers of all time hits all the key beats of the classic biopic: traumatic childhood, stint in the army, shocking success, whirlwind romance, and eventual drug addiction. But that doesn’t make it any less worthy of a watch. Joaquin Phoenix is dark and captivating as the troubled crooner, singing all the performances himself to the shock of audiences who would have sworn it was Cash’s voice on the track. As June Cash, Reese Witherspoon burns up the screen with her energy, stealing every scene she’s in. She won a well-deserved Oscar for this unforgettable performance. 

Watching Walk the Line is an engrossing, whole-body experience, from the toe-tapping tunes to the visceral emotions that drive these musical geniuses.

How to watch: Walk the Line is now streaming on Max.

6. I Love You, Man 

The concept of a "bromance" began to seriously take root in the 2000s and was perhaps concretized by co-writer/director John Hamburg's I Love You, Man. This is not a romantic comedy, folks. It's a bro-mantic comedy. 

Paul Rudd is Peter Klaven, a real estate agent whose recent engagement to the love of his life (Rashida Jones) makes him realize he doesn’t have a best man. Peter decides it’s time for another man in his life. At first it seems that crass, brazen Sydney (Jason Segel) is the opposite of what Peter is looking for, but he just might be what Peter needs after all. I Love You, Man is a sweet and bawdy romp about the discomfort of making new friends as an adult. Its greatest achievement, though, is Rudd and Segel’s sparkling chemistry — this was their third movie together, after Knocked Up and Forgetting Sarah Marshall. 

How to watch: I Love You, Man is now streaming on Max.

7. Hustle & Flow

And now, the movie that garnered Three 6 Mafia an Academy Award for Best Original Song, Hustle & Flow. DJay is a Memphis pimp who yearns for a better life. He turns to music, calling in favors and putting it all on the line to record an album about the trauma of street life. His goal is to give his music to a big time rapper (played by Ludacris) at a hometown party on July 4th — will his tracks be ready in time? 

Hustle & Flow, written and directed by Craig Brewer, is both wholesomely optimistic and unapologetically gritty. The world these characters navigate is cutthroat and criminal, but they always hold on to a spark of hope. Terrence Howard earned an Oscar nom for his layered performance as DJay, and the rest of the cast (which includes Anthony Anderson and Taraji P. Henson) are equally spellbinding 

How to watch: Hustle & Flow is now streaming on Max.

8. Charlie Wilson's War Credit: Moviestore / Shutterstock

In 1980, Congressman Charlie Wilson (Tom Hanks) wasn’t doing much with his position besides throwing lavish parties. But prodding from a friend (Julia Roberts) pushes Wilson to take an interest in Afghanistan’s fight against the Soviet occupation. Written by Aaron Sorkin and directed by Mike Nichols, Charlie Wilson’s War is an exciting and chic take on diplomacy. It’s both an excellent vehicle for that Philip Seymour Hoffman swagger and a crash course on historical cause and effect. The events of this film directly shaped American foreign policy and engagement for years to come. A surprisingly jaunty movie about a serious moment in history whose ramifications were felt by the entire world. 

How to watch: Charlie Wilson’s War is now streaming on Max.

9. (500) Days of Summer 

Sometime in the 2000s, romantic comedies stopped trying to be funny and started trying to say something meaningful, none more overtly than (500) Days of Summer. This indie darling breaks from rom-com formula to tell a non-linear story of a relationship coming together and falling apart. Joseph Gordon-Levitt's sincerity is palpable and Zooey Deschanel, as the object of his affection, is a quirky girl so quirky she single-handedly ushered in a new era of messy bangs for millions of women everywhere. With unexpected touches of surrealism and a stellar supporting cast, (500) Days of Summer is a satisfying watch for a love story that hits you right in the gut.*

How to watch: (500) Days of Summer is now streaming on Max.

10. Real Women Have Curves Credit: Nicola Goode / Lavoo Prods / Kobal / Shutterstock

Real Women Have Curves, written by Josefina López, was the movie that gave us America Ferrera's big-screen debut, so for that alone we must pay our respects. But it’s also a stirring, nuanced, coming-of-age story about body positivity, the immigrant experience, and the struggle between what we owe our families and what we owe ourselves. 

Ferrera is sensational as Ana Garcia, a Mexican American student who is finishing her senior year at a high school in Beverly Hills. While her fellow students head off to college, Ana stays behind, pushed by her mother to work and help to support the family. But Ana can’t help but dream bigger for herself, so while working in her family's factory, she begins to put together an application for Columbia University. A must-watch!

How to watch: Real Women Have Curves is now streaming on Max.

11. Pearl Harbor

Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett are Rafe and Danny, 1940s air force pilots, lifelong best friends, and grade-A beefcakes. When Rafe’s plane goes down in the UK, Danny mourns alongside Rafe’s girlfriend, Evelyn (Kate Beckinsale), and their shared grief blossoms into a romance. But uh oh! Rafe miraculously returns — shocked and hurt to have escaped a POW camp to now find himself in a love triangle. Also, they were stationed at Pearl Harbor right before it was attacked. That’s a part of this, too. 

Directed by Michael Bay, Pearl Harbor is a juicy melodrama that romanticizes war and glosses over minor details like "historical accuracy." Critics hated it. But honestly, who cares! We don’t need all of our movies to be good. We need some movies to be indulgently soapy fluff with absurdly high stakes and an impossibly hot cast — and Pearl Harbor is exactly that. 

How to watch: Pearl Harbor is now streaming on Max.

12. Maria Full of Grace Credit: Christobal Corral / Fine Line Features / Kobal / Shutterstock

María Álvarez is a pregnant 17-year-old in Colombia who becomes a drug mule in an effort to earn a better life for herself and her future child. Her pregnancy makes her the ideal smuggler, since it will keep her from being x-rayed. Maria Full of Grace is a truly sublime film, and a deeply human study of the modern drug-trafficking landscape. Catalina Sandino Moreno is exquisite and heartbreaking as Maria, her performance becoming even more impressive when you learn it was her first acting credit — and one that earned her a well-deserved Academy Award nomination.

How to watch: Maria Full of Grace is now streaming on Max.

13. Fantastic Mr. Fox

Adapted from the Roald Dahl children’s book by Noah Baumbach and Wes Anderson (who also directs), Fantastic Mr. Fox is a quirky and stylish stop-motion romp about a fox who just can’t quit thieving produce. When his criminal behavior puts his family in danger, Mr. Fox commits to a safer lifestyle, but years as a journalist can’t keep him yearning for his old life. He raids a local farm and catches the attention of three determined farmers who vow to take him out. 

This movie is full of whimsy, giving animals a rich underground community that includes badger lawyers, opossum superintendents, and little fox kids who love juice boxes. As with all Anderson flicks, the visuals are gorgeous, and the cast is stacked. George Clooney lends his smooth voice to the titular sly fox, with Meryl Streep as Mrs. Fox, Willem Dafoe as a rat, Bill Murray as a badger — the list goes on and on.*

How to watch: Fantastic Mr. Fox is now streaming on Max.

14. Barbershop

Calvin Palmer Jr. (Ice Cube) is fed up managing his father’s old barbershop and sells it to a loan shark, freeing himself from the responsibility. But soon, Calvin regrets his decision and tries to buy back the property. Unfortunately, the loan shark wants double the original payment. Just as Calvin breaks the news to his friends and coworkers at the shop that it's about to close for good, one of his barbers is mistakenly arrested for a crime he didn’t commit, and the community has to rally together to free him. The entire movie takes place over the course of one transformative day in the barbershop itself, as newcomers pop in and out to move the plot along.

Barbershop is a warm comedy-drama that has spawned sequels, TV series, and spin-offs (Beauty Shop with Queen Latifah). It’s no wonder. The cast is magnetic (Anthony Anderson, Sean Patrick Thomas, Eve, Michael Ealy, Keith David, Cedric the Entertainer), the characters fresh and endearing, and the barbershop as vivid and vital as ever.

How to watch: Barbershop is now streaming on Max.

15. Gangs of New York Credit: Moviestore / Shutterstock

Martin Scorsese's Gangs of New York is the violent story of territorial gang warfare and revenge set against the backdrop of a 19th century New York City. Two rival gangs are fighting over the lower Manhattan neighborhood of Five Points: the Protestant Confederation of American Natives, led by Bill the Butcher (Daniel Day-Lewis), and the Dead Rabbits, led by "Priest" Vallon (Liam Neeson). Bill wins by murdering Vallon, but his triumph — such as it is — doesn't last forever. Years later, Vallon’s son (Leonardo DiCaprio) returns to Five Points to infiltrate Bill’s inner circle and avenge his fallen father. 

Based on Herbert Asbury's book of the same name, Gangs of New York is a visual feast, with eye-catching costumes and astounding production design. Though like many Scorsese flicks, some critics thought the level of violence was a bit gratuitous, all agreed that Gangs is an exhilarating and gripping American epic. 

How to watch: Gangs of New York is now streaming on Max.

16. The Water Horse

Angus MacMorrow is a young boy living in WWII-era, coastal Scotland who is both drawn to the water and deathly afraid of it. He spends his time collecting shells from tide pools and counting the days to his father’s return from the war. But one morning he finds a mysterious egg on the shore of the nearby loch. It hatches into a cuddly and ravenous baby Loch Ness monster (the titular "water horse") that he must keep hidden from his mother, as well as the regiment of British soldiers billeting in his house while searching for German submarines. 

The Water Horse is a fantastical and heartwarming family adventure about both friendship and grief. A perfectly pleasant watch for family movie night, starring Emily Watson, Alex Etel, Ben Chaplin, David Morrissey, and Brian Cox.*

How to watch: The Water Horse is now streaming on Max.

17. The King’s Speech

There aren’t a lot of movies about the royals that leave you feeling uplifted, which is why Tom Hooper’s superb The King’s Speech is such a rare treat. Colin Firth is Prince Albert, or Bertie, the second son of King George V, whose public speaking engagements are commonly derailed by his stammer. Bertie’s wife (Helena Bonham Carter) pushes him to see unconventional therapist Lionel Logue, played magnificently by Geoffrey Rush. When Bertie’s older brother King Edward VIII (Guy Pearce) abdicates the throne, passing the crown unexpectedly to Bertie, the pressure for success becomes even higher, while Logue’s eccentric techniques come under closer scrutiny. 

The King’s Speech is a captivating and effervescent historical drama, both playful and moving. It was, no surprise, an Academy Awards smash, winning Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor for Colin Firth, and Best Original Screenplay for David Seidler.

How to watch: The King’s Speech is now streaming on Max.

18. Eastern Promises Credit: Peter Mountain / Focus Features / Bbc / Kobal / Shutterstock

Nothing says holiday cheer like Viggo Mortensen as a Russian gangster casually blow-drying a frozen corpse in front of a strand of Christmas lights. Eastern Promises doesn’t have anything to do with the holidays directly, but it is set during Christmas in London, where the atmosphere of hope and celebration is juxtaposed with violence and deceit. 

David Cronenberg’s violent crime drama follows Naomi Watts as a midwife who discovers the diary of a young Russian girl who died in childbirth. That diary leads her to the local headquarters of the Russian mafia, and a dark scheme led by top boss Semyon (Armin Mueller-Stahl), his loose-cannon son (Vincent Cassel), and their newest recruit and fixer Nikolai (an excellent Mortensen covered in faux Russian prison tattoos). A suspenseful and gory mystery unfolds as Watts's Anna gets closer to the truth, and Nikolai balances carrying out his boss's orders with helping her. Morality and corruption constantly bleed into one another in Cronenberg’s fantastic crime fable, which features an all-timer nude fight sequence in a bathhouse.

How to watch: Eastern Promises is now streaming on Max.

19. Die Another Day

Pierce Brosnan’s last turn as James Bond marks the end of an era. A few months after Die Another Day hit theaters in 2002, The Bourne Identity premiered, ushering in a new generation of more grounded and grittier action films, subsequent Bond installments with Daniel Craig included.

Die Another Day is not gritty. It’s suave, smooth, and a little bit campy. The stunts are big and the explosions are even bigger — but its brazen improbability is its strength. This is an escapist action flick. It opens with James Bond surfing into North Korea, blowing up a war camp, and then getting tortured for 14 months while Madonna sings “Die Another Day” in the background. And that’s where the movie starts! This classic Bond flick is ludicrous and amazing. It’s as cool and breezy as action can be, and it only gets more fun when an iconic Halle Berry joins the mission.

How to watch: Die Another Day is now streaming on Max.

20. Definitely, Maybe 

A surprisingly heartfelt Ryan Reynolds stars as Will Hayes, a young dad in NYC attempting to explain to his daughter Maya (Abigail Breslin) why he and her mother are divorcing. She insists on knowing the full story, so he starts from the very beginning, changing the names so the identity of her mother is a mystery, How I Met Your Mother-style. As the story unfurls, and Will grows closer and drifts apart from characters played by Elizabeth Banks, Isla Fisher, and Rachel Weisz, Maya begins to deduce which woman is her mother… and which woman is the love of her father’s life.

Definitely, Maybe is an enchanting and unique love story that confidently breaks out of the rom-com formula. With a talented cast and a cheerful tone, it was a breath of fresh air in an oversaturated decade for romantic comedies.

How to watch: Definitely, Maybe is now streaming on Max.

21. The Sum of All Fears Credit: Moviestore / Shutterstock

A bomb goes off in a Baltimore stadium and all signs point to Russia. But is Russia to blame? Or is there another perpetrator trying to trigger a new world war so they can swoop in afterwards and claim the pieces for themselves? CIA analyst Jack Ryan might be the only one who can get to the truth. 

Ben Affleck is cool and capable as a younger version of Tom Clancy’s famous Jack Ryan, a role previously filled by Alec Baldwin (The Hunt for Red October) and Harrison Ford (Patriot Games; Clear and Present Danger). While The Sum of All Fears doesn't quite live up to the sophistication of its predecessors, it’s still a slick, tense, and entertaining spy thriller. And it was facing an uphill battle: Fears debuted only a few months after 9/11, and it features violence on American soil. Now that plenty of years have passed, it’s time to give this riveting suspense a rewatch.

How to watch: The Sum of All Fears is now streaming on Max.

22. Speed Racer

Unfairly maligned upon release, the Wachowskis' live-action take on the 1960s manga and anime from Tatsuo Yoshida has gained cult status in the 15 years since it flopped in theaters. This kaleidoscopic creation begs to be beheld on the big screen, spinning and whirling and careening as it does with every candy color under the sun. If you've got a good set-up at home, you can’t go wrong watching the pop-saturated adventures of Speed (Emile Hirsch), Trixie (Christina Ricci), Pops and Mom (John Goodman and Susan Sarandon), and the whole gang as they rush us through a hallucinogenic wonderland of fast cars, thrilling races, and one adorable pet chimp. As usual with the Wachowskis, this movie was deeply ahead of its time and deserves total rediscovery. At least until I can see it again on a big screen as intended!* — Jason Adams, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Speed Racer is now streaming on Max.

23. Kate and Leopold

Hugh Jackman is at his most dashing as Leopold, a 19th century New Yorker who gets magically transported to 2001 thanks to an inconvenient time portal. There, he meets Kate (Meg Ryan), a cynical career woman who, of course, doesn’t really believe in love. Maybe an old-timey gentleman bursting with chivalry will be just the man to warm her frozen heart! Co-written by James Mangold (Girl, Interrupted; Walk the Line) and Steven Rogers (I, Tonya), Kate and Leopold is a swoon-worthy romance with a deeply charismatic cast.

How to watch: Kate and Leopold is now streaming on Max.

24. Milk

In director Gus Van Sant's astounding biopic, Sean Penn stars as activist and politician Harvey Milk. The first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California, Milk progressed the rights of LGBTQ Americans by unprecedented leaps and bounds. Milk honors that legacy with its heartfelt imagining of an icon. Penn won Best Actor for his portrayal of Milk at the 81st Academy Awards.* — A.F.

How to watch: Milk is now streaming on Max.

25. Robots

For a throwback watch that will entertain the kiddos, look no further than 2005’s Robots. Ewan McGregor, Robin Williams, Halle Berry, Mel Brooks, Jennifer Coolidge, Jim Broadbent, and more — we can’t list names forever! — star in this high-energy animated sci-fi adventure about, you guessed it, robots. Rodney Copperbottom (McGregor) is an idealistic young inventor who becomes a local hero when he uses his skills to repair damaged or outmoded robots. The company that was trying to sell upgrades to these busted robots at a major premium? Well, suffice it to say, they’re pissed. The movie’s strength comes from its imaginative depiction of a robotic world (its transportation system is basically a Rube Goldberg machine), making Robots an enchanting pick for family movie night.

How to Watch: Robots is now streaming on Max.

26. Constantine

Before he was John Wick but after he was Neo, Keanu Reeves was Constantine, an exorcist with both a bad attitude and the ability to see half-angels and half-demons living in secret as humans. Seems like the latter might have something to do with the former, huh? Based on the DC Comics series Hellblazer, Constantine is a dark fantasy thriller filled with religious iconography and superhero vibes. Rachel Weisz, Shia LaBeouf, Tilda Swinton, and Djimon Hounsou lend their prodigious talents to the film, with Swinton particularly in her element as an androgynous half-angel. Though the movie has suffered from the inevitable comparisons to the superior Matrix trilogy, Constantine is a solid watch for horror lovers and fantasy fans alike.

How to Watch: Constantine is now streaming on Max.

UPDATE: Jan. 3, 2024, 4:15 p.m. EST This list was updated to reflect the latest offerings on Max.

Opens in a new window Credit: Courtesy of Max Max Sign up for a Max subscription Get Deal

Mashable entertainment reporter Belen Edwards speaks to writer Tina Fey and Mean Girls cast Reneé Rapp, Angourie Rice, Auli'i Cravalho, Jaquel Spivey, Avantika, Bebe Wood, and Christopher Briney about borrowing from the original movie, singing numbers from the Broadway musical, and making new out of the well-known.

Mean Girls (2024) is now out in cinemas.

UPDATE: Jan. 13, 2024, 5:00 a.m. EST This story has been updated with more newly available products from CES 2024.

There are a lot of "maybes" and "hope tos" uttered at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), as many of the products demoed there take months or years to launch. And that's if they even make it to market at all; prototypes, previews, and proofs of concept are running themes at the annual tech convention in Las Vegas. But fortunately for anyone eager to get their hands on the latest gadgets, there are a few exceptions every year.

SEE ALSO: The best of CES 2024

Below, we've rounded up a list of over 20 products from CES 2024 that are actually available for purchase or preorder immediately, including innovative wearables, stick-on TVs, beefy gaming laptops, and a disembodied AI head. Some of them blew us away, while others just weirded us out. (You can probably guess which are which.)

1. JLab JBuds Lux ANC Over-Ear Headphones

The new Buds Lux ANC are JLab's first premium headphones with smart active noise cancellation and 40mm drivers. They're impressive for two reasons: One, they offer up to 70 hours of playtime per charge; and two, they're priced at just $80. These chunky wireless cans come in four trendy earth tones, including Graphite, Cloud, Sage, and Mauve.

Opens in a new window Credit: JLab JLab JBuds Lux ANC Over-Ear Headphones $79.99 at jlab.com Pre-order Now 2. Clicks Creator Keyboard Founders Edition

Read Mashable's review of the Clicks Creator Keyboard Founders Edition.

The Y2K revival rages on. Featuring a physical backlit keyboard that supports standard shortcuts (like CMD + A for "Select All"), this unibody case evoking the Sidekicks and Blackberries of yore is Clicks Technology's debut product. It didn't impress Mashable tech reporter Matt Binder — its keys are too soft and close together, he said — but he did like all the screen space it freed up. It's available in "BumbleBee" (yellow) and "London Sky" (gray) for the iPhone 14 Pro, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max.

Opens in a new window Credit: Clicks Technology Clicks Creator Keyboard Founders Edition Starting at $139 at clicks.tech Buy Now 3. Ohdoki Oh!

From the makers of The Handy automatic stroker comes the Oh!, a remote-shaped sex toy for people with vulvas that vibrates using sound waves (as opposed to motors). This technology makes its patterns and frequencies more customizable, according to a press release. It can also sync up with other devices or be controlled from a distance using Bluetooth. Internet-connected sex toys haven't impressed us in the past, but associate features editor Anna Iovine said you might have better luck with the Oh! since it's for external body use.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ohdoki Ohdoki Oh! $74.95 at thehandy.com (save $75) Pre-order Now 4. Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming peripherals

Dell's gaming brand introduced its first-ever peripherals for professional and competitive players at CES 2024. One is the Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse, a featherlight clicker with up to 4,000 Hz wireless and 8,000 Hz wired polling rates. (Polling refers to how often a mouse tells a PC its location; your typical mouse taps out at 1,000 Hz.) The other is the Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard, which has hot-swappable switches for easy customization and a battery life of up to 798 hours with its RBG lighting turned off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dell Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse $149.99 at Dell USA Buy Now Opens in a new window Credit: Dell Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard $199.99 at Dell USA Buy Now 5. Garmin HRM-Fit

Garmin's new activity-tracking heart rate monitor for women clips right onto the front of a sports bra, so feel free to leave your smartwatch at home. (Or don't — it's compatible with Garmin smartwatches as well as Garmin Edge cycling computers and certain other fitness equipment.) It offers up to a year of battery life and can capture data for a variety of activities, including running, cycling, and strength training.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin HRM-Fit $149.99 at Garmin Buy Now 6. rabbit r1

This pocket-sized, retro-looking device is a voice-based AI assistant that's capable of performing a variety of digital tasks (like booking travel, ordering food, and playing music) by learning how to use your apps for you. It's been described as "a walkie-talkie for an AI" and a "universal controller for apps," and it made a huge splash at CES 2024, selling out its first two production runs of 10,000 units each. It's now back up for preorder.

Opens in a new window Credit: Rabbit rabbit r1 $199 at rabbit.tech Pre-order Now 7. Displace Mini and Displace Flex

They're not quite as exciting as LG's new transparent TV, but Displace's new lightweight, wireless 4K displays are still pretty cool in their own right (and certainly more practical): They have battery-powered suction that allows them to stick onto almost any wall or window — no mounting required. "It's impossible to pull off unless you actually want to take it off," said Binder, who took part in a demo at CES. Both the 55-inch Flex model and the 27-inch Mini variant are expected to ship out in late 2024.

Opens in a new window Credit: Displace Displace Mini $249 at displace.tv Pre-order Now Opens in a new window Credit: Displace Displace Flex $649.80 at displace.tv Pre-order Now Featured Video For You CES 2024: This mini TV can hang from your window 8. Garmin Lily 2

Garmin's latest smartwatch is easily its most fashion-forward wearable to date, with a metal case and patterned lenses that act like stylish screensavers when the display is powered off. It comes with sleep monitoring and built-in sport apps, including a new dance fitness activity that can track different dance styles, and it lasts up to five days on a single charge. The standard Lily 2 comes in two colors with silicone bands, while the slightly pricier Lily 2 Classic (which adds support for Garmin Pay contactless payments) comes in four colors with nylon or leather bands.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Lily 2 $249.99 at Garmin Buy Now Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Lily 2 Classic Starting at $279.99 at Garmin Buy Now 9. Evie Ring

The Oura Ring has some new competition. Movano Health's Evie is an iPhone-compatible smart ring for women that can track health metrics and offer concise insights based on that data using an in-house AI engine. (One such analysis might be, "We've noticed your mood improves when you get 1,000 more steps than your average," to quote a press release.) It's also got some flex to it, meaning it stays comfortable even if your hand swells because of factors like hormonal changes. Shipped with a portable charging case, it comes in three finishes and eight sizes.

Opens in a new window Credit: Movano Health Evie Ring $269 at eviering.com Buy Now 10. Bello

Bello's eponymous countertop machine can both filter water and infuse it — it's like a Keurig, but for purified, flavored water. It certainly won't be life-changing, but we can only imagine the implications it will have for Stanley stans and WaterTok.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bello Bello $199 at bellowater.com (save $100) Reserve Now 11. Apollo

Read Mashable's full review of the Apollo.

Apollo Neuro says its new wellness wearable can improve your focus, help you sleep better, and ease your stress with the power of "good vibes" — i.e., by stimulating your vagus nerve (which regulates important bodily functions like heart rate and breathing). It didn't live up to all of those promises when tech editor Kim Gedeon tried it for three weeks ahead of CES, though it did have a positive effect on her social anxiety: "It's similar to how I feel when I'm listening to binaural beats or ASMR," she wrote. At the time of publication, it was on sale for almost $70 off on Amazon and the Apollo Neuro website.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apollo Neuro Apollo Starting at $279.99 at Amazon and apolloneuro.com (save $69.01) Buy Now 12. Barsys 360

The Barsys 360 is a smart automatic cocktail maker with built-in lighting effects and the ability to learn your taste preferences for drink recommendations. It can work with up to six ingredients at one time, including spirits and mixers. It's even pricier than the Mashable's Choice Award-winning Bartesian, but if you're a wannabe mixologist with cash to burn and a flair for the dramatic, drink up.

Opens in a new window Credit: Barsys Barsys 360 $475 at thebarsys.com Pre-order Now 13. FRENZ Brainband

Read Mashable's full review of the FRENZ Brainband.

This AI-powered device by Earable Neuroscience uses real-time sleep data to come up with personalized cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) audio — a combination of voice coaching and music — which it claims can help improve your ZZZs. Gedeon went into her trial of it with a healthy dose of skepticism, but she said it really did help alleviate her insomnia. The only caveat is that it does require some habit-making, as it needs to be recharged every night before bed.

Opens in a new window Credit: Earable Neuroscience FRENZ Brainband $490 at frenzband.com Buy Now 14. EVOLVE MVMT

Evolve MVMT's "first-of-its-kind" ankle wearable aims to make your gait more efficient and joint-friendly by tracking the quality (not quantity) of your steps — more specifically, the way your heel strikes the ground. If you're a flat-footed person who's "ever had to pay for expensive orthotics or special footwear, which then has to be replaced every few years, this might be a solid alternative," wrote tech reporter Cecily Mauran.

Opens in a new window Credit: EVOLVE MVMT EVOLVE MVMT $499 at evolvemvmt.com Pre-order Now 15. Segway Ninebot eKickScooter E2 Pro

Segway's new e-scooter is powered by a 750W motor capable of finessing 18% grade inclines, and it can clip along at 15.5 miles per hour for up to 16.8 miles. It's a great buy for commuters, sporting turn signal indicators and support for Apple's Find My network in case you forget where you park it. Early birds can save $50 by preordering it before it comes out later this month.

Opens in a new window Credit: Segway Segway Ninebot eKickScooter E2 Pro $449.99 at Segway (save $50) Pre-order Now 16. Nimble

Read Mashable's hands-on review of the Nimble.

In one of the less dystopian examples of "robots are taking over the world," the Nimble is a new 12-inch manicure robot that uses scanning technology and AI to do your nails in about half an hour. "Since there was high demand to test out Nimble, I was only able to get one nail painted," Mauran reported from CES. "But within minutes, I got polish and a topcoat, and my nail was fully dry. ... Nimble is precise and on par with the pros." Its polish capsules will be available in 30 colors, and new features — including pedicures — are supposedly in the works.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nimble Beauty Nimble $599 at nimblebeauty.com (save $100) Pre-order Now 17. XREAL Air 2 Ultra

Billed as a lightweight and subtler alternative to VR headsets like the Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3, XREAL's new augmented reality glasses have six degrees of freedom (6DoF) tracking that lets you move around in virtual environments; they're more than just glorified wearable monitors. "The XReal Air 2 Ultra were also hands-down the most comfortable AR glasses I tried," said Binder. All things considered, they were the best wearable our team tried at CES.

Opens in a new window Credit: XREAL XREAL Air 2 Ultra $699 at XREAL Shop Pre-order Now 18. Acer Swift Go 14

Read Mashable's hands-on review of the Acer Swift Go 14.

The new Acer Swift Go 14 looks like a very average laptop until you pull up YouTube, which triggers a set of light-up media controls on its touchpad — a neat feature for those who use a PC as their primary entertainment device. (Support for other platforms like Twitch and Spotify are expected to be added at launch in March.) The base configuration is powered by a 13th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, but you can upgrade to a newer Intel Core Ultra 5 CPU.

Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Swift Go 14 Starting at $799.99 at Acer Store Buy Now 19. GE Profile Smart Indoor Smoker

Equipped with six food presets, five adjustable smoke settings, and a built-in temperature probe, GE's new voice-controlled smoker brings the barbecue to your countertop using wood pellets. The best part? It filters the smoke into warm air to avoid setting off your fire alarm.

Opens in a new window Credit: GE GE Profile Smart Indoor Smoker $999 at Best Buy Buy Now 20. Alienware QD-OLED gaming monitors

Dell debuted two "world's-first" QD-OLED gaming monitors at CES, which promise best-in-class contrast, color, and brightness. The smaller of the two (relatively speaking) is the 27-inch AW2725DF, which has a buttery-smooth 360Hz refresh rate. The larger 32-inch AW3225QF has a curved panel, Dolby Vision support, and a still-exquisite 240Hz refresh rate; it wound up receiving Mashable's "best monitor of CES 2024" nod.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dell Alienware 27 360Hz QD-OLED Gaming Monitor (AW2725DF) $899.99 at Dell USA Buy Now Opens in a new window Credit: Dell Alienware 32 4K QD-OLED Gaming Monitor (AW3225QF) $1,199.99 at Dell USA Buy Now 21. HP Spectre x360 14

Read Mashable's hands-on review of the HP Spectre x360 14.

HP's newly refreshed convertible boasts next-gen specs (including an Intel Core Ultra processor with AI tools), a 14-inch OLED touchscreen, and a 9MP webcam. But the real star of the show is its clickety-clackety keyboard, which Gedeon called "the best thing I've ever tested. ... I actually contemplated chucking my MacBook Pro out the window for that sweet, sweet typing experience on this irresistible HP laptop."

Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP Spectre x360 14 Starting at $1,499.99 at HP Buy Now 22. HP OMEN Transcend gaming laptops

Clocking in at just 3.5 pounds, HP's sleek and thin new OMEN Transcend 14 was heralded as the world's lightest 14-inch gaming laptop at CES. It's a real looker, too — peep the 2.8K 120Hz OLED display — and it starts with plenty of power: There's a new Intel Core Ultra 7 155H CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 graphics in the $1,500 base configuration. For a larger 240Hz (non-OLED) display and even more next-gen oomph, you can upgrade to the new 16-inch OMEN Transcend 16 with the latest Intel Core i7 processor, 32GB of memory, and a GeForce RTX 4070.

Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP OMEN Transcend 14 Starting at $1,499.99 at HP Buy Now Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP OMEN Transcend 16 $2,299.99 at HP Buy Now 23. Wacom Cintiq Pro tablets

Available in three sizes (17-, 22-, or 27-inch), Wacom's stunning and spacious new drawing slates were the best tablets Mashable saw at CES. Each one has a vivid 4K display with a 120Hz refresh rate and customizable ExpressKeys for different settings and functions. They also come with the new Wacom Pro Pen 3, an ergonomic, pressure-sensitive stylus that "allowed me to use natural touch gestures, including rotating, zooming, and panning," Gedeon said post-demo.

Opens in a new window Credit: Wacom Wacom Cintiq Pro tablets Starting at $2,449.95 at Wacom eStore Buy Now 24. Wehead GPT Edition

Read Mashable's hands-on review of the Wehead GPT Edition.

The Wehead puts a literal face to OpenAI's large-language model GPT via two screens, and it's as creepy as it sounds. But in its defense, "it gave some practical advice about surviving CES (stay hydrated, wear comfortable shoes) so there might be some redeemable qualities — if you're willing to spend $5,000," wrote Gedeon and Mauran. If you don't want to curse yourself to a lifetime with this thing, you've also got the option of renting it for $199 per month.

Opens in a new window Credit: Wehead Wehead GPT Edition $4,950 at wehead.com Buy Now Honorable mention: Skyted Mask

Another CES gadget that toed the fine line between "wowing" and "weirding out," the Skyted Muzzle Mask has sound absorption technology that lets you make confidential voice calls when you're out in public. "[We're] sure some people who are serious about their privacy may find it to be a must-buy for their lifestyle," said Gedeon and Mauran. "However, we can’t see ourselves using this product – it’s just too outlandish for our tastes." Those who fall into the former category can save a serious chunk of cash by backing it on Kickstarter through early February.

Opens in a new window Credit: Skyted Skyted Mask Starting at $249 at Kickstarter (save $350) Pledge Now Honorable mention: Nanoleaf Skylight

Nanoleaf's flush-mounted smart LED panels are ceiling lights designed to mimic the look of an actual skylight and can change colors and animations to create different ambiances. They technically launched at CES 2023, but they popped back up at this year's convention and are now available for preorder.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nanoleaf Nanoleaf Skylight $249.99 at Nanoleaf Pre-order Now Honorable mention: Stern 'Jaws' pinball machine

Read Mashable's hands-on review of the Stern JAWS pinball machine.

Stern's faithful pinball adaptation of the 1975 classic includes that awesome John Williams score, some new voiceover lines from Richard Dreyfuss, and a playfield filled with movie references that's "immensely fun to look at," said tech and games reporter Alex Perry. Now, for the catch (of the day): It appears to be limited to commercial dealers and distributors, and it starts at a whopping $7,000; you can go all the way up to $13,000 for the limited-edition model with different cosmetics. Maybe just wait for it to show up at your local dive bar.

Opens in a new window Credit: Stern Pinball Stern 'Jaws' pinball machine Starting at $6,999 at sternpinball.com Buy Now

Wondering how to watch the NFL Playoffs? Here are your best options: Most affordable for multiple channels Sling TV Blue Plan $20 for the first month, then $40/month (save $20 ) Get Deal BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $79.99/month Get Deal Best nationwide for NBC Peacock $5.99 per month Get Deal

The Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions are scheduled to meet during the opening weekend of the 2024 NFL Playoffs at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan. 14. The game is scheduled to start at 8:15 p.m. ET/5:15 p.m. PT.

LA comes into the matchup with a 10-7 record after finishing second in the NFC West. Most recently, the LA Rams beat the San Francisco 49ers 21-20 on Jan. 7. As the Rams’ starting quarterback, Matthew Stafford has thrown for 3,965 yards and 24 touchdowns. 

The Detroit Lions won the NFC North and enter the contest with a 12-5 record. On Jan. 7, the Lions beat the Minnesota Vikings 30-20. Jared Goff is the Lions’ starting quarterback, and he has thrown for 4,575 yards and 30 touchdowns this season. 

SEE ALSO: How to watch NFL games without cable

Sean McVay is the LA Rams head coach. Dan Campbell is the Detroit Lions head coach. 

NFL Playoffs: LA Rams vs. Lions kickoff time and network

The LA Rams vs. Detroit Lions game is scheduled to be broadcast on NBC at 8:15 p.m. ET/5:15 p.m. PT on Sunday, Jan. 14. The NBC broadcasters are scheduled to be Mike Tirico (play-by-play) and Cris Collinsworth (analyst). 

To enjoy the game without the constraints of cable or satellite TV, pick an online live streaming platform such as Peacock, FuboTV, and Sling. 

Best streaming services for the Lions vs. Rams game

Opt for a streaming service if you want to watch the NFL Playoffs without cable or satellite TV. These are your prime streaming selections for Sunday’s Detroit Lions vs. LA Rams game. 

Best nationwide for NBC: Peacock Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock $5.99 per month Get Deal

You can catch the excitement of the Rams vs. Lions game with Peacock Premium for $5.99/month to watch NBC’s live sports. Opt for an annual subscription at $59.99 to enjoy a 17% discount.

Note that live sports broadcasts will still contain commercials, even with the Premium Plus package, available at $11.99/month.

Most affordable for multiple channels: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Blue Plan $20 for the first month, then $40/month Get Deal

Sling TV offers NBC in specific regions, notably Boston, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Hartford/New Haven, Los Angeles, Miami/Fort Lauderdale, New York, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose, and Washington, D.C. 

If your location isn't among these markets, Sling TV won't be the solution for viewing the LA Rams vs. Lions game. Residents within these areas can benefit from Sling TV to watch the Rams vs. Lions by opting for the Blue Plan, priced at $20 for the first month and $40 for the following months.

Sling TV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, Pac-12 Network and SEC Network.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $79.99/month Get Deal

On the FuboTV website input your zip code to check the NBC broadcast availability in your area. If accessible, FuboTV offers a seven-day trial period at no charge, featuring over 250 live TV channels and the convenience of streaming on up to 10 screens simultaneously. 

You can enjoy NBC as part of the FuboTV Pro package at a rate of $79.99/month.

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NBCSN, NFL Network, Pac-12 Network, and SEC Network. 

Wondering how to watch the NFL Playoffs? Here are your best options: Best for affordability Sling TV Blue Plan $20 for the first month, then $40/month (save $20 ) Get Deal BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV Pro plan 7-day free trial, then $79.99/month Get Deal

The Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers are scheduled to meet in the opening round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs at AT&T Stadium in Dallas on Sunday, Jan. 14. The game is scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. CT. 

Dallas, which finished first in the NFC East Division, comes into the matchup with a 12-5 record. Most recently, the Cowboys beat the Washington Commanders 38-10 on Jan. 7. Dak Prescott is the Cowboys’ starting quarterback, and he racked up 4,516 passing yards and 36 touchdowns during the regular season. 

Green Bay enters the contest with a 9-8 record after taking second place in the NFC North Division. On Jan. 7, the Packers beat the Chicago Bears 17-9. As the Packers starting quarterback this season, Jordan Love threw for 4,159 yards and 32 touchdowns.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the NFL games without cable

Mike McCarthy is the Dallas Cowboys head coach. Matt LaFleur is the Green Bay Packers head coach. 

NFL Playoffs: Cowboys vs. Packers kickoff time and network

The Dallas Cowboys vs. Green Bay Packers game in the NFL Playoffs is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. CT on FOX on Sunday, Jan. 14. The FOX broadcasters are scheduled to be Kevin Burkhardt (play-by-play) and Greg Olsen (analyst). 

Without cable or satellite TV, some options to watch the Cowboys vs. Packers game via online live stream include FuboTV and Sling.

Best streaming services for the Packers vs. Cowboys game

You need to choose a streaming service to watch the 2024 NFL Playoffs without cable or satellite TV. Here are the best streaming services for the Cowboys vs. Packers game on FOX.  

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Blue Plan $20 for the first month, then $40/month Get Deal

FOX is available on Sling TV in select markets. Those include Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Detroit, Gainesville, Houston, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle, Tampa, and Washington, D.C. 

If you’re not in one of those markets, getting Sling TV won’t help you watch the NFL Playoff game between the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers. 

If you’re in one of those markets, getting Sling TV for the Cowboys vs. Packers game would work for you. You’ll need the Blue Plan, which comes at $20 for the first month and $40 for subsequent months.

Sling TV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, Pac-12 Network and SEC Network.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Pro plan 7-day free trial, then $79.99/month Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

Visit the FuboTV website to see if your zip code is one that includes the FOX broadcast. If you’re in luck, you can get FOX with the FuboTV Pro plan, which has a rate of $79.99 per month.

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NBCSN, NFL Network, Pac-12 Network, and SEC Network. 

Wondering how to watch UFC Fight Night? Exclusive broadcast ESPN+ $10.99 per month Get Deal

Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker is the headline of the main card of UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas on Saturday, Jan. 13. The main card is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. 

Ankalaev vs. Walker is a light heavyweight bout. The 6-foot-3 Ankalaev is from Russia, and he enters the match with an 18-1-1 record. The 6-foot-6 Walker is from Brazil, and he comes into the showdown with a record of 21-7. 

This is the second bout between Ankalaev and Walker after the two faced off in UFC 294 in October. That bout ended in a no-contest

The co-main bout features Brazil’s Matheus Nicolau vs. Portugal’s Manel Kape in a flyweight showdown. The 5-foot-6 Nicolau enters the contest with a 19-4-1 record, and the 5-foot-5 Kape has a 19-6 record.

SEE ALSO: WWE, UFC merge to form new sports entertainment company

Other matchups on the main card are Jim Miller of USA vs. Mexico’s Gabriel Benitez (lightweight), Ricky Simon vs. Mario Bautista both of the United States (bantamweight), and Phil Hawes of USA vs. Brazil’s Brunno Ferreira (middleweight). 

UFC Fight Night: Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker schedule and streaming service

The main card of UFC Fight Night headlined by Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker is scheduled to be broadcast on ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on Saturday, Jan. 13. Preliminary bouts are scheduled to start at 4 p.m. ET/noon PT, and those are also scheduled to be broadcast on ESPN+. 

ESPN+ broadcasters are scheduled to be Brendan Fitzgerald, former middleweight champion Michael Bisping, and Paul Felder. Charly Arnolt will contribute as a reporter. 

Streaming is the only way to watch UFC Fight Night on Saturday.

Exclusive broadcast: ESPN+ Opens in a new window Credit: ESPN+ ESPN+ $10.99 per month Get Deal

ESPN+ has exclusive streaming rights for UFC Fight Night on Saturday. 

ESPN+ costs $10.99 per month, or you can get it for $109.99 for a year. You can also get ESPN+ bundled with Disney+ and Hulu for $14.99 monthly.

Wondering how to watch the 2024 NFL Playoffs? Here are your best options: Exclusive streaming Peacock $5.99 per month Get Deal

The Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins are scheduled to meet in the 2024 NFL PLayoffs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Saturday, Jan. 13. The game is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT. 

Kansas City, which is seeded No. 3 and finished first in the AFC West Division, comes into the matchup with an 11-6 record. Most recently, the Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 13-12 on Sunday. Patrick Mahomes is the Chiefs' starting quarterback, and he has thrown for 4,183 yards and 27 touchdowns this season. 

The No. 6-seeded Dolphins enter the contest with an 11-6 record after finishing second in the AFC East Division. On Sunday, the Buffalo Bills beat Miami 21-14. Tua Tagovailoa is the Dolphins’ starting quarterback, and he has thrown for 4,624 yards and 29 touchdowns this season.

SEE ALSO: How to watch NFL games without cable

Andy Reid is the Kansas City Chiefs head coach. Mike McDaniel is the Miami Dolphins head coach. 

KC Chiefs vs. Dolphins kickoff time and streaming service

The Kansas City Chiefs vs. Miami Dolphins game is scheduled to be broadcast at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT on Saturday, Jan. 13. The Peacock broadcasters are scheduled to be Mike Tirico (play-by-play) and Jason Garrett (sideline reporter). 

You will need a streaming service if you want to watch the NFL Playoffs without cable or satellite TV, and there’s only one place to watch Saturday’s Miami Dolphins vs. Kansas City Chiefs game.

Best nationwide for NBC: Peacock Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock $5.99 per month Get Deal

You can catch the excitement of the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Miami Dolphins game with Peacock Premium for $5.99/month to watch NBC’s live sports. Opt for an annual subscription at $59.99 to enjoy a 17% discount. Note that live sports broadcasts will still contain commercials, even with the Premium Plus package, available at $11.99/month.

Wondering how to watch Texas vs. West Virginia men's basketball game? Exclusive broadcast ESPN+ $10.99 per month Get Deal

The Texas Longhorns and West Virginia men’s basketball teams are scheduled to meet in a Big 12 Conference contest at WVU Coliseum in Morgantown, West Virginia, on Saturday, Jan. 13. The game is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. ET/5 p.m. CT. 

Texas, ranked No. 25 in The Associated Press poll, enters the matchup 12-3 overall and 1-1 in the Big 12. Most recently, Texas beat Cincinnati 74-73 on Tuesday. Through the first 15 games, Max Abmas leads Texas in scoring at 17.1 points per game. 

West Virginia comes into the contest 5-10 overall and 0-2 in the Big 12. On Tuesday, Kansas State defeated WVU 81-67. Quinn Slazinski has scored the most points this season for WVU after 15 games, and he is averaging 14.5 points per game.

SEE ALSO: How to watch college basketball without cable

Rodney Terry is the Texas Longhorns men’s basketball head coach. Josh Eilert is the West Virginia men’s basketball interim head coach. 

Texas vs. WVU basketball game time and streaming service

The Texas Longhorns vs. West Virginia men’s basketball game is scheduled to be broadcast on ESPN+ at 6 p.m. ET/5 p.m. CT on Saturday, Jan. 13. 

Streaming is the only way to watch the Texas vs. WVU men’s basketball game on Saturday.

Exclusive broadcast: ESPN+ Opens in a new window Credit: ESPN+ ESPN+ $10.99 per month Get Deal

ESPN+ has exclusive streaming rights for the Texas Longhorns vs. West Virginia men’s basketball game on Saturday.

ESPN+ costs $10.99 per month, or you can get it for $109.99 for a year. You can also get ESPN+ bundled with Disney+ and Hulu for $14.99 monthly.

Wondering how to watch college basketball this season? Here are your best options: Most affordable Sling TV Orange + Sports Extra $31 for the first month, then $51/month (save $20 ) Get Deal BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV Elite 7-day free trial, then $89.99/month Get Deal

The Duke and Georgia Tech men’s basketball teams are scheduled to meet in an Atlantic Coast Conference contest at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina, on Saturday, Jan. 13. The game is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. ET. 

Duke, ranked No. 11 in The Associated Press poll, enters the matchup 12-3 overall and 3-1 in the ACC. Most recently, Duke defeated Pitt 75-53 on Tuesday. Kyle Filipowski leads Duke with 17.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game through the first 15 outings. 

Georgia Tech comes into the contest 8-7 overall and 1-3 in the ACC. On Tuesday, Notre Dame beat GT 75-68. Through the first 15 games, Miles Kelly leads GT in scoring with 15.6 points per game.

SEE ALSO: How to watch college basketball without cable

Jon Scheyer is the Duke men’s basketball head coach. Damon Stoudamire is the Georgia Tech men’s basketball head coach. 

Duke vs. GT basketball game time and network

The Duke vs. Georgia Tech men’s basketball game is scheduled to be broadcast on ACC Network at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, Jan. 13. ACCN broadcasters are scheduled to be Mike Monaco (play-by-play) and Randolph Childress (analyst). 

If you don’t have cable or satellite TV, here are some options to watch the game via online live stream, and those options include FuboTV and Sling. 

Best streaming services for the Georgia Tech vs. Duke basketball game

When you're choosing a streaming service to be able to watch college basketball, here are your best streaming options to check out the Georgia Tech vs. Duke men’s basketball game on ACC Network. 

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Orange + Sports Extra $31 for the first month, then $51/month Get Deal

To watch the Duke vs. GT basketball game on ACC Network with Sling TV requires the Sports Extra package, which costs $11/month for 20 channels. 

The Sports Extra package cannot be purchased alone, and you’ll also need the Orange plan, which is $20 for the first month and $40/month in subsequent months. Combined with the Sports Extra package, the cost would be $31 for the first month and $51 for subsequent months. The Orange plan comes with 32 channels, so with Sports Extra, there are 52 channels in the combined plan. 

Sling TV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, Pac-12 Network and SEC Network.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Elite 7-day free trial, then $89.99/month Get Deal

FuboTV provides a week-long trial at no charge. For access to the ACC Network after this period, subscribers need to opt for the Fubo Elite plan, which is $89.99/month. The Elite plan gives you 248 channels, 1,000 hours of DVR space, and the ability to watch on 10 screens simultaneously.

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NBCSN, NFL Network, Pac-12 Network, and SEC Network. 

TL;DR: Love Island: All Stars is available to stream for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The weather is grim, the days are short, and everyone has barricaded themselves indoors until the sun shines again. It's a difficult time of year, but there is hope in the form of Love Island: All Stars. If there's one thing that can get us through these dark times, it's a bunch of attractive people trying to get with each other. We need it.

If you want to watch Love Island: All Stars for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

What is Love Island: All Stars?

The eleventh series of Love Island, known and promoted as Love Island: All-Stars, starts on Jan. 15 with the launch episode airing across both ITV1 and ITV2.

This series is set to feature former contestants from previous series. Maya Jama will return to present the series, with Iain Stirling returning as narrator.

How to watch Love Island: All Stars for free

Fans can live stream Love Island: All-Stars for free on ITVX. This popular streaming service is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access ITVX with the help of a VPN.

VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect to a secure server in the UK. This quick and easy action tricks streaming services like ITVX into providing you with access from anywhere in the world. This might sound complicated, but the process is actually really straightforward:

1. Sign up to a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

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

4. Visit ITVX

5. Watch Love Island: All-Stars from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) £83.32 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees. By using these guarantees, you can unblock ITVX without fully committing with your cash. That means you can sign up to a streaming-friendly VPN, unblock ITVX to watch Love Island: All-Stars from anywhere in the world, and then recover your investment.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking streaming sites, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 94 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to five simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £83.32 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.

Watch Love Island: All-Stars for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Stream the series between Australia and West Indies for free on 7plus. Access this streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Test cricket is well and truly back, which is great news for dedicated fans of this form of the game. And the good news keeps coming, because you can watch the series between Australia and West Indies without spending anything.

If you want to watch Australia vs. West Indies for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Australia vs. West Indies?

Australia and West Indies will come together for two series this month:

• 1st Test — Jan. 17-21 (Adelaide Oval, Adelaide)

• 2nd Test — Jan. 25-29 (The Gabba, Brisbane)

Keep these dates in mind, because you can watch every shot for free with a simple hack.

How to watch Australia vs. West Indies for free

You can stream Australia vs. West Indies for free on 7plus.

This popular streaming service is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can connect with the help of a VPN. These tools can hide your digital location and connect you to a secure server in Australia. This quick and easy process makes it look like you're connecting from Australia, so you can access 7plus from anywhere in the world.

Unblock 7plus by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice

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

4. Sign up for 7plus

5. Watch Australia vs. West Indies for free

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) £82.82 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By making the most of these offers, you can secure access to 7plus without committing with your cash. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can unblock 7plus, and then recover your investment after the series.

If you want to retain permanent access to 7plus from anywhere in the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for 7plus is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for 7plus?

ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming sport on 7plus, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 94 countries including Australia

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

• Strict no-logging policy

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to five simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This heavily discounted plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch Australia vs. West Indies for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Stream Blackpool vs. Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming service from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Blackpool and Nottingham Forest couldn't be separated in their third round fixture, so we're starting all over again. Will the Premier League side show their quality? Or will Blackpool surprise everyone with a famous victory? You can find out without spending anything.

If you want to watch Blackpool vs. Nottingham Forest for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Blackpool vs. Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup?

Blackpool and Nottingham Forest will kick off at 7:45 p.m. GMT on Jan. 17 at Bloomfield Road.

How to watch Blackpool vs. Nottingham Forest for free

You can watch the FA Cup replay between Blackpool and Nottingham Forest live on ITV4, with coverage starting from 7 p.m. GMT on Jan. 17. You can also live stream this fixture for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can connect to ITVX from anywhere in the world.

Unblock ITVX 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 the UK

4. Visit ITVX

5. Steam Blackpool vs. Nottingham Forest for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) £82.82 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By making the most of these offers, you can gain access to ITVX without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream Blackpool vs. Nottingham Forest for free.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking ITVX, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 94 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

• Up to five simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 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.

Watch Blackpool vs. Nottingham Forest for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: A lifetime subscription to Taskio is on sale for £31.37, saving you 92% on list price.

If you need a little help in the productivity department, you may want to enlist Taskio, a helpful AI productivity tool.

You can score a major saving on a lifetime subscription to Taskio. This AI-powered tool can help you maximise your efficiency, and if you act fast you can have it for life for £31.37 — the best price online.

SEE ALSO: 20 of the best free artificial intelligence courses on edX

Get ready to embrace the power of AI with Taskio, an easy way to automate your tasks and help you save precious time and money. From creating AI images for marketing purposes, developing SEO content for your website, or coming up with the perfect social media caption, Taskio can tackle it all and more, serving as a personal assistant housed right on your device.

Aside from boosting your productivity, Taskio can also solve problems. The AI chat gives you answers to questions in real time. And if you need to translate text to another language to reach a new audience, it's no problem, as Taskio's native language translation feature can tackle that. It also offers the ability to transcribe speech to text, thanks to the AI-powered transcription tool. 

Get a lifetime subscription to Taskio for just £31.37.

Opens in a new window Credit: Taskio Taskio (Lifetime Subscription) £31.37 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

TL;DR: Stream Ivory Coast vs. Guinea-Bissau for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Africa Cup of Nations is a truly special competition, bringing together the best players and fans from the continent.

This is the 34th edition of the tournament, hosted by Ivory Coast for the second time. It was initially planned to take place during the Northern Hemisphere's summer, but was postponed due to adverse weather concerns in the host country. But that's all forgotten about now, because AFCON 2023 officially kicks off with Ivory Coast vs. Guinea-Bissau.

If you want to watch Ivory Coast vs. Guinea-Bissau for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Ivory Coast vs. Guinea-Bissau?

Ivory Coast vs. Guinea-Bissau kicks off at 8 p.m. GMT on Jan. 13. The opening fixture of the competition will take place at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium (Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé).

How to watch Ivory Coast vs. Guinea-Bissau for free

The opening match between Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau will be broadcast live on BBC Three, with coverage starting from 7:50 p.m. GMT on Jan. 13. You can also live stream this fixture for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These powerful tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can access BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Access BBC iPlayer to stream AFCON 2023 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 the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Steam Ivory Coast vs. Guinea-Bissau for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) £82.82 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is clearly not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch Ivory Coast vs. Guinea-Bissau without actually spending anything.

BBC iPlayer is showing 10 games including both semi-finals and the final, so you could use this process to watch most of AFCON 2023 for free from anywhere in the world. Simply subscribe to ExpressVPN, stream key AFCON 2023 fixtures on BBC iPlayer for free, and then recover your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 94 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 always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to five simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 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.

Watch Ivory Coast vs. Guinea-Bissau for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.