Mashable

Shopping for gifts for gamers is a double-edged Master Sword. On the one hand, there are so many cool games, consoles, and accessories to choose from. But there's also just so much to choose from, to the point where you might feel under-leveled for the "simple" task of picking that just-right gift. That's where we come in.

To help you on your side quest to find the perfect present for a gamer friend or loved one, we've compiled a massive list of more than 50 gamer gift ideas for the 2024 holiday season — including a bunch of games we've played and products we've tested ourselves. If you're gifting on a budget, you'll do well with a new accessory for your recipient's existing setup, a few months' worth of their favorite video game subscription service, or a copy of a popular game from the past few months. Leveling up over the $100 mark expands your options to high-end peripherals, while $200 and above unlocks current-gen consoles, bundles, and gaming laptops. We've peppered in a few limited-edition collectibles at different price points, too.

Once upon a time, kids (and kids at heart) longed for the biggest present in the pile. But size doesn't matter when picking out the best tech gifts. Some of the year's top gadgets are small enough to fit inside your pocket, and thanks to digital downloads, many popular gaming gifts take up no physical space whatsoever.

Our tech gift guide includes some of the best new releases of the year, most of which we've written about and reviewed. From the new Nintendo Switch OLED Mario Red Edition to new Amazon devices, we've focused on the gadgets our editors really loved this year — the true drool-worthy I can't believe you got this for me gifts.

Here are over 50 of Mashable's favorite gift-worthy gadgets and tech gifts.

The next big iOS update probably isn't too far off, but don't expect a ton from it.

Apple's next software update will be iOS 18.3, or at least, that's what everyone expects right now. Since iOS 18.2 just came out, that would make sense. It should be noted that we don't know specifically when iOS 18.3 will launch or entirely what it will entail when it does come out. However, per 9to5Mac, the x.3 update for each of the last three versions of iOS came out in late January, so expect iOS 18.3 to launch in late January, unless something weird happens.

SEE ALSO: Apple's iOS 18.2 arrives: Here's 4 new features to be excited about

As for big new features coming to iOS 18.3, we really only know about one right now, and "big" might be a generous word to use for it: robot vacuum control. Specifically, you'll be able to use the Home app to control robot vacuums, in the same way you can currently use the app to control smart home lights and other devices. The weird part is that Apple doesn't currently produce a robot vacuum of its own, but that could happen in the future.

Everything else that's currently in the developer beta for iOS 18.3 fits under the umbrella of "bug fixes and minor improvements," unfortunately. That doesn't mean there won't be bigger features eventually to be unveiled, but things like Apple Intelligence will probably need to wait until iOS 18.4, at the earliest.

SAVE UP TO 80%: Hundreds of holiday-themed audiobooks are on sale at Amazon for up to 80% off.

Best holiday-themed audiobooks at Amazon Best overall holiday audiobook deal 'Faking Christmas' by Cindy Steel $7.99 at Amazon (save $19.30) Get Deal Best audiobook title for dog-lovers 'The Twelve Dogs of Christmas' by Susan Wiggs $7.99 at Amazon (save $17.20) Get Deal Best murder-mystery audiobook title 'Murder at an Irish Christmas' by Carlene O'Connor $7.99 at Amazon (save $22.66) Get Deal

Welcome to the season of needing to take a bit of extra time for ourselves. The holidays can be a chaotic time and one when it's easy to get overwhelmed. One of the simplest ways to take a small bit of time out is to turn on an enjoyable audiobook. Tuning in can be a great way to decompress and regain some stamina to tackle the next to-do list. Audiobooks can also be perfect to put on a smart speaker while you're baking dozens of sugar cookies or tidying the living room.

As an extra treat, Amazon has discounted hundreds of holiday-themed audiobooks by up to 80%, with most coming in at just $7.99 per title. Here are some of our top picks if you plan on tuning into some holiday audiobooks this season.

Best overall holiday-audiobook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dreamscape Media 'Faking Christmas' by Cindy Steel $7.99 at Amazon
$27.29 Save $19.30 Get Deal Why we like it

Sometimes a small lie we think will be harmless blows up into a huge deal that we never intended. That's exactly what happened to this novel's main character. Unfortunately, it's landed her taking her nemesis from work to her family's Christmas gathering in snowy Vermont.

Landing just a bit under 10 hours in length, Faking Christmas by Cindy Steel is a perfect escape from your own holiday woes. Thanks to today's sale price, you can purchase, download, and tune in for just $7.99.

Best holiday audiobook deal for dog-lovers Opens in a new window Credit: Harper Audio 'The Twelve Dogs of Christmas' by Susan Wiggs $7.99 at Amazon
$25.19 Save $17.20 Get Deal Why we like it

For anyone who loves Christmas and heartwarming stories of rescuing dogs, The Twelve Dogs of Christmas by Susan Wiggs is a perfect match. Brenda had a rough time last Christmas when her dog ended up in the emergency vet. While the dog is perfectly fine now, the ordeal led to a breakup that she's spent the last year recovering from. This Christmas, Brenda has opted to do something for herself — rescue 12 dogs by driving them across the country. Of course, driving in December weather poses some issues, as does the energy of 12 puppies.

With narration from Sophie Amoss, get lost in the Christmassy tale of The Twelve Dogs of Christmas for just $7.99.

Best murder-mystery holiday audiobook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dreamscape Media 'Murder at an Irish Christmas' by Carlene O'Connor $7.99 at Amazon
$30.65 Save $22.66 Get Deal Why we like it

The musically included O'Sullivan family has gone off to West Cork to spend an idyllic Christmas together. It seems their biggest concern is picking presents for each other when a local music conductor ends up dead in the local concern hall, suffering from the impact of a 90-pound harp. Follow along with Murder at an Irish Christmas by Carlene O-Connor as the family untangles this holiday mystery.

More holiday audiobook deals at Amazon

• Single and Ready to Jingle by Piper Rayne — $4.99 $15.59 (save $10.60)

• Humbugged by Pippa Grant and Lily Valente — $5.99 $19.95 (save $13.96)

• Christmas at Shelter Inn by RaeAnne Thayne — $7.99 $25.19 (save $17.20)

• Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan — $7.99 $25.19 (save $17.20)

• The Twelve Months of Christmas by Sheila Roberts — $7.99 $25.19 (save $17.20)

• One Christmas Morning by Rachel Greenlaw — $7.99 $25.19 (save $17.20)

• Paradise for Christmas by Carolyn Brown — $7.99 $27.29 (save $19.30)

• A Kilt for Christmas by Tricia O'Malley — $7.99 $27.29 (save $19.30)

Like any genAI model, Google Gemini responses can sometimes be inaccurate, but in this case it might be because testers don't have the expertise to fact-check them.

According to TechCrunch, the firm hired to improve accuracy for Gemini is now making its testers evaluate responses even if they don't have the "domain knowledge."

SEE ALSO: Google adds Deep Research to Gemini for browsing the web on your behalf

The report raises questions about the rigor and standards Google says it applies to testing Gemini for accuracy. In the "Building responsibly" section of the Gemini 2.0 announcement, Google said it is "working with trusted testers and external experts and performing extensive risk assessments and safety and assurance evaluations." There's a reasonable focus on evaluating responses for sensitive and harmful content, but less attention is paid to responses that aren't necessarily dangerous but just inaccurate.

Google seems to disregard the hallucination and error problem by simply adding a disclaimer that "Gemini can make mistakes, so double-check it," which effectively absolves it from any responsibility. But that doesn't account for the humans doing the work behind the scenes.

Previously GlobalLogic, a subsidiary of Hitachi, instructed its prompt engineers and analysts to skip a Gemini response they didn't fully understand. "If you do not have critical expertise (e.g. coding, math) to rate this prompt, please skip this task," said the guidelines viewed by the outlet.

But last week, GlobalLogic changed its instructions, saying, "You should not skip prompts that require specialized domain knowledge," and to instead "rate the parts of the prompt you understand," and note that they don't have the required expertise in their analysis. Expertise, in other words, is not being treated as a prerequisite for this work.

Contractors can now only skip prompts that are "completely missing information," according to TechCrunch, or those that contain sensitive content that requires a consent form.

SAVE $25: As of Dec. 19, get the Xbox Wireless Controller at Best Buy for $39.99, down from its usual price of $64.99. That's a discount of 42%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy Xbox Wireless Controller $39.99 at Best Buy
$64.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal

The end of the year is fast approaching. What better time to kick back and enjoy some video games? It's also the best time to do a quick upgrade on all your gaming equipment. For instance, you can still snatch a discounted console or two here and there ahead of the holidays. And if you've been in dire need of a new controller for a while, it's a good time to get one of those, too, thanks to a sale going on at Best Buy right now.

As of Dec. 19, you can get an Xbox Wireless Controller for just $39.99 at Best Buy, down from its usual price of $64.99. That's a discount of 42%. This price applies to the Shock Blue colorway, and the deal is available for the next 13 hours at the time of writing.

The base Xbox Wireless Controller is the same one you get when you purchase an Xbox console. It's compatible with all Xbox platforms as well as Windows, so you can use it to game on PC as well, even if you're not playing an Xbox game – it works beautifully with mot Steam games.

It fits great in the hand, and offers a hybrid D-pad, textured grip on each trigger, bumper, and back casing, and it also allows for customizable button mapping with the Xbox Accessories App. If you have a headset that uses a 3.5mm jack, it supports that, too. It's super simple to connect and go via Bluetooth, which means it's a worthy upgrade to third-party wired offerings or the old Player 2 controller with analog sticks that just don't work anymore. Grab yours quick before the sale is over so you can get your game on comfortably.

SAVE UP TO 39%: Get Sonos speakers on sale ahead of the holidays. Get the Sonos Ray soundbar for just $169, saving you 39%.

Best Sonos deals Best Sonos deal Sonos Ray Soundbar $169 at Amazon (Save $110) Get Deal Best portable speaker deal Sonos Roam 2 $139 at Amazon (Save $40) Get Deal Best headphone deal Sonos Ace headphones $349 at Amazon (Save $100) Get Deal

As you prepare for the holidays, a good speaker is part of any host's toolkit. You can deck the halls and turn on the holiday lights, but you need a speaker to complete the ambiance.

Sonos makes speakers, soundbars, and headphones for true audiophiles. Their speakers deliver multi-dimensional sound all throughout your home. While we love Sonos devices, we've never been thrilled by their expensive prices. Luckily, ahead of the holidays, you can find Sonos speakers up to 39% off at Amazon. Plus, they arrive in time for the holidays.

Here are the best deals to shop now.

Best Sonos deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Ray soundbar $169.00 at Amazon
$279.00 Save $110.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Ray soundbar delivers Sonos's signature audio in an affordable package. It connects simply to the TV with one cord and an easy-to-use app, keeps things straightforward. The biggest disappointment is the lack of Bluetooth connection here, but that's easily overcome through the included app.

At its list price of $279, it's one of Sonos's more affordable soundbars. However, you can find it for just $169 ahead of the holidays. That knocks off $110 for 39% off.

More Sonos deals

• Sonos Roam 2 — $139 $179 (save $40)

• Sonos Ace headphones — $349 $449 (save $100)

• Sonos Era 300 — $359 $449 (save $90)

• Sonos Move 2 — $359 $449 (save $90)

• Sonos Beam 2 soundbar — $369 $499 (save $130)

• Sonos Five — $439 $549 (save $110)

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Dec. 19: OUR TOP PICK Apple iPad, 10th generation (A14 Bionic chip, 64GB, WiFi) $249.99 (save $99.01 with on-page coupon) Get Deal BEST HOME SECURITY DEAL Blink Mini 2 $23.99 (save $16) Get Deal BEST SPEAKER DEAL Sony ULT Field 1 $88 (save $41.99) Get Deal BEST APPLE ACCESSORY DEAL Apple Pencil 2 $79.99 (save $49.01) Get Deal BEST SOUNDBAR DEAL Sonos Beam Gen 2 $369 (save $130) Get Deal

The deals aren't done yet, folks. If you still have some gifts to check off your list, big brands like Apple, Sonos, and Sony are still dropping prices ahead of the holidays. It can be pretty tedious to sort through the chaos of Amazon's daily deals, so we've rounded up a few of the best ones to help you complete your shopping (or just treat yourself) on Dec. 19.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If none of these spark your interest, be sure to take a peek at our selections from Dec. 17 and Dec. 18 as well. Most of those deals are still live, including a $40 price drop on the Fitbit Charge 6 and a Prime-exclusive 38% savings on the 55-inch Omni Fire TV.

Our top pick: Apple iPad, 10th generation Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad, 10th generation (A14 Bionic chip, 64GB, WiFi) $249.99 at Amazon
$349.00 Save $99.01 with on-page coupon Get Deal

While the 10th generation iPad may not turn heads as the fanciest Apple tablet, we still highly recommend it — especially if you're on a budget. As the entry-level iPad, it packs the A14 Bionic chip, a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, a new landscape camera layout that makes video calls look better, and upgraded stereo speakers for better sound quality. In our best iPad roundup, Mashable shopping reporter Sam Mangino writes, "It's perfect for someone who wants a portable screen for streaming, playing games, and reading. It's also a nice choice if you're interested in using your tablet as a laptop but don't want to spend a ton of money." It's $349 at full price and has been chilling on sale for $279 for a couple weeks now. As of Dec. 19, however, an on-page coupon popped up that drops the price to a record-low $249.99.

Blink Mini 2 Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Mini 2 $23.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $16.00 Get Deal

The second-generation Blink Mini dropped earlier this year and offers better performance in low light, a wider field of view, a built-in LED spotlight for in-color night vision, and an overall enhanced image quality. Plus, you can pair it with the Blink weather resistant power adapter (sold separately) and use it both indoors and outdoors. As of Dec. 19, it's down to just $23.99 at Amazon. That's 40% in savings and just $4 shy of its best price ever.

Sony ULT Field 1 Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony ULT Field 1 $88.00 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $41.99 Get Deal

Mashable's shopping and reviews editor Miller Kern tested the Sony ULT Field 1 and had largely positive things to say. She found its sound quality, customizable EQs, and ULT setting that pumps up the bass to be particularly impressive selling points. It's battery life could certainly be better, but with the affordable price tag, we're willing to look past it. As of Dec. 19, you can snag it in any color at Amazon for just $88. That's 32% in savings and its best price ever.

Check out our full review of the Sony ULT Field 1.

Apple Pencil (2nd Generation) Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Pencil 2 $79.99 at Amazon
$129.00 Save $49.01 Get Deal

Whether you already own an iPad, you're expecting one under the tree, or you're gifting one to someone else, an Apple Pencil is a game-changing accessory. And as of Dec. 19, the second-generation stylus is on sale for just $79.99. That's 38% off and just 99 cents shy of its all-time low. The magnetic stylus charges while attached to your tablet and offers pressure sensitivity that makes note-taking or drawing fine details feel like using an actual pen or pencil. Double-tap gestures also let you switch tools effortlessly, which can really benefit artists and designers.

Sonos Beam Gen 2 Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Beam Gen 2 $369.00 at Amazon
$499.00 Save $130.00 Get Deal

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is our favorite soundbar to pair with your TV. And as of Dec. 19, it's still on sale for its record-low Black Friday price of $369. That's 26% off its usual cost. The second-generation soundbar enhances what we already loved about the first generation Beam, which Mashable tech reporter Raymond Wong said "hits the sweet spot on price, design, sound quality, and features." It adds a new grill, a better processor, and Dolby Atmos compatibility to its already immersive sound, impressive clarity, and convenient voice assistant support.

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

SAVE $150: The original Apple AirPods Max with lightning charger are on sale at Best Buy for $399.99, down from the typical price of $549.99. That's a 27% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max (lightning) $399.99 at Best Buy
$549.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal

Gearing up for holiday travel? You're not alone. As one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, the airport is likely to feel a bit chaotic. Calm the nerves a bit by donning some excellent noise-cancelling headphones so you can tune into a chill soundtrack and ignore the commotion. If that sounds appealing, check out this deal at Best Buy.

As of Dec. 19, the Apple AirPods Max (lightning) are on sale at Best Buy for $399.99, down from the usual price of $549.99. That means you'll be saving $150 by scoring a 27% discount.

For those who like Apple products but don't love wearing earbuds, the Apple AirPods Max offer an over-the-ear fit with memory foam ear cushions. Impressively, they also get up to 20 hours of battery life which means these can be perfect for long travel days.

Keep in mind these are the original version so they're equipped with lightning charging capability, not the current USB-C charging method.

SEE ALSO: Apple AirPods Max review: If you can't Beats 'em...

With active noise cancellation on, you'll be able to tune out surrounding noise from fellow travelers. But when needed, switch into transparency mode which allows you to hear and interact with the world. The AirPods Max also come with a carrying case which can be especially great for travel days.

The $399.99 sale price extends to plenty of colorway options like pink, green, and sky blue. Or you can opt for a more traditional option like space gray or silver.

While the $549.99 list price of the Apple AirPods Max is pretty hard to swallow, today's sale price of $399.99 makes them a much more comfortable option. If you've been eyeing Apple's over-the-ear headphone option, today's sale price at Best Buy is your sign to gift yourself something special for the holidays.

Best gift card deals Best overall gift card deal Instacart $100 gift card $85 at Amazon (Save $15) Get Deal Best rideshare gift card deal Lyft $100 gift card $85 at Amazon (Save $15) Get Deal Best restaurant gift card deal Panera $50 gift card $40 at Amazon (Save $10) Get Deal

Uh, if we're reading the calendar right, it looks like Christmas is less than a week away. Yikes. If you're looking down your list and realizing you're way behind on gifts, there is a solution.

Gift cards are an easy, last minute gift, and we know they get a bad rap for being impersonal. But maybe you're just buying the wrong ones. Instead, we like to think of gift cards as a way to make your loved ones lives a little bit easier. Everyone has to get groceries so why not get a gift card to help them pay for their next haul?

Plus, Amazon is helping you save on your last minute gift card purchases. Shop the best deals on gift cards now.

Best gift card deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Instacart $100 gift card $85.00 at Amazon
$100.00 Save $15.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The best gift is one that makes everyday life a little easier. Everyone needs groceries, but with prices skyrocketing and so little time in the day, an Instacart gift card saves someone in your life both time and money. A $100 gift card goes a long way, but right now you can get one for just $85. Just add the gift card to your cart and the $15 savings will be automatically applied.

Best rideshare gift card deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Lyft $100 gift card $85.00 at Amazon
$100.00 Save $15.00 Get Deal Why we like it

A $100 Lyft gift card can go a long way. It's especially useful on those days when fare hikes are out of control (like after an NFL game or when Taylor Swift is in town). If you're looking for a last-minute gift for someone in your life, this is truly the gift that keeps on giving long after the holiday season. Save $15 on a $100 gift card purchase with code LYFT at checkout.

Best restaurant gift card deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Panera $50 gift card $40.00 at Amazon
$50.00 Save $10.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Panera is the best for quick and easy meal. Plus, it's great for students who need a cheap meal and a place to work. Gift it to the college student in your life and save them from an evening of dining hall dinner. Plus, when you buy a $50 gift card at Amazon, get $10 back on your purchase — automatically.

More gift card deals

• Bath & Body Works $50 gift card — $40 $50 (save $10)

• Dominos Pizza $50 gift card — $42.50 $50 (save $7.50 with code PIZZA)

• Google Play $50 gift card — $45 $50 (get $5 promo credit with code GOPLAY)

• H&M $50 gift card — $42.50 $50 (save $7.50)

• Meta Quest $50 gift card — $45 $50 (save $5)

• One4all $50 gift card — $42.50 $50 (save $7.50)

• Petco $50 gift card — $42.50 $50 (save $7.50)

• Red Lobster $50 gift card — $42.50 $50 (save $7.50)

• Taco Bell $50 gift card — $42.50 $50 (save $7.50 with code TACO)

• Uber $100 gift card — $90 $100 (save $10)

• Under Armour $50 gift card — $42.50 $50 (get $7.50 promo credit with code ARMOUR)

• Victoria's Secret $50 gift card — $40 $50 (save $10)

• Vudu $50 gift card — $40 $50 (save $10)

SAVE $130.99: As of Dec.19, get the Dyson Hot+Cool Purifier for just $399 at Amazon, down from its normal price of $529.99. That's a 25% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Dyson Hot+Cool Purifier $399.00 at Amazon
$539.99 Save $140.99 Get Deal

Crisp, clean air inside your home is important. But so is cranking the heat when you're cold and settling in for some cooling AC when you're burning up. The Dyson Hot+Cool Purifier is a useful and convenient addition to your home that can tackle all three of these concerns. It can cool you off, help you get cozy, and clear the air of irritants and particulates so you can breathe better, too. And right now, you can get one for a great price.

As of Dec. 19, get the Dyson Hot+Cool Purifier for just $399 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $529.99. That's a 25% discount.

The Dyson Hot+Cool Purifier help ensure the air you're breathing at home is clean, first and foremost, with a HEPA filter that traps dust, allergens, pet dander, and other potential particles in the air. It can filter the air in a zone of up to 73 square feet, with a fan that oscillates up to 350 degrees.

Using the purifier's remote, so you don't even have to get up off the couch or out of bed, you can go from cool air to warm air as well, which means you can cozy up with a blanket or cool off in the heat in just seconds. That makes it a great winter gift as well as a good summer option too. So if you want to have it in your home now or want to put it back for a great summer gift, it's well worth the price of entry either way.

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 19 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 19 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Roll with it

These words are related to rock music.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are different styles or sub-genres of rock'n'roll.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Rocking.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for December 19

• Punk

• Grunge

• Alternative

• Metal

• Glam

• Progressive

• Rocking

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

SAVE $299.01: The Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum with 60-day self-emptying base is on sale at Amazon for just $299.99, down from the list price of $599. That's a 50% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum with 60-day self-emptying base $299.99 at Amazon
$599.00 Save $299.01 Get Deal

Tis the season to not worry about cleaning your floors. Between work, holiday parties, kids' activities, wrapping gifts, and cooking a turkey, there's not much time left for vacuuming before guests arrive. Instead, enlist the help of a robot vacuum that won't fa-la-la-la down the stairs.

As of Dec. 19, the Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum with 60-day self-emptying base is on sale at Amazon for just $299.99. That's a 50% discount off the typical price of $599 and a savings of $299.01.

Capable of cleaning both hard floors and carpet, the Shark AI Ultra works hard to keep your floors sparkling clean without being a bother. Shark employs the help of LiDAR vision to make an accurate map of your home's layout. Not only does this help the lil' robot make its way around your home to clean, it also gives you the ability to tell your robot to go vacuum the family room but avoid the kitchen, for example.

Shark also uses Matrix Clean to detect and then remove debris from areas that need extra attention. Instead of taking a single pass over all areas, the Shark operates in matrix grid pattern over areas that need extra help.

For pet owners, the self-cleaning brushroll means you'll won't have to perform a hair-removal surgery to free the brush from a tangle.

When the Shark is done cleaning, it'll return back to its charging base which is also a self-emptying base. Inside, the base can store up to 60 days worth of dust and debris before you'll need to empty it out. In short, that means you won't have to consider floor maintenance for about two months at a time.

With the associated Shark smartphone app, you can set schedules for your robot vacuum, check on the battery power, or set no-go zones for areas you want the vacuum to avoid. But if you don't love using a smartphone, you can also control the robot vacuum with voice commands.

If you'll be busy in the next few weeks with hosting holiday parties, get the help of the Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum. It'll never sigh loudly or complain when asked to vacuum and its reliable suction power will leave your home's floors spotless. It's on sale at Amazon for 50% off and if you order soon, it'll arrive before Dec. 25.

Wondering how to watch college football this season? 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 $59.99/month for 1 month (Save $20) Get Deal

The No. 10 Indiana Hoosiers and the No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish will face off in the first round of the College Football Playoffs (CFP). The match will take place at Notre Dame Stadium in Indiana on Friday, Dec. 20, and is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Indiana is 11-1 overall and 8-1 in the Big Ten Conference, but came in second in conference to the No. 1 overall team, the Oregon Ducks. Notre Dame is also 11-1 overall, but is no longer in a conference, so the Fighting Irish couldn't claim a top seed.

The CFP has moved to a 12-team playoff format that allows the highest ranked winners of the top four conferences to take the top four seeds. The highest ranked winner of a fifth conference will take the 12th seed, if the team is not ranked higher than 12. The rest of the playoff field is filled out by ranking in a bracket released by the CFP committee. The top four seeds earn a first-round bye.

The winner of Indiana vs. Notre Dame will go on to face the Georgia Bulldogs in the Sugar Bowl.

SEE ALSO: How to watch college football without cable Indiana vs. Notre Dame football kickoff time and network

The Indiana vs. Notre Dame football game is scheduled for a 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT start on ABC/ESPN on Friday, Dec. 20.

Sean McDonough and Greg McElroy are expected to be in the booth. Molly McGrath is expected to be reporting from the sidelines.

Best streaming services for Indiana vs. Notre Dame football game

You need to choose a streaming service to watch college football without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Indiana vs. Notre Dame football game on ABC/ESPN. 

Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.

Most channels: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Pro plan 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. 

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, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

The popularity of polyamory and other non-monogamy has been on the rise in recent years, with some experts citing the first Trump election and COVID-19 for challenging sexual and romantic norms. Regardless of the reasons why, dating apps and search engine trends tell us that non-monogamy is on our minds. 

For individuals known online by tens of thousands of people for being polyamorous, there can be some unique challenges to their relationships — especially when they end. Social media can be a blessing for any minority community, many of whom are desperate to see themselves represented and to find opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals. But for those in the spotlight, their public persona adds a singular element to heartbreak.

Social media followers "want to know everything" 

"Some people have a weird entitlement towards content creators," says Michelle Hy (@PolyamorousWhileAsian), a Portland-based polyamory content creator. "I've kept pretty good boundaries and rules when I post about a breakup or de-escalation — if it's amicable, I'll use it as an example in my stories or just to show that de-escalations can happen. If it's more tense than that, I won't talk about it publicly at all." 

SEE ALSO: What happens when your favourite TikTok couple breaks up

De-escalation is a term used in the polyamorous community to mean reducing the level of intimacy or commitment between partners, while still staying connected. For example, a couple who decides to stop living together but continue dating might describe that process as a de-escalation of their relationship. "Sometimes people want to know who did what, which I understand, but can definitely feel invasive," says Hy.

Hy's experience with prying eyes is echoed by other polyamory content creators. "When I was grieving my breakup, people would comment things like, 'Aw, you guys were so cute, I'M grieving your breakup,' which kept me feeling kind of stuck," reports Gabrielle Alexa Noel (@gabalexa), a queer sex and polyamory educator. "People expected a statement from me, my partner, and his other partner. We all ended up agreeing not to post about it to avoid having our opinions and experiences weaponized. But even still, a lot of people expected a story — with a beginning, middle, and neat, tidy end. That's just not real life." 

While important for destigmatizing alternative lifestyles, social media also blurs the lines between the personal and the public. It's easy to forget that the people who share parts of their lives for the purpose of education and community are offering something very generous, often at some personal expense.

"We get used to some parts being public and forget that that's just the surface level. It looks cute on paper, and it is cute in real life too, of course," observes New York-based queer artist, Jonzu (@jonzu). "But you're not always going to see the day-to-day work." 

It's important to remember that social media can never capture the full nuances of anyone's life, but at its best, it can offer a slice of hope in the form of representation and shared joy.

The court of public expectations online 

We already know that women, people of color, and queer people experience disproportionate harassment online. Unsurprisingly, this is reflected in the experiences of polyamorous influencers as well. Hy, who specifically creates content about intersectional polyamory as a queer Asian woman, shares: "I want to display more examples of diverse polyamory, and I definitely feel bummed that I can't do that without putting my loved ones at risk."  Followers can become demanding about personal details and bring high parasocial expectations for how influencers conduct their personal lives.

Hy isn't the only polyamorous influencer facing these unrealistic expectations of unofficial ambassadorship. Followers can feel invested in the representation they want to see, forgetting that influencers are just living their lives. "My ex is Black, and so am I, but none of my other partners are. After we broke up, I received overwhelming pressure online to date another Black person next," says Noel. "I lean towards dating other people of color in general, but I don't want to be measuring my dating interactions based on public expectations!"

While influencers' fans can see their breakup and have opinions about their personal decisions, so do the haters. "When we were breaking up, I remembered comments like, 'I'm just following to see this crash and burn' from people who hate polyamory. I never want them to think they were right!" adds Noel.

Setting boundaries as a polyamorous content creator

"I have specific conversations with people from the beginning, even on early dates," says Noel. "Like when we take a picture, if I post them and tag them, people might go to their page and interact. Sometimes 5,000+ people will click on my friends' profiles after we take a vacation together!" While most of this engagement is harmless, it follows that higher visibility online creates a higher likelihood of harassment. 

"My Puerto Rican partner of 4+ years experienced a lot of racial harassment, and it wasn't in response to anything in particular, just the existence of our relationship," Noel continues. "That made her reticent to be tagged for a while. She's okay with it now, but it's something I realized I have to give new partners a heads up on."

SEE ALSO: What are the rules for blocking someone after a breakup?

Other influencers agree that there have to be intentional choices when deciding which parts of their personal life to make public and which parts to keep private. While there is value in vulnerability and visibility, finding the balance is a crucial part of these influencers' well-being. "I didn't really post about breakups, but recently my published writing has become more personal. I wrote about my last breakup, but kept it pretty open-ended," says Jonzu.

"I keep names anonymous and I don't post photos of partners or friends," Hy agrees. "Having a public page also makes me more careful about who I date in general — it has happened more than once on a first date that someone will say 'I follow you on Instagram' and I realize they automatically know a lot more about me than I know about them. In general, it makes me feel a lot more cautious than I was 5 years ago."

The pros of the online polyamorous community 

Despite this plethora of challenging experiences, it's a relief to know that our polyamorous content creators aren't going anywhere. "I wouldn't be polyamorous without social media," says Noel. "It's where I found helpful information, made connections, and knew what to expect at NYC polyamory events. Eventually, it opened doors for writing opportunities and the events that I host, which I find rewarding."

"We booked some fun gigs — we were a power throuple!" says Jonzu. "It was a unique time for us to collaborate as queer artists and writers. It felt good at times being told that people look up to us for our dynamic.'"

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's... the first teaser for James Gunn's Superman!

SEE ALSO: 2025 movie preview: All the films you'll want to know about

The teaser wastes no time in getting us acquainted with David Corenswet's (Twisters) take on the Man of Steel. We get glimpses of him in classic Superman mode, from saving a young girl, to running to work at the Daily Planet (as Clark Kent, of course).

But that's not all! The teaser introduces also introduces us to Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) as Lois Lane. If the first charged glances Lois and Clark share in the teaser weren't enough to convince you of their chemistry, then their passionate airborne make-out session is sure to do the trick.

Check out the teaser above for all that and more, including looks at Nicholas Hoult (Nosferatu) as Lex Luthor, Nathan Fillion (The Suicide Squad) as Green Lantern Guy Gardner, Isabela Merced (Alien: Romulus) as Hawkgirl, and Anthony Carrigan (Barry) as Metamorpho.

Superman hits theaters July 11.

SAVE $70: As of Dec. 19, Bose's QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are on sale for $229 at Amazon. That's 23% off their list price of $299.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Earbuds $229.00 at Amazon
$299.00 Save $70.00 Get Deal

If you're getting some last-minute shopping done ahead of the holidays, Amazon's here to help with a variety of discounted items and notices of when they'll arrive before Christmas. In particular, if you've had new earbuds on your radar this year, Bose's QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are currently discounted at Amazon and will even get to you before the big day.

Bose's QuietComfort Ultra earbuds are currently on sale for $229, 23% off their list price of $299. According to price tracker camelcamelcamel, this is also their lowest-ever price so there's no better time to grab them. And, as with many items on Amazon right now, right above the 'Add to Cart' button you can see a note that says it'll arrive before Christmas.

We've ranked these earbuds as the best noise-canceling earbuds in our breakdown of the best earbuds of 2024, so you know they're worth the investment. Even our review had high praise for them, with Timothy Beck Werth saying "In terms of audio quality, noise cancellation, and battery life, I'm more impressed the longer I use these earbuds."

These are an excellent gift to pick up ahead of the holidays, whether for someone you know or as a little treat for yourself. Don't miss out on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds at their lowest-ever price.

If you're curious to see some more gift ideas at Amazon, it's worth it to have a look at their top 100 holiday gifts. There, you can find even more great deals at the retailer and when they'll be able to hit your doorstep ahead of Christmas.

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

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

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

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

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

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

Tweet may have been deleted

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for December 20, 2024 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: To delay or postpone

• Green: Commonly found in a bar

• Blue: Boats or vessels

• Purple: Seen in a classic jungle monkey game

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

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

• Yellow: Defer

• Green: Bar Fixtures

• Blue: Watercraft

• Purple: Seen in "Donkey Kong"

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #556 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Defer: DELAY, POSTPONE, SHELVE, TABLE

• Bar Fixtures: COUNTER, KEG, STOOL, TAP

• Watercraft: BARGE, JUNK, SUB, TUG

• Seen in "Donkey Kong": BARREL, GORILLA, HAMMER, LADDER

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 20

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

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

TL;DR: Live stream Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.

The Los Angeles Lakers head to Golden 1 Center to face the Sacramento Kings in a Western Conference matchup. Both teams are hovering near the bottom of their conference. The Lakers are 14-12, which puts them in tenth place. The Kings are 13-14 and in 12th place.

The Lakers have lost three of their last five games, but are coming off a win over the Memphis Grizzlies. The Kings have won three of their last five games, but are coming off a loss to the Denver Nuggets.

When is Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings?

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings in the NBA starts at 10 p.m. ET on Dec. 19. This game takes place at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.

How to watch Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings

You need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Lakers vs. Kings basketball game.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV FuboTV Pro plan 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. 

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, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling TV Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

How to watch Lakers vs. Kings from anywhere in the world

If you're traveling outside of the U.S. during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server, meaning you can unblock live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings 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 the U.S.

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming app

5. Watch Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings 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 leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A 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 Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings in the NBA with ExpressVPN.

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 20, 2024 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for December 20, 2024 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Wandering off course.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

STRAY.

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 19

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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