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Mashable is a leading source for news, information & resources for the Connected Generation. Mashable reports on the importance of digital innovation and how it empowers and inspires people around the world. Mashable's 25 million monthly unique visitors and 10 million social media followers have become one of the most engaged online news communities. Founded in 2005, Mashable is headquartered in New York City with an office in San Francisco.
Updated: 54 min 26 sec ago

The Pitt Season 2s first scene is out, and Im already concerned for Dr. Robby

Fri, 12/12/2025 - 20:37

The Emmy–winning medical drama The Pitt returns to HBO Max on Jan. 8, but you can watch its opening scene right now.

SEE ALSO: 'Euphoria' Season 3 gets first look in HBO Max's 2026 trailer

HBO Max has released the first 90 seconds of Season 2, which returns viewers to the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center. Like in Season 1, every episode represents one hour in a 15-hour shift. This time, though, the shift takes place on July 4, so you can bet you'll see grill burns, firework accidents, and more making their way through the Pitt's doors.

None of that chaos is on display in The Pitt Season 2's opening scene, though. Instead, these 90 seconds showcase Dr. Michael "Robby" Robinavitch's (Noah Wyle) commute to work. It's a beautiful sunny morning as he rides his motorcycle across Pittsburgh's bridges, and — wait a second, sorry, Dr. Robby, who works in an emergency department, is riding a motorcycle? Without a helmet? Has this man not seen enough motorcycle and bike accidents to know this is a bad idea? What in the midlife crisis is this?

It's not long before The Pitt says goodbye to those sunny summer skies, though, because once Dr. Robby checks in, he and his staff are locked in on whatever July 4 will throw their way. Still, with Dr. Robby's apparent destructive streak shining through, I'm not just worried about the incoming patients. I'm also worried whatever's going on with him.

The Pitt Season 2 premieres Jan. 8 on HBO Max.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Sonys Afeela electric vehicle will offer digital license plates

Fri, 12/12/2025 - 20:14

Sony's perpetually upcoming electric vehicle is going to allow for a degree of license plate customization never thought possible before.

According to TechRadar, Sony's Afeela EV (which has been showcased at multiple CES events in previous years but still isn't on sale) will pioneer something new: digital license plates. Sony is partnering with a company called Reviver to incorporate its RPlate technology, which allows you to customize what's on your license plate with a smartphone app.

For vanity plate fans, life may never be the same.

SEE ALSO: Motorola might announce a book-style foldable phone at CES 2026

Per TechRadar, it's a simple HD display that allows you to switch between black and white backgrounds, with the additional ability to write custom messages along the bottom of the plate, presumably while maintaining your given license plate number above those. Examples of possible messages include social media handles or catchphrases, though as TechRadar pointed out, it's not yet clear if profanity will be allowed.

Many U.S. states also have various laws governing how license plates must appear on vehicles, and a technology like this would have to comply with a lot of various state laws and regulations.

These, and other questions about the Afeela, will have to wait for the car's launch to be answered. It still isn't out, despite first appearing at CES in 2023, and it's rumored to cost nearly $90,000 for U.S. drivers. That's a lot of money to spend for goofy license plate capabilities.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The AT&T data breach settlement deadline is almost here. How to file a claim in the $177 million case.

Fri, 12/12/2025 - 20:09

If you're an AT&T customer who was impacted by the company's data breaches in 2019 and/or 2024, then you still have time to file a claim in the $177 million class action settlement. In October, the deadline to file was extended to Dec. 18, so you have a little less than a week.

The first of the two large-scale breaches was discovered in March 2024, after customer data appeared on the dark web. AT&T later explained in a statement that the breach compromised the addresses, social security numbers, and passcodes of users in a database dating back to 2019. An even larger data breach was uncovered in late 2024. This second breach exposed the telephone numbers and records of calls and texts of nearly every AT&T customer, and took place between approximately May 1 and Oct. 31, 2022, and on Jan. 3, 2023. 

SEE ALSO: 5 big tech settlements you might be eligible for in 2025

Following a class action lawsuit, courts ruled in June that the company would dole out $177 million to affected AT&T customers who had accounts between 2019 and 2024. Claimants were divided into two classes: account holders affected by the March 2024 breach would split $149 million, while customers whose communications were downloaded in the July incident would share $28 million. Direct payments to users who suffered financial losses were paid first — up to $5,000 for the first class or $2,500 for the second — according to the company.

Now, everyone else whose data was exposed is splitting the pile.

How much money is available in the AT&T settlement?

Technically, an AT&T customer who suffered proven financial losses because of both incidents could be eligible to receive up to $7,500. However, those larger payments were paid early. AT&T should have contacted you directly if you qualified, so if you think you were impacted by the breach but haven't been notified, you'll want to check your spam folder. Per our colleagues at PCMag, look for emails from Kroll Settlement Administration LLC or the email address attsettlement@e.emailksa.com.

As is usually the case in these class action settlements, manage your expectations. After those initial payments to customers who experienced financial losses, the remaining $177 million will be divided among a much larger pool of customers.

Often, the final payment amount in big tech settlements like this is under $30.

How to claim your AT&T settlement money

According to the settlement website, affected customers have until Dec. 18 to claim their cut, and impacted users should have already received a settlement notice containing a Class Member ID. If you would like to opt out of the settlement, or want to object to your classification under the settlement, you were required to physically mail in a request by Nov. 17.

The settlement's final approval hearing will be held on Jan. 15.

To be paid, you must fill out the settlement claim form. You will need your Class Member ID, as well as an email address, AT&T account number, or full name. Be prepared to fill out payment information, such as a direct deposit or checking information.

Who is eligible for the AT&T settlement?

There are different eligibility requirements for the two settlement classes in the case:

  • For Class 1: eligibility extends to any living person whose personal identification information was exposed by the March incident

  • For Class 2: eligibility extends to AT&T account owners or "line or end users" whose numbers or direct communications were downloaded by bad actors

How much money will I get in AT&T settlement?

We can't provide an exact dollar amount. In a much larger Amazon settlement, affected customers were expected to receive up to $42.86 per person. And in the YouTube privacy settlement, affected customers are expected to get between $30 to $60.

Customers will be paid based on the severity of the data breach.

  • For Class 1: Individuals who had their Social Security Numbers exposed (Tier 1) will receive five times more money than those who did not (Tier 2)

  • For Class 2: Individuals who did not prove a documented financial loss will receive a share of the remaining settlement funds (Tier 3)

Have questions? You can call the settlement hotline (833) 890-4930 to get answers or visit the settlement website.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Hisenses 65-inch The Frame dupe is down to a record-low $699 at Amazon

Fri, 12/12/2025 - 18:50

SAVE $598: As of Dec. 12, the Hisense 65-Inch S7N Canvas QLED 4K TV is down to just $699.99 at Amazon. That's 46% off its list price of $1,297.99 and a new best price ever.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 65-Inch S7N Canvas QLED 4K TV $699.99
$1,297.99 Save $598   Get Deal

Black Friday TV deals never disappoint. This year, we saw plenty of record-lows on QLEDs in just about every size, with 65-inchers really making a splash. But somehow, one of our favorite 65-inch TVs has now surpassed that Black Friday price weeks later.

As of Dec. 12, the Hisense 65-Inch S7N Canvas QLED 4K TV is down to just $699.99 at Amazon. That's 46% off its list price and a new best price ever, beating its Black Friday price by nearly $200.

Essentially Hisense's dupe of Samsung's The Frame TV, the 2025 Canvas TV has a matte finish that makes it look like a giant piece of artwork, rather than a giant hunk of tech hanging on your wall. It has a better refresh rate over The Frame at 144Hz versus 120Hz, making it a better pick for gamers. Plus, it supports Dolby Vision and has a 4K display with Quantum Dot technology (check out our guide to TV specs for more information on QLED displays). Mashable's TV expert Leah Stodart calls it a "well-liked underdog in the market previously dominated by Samsung."

Of course, it's real selling point is that it turns your screen into famous works of art. Deputy Shopping Editor Miller Kern owns this TV and said it "looks stupid good in a gallery wall and really does blend in with other artwork and wall hangings, especially in art mode."

At full price, it's a bit of a splurge, but at nearly 50% off, it's a major steal. We can't imagine it dropping any further in price, so if you have an art TV on your wishlist, add the 65-inch Hisense Canvas TV to your cart ASAP.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Surprise! Kindles are back on sale at Amazon for holiday shoppers — prices start at $89

Fri, 12/12/2025 - 18:25

SAVE UP TO $140: As of Dec. 12, Kindles are back on sale. Find the basic Kindle for as low as $89.99, or score major savings on the Kindle Scribe, which is down to $309.99, saving $140. But don't worry, the fan favorite Kindle Paperwhite is also on sale.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle $89.99 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $20   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite $134.99 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $25   Get Deal

Amazon went all out during Black Friday with its Kindle deals. Every e-reader hit its lowest price ever, including the basic Kindle down to $79.99 and the Kindle Paperwhite down to $124.99. The savings were so good, we expected them to be the last sale of the year on the devices, but Amazon always has some tricks up their sleeves.

As of Dec. 12, we've spotted the entire Kindle collection back on sale. Temper your expectations though. The prices aren't as good as we saw during Black Friday: to be exact, prices are about $10 higher. So while these aren't the lowest price ever, they're still pretty good deals that we recommend shopping, especially if you're looking to gift a Kindle this holiday season.

The Kindle Paperwhite, our favorite Kindle here at Mashable, is discounted down to $134.99. That brings the device down to $25, saving you 16% off its $159.99 list price. For a budget pick, the equally great budget Kindle is down to $89.99. That's not quite as sweet as its $79.99 Black Friday price but still makes it the only Amazon e-reader under $100.

The biggest savings are on the Kindle Scribe (64GB) which is all the way down to $309.99, saving you $140 off its $449.99 price. But there are plenty of deals to shop across the Kindle line-up. And don't wait to buy, Black Friday prices came and went fast and this surprise sale is sure to follow suit.

More Kindle deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Signature Edition $159.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $40   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Colorsoft $189.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $60   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Scribe (64GB) $309.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $140   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Kids $99.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $30.00   Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

The DJI Power 1000 is $350 off right now

Fri, 12/12/2025 - 18:17

SAVE 50%: As of Dec. 12, the DJI Power 1000 Portable Power Station is on sale for $349 at Amazon. That's a 50% discount off the $699 list price, making this the best price we’ve ever seen for a power station with these specs.

DJI Power 1000 Portable Power Station $349 at Amazon
$699 Save $350   Get Deal at Amazon

I’m not a doomsday prepper or anything, but living on the water in a hurricane-prone area has taught me to be prepared. My internet goes out if the wind blows the wrong way, and dealing with a dead laptop and a dark apartment while waiting for power to return is not my idea of a fun weekend. So, I've been shopping around for a portable generator to keep those unpredictable weather patterns at bay, and I just found a killer deal on the DJI Power 1000.

SEE ALSO: The DJI Power 2000 portable power station is down to its lowest-ever price — almost half off

Right now, the DJI Power 1000 Portable Power Station is on sale for $349 at Amazon. That's a 50% discount off the $699 list price, making this the best price we’ve ever seen for a power station with these specs. (It's also a DJI Direct product, so you won't have to worry about sketchy, third-party sellers.)

It offers 1024Wh of capacity, an unbeatable 2200W continuous output (with a 2600W Peak), and features the superior, long-lasting LiFePO4 battery technology rated for 4,000 cycles. But the best feature is the speed: using grid power, the Power 1000 gets back to 100 percent charge in just 70 minutes (or 0-80 percent in 50 minutes). Plus, it is ultra-silent at just 23 dB during operation.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Bring home a Roborock Qrevo S5V robot vacuum and mop for its lowest price ever

Fri, 12/12/2025 - 18:08

SAVE $400: As of Dec. 12, get the Roborock Qrevo S5V robot vacuum and mop for $499.99, down from its usual price of $899.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 44% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Roborock Qrevo S5V robot vacuum and mop $499.99 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $400   Get Deal

It's high time you invested in a robot vacuum. Take it from us: they can make all of those household chores you dread doing a much less annoying task. They can not only vacuum but mop as well, and some of the best ones even clean up after themselves and empty their own debris. It's a win win, really, and you can get a great Roborock model on sale at Amazon right now.

As of Dec. 12, get the Roborock Qrevo S5V robot vacuum and mop for $499.99, down from its usual price of $899.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 44% and the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: 7 gadgets to help keep your home clean, from robot vacuums to electric scrubbers

This combo robot vacuum and mop is an all-in-one option that not only sucks up dirt and debris and washes hardwood flooring, but dries the floor after it's done. It can also empty debris into its own base, so you don't have but minimal interaction with the unit itself. The result? A cleaner home and less overall work for you.

The mess is transferred to a special tank in the vacuum and it can hold it there for up to 7 weeks, which is long enough for you to forget it's there, then drop it into a trash can and start the cycle all over again. Of course, it also includes your typical robot vacuum amenities as well, with custom path creation, cleaning schedules, compatibility with all your smart home apps and setups, and more, which means you're getting a fully-featured setup here that can do it all.

Stop spending all your time cleaning and let a robot handle it. You've spent enough years of your life flying solo with the tidying tasks.

Categories: IT General, Technology

AI will play an even bigger role in our love lives in 2026, experts say

Fri, 12/12/2025 - 18:04

AI has loomed large in the realm of love in 2025. And it's set to loom even larger in 2026, according to a major sex toy retailer's predictions for the year ahead.

Twenty-five percent of Gen Z and 26 percent of millennials have already spoken to AI about sex, per the TwentyTwentySex report by Lovehoney, the UK's leading sexual wellness retailer.

In fact, more people are turning to AI for advice (52 percent) over speaking to their friends (32 percent) or their partners (22 percent), according to the brand, which surveyed 2,022 nationally representative respondents.

SEE ALSO: 4 reasons not to turn ChatGPT into your therapist

People are treating AI as their sex therapists, per the report. Interestingly, the data shows that young men are more likely to have spoken to AI about sex (30 percent of Gen Z men and 34 percent of millennial men). While getting a bit of sex advice from ChatGPT might sound harmless, experts warn against using AI as a therapist, stating that the risks of doing so (like it becoming a harmful feedback loop) are not worth it.

Lovehoney's report states that "2026 is expected to mark a major shift in how we seek guidance, validation, and connection." The sex toy brand is calling this trend "digital threesomes," although I don't think that means anyone will be jumping into bed with an LLM anytime soon.

At the same time, daters are also shifting their love lives away from the digital realm, turning instead to real-life connections. We've seen the rise of offline dating events, with singles flocking to singles' nights, including speed dating, coffee shop dates, run clubs, and many more activity-based socials.

Lovehoney states that "with dating app fatigue at an all-time high, more singles will turn to real-world connections." Thirty percent of Gen Z have met a sexual or romantic partner through dating apps, compared with 35 percent of millennials.

Sexologist Elisabeth Neumann, head of user research at Lovehoney, said: “With dating apps in decline, we're seeing the return of analogue intimacy, from office romances to speed-dating nights."

"This trend could unfold in stark contrast to technological advancements, with technology itself seducing us through AI dating coaches, digital threesomes, and fantasy-fuelled escapism."

Categories: IT General, Technology

Motorola might announce a book-style foldable phone at CES 2026

Fri, 12/12/2025 - 17:54

Motorola already has a foldable on the market with the revived Razr, a flip phone-style foldable, but rumor has it the mobile company has more coming soon.

Motorola sent a physical invite to Android Central in the mail that heavily suggests a book-style foldable, perhaps similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series (and eventually the long-rumored iPhone Fold), will debut at CES 2026 in January.

The big tells in the package are a small folding book with a wooden finish (the Motorola Razr Ultra was available with a wood finish as well), and a card that rather unsubtly says "We're getting ready to unfold new perspectives at Lenovo Tech World," which is a CES-adjacent showcase on Jan. 6 in Las Vegas.

SEE ALSO: All the foldable phones you can buy in 2025: Are these smartphones finally worth buying?

There isn't much more to the invite than that, but it's still enough to make the mind wander a bit.

Motorola has been steadily releasing clamshell-style Razr foldables for a few years now, but it has yet to dip into the Z Fold-esque world of book-style foldables. Both kinds of devices fill different market niches, so it makes sense that Motorola would want to expand its customer base.

We're only a few weeks away from finding out, at any rate.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 just won Game of the Year and its now 20% off

Fri, 12/12/2025 - 17:49

SAVE $10: As of Dec. 12, Game of the Year winner Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is down to $39.99. That's 20% off its $49.99 list price, saving you $10. That brings it back down to its lowest price ever, previously seen during Black Friday.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'Clair Obscur: Expedition 33' $39.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $10 Deal available on PC online game code. Get Deal

At the 2025 The Game Awards, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 set records winning nine awards, beating the record previously held by The Last of Us: Part Two. You'd think that such an acclaimed game wouldn't see a discount, but you'd be wrong. To celebrate its big wins last night, you can find the fantasy RPG back down to its Black Friday price.

As of Dec. 12, get Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 for just $39.99 at Amazon. That saves you $10 off its list price of $49.99 for 20% off. This deal is only available on the PC online game code. But other versions are available, in the PlayStation store you can find the PS5 version on sale for the same price.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 takes place in the Belle Époque France-inspired fantasy world where players must set out to defeat the Paintress. The looming antagonist Paintress wakes every year to paint a cursed number, and anyone that age vanishes from the earth. This year, the number is 33, and players must defeat her so she can never paint death again.

At The Game Awards, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 took home nine awards, winning Game of the Year, Best Game Direction, Best Narrative, Best Art Direction, Best Score & Music, Best Performance, Best Role Playing Game, Best Independent Game, and Best Debut Indie Game.

Get Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 for just $39.99 at Amazon now — shop before the deal ends.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Reddit sues Australia over under-16 social media ban

Fri, 12/12/2025 - 17:44

Reddit is suing the Australian government over its newly enacted social media ban, which prevents children aged 16 and younger from accessing most social media platforms.

Reddit argued that the ban impinges on the right to free political discourse implied by the country's constitution, according to a Reuters report. In essence, blocking the youths from Reddit would block their freedom of speech, the company said. Reddit also argued that it was not, primarily speaking, a social media site, but rather a place for exchanging information and ideas.

"Reddit enables online interactions about the content that users post on the site. It facilitates knowledge sharing from one user to other users," the filing reads, via the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

The filing added:

"It is not a significant purpose of the site to enable interactions engaged in because of a particular user's relationship with or interest in another user as a person; indeed, in most cases, the identity of a user on Reddit is not even known to other users."

The social media ban went into effect on Wednesday, pulling children's access to sites like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Reddit, and more. Most platforms complied with the ban by blocking access to any account with a user 16 and under — though, of course, that's a relatively easy barrier to dodge for tech-savvy young people. But it would, perhaps, keep kids from unfettered access to algorithmic suggestions.

SEE ALSO: Australia's banning social media for kids this week. Here's how it's being enforced.

"Delaying children's access to social media accounts gives them valuable time to learn and grow, free of the powerful, unseen forces of harmful and deceptive design features such as opaque algorithms and endless scroll," said Australia's eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant in a statement last month. 

Categories: IT General, Technology

Verizon is giving away free Nintendo Switch consoles — heres how to qualify for the deal

Fri, 12/12/2025 - 17:39

SAVE $339.99: Through Dec. 23, Verizon will give new home internet customers a free Nintendo Switch console as part of their holiday deals. Here are all the details you need to know to qualify.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Free Nintendo Switch console with select new Verizon home internet plans Get Deal

You can typically find some pretty sweet gaming console deals around the holidays. But even the biggest discounts on record can't beat free.

If you're in the market for new home internet service, Verizon will give you a gift by signing up for select plans: a free Nintendo Switch, which is a $339.99 value. Already own a Nintendo Switch? Use the free console as a gift for someone else in your life or choose another one of Verizon's free holiday offers: a Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE 5G tablet or a 43-inch Samsung Q7F QLED 4K TV. The console offer is only live through Dec. 23 and supplies are limited, so if you like free stuff (who doesn't?), be sure to secure your Nintendo Switch in the next week and a half. The Samsung tablet and TV offers must be redeemed by Jan. 7, so you'll have a bit more time to decide.

So, what's the catch? Well, you can't just sign up for Verizon home internet and then cancel. New home internet customers will need to activate/install and keep eligible Fios 2 Gig, Fios 1 Gig, 5G Home Ultimate, or LTE Home Plus plans in good standing for 14 days and redeem the offer within 60 days in order to secure their free gift. If you do cancel your service within 180 days, Verizon will charge you the full retail value of whichever promotional device you chose — up to $599.99.

How to get your free Nintendo Switch

Head over to Verizon's Deals page and enter your address to check whether Verizon home internet service is available in your area. If it is, scroll down to the home internet deals and select the Nintendo Switch (or whichever one you prefer). Choose a Fios, 5G Home Ultimate, or LTE Home Plus internet plan, which start at just $35 per month, activate, and keep it in good standing. Redeem your offer within 60 days and a Nintendo Switch will appear on your doorstep.

Notable Nintendo Switch deals

If you snag a free Nintendo Switch and aren't sure which games to grab to kickoff your gaming journey, two Fall 2025 releases just went on sale for the first time: Final Fantasy Tactics and Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. The Grinch Christmas Adventures is also 50% off if you're in the holiday spirit. Check out Mashable's Nintendo Switch hub for any new notable deals we recommend.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get the Mashable favorite Eufy X10 Pro Omni for nearly half off at Amazon

Fri, 12/12/2025 - 17:32

SAVE $405: As of Dec. 12, get the Eufy X10 Pro Omni robot vacuum and mop for $494.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $899. That's a discount of 45%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Eufy X10 Pro Omni $494.99 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $405   Get Deal

Tired of spending all your time vacuuming and mopping your floors? It's 2025 and you don't have to worry about that anymore. Both of those tasks can now be pawned off to robot vacuums instead. If you haven't joined the craze and picked one up yourself, now's a great time: you can get a Mashable-approved model for nearly half off today.

As of Dec. 12, get the Eufy X10 Pro Omni robot vacuum and mop for $494.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $899. That's $405 off and a discount of 45%.

SEE ALSO: 7 gadgets to help keep your home clean, from robot vacuums to electric scrubbers

This model made it on to Mashable Senior Shopping Reporter Leah Stodart's list of best robot vacuums, earning specific praise for its affordable price and self-washing and drying mopping pads. It's a higher-end model at its normal price, but for this discounted rate, it's a much more palatable buy, especially becaus of its bells and whistles.

It's both a vacuum and mop with a self-washing and drying moppng system that means you don't have to worry about doing much of anything, really, when this unit is deployed. It has 8,000 Pa of suction for a satisfying deep clean, and a mop supported by pads that self-clean with fresh water and dry quickly with 45-degree heated air. It can mop up to 2,000 square feet multiple times before refilling, which makes it great for hands-off cleaning.

With AI obstacle avoidance and map customization, it's truly a great option if you just want to set things up one time and let this bad boy take care of all the tidying up. Now's the time to grab this model for a gift to some lucky person in your life or yourself, so be sure to lock yours in while you still can.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This 14-in-1 Anker Prime Docking Station can clean up your desk mess for $174.99

Fri, 12/12/2025 - 17:20

SAVE 35%: As of Dec. 12, the Anker Prime Docking Station (14-Port, 160W) is on sale for $174.99, down from $269.99, at Amazon. That's a 35% discount or $95 in savings.

Anker Prime Docking Station (14-Port, 160W) $174.99 at Amazon
$269.99 Save $95   Get Deal at Amazon

If your desk setup is currently a nightmare of charging bricks and tangled wires, I just found an affordable solution to help you get the mess under control.

Right now, the Anker Prime Docking Station (14-Port, 160W) is on sale for $174.99, down from $269.99, at Amazon. That's a 35% discount or a $95 price cut.

SEE ALSO: The best portable chargers and power banks in 2025

It has 11 ports with speeds up to 10Gbps, and delivers 160W of total output. It's capable of charging up to four devices at once, including up to three USB-C ports at 100W max each. It's compatible with USB-C, USB4, and Thunderbolt connections, which is definitely a plus. You can connect to dual HDMI ports for two external 4K displays.

Just a heads-up: if you're on a Mac, both external monitors will show the same content (you won't be able to "extend" your desktop across both screens).

Categories: IT General, Technology

This Samsung Odyssey OLED G5 gaming monitor just dropped to its lowest price ever, but its only available for a few more hours

Fri, 12/12/2025 - 16:54

SAVE $190: As of Dec. 12, get the Samsung 27-inch Odyssey OLED G5 gaming monitor for $359.99, down $190 from its $549.99 list price. That takes 35% off, bringing it down to its lowest price ever.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 27-inch Odyssey OLED G5 Gaming Monitor $359.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $190   Get Deal

Last night at The Game Awards, the top games of the year were honored, with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 absolutely sweeping the awards and taking home Game of the Year. To celebrate The Game Awards, Amazon is offering exclusive deals to prime members on nominated games and gear. Gaming monitors are on sale, including sophisticated Samsung OLED models.

As of Dec. 12, the Samsung 27-inch Odyssey OLED G5 gaming monitor is on sale for $359.99. That saves you $190 off its list price of $549.99. Those 35% savings are massive and brings the monitor down to its lowest price ever.

The 27-inch gaming monitor is an exceptional model with OLED displays. It has realistic visuals and a 180Hz refresh rate and G-Sync compatibility with AMD FreeSync to reduce screen lag and image tearing. It has a Pantone Validated screen for the most accurate colors and the OLED screen has a safeguard to keep the screen cool and prevent burn-in.

But this deal won't last. Amazon's The Game Awards deals are live through Dec. 12 at 5 pm PT/8pm ET, so if you want to shop the Samsung 27-inch Odyssey OLED G5 gaming monitor, do it fast.

Categories: IT General, Technology

My mom passed away this year. Media memories help me keep her close

Fri, 12/12/2025 - 16:48

I want to share something personal with you. It’s about my mom, who is my best friend, my biggest cheerleader, and my safe place.

She passed away this past May. And every day since, I’ve found myself reaching for the things she left behind. Not jewelry, or clothes, or designer bags. But her voice. Her laugh. Her smile.

Growing up, our bond was unshakable. The holidays were our time. We had this holiday tradition where we would head to Fifth Avenue. We’d shop until our arms ached, bags swinging from our wrists, before heading to Bergdorf Goodman for dinner. It was our little luxury, sitting across from each other, tired but happy. Sharing food. Swapping stories. Telling each other "I love you," like it was breathing.

Credit: Ty Cole

Here’s the thing: the most important piece of her I carry with me today almost didn't happen.

Two or three years ago, I didn’t even have my voicemail set up. As a millennial, it just felt… unnecessary. My Aunt Tanya called one day and asked me why it wasn’t on. I shrugged it off. 

"Tyler, turn it on," she said. "People want to leave you a message."

So I did. And this year, since my mother passed, one of my most treasured possessions has become my saved voicemails of her saying "happy birthday" and "I love you." I can hear her any time I need her.

I have our final text thread with her telling me she will love me forever. And I believe her.

We took photos together. We made videos. Silly little clips while she lays in her bed. Selfies and photos in the middle of crowded stores. Random snaps of her laughing at something I said. Those moments… they’re everything now. They’re proof that she was here, that we were here, that love like ours existed.

Credit: Ty Cole

She taught me strength. She taught me resilience. She taught me how to keep going when the world feels like it’s stopped. And in the moments when I feel lost, her voice and our memories are the map that leads me back to myself. They remind me: everything will be okay.

That’s why I’m telling you to use every tool you have to make memories. Take the picture, even if your hair’s not done. Record the video, even if it’s only ten seconds. Save the voicemail. Keep the texts. Don’t wait for the perfect moment; make it perfect because you’re in it together.

The holidays are a time to rejoice in your own way. For some of us, that’s loud celebrations. For others, it’s quiet reflection. But for all of us, it should be about savoring the people we love while we can.

So the next time you’re with the ones who matter most, capture it, because one day those images, videos, and voicemails might be the lifeline that pulls you through your hardest days.

For me, they’re the reason I can still hear my mom say, "I love you." And that’s something I’ll hold onto forever.

Credit: Ty Cole

This story is part of Holidays With Heart, a series in which Mashable and other CNET Group Perspectives contributors share personal stories involving technology.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Adult sites fetish of 2026 is a 180 from last year

Fri, 12/12/2025 - 16:44

While chastity reigned as 2025's fetish of the year, the explicit site Clips4Sale has a new frontrunner — and it's practically the opposite: gooning. It's the act of edging for hours or even days while watching porn, so much so that participants enter a hypnotic state (aptly called the "goon state").

Sales of gooning videos have spiked 151 percent since November 2023 on Clips4Sale, according to a blog post shared with Mashable — and 49 percent in the past six months alone. It's the fastest-growing fetish on the site.

SEE ALSO: 10 fastest-growing fetishes of 2025 so far Credit: Clips4Sale

The phenomenon has entered our cultural lexicon in recent years, as seen by a similar trajectory on Google Search. "Gooning" accounted for nearly one million searches in the past month, and since 2023, it has soared in search rankings.

Credit: Glimpse / Google Trends

"Gooning isn't JUST about masturbation! It involves overstimulation of the senses, bright color, exposure to stimuli (porn) at an excessive amount and exaggeration in visuals, demands, etc," performer Master Celestress, who's been creating gooning content since 2019, stated in a press release shared with Mashable.

"There's a psychological aspect to gooning that I feel is overlooked. It became a buzzword where jerking off equals gooning and nope, it's not!" she continued. "Gooning is more of a state of mind than anything else!"

The rise of gooning has occurred at the same time as an increased scrutiny of the porn industry and online speech. Age-verification laws, which typically require personal data like a government ID or a facial scan to view such content, have been enacted in half of U.S. states and other countries like the UK and France. And in the U.S., several bills have been introduced this year to ban porn (though none have been passed). Despite widespread disapproval of porn, gooning — which takes porn viewing and masturbation to another level — has prevailed.

"Gooning is the perfect fetish for our sex-and-tech obsessed culture," Clips4Sale spokesperson Avery Martin said in the press release. "It's an embrace of radical pleasure at a time of reactionary sexual politics. In the midst of moral panics about porn and technology, gooners have reclaimed both to turn the narrative on its head, embracing an almost religious pursuit of pleasure. In the past year, creators have seized on the moment and are creating incredible, and incredibly creative, content to feed this large and voracious audience."

Meanwhile, giantess, which was Clips4Sale's 2024 fetish of the year, was the most searched for fetish in the U.S. in 2025. Wrestling, tickling, vore, and ballbusting followed it in the top five.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Long live the $749 MacBook Air deal: Save $250 on the M4 model while you can

Fri, 12/12/2025 - 16:42

SAVE $250: As of Dec. 12, the 13-inch Apple M4 MacBook Air base model (with 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD) is back down to its Black Friday price of $749 at Amazon and Best Buy. That's 25% off its list price and its best price on record. If you purchase from Best Buy, you'll also get a free $25 e-gift card.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $749 at Best Buy
$999 Save $250 + get a free $25 e-gift card Get Deal

While Black Friday, one of the absolute best time of the year to buy a laptop, is technically long over, one of our favorite deals from the shopping event has resurfaced. Long live the $749 MacBook Air deal.

As of Dec. 12, the 13-inch Apple M4 MacBook Air with the M4 chip, 16GB RAM and 256GBG of storage is back down to just $749 at Amazon and Best Buy. That's $250 or 25% off its list price of $999 and its lowest price on record. It's hardly the first time it's dropped to this record-low price, but we still consider it one of the best deals you can get on an Apple laptop. Better yet, if you purchase from Best Buy, you'll also get a $25 e-gift card to spend on a future Best Buy purchase.

While the 15-inch version is our top pick for most people, the 13-inch version still holds a high ranking on our list of the best MacBooks — particularly for students looking for a laptop with longevity. Besides the ultra-low cost, we love the M4 MacBook Air for its processing power, improved 12MP FaceTime camera, and open-lid support for two external displays, which still allows you to use its own screen even when it's hooked up to monitors. So long as you don't need the more advanced specs of the MacBook Pro for demanding tasks like video editing or graphic design work, the M4 Air will treat you wonderfully.

Other than more screen real estate, the larger 15-inch model adds two extra speakers and a slightly better GPU. But it'll also cost you an extra $250. If the lowest priced MacBook is what you're after, the 13-inch M4 Air is a no-brainer.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Euphoria Season 3 gets first look in HBO Maxs 2026 trailer

Fri, 12/12/2025 - 16:34

It's been well over three years since Euphoria aired its season 2 finale, but we finally have our first look at footage from Season 3.

The clips are part of HBO Max's sizzle reel for their 2026 slate, which also includes Westeros-set series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and House of the Dragon, DC series Lanterns, and the return of Emmy-winning medical drama The Pitt.

SEE ALSO: Netflix and Paramount's bidding war over Warner Bros, explained

In the Euphoria trailer, narration from Rue (Zendaya) reveals that it's been several years since high school. "I don't know if life was exactly what I wished," she says.

Cue snapshots of where Euphoria's cast — many of whom have been minted as movie stars since Season 2 ended — are now. At an event in London, Euphoria creator Sam Levinson revealed key plot points following the show's five year time jump. Cassie (Sydney Sweeney) and Nate (Jacob Elordi) are engaged and living in the suburbs, which fails to explain why she's dressed as a dog in the teaser. Jules (Hunter Schafer) is in art school, while Maddy (Alexa Demie) and Lexi (Maude Apatow) are climbing the ranks in Hollywood.

As for Rue herself, she's in a lot of trouble. Still in debt to drug trafficker Laurie (Martha Kelly) from Season 2, she's headed to Mexico to pay off what she owes. Based on the snippets from the sizzle reel, she's in for a bumpy ride.

Check out the full trailer above to brace yourself for whatever Euphoria throws at us next. Plus, catch glimpses of other upcoming HBO series, like Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd's new show Half-Man and Steve Carell comedy Rooster.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get festive with a Lego Christmas Table Decoration building set for its lowest price yet

Fri, 12/12/2025 - 16:31

SAVE $20: As of Dec. 12, get the Lego Christmas Table Decoration building set for $19.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $39.99. That's a discount of 50% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Lego Christmas Table Decoration $19.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $20.00   Get Deal

Looking for an easy gift that any Lego fan will love this holiday season? We've found one that not only fits the holiday theme, but one that can be used as a functional part of decorating for this time of year. And better yet, it's on sale for its lowest price ever. In fact, the deal is so good and the kit is so festive, you may even want to keep it for yourself.

As of Dec. 12, get the Lego Christmas Table Decoration building set for $19.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $39.99. That's $20 off and a discount of 50%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: The Lego Botanicals Flower Arrangement has hit its lowest-ever price at Amazon — act fast to save over $40

This building set is a 433-piece wonder that, when finished, looks like a gorgeous holiday centerpiece with a red candle, green foliage, red berries, golden stars, and sprays of small white flowers. It doesn't look much like a traditional Lego project, but that's part of why it looks so amazing.

The project, when completed, will look just like a spray of gorgeous holiday flowers and a candle complete with a small brick flame. Finished, it measures over 7 inches tall, 8 inches wide, and 9 inches deep.

This is a great option for Lego fans or crafty giftees who like things fun and functional. Or just get one and keep it for yourself so you can put it out year after year and get into the holiday season. Either way, it's definitely a worthy pick at this price.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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