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SAVE $10 PER BOOK: Each of the six titles in the Rachel Reid "Game Changers" series which inspired the show "Heated Rivalry" are on sale in Kindle version for $8.99 each, down from the standard print price of $18.99 each. You can also snag all six titles in a set for $53.94.

Opens in a new window Credit: Harlequin Digital Sales Corp. "Heated Rivalry" by Rachel Reid (Kindle version) $8.99 at Amazon
$18.99 Save $10.00   Get Deal

If you don't know how to proceed with life after watching all six episode of "Heated Rivalry" on HBO Max, you're in good company. We're all left with a void in our lives now that season 1 of "Heated Rivalry" is complete and we have no idea how long we'll have to wait until season 2 drops. But in the meantime, you can get back into the wonderful world of Ilya and Shane, and Kip and Scott, among others with this epic deal at Amazon.

As of Dec. 29, all six titles in the Rachel Reid "Game Changers" series are on sale in e-reader format for $8.99 each, marked down from the standard print price of $18.99 each. You can also snag all six titles in a set for $53.94.

If you got a Kindle or a Kobo e-reader for Christmas, it's time to stock up on titles to keep you busy for the winter. The Libby app gives you access to free titles from your local library but the wait times can be lengthy for hot titles. If you're feeling truly lost after the cottage and simply cannot wait the 17-or-whatever weeks until "Heated Rivalry" becomes available for free from your library, you can snag the e-book version for only $8.99 at Amazon.

SEE ALSO: The glorious, easy-to-miss moments in Heated Rivalry's finale

The Rachel Reid series "Game Changers" series features Scott and Kip's storyline in book one, "Game Changer" while the second book, "Heated Rivalry," explores Ilya and Shane's complicated romance. Of course, you need to read both after binging the show. If you still crave more, get all six e-books for under $54. Keep in mind the sixth book, "The Long Game," picks up on Shane and Ilya's story ten years after "Heated Rivalry," so this title is a must-have.

If you have some time set aside week or plan to read more in 2026, today's sale prices at Amazon offer a great opportunity to dive deeper into the Rachel Reid series that we cannot stop thinking about.

Troubleshooting a Windows PC can oftentimes be quite a bore—and depending on your specific issue, it can either be pretty easy or absolute hell. And if you're doing so right now, you might want to learn how to use this specific tool to see everything your PC is doing—and where, exactly, it's messing up.

We may be in that weird timeframe known to most as “Betwixmas,” but that hasn’t stopped brands from launching new ideas and releasing products just before the new year hits. Just last week, Samsung introduced its 2026 sound device lineup. It’s not available to purchase just yet, so if you’d like to see it in person, you’ll have to go to CES 2026 in Las Vegas (Jan. 6-9).

SEE ALSO: If your Samsung TV sounds underwhelming, it’s because you haven’t applied these cool hacks

The higher-ups are pretty stoked about the newest designs. “For more than a decade, Samsung has shaped the evolution of home audio through advanced acoustics, intelligent features, and thoughtful design,” Hun Lee, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics, said in a press release. “We’re continuing that legacy with next-generation sound devices designed to deliver a rich, expressive performance for any space and moment."

Whether these new devices are actually revolutionary remains to be seen, but here’s everything we know so far.

There are two new soundbars

Samsung’s 2026 audio lineup includes two new soundbars: the HW-Q990H and the HW-QS90H.

The first is supposed to deliver Samsung’s most “immersive soundbar experience yet,” with an 11.1.4-channel system, a 7.0.2 main bar, 4.0.2 rear speakers, and a dual eight-inch driver with a built-in compact active subwoofer. This soundbar also features “next-generation AI tuning,” though we’re not entirely sure what that entails just yet. This is the first Samsung soundbar to have “Sound Elevation” technology, which Samsung says “lifts dialogue toward the center of the screen.” This soundbar also debuts Samsung’s “Auto Volume” feature, so there’s consistent volume across channels and content.

The second soundbar (the HW-QS90H) is an all-in-one setup that focuses on “aesthetic versatility.” It’s a 7.1.2-channel system with 13 drivers (including nine wide-range speakers) and a built-in Quad Bass Woofer system, so you shouldn't need a separate subwoofer with this one. It also features a “Convertible Fit” design that gives you the option to mount it on the wall or set it on a table — the built-in gyro sensor auto-adapts based on its orientation.

There are two new WiFi speakers

In addition to the soundbars, Samsung is expanding its portfolio with two WiFi speakers, the “Music Studio 5” and “Music Studio 7." These speakers are designed to fit your decor with what Samsung calls a “timeless dot concept” (designed by Erwan Bouroullec), but they definitely look Pixar-coded — like a giant, sleek eye.

The Music Studio 7 will be available in black. Credit: Samsung

The Music Studio 7 offers 3.1.1-channel spatial audio through left, front, right, and top speakers. There’s also an AI Dynamic Bass Control system that gives you the ability to play high-res audio (up to 24-bit/96kHz) with minimal distortion. It's black (there aren’t any other colorways at the moment) and works as a standalone or can be paired with compatible speakers, soundbars, or TVs.

The Music Studio 5 (model LS50H) is a smaller, “gallery-inspired” design for more compact spaces. It features a four-inch woofer and dual tweeters with a built-in waveguide for balanced sound. This speaker also includes the AI Dynamic Bass Control and supports WiFi casting, streaming services, and Bluetooth connectivity.

A more connected ecosystem

While each of these devices is designed to stand on its own, the real goal here seems to be total integration. Samsung is leaning heavily into Q-Symphony, the tech that allows your TV speakers and external audio gear play at the same time rather than fighting for control. For this new lineup, they’ve bumped the limit to allow up to five sound devices to pair with a single TV at once. The system also uses AI to map out your room and calibrate the sound based on where you’ve actually placed the speakers, which should theoretically make that "eye" on your bookshelf and the bar under your TV feel like parts of the same immersive setup.

Lots of people are hard on American sports cars—I'm one of them sometimes—and it's easy to romanticize a European classic like the Porsche 911 series, but the truth is that the good old US of A has at least one car that's not one whit less iconic than Germany's pride and joy—the Corvette.

SAVE $30: The Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds are on sale at Amazon for $199.99, down from the list price of $229.99. That's a 13% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds $199.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $30   Get Deal

Now that we're almost to New Year's, some of us are considering resolutions for the upcoming year. Sure, getting 10,000 steps everyday or going to the gym a few times per week is great for overall health, but how are you sleeping? If your sleep is not great, it can have negative repercussions on almost every other aspect of life. Instead of suffering through noisy sleep interruptions, check out these sleep earbuds that are on sale at Amazon.

As of Dec. 29, the Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds are on sale at Amazon for $199.99, marked down from the usual price of $229.99. That's a rare 13% discount for these earbuds.

Anker designed the Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds to be comfortable enough to wear all night while sleeping, even for side sleepers. But equally important, they can help mask any noises that might wake up in the middle of the night. They'll help you sleep soundly despite a snoring partner, the cat running around the house, or noisy neighbors.

SEE ALSO: The cult-favorite Loftie alarm helped me kick my nighttime phone habit

The Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds came out earlier this year, replacing the previous A20 model. The Sleep A30 earbuds are the first to offer noise cancellation and in Mashable's testing, Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard found the Sleep A30 earbuds to be even more comfortable compared to the A20 earbuds. Plus, Anker says you can get up to 45 hours of playtime before you'll need to recharge. Assuming you sleep about eight hours each night, you'll only need to plug them in about ever sixth day.

In Mashable's review of the best sleep earbuds, the Soundcore Sleep A30 earn the spot as the best noise-cancelling option. Allard wrote, "Sometimes, the sleep situation demands more than passive noise cancellation and good white noise, and that's where the Sleep A30 earbuds come in. As the only pair of sleep earbuds on the market with ANC, the A30s have a clear advantage."

Allard's review goes on to mention sleepers get three types of soundscapes to help with falling and staying asleep: AI audio brainwave, snore masking, and white noise. She also found the app to have a nice layout.

If your sleep quality is suffering due to noise disruptions, consider the Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds a necessary form of self-care. Snag them while they're on sale at Amazon for under $200 and make 2026 the year you finally get restorative sleep.

If you're like many people, you or a family member has had a low-specced Chromebook collecting dust in the closet for years. I'm one of those people too, and I decided to finally put mine to use by installing Linux on it and setting up a simple server. Here's what I did and what I ended up with.

Walk onto a Toyota lot right now and you’d probably assume the RAV4 is still the one everyone’s fighting over. It’s been a sales heavyweight for years, after all.

If you have an embarrassing or outdated Gmail address, you may soon be able to change that — without losing all your files and records.

The tech site 9to5Google reported that it appears Google may be rolling out the ability to change the address of your gmail.com email without losing all your files.

9to5Google reported that the change was discovered on a Hindi-language support forum page but that the ability was "gradually rolling out to all users." Read the translated forum page:

"The email address associated with your Google Account is the address you use to sign in to Google services. This email address helps you and others identify your account. If you’d like, you can change your Google Account email address that ends in gmail.com to a new email address that ends in gmail.com."

Obviously, the change has not been confirmed just yet. In fact, the English-language version of the support page still reads, "if your account's email address ends in @gmail.com, you usually can't change it."

So if your Gmail address is from middle school and a little embarrassing, you might be able to change it soon. But it's not quite guaranteed.

When trying to save a website for offline use, your first instinct might be to hit the 'save webpage' button in your browser. That works great, but only for single web pages. If you try to save the entire website, you'll have to open every single page, save it manually, and then (when you need to access the website) look for individual HTML files and open them one by one. There's a better way to do this.

Google Photos still isn't officially available on any smart TVs, including Google's own Android TV and Google TV platforms. That's finally changing, starting with Samsung TVs.

I recently wrote about how amazingly resilient all my SSDs have been and that I'm still using some that are a decade old. Well, it seems that the gods of fate don't like that kind of hubris, because I have officially destroyed an SSD that was barely three years old—and it was all me.

Best outdoor deals at Amazon Best overall deal Garmin inReach Messenger $165.50 (save $134.49) Get Deal Best portable power station deal Anker Solix C300 $169.99 (save $130) Get Deal Best fitness tracker deal Whoop 5.0 Peak $199 (save $40) Get Deal Best backyard deal Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights 2 (144 feet) $109.98 (save $70.01) Get Deal Best camping deal Stanley Perfect Brew Pour Over Set $32.93 (save $12.07) Get Deal

Not everyone thinks of winter as the ideal time for outdoor activities, but it might actually be the best time of the year if you don't love crowds. It's also a great time to restock your outdoor gear during the off-season, like snagging a portable power station. And since we're heading into a new year, it's also a nice opportunity to grab items that'll help you with fitness goals like the Whoop 5.0.

Amazon hasn't forgotten about us outdoor-lovers with this week's deals and there's an especially noteworthy one if you'll be heading out on adventures this winter. Check out the details for keeping in touch while staying safe.

Best Amazon outdoor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin inReach Messenger $165.50 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $134.49   Get Deal Why we like it

Communication has come a long way from the days of not getting cell service while sitting in your own home. But while out in the backcountry, you might still run into connectivity issues. That's not the best for staying safe and keeping family up to date with your whereabouts. The Garmin inReach Messenger solves the issue of having no cell service. Thanks to its satellite network, you can keep in touch with two-way messages no matter where you are. Once you download the Garmin app and sign up for a satellite subscription, you'll have access to global two-way messaging, even when you're without cell service.

SEE ALSO: The 4 best power stations for camping keep you both online and off-grid

The Garmin inReach Messenger is lightweight and compact, clocking in at about four ounces. Open the Garmin app on your phone, and you can text contacts directly from the app. Garmin even lets you send group messages, so you won't have to individually text each friend who's waiting for an update. Of course, it comes with an SOS function, too.

Before you take off on winter adventures this year, be sure you have a way to stay in touch thanks to the Garmin inReach Messenger. It's on sale at Amazon for an enormous 45% off which is a new record-low price.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, the Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move onto the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity for how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 29, 2025

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible – and common – for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for December 28, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 29 Pips

Greater Than (5): Everything in this space must be greater than 5. The answer is 6-4, placed horizontally.

Number (1): Everything in this orange space must add up to 1. The answer is 4-1, placed vertically.

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 2-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Everything in this red space must be equal to 4. The answer is 6-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (5): Everything in this green space must be equal to 5. The answer is 5-5, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 29 Pips

Greater Than (0): Everything in this space must be greater than 0. The answer is 1-5, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this dark blue space must add up to 10. The answer is 1-5, placed horizontally; 5-0, placed vertically.

Number (10): Everything in this purple space must add up to 10. The answer is 6-4, placed horizontally; 4-0, placed vertically.

Number (10): Everything in this red space must add up to 10. The answer is 6-4, placed horizontally; 6-6, placed vertically.

Number (10): Everything in this green space must add up to 10. The answer is 6-6, placed vertically; 4-3, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this light blue space must add up to 10. The answer is 5-2, placed vertically; 4-3, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 29 Pips

Number (3): Everything in this purple space must add up to 3. The answer is 2-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-3, placed horizontally; 2-2, placed horizontally.

Number (12): Everything in this green space must add up to 12. The answer is 6-2, placed horizontally; 6-3, placed vertically.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 6-2, placed horizontally.

Number (3): Everything in this orange space must add up to 3. The answer is 1-1, placed vertically; 3-1, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 3-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Everything in this green space must be equal to 3. The answer is 6-3, placed vertically; 3-1, placed horizontally; 3-4, placed horizontally; 3-3, placed horizontally.

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 2-5, placed horizontally; 0-5, placed vertically; 1-6, placed vertically.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 1-6, placed vertically.

Number (20): Everything in this space must add up to 20. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically; 5-5, placed horizontally; 5-6, placed vertically.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 4-6, placed vertically.

Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 4-6, placed vertically; 5-6, placed vertically.

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally; 1-5, placed horizontally.

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

SAVE 28%: As of Dec. 29, you can get the 27-inch HP All-in-One Touch (AMD Ryzen 7 7730U, 16GB RAM, 1 TB SSD) for $809.99, down from $1,129.99, at Best Buy. That's a 28% discount or $320 in savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: HP 27-inch HP All-in-One Touch (AMD Ryzen 7 7730U, 16GB RAM, 1 TB SSD) $809.99 at Best Buy
$1,129.99 Save $320   Get Deal

If you're officially tired of staring at a cluttered desk filled with wires and tower units, you may want to look into an all-in-one desktop.

Right now, you can get the 27-inch HP All-in-One Touch (AMD Ryzen 7 7730U, 16GB RAM, 1 TB SSD) for $809.99, down from $1,129.99, at Best Buy. That's a 28% discount or a $320 price cut.

It’s powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 7730U processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, so it’s fast enough to handle multitasking or creative projects and shouldn't freeze up if you try to do more than two things at once. The 27-inch Full HD touchscreen is ideal for anyone who usually keeps multiple tabs open, and it even includes a pop-up privacy camera for video calls. Plus, it comes with a wireless keyboard and mouse in the box, so you can literally plug it in and start working immediately.

If you use a Linux desktop, you might be confused about Wayland and how it's taking over from the traditional X11 display server that's been a part of Linux for so long. Here's why Wayland is taking over, how to prepare, and why you might be using Wayland already without knowing it.

Windows 10 has been technically "dead" for a couple of months as of the time of publishing, as the operating system reached its end-of-life date. Yet, it's still widely used in millions of computers around the world at this very moment.

I'm obsessed with workflow efficiency, yet I overlooked Excel's best UI tools for years. These six features are the game-changers I wish I'd discovered much earlier to stop the constant clicking and tab-hopping.

Apple's desktop operating system is the best reason to buy a Mac, especially if you're trying to escape Windows 11's increasingly user-hostile desktop experience. Still, macOS isn't perfect. But there are plenty of single-use apps to fix, tweak, and add the things that Apple forgot.

Every year, someone jokes that this may just be the "year of the Linux desktop." It's a meme. But under the radar, enough pieces are falling into place that someday we might look back on 2026 as the year, not of the Linux desktop, but of Android-based ones.

BMW’s midsize luxury SUV has long been the benchmark for buyers who want performance, prestige, and everyday usability in one package. But a newer challenger from Korea is forcing shoppers to rethink that default choice. With a lower price, a longer list of standard features, and a growing reputation for long-term dependability, this luxury SUV is proving that you don’t need a German badge to get a truly premium experience.