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At a glance

• Imitation learning becomes easier when an AI agent understands why an action is taken.
• Predictive Inverse Dynamics Models (PIDMs) predict plausible future states, clarifying the direction of behavior during imitation learning.
• Even imperfect predictions reduce ambiguity, making it clearer which action makes sense in the moment.
• This makes PIDMs far more data‑efficient than traditional approaches.

Imitation learning teaches AI agents by example: show the agent recordings of how people perform a task and let it infer what to do. The most common approach, Behavior Cloning (BC), frames this as a simple question: “Given the current state of the environment, what action would an expert take?”

In practice, this is done through supervised learning, where the states serve as inputs and expert actions as outputs. While simple in principle, BC often requires large demonstration datasets to account for the natural variability in human behavior, but collecting such datasets can be costly and difficult in real-world settings.

Predictive Inverse Dynamics Models (PIDMs) offer a different take on imitation learning by changing how agents interpret human behavior. Instead of directly mapping states to actions, PIDMs break down the problem into two subproblems: predicting what should happen next and inferring an appropriate action to go from the current state to the predicted future state. While PIDMs often outperform BC, it has not been clear why they work so well, motivating a closer look at the mechanisms behind their performance.

In the paper, “When does predictive inverse dynamics outperform behavior cloning?” we show how this two-stage approach enables PIDMs to learn effective policies from far fewer demonstrations than BC. By grounding the selection process in a plausible future, PIDMs provide a clearer basis for choosing an action during inference. In practice, this can mean achieving comparable performance with as few as one-fifth the demonstrations required by BC, even when predictions are imperfect.

Figure 1. BC vs. PIDM architectures. (Top) Behavior Cloning learns how to perform a direct mapping from the current state to an action. (Bottom) PIDMs add a state predictor that predicts future states. They then use an inverse dynamics model to predict the action required to move from the current state towards that future state. Both approaches share a common latent representation through a shared state encoder. How PIDMs rethink imitation

PIDMs’ approach to imitation learning consists of two core elements: a model that forecasts plausible future states, and an inverse dynamics model (IDM) that predicts the action needed to move from the present state toward that future. Instead of asking, “What action would an expert take?” PIDMs effectively ask, “What would an expert try to achieve, and what action would lead to it?” This shift turns the information in the current observation (e.g., video frame) into a coherent sense of direction, reducing ambiguity about intent and making action prediction easier.

video series

On Second Thought

A video series with Sinead Bovell built around the questions everyone’s asking about AI. With expert voices from across Microsoft, we break down the tension and promise of this rapidly changing technology, exploring what’s evolving and what’s possible.

Explore the series Opens in a new tab Real-world validation in a 3D gameplay environment

To evaluate PIDMs under realistic conditions, we trained agents on human gameplay demonstrations in a visually rich video game. These conditions include operating directly from raw video input, interacting with a complex 3D environment in real time at 30 frames per second, and handling visual artifacts and unpredictable system delays.  

The agents ran from beginning to end, taking video frames as input and continuously deciding which buttons to press and how to move the joysticks. Instead of relying on a hand-coded set of game variables and rules, the model worked directly from visual input, using past examples to predict what comes next and choosing actions that moved play in that direction.

We ran all experiments on a cloud gaming platform, which introduced additional delays and visual distortions. Despite these challenges, the PIDM agents consistently matched human patterns of play and achieved high success rates across tasks, as shown in Video 1 below and Videos 2 and 3 in the appendix.

Video 1. A player (left) and a PIDM agent (right) side by side playing the game Bleeding Edge. Both navigate the same trajectory, jumping over obstacles and engaging with nonplayer characters. Despite network delays, the agent closely matches the player’s timing and movement in real time. Why and when PIDMs outperform BC

Of course, AI agents do not have access to future outcomes. They can only generate predictions based on available data, and those predictions are sometimes wrong. This creates a central trade‑off for PIDMs.

On one hand, anticipating where the agent should be heading can clarify what action makes sense in the present. Knowing the intended direction helps narrow an otherwise ambiguous choice. On the other hand, inaccurate predictions can occasionally steer the model toward the wrong action.

The key insight is that these effects are not symmetric. While prediction errors introduce some risk, reducing ambiguity in the present often matters more. Our theoretical analysis shows that even with imperfect predictions, PIDMs outperform BC as long as the prediction error remains modest. If future states were known perfectly, PIDMs would outperform BC outright.

In practice, this means that clarifying intent often matters more than accurately predicting the future. That advantage is most evident in the situations where BC struggles: where human behavior varies and actions are driven by underlying goals rather than by what is immediately visible on the screen.

BC requires many demonstrations because each example is noisy and open to multiple interpretations. PIDMs, by contrast, sharpen each demonstration by linking actions to the future states they aim to reach. As a result, PIDMs can learn effective action strategies from far fewer examples.

Evaluation

To test these ideas under realistic conditions, we designed a sequence of experiments that begins with a simple, interpretable 2D environment (Video 4 in the appendix) and culminates in a complex 3D video game. We trained both BC and PIDM on very small datasets, ranging from one to fifty demonstrations in the 2D environment and from five to thirty for the 3D video game. Across all tasks, PIDM reached high success rates with far fewer demonstrations than BC.

In the 2D setting, BC needed two to five times more data to match PIDM’s performance (Figure 2). In the 3D game, BC needed 66% more data to achieve comparable results (Video 5 in the appendix).

Figure 2. Performance gains in the 2D environment. As the number of training demonstrations increases, PIDM consistently achieves higher success rates than BC across all four tasks. Curves show mean performance, with shading indicating variability across 20 experiments for reproducibility. Takeaway: Intent matters in imitation learning

The main message of our investigation is simple: imitation becomes easier when intent is made explicit. Predicting a plausible future, even an imperfect one, helps resolve ambiguity about which action makes sense right now, much like driving more confidently in the fog when the driver already knows where the road is headed. PIDM shifts imitation learning from pure copying toward goal-oriented action.

This approach has limits. If predictions of future states become too unreliable, they can mislead the model about the intended next move. In those cases, the added uncertainty can outweigh the benefit of reduced ambiguity, causing PIDM to underperform BC.

But when predictions are reasonably accurate, reframing action prediction as “How do I get there from here?” helps explain why learning from small, messy human datasets can be surprisingly effective. In settings where data is expensive and demonstrations are limited, that shift in perspective can make a meaningful difference.

Appendix: Visualizations and results (videos) A player, a naïve action-replay baseline, and a PIDM agent playing Bleeding Edge Video 2. (Left) The player completes the task under normal conditions. (Middle) The baseline replays the recorded actions at their original timestamps, which initially appears to work. Because the game runs on a cloud gaming platform, however, random network delays quickly push the replay out of sync, causing the trajectory to fail. (Right) Under the same conditions, the PIDM agent behaves differently. Instead of naively replaying actions, it continuously interprets visual input, predicts how the behavior is likely to unfold, and adapts its actions in real time. This allows it to correct delays, recover from deviations, and successfully reproduce the task in settings where naïve replay inevitably fails. A player and a PIDM agent performing a complex task in Bleeding Edge Video 3. In this video, the task exhibits strong partial observability: correct behavior depends on whether a location is being visited for the first or second time. For example, in the first encounter, the agent proceeds straight up the ramp; on the second, it turns right toward the bridge. Similarly, it may jump over a box on the first pass but walk around it on the second. The PIDM agent reproduces this trajectory reliably, using coarse future guidance to select actions in the correct direction. Visualization of the 2D navigation environment Video 4. These videos show ten demonstrations for each of four tasks: Four Room, Zigzag, Maze, and Multiroom. In all cases, the setup is the same: the character (blue box) moves through the environment and must reach a sequence of goals (red squares). The overlaid trajectories visualize the paths the player took; the models never see these paths. Instead, they observe only their character’s current location, the position of all goals, and whether each goal has already been reached. Because these demonstrations come from real players, no two paths are identical: players pause, take detours, or correct small mistakes along the way. That natural variability is exactly what the models must learn to handle. PIDM vs. BC in a 3D environment Video 5. The PIDM agent achieves an 85% success rate with only fifteen demonstrations used in training. The BC agent struggles to stay on track and levels off around 60%. The contrast illustrates how differently the two approaches perform when training data is limited. Opens in a new tab

The post Rethinking imitation learning with Predictive Inverse Dynamics Models appeared first on Microsoft Research.

TL;DR: Live stream Real Betis vs. Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We're approaching the business end of the Copa del Rey. Two teams have already booked their spots in the semi-final stage, but Real Betis and Atlético Madrid still need to fight it out.

This is probably the toughest quarter-final matchup to predict. Both teams are towards the top end of the standings in La Liga, but Atlético Madrid are probably slight favorites. The question is whether the passionate home support at the Estadio La Cartuja can drive Real Betis towards the next round.

If you want to watch Real Betis vs. Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Real Betis vs. Atlético Madrid?

Real Betis vs. Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Feb. 5. This fixture takes place at the Estadio La Cartuja.

How to watch Real Betis vs. Atlético Madrid for free

Real Betis vs. Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

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

Live stream Real Betis vs. Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey 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 UK

4. Visit ITVX

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The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Copa del Rey without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Real Betis vs. Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

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

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A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

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TL;DR: Live stream the 2026 Winter Olympics snowboarding for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2026 Winter Olympics is here to deliver weeks of intense action across a number of disciplines. We get to see some of the best athletes in the world compete in events like alpine skiing, ice hockey, curling, and more in Milano Cortina 2026. There's a lot to watch, so some difficult decisions will need to be made. You can try and watch everything, but that's probably not good for your health.

Check out the busy schedule and pick your priorities. We're not going to tell you what to watch, but we are going to suggest you find some time to watch the snowboarding.

It's tough to compare anything else to the range of snowboarding competitions on display over the next couple of weeks. If you like seeing gravity-defying athletes doing things that no human should be able to do, snowboarding is for you. Frankly, they shouldn't be allowed to do some of the things they do. But anything goes in the quest for medals.

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If you want to watch the 2026 Winter Olympics snowboarding for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is the 2026 Winter Olympics snowboarding?

The snowboarding schedule from the 2026 Winter Olympics is busy. Here's the schedule for all the finals:

• Men's Snowboard Big Air Final — 1:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 7

• Women's Parallel Giant Slalom Finals — 8:26 a.m. ET on Feb. 8

• Men's Parallel Giant Slalom Finals — 8:36 a.m. ET on Feb. 8

• Women's Snowboard Big Air Final — 1:30 p.m. ET ET on Feb. 9

• Men's Snowboard Cross Finals — 8:56 a.m. ET on Feb. 12

• Women's Snowboard Halfpipe Final — 1:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 12

• Women's Snowboard Cross Finals — 8:41 a.m. ET on Feb. 13

• Men's Snowboard Halfpipe Final — 1:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 13

• Mixed Team Snowboard Cross Finals — 8:35 a.m. ET on Feb. 15

• Women's Snowboard Slopestyle Final — 7 a.m. ET on Feb. 17

• Men's Snowboard Slopestyle Final — 6:30 a.m. ET on Feb. 18

Snowboarding fans can follow all events live without spending anything.

How to watch 2026 Winter Olympics snowboarding for free

The 2026 Winter Olympics snowboarding is available to live stream for free on a number of services:

• Australia — 9Now

• Austria — ORF

• Canada — CBC Gem

• France — France TV

• Germany — ARD

• Ireland — RTÉ Player

• Italy — RAI

• Spain — RTVE

• UK — BBC iPlayer

These free live streams are geo-restricted, but anyone can bypass these restrictions with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can access free live streams of the 2026 Winter Olympics snowboarding from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2026 Winter Olympics snowboarding 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 a location with free access

4. Watch the 2026 Winter Olympics snowboarding for free from anywhere in the world

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The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the snowboarding plus the rest of the 2026 Winter Olympics before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the 2026 Winter Olympics?

ExpressVPN is the best service 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 always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the 2026 Winter Olympics snowboarding for free with ExpressVPN.

SAVE UP TO $180: Amazon's 4-Series 4K Fire TVs from 2025 are all down to new record-low prices in every size — 43 inches, 50 inches, and 55 inches. Save up to 40% in time for the Big Game.

Quick links for every size: Amazon 43-inch 4-Series 4K Fire TV $199.99 (save $130) Get Deal Amazon 50-inch 4-Series 4K Fire TV $239.99 (save $160) Get Deal Amazon 55-inch 4-Series 4K Fire TV $279.99 (save $180) Get Deal

Looking to upgrade your TV ASAP to watch the Big Game in 4K or the Olympics in all their glory? Amazon's 4-Series 4K Fire TVs from 2025 are all down to new record-low prices in every size.

As of Feb. 5, you can grab the Amazon 43-inch 4-Series 4K Fire TV for just $199.99 (reg. $329.99), the 50-inch for $239.99 (reg. $399.99), or the 55-inch for $279.99 (reg. $459.99). That's around 40% off each model, which brings prices down to their lowest ever by a long shot. For comparison purposes, we saw the 55-inch model drop to $379.99 on Black Friday, then $359.99 in early January. This deal beats that previous low by an extra $80.

While it's not the most advanced TV in Amazon's lineup, it is the most popular. Most people don't need all the extra bells and whistles anyway. The 4-Series was redesigned last year to sport an ultra-slim bezel that fades into the background, which brings your content front and center. It features a new quad-core processor for speedy navigation and load times, 4K UHD picture quality with support for HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Sound, and Omnisense technology that wakes up the TV when you enter the room to show you artwork or your favorite comfort show. The 2025 model was also designed with Alexa+, the new AI assistant that can do far more than just answer your questions.

If a TV is on your tech upgrade list, this is the best time to add this particular one to your cart.

Bad Bunny is truly a man of the people.

The Puerto Rican superstar's moment of quiet humanity at the 2026 Grammys — when he stayed in his seat for a long, stunned beat, hands over his eyes in disbelief, before slowly rising to accept Album of the Year — didn't just make headlines; it's now become immortalized in meme history.

The reaction GIF is everywhere on social media feeds like X, Instagram, TikTok, and Bluesky. Honestly, this is the kind of meme that works in any situation, but it hits hardest when paired with moments that are mentally exhausting or emotionally overwhelming: surviving a brutal workday only to realize the week isn't even halfway over, sitting through a long meeting that could have been an email, or finally buying that thing that's been in your cart for weeks...only to remember the money actually has to leave your account.

Somehow, Bad Bunny's quiet, tearful pause perfectly captures that mix of disbelief and pure human vulnerability, making it endlessly relatable.

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when your public moment of vulnerability undergoes memetic semantic degradation

[image or embed]

— Coffee Porter Jr. (@unlox.bsky.social) February 3, 2026 at 4:31 PM

In a world full of chaos, sometimes sitting in stunned disbelief is all we need to go viral.

Valve updated its Steam Hardware FAQ to share some good news and bad news about the highly anticipated Steam Machine, Steam Frame VR headset, and Steam Controller. The new Steam products were originally announced in November.

Let's start with the good news for gamers: Valve confirmed that it still plans to ship all three products in the first half of 2026.

And the bad news: Due to the global memory shortage, the company still can't share any specifics on pricing or launch dates.

From the Steam hardware FAQ:

When we announced these products in November, we planned on being able to share specific pricing and launch dates by now. But the memory and storage shortages you've likely heard about across the industry have rapidly increased since then. The limited availability and growing prices of these critical components mean we must revisit our exact shipping schedule and pricing (especially around Steam Machine and Steam Frame).

Our goal of shipping all three products in the first half of the year has not changed. But we have work to do to land on concrete pricing and launch dates that we can confidently announce, being mindful of how quickly the circumstances around both of those things can change. We will keep you updated as much as we can as we finalize those plans as soon as possible.

A lot of gamers are excited about the upcoming launches. But without knowing the price, it's hard to know how excited to get.

The global memory shortage has caused huge price increases on critical memory components, as AI data centers buy up RAM. The shortage is complicating releases in the mobile, laptop, and gaming markets.

The Steam Machine is an alternative to both gaming consoles and expensive gaming PCs. It's a new type of console that offers the versatility of a gaming PC, only with a much lower price. As Mashable previously reported, the Steam Machine will be "six times more powerful than the Steam Deck and is able to play your entire Steam library, including AAA and indie titles."

As for the Steam Frame, it's a new VR headset and an alternative to the Meta Quest. The Steam Controller is an update to Valve's previous controller.

The Steam Frame VR headset and controllers. Credit: Valve

SAVE $80: As of Feb. 5, get the DJI Mini 4K Camera Drone Combo for $309 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $389. That's a discount of 21% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon DJI Mini 4K Camera Drone Combo $309 at Amazon
$389 Save $80   Get Deal

If you're still looking to pick up a drone from DJI, you're probably having a rough go of it. With the FCC banning foreign drones, it's more difficult than ever to find one in stock. But if you act fast, you can snag one if you're savvy. That's why if you're ready to buy, you'll want to hop on this DJI model right now.

As of Feb. 5, get the DJI Mini 4K Camera Drone Combo for $309 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $389. That's $80 off and a discount of 21%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: The DJI alternative Skyrover S1 Mini Drone is on sale for $60 off

This lightweight drone is the perfect option for creators, as well as beginning and advanced drone users. It offers a range of features, includng a one-tap takeoff option, return-to-home button, and even additional tutorials for beginners. It offers clean, 4K ultra HD video and a 3-axis gimbal for better, smoother footage while you're at it, as well as wind resistance and 10km max HD video transmission for getting work done even when you're super far away from the drone.

With a lengthy battery life and additional goodies packaged with the drone, you can get started creating content or just exploring right out of the box, so this kit gets you ready to fly and secures you a drone at the same time. For this discount, it's well worth diving into, especially since it's harder to get DJI drones right now. Be sure to snag yours before it disappears into the ether (and into others' homes) once again.

SAVE $90: The DJI Osmo Action 4 Essential Combo is on sale at Amazon for $199, down from the list price of $289. That's a 31% discount that matches the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo Action 4 Essential Combo $199 at Amazon
$289 Save $90   Get Deal

If you're feeling inspired by the upcoming winter Olympics, you might feel like heading out on some of your own winter adventures. If you capture footage while out, you want a worthy camera for recording and something that's rugged enough to keep up. If you don't already own this, check out today's DJI deal at Amazon.

As of Feb. 5, the DJI Osmo Action 4 Essential Combo is on sale at Amazon for $199, marked down from the normal price of $289. That's a 31% discount that that a nice $90 off the price. It also matches the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.

The DJI Osmo Action 4 camera records in 4K at 120fps. On top of this, it comes with a 155-degree ultra-wide field of view and a battery that can last for up to 150 minutes. In terms of winter sports, there's no concern about the cold because the DJI Osmo Action 4 can work in temps as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit. It also has three stabilization modes to ensure your filming is smooth and level.

Today's bundle deal includes the DJI Osmo Action 4 camera itself, the DJI Osmo Action horizontal-vertical protective frame, the DJI Extreme Battery, a quick-release adapter mount, a lens hood, and more.

SEE ALSO: The DJI alternative Skyrover S1 Mini Drone is on sale for $60 off

After winter activities, take the DJI Osmo Action 4 along on summer swims since it's waterproof at depths of up to 59 feet without an extra case. And DJI mentions this model is extra resistant to drops, so this could be a great model if durability is a priority.

While the DJI Osmo Action 4 Essential Combo is back at a record-low price of under $200, upgrade your ability to record content in 2026. You'll be able to share pro-level footage without spending big money.

Stop wasting hours manually sorting, deduplicating, and filtering your data in Excel. Instead, combine FILTER, UNIQUE, and SORTBY to create a self-cleaning data engine that does all the work from a single cell and never needs updating.

The symbolism in the trailer for The Miniature Wife is hard to miss.

Starring Elizabeth Banks and Matthew Macfadyen, the upcoming Peacock series sees a woman accidentally shrunk by her husband. You heard me, the act of women taking up space is literally reversed when Lindy (Banks) finds herself the size of a doll (in a dollhouse-sized version of their house, too). And her apologetic husband Les (Macfadyen) seems to be...secretly chuffed by it all. Hmmmmm...

The 10-episode show is based on a short story written by Manuel Gonzales and directed by Superbad's Greg Mottola. The Miniature Wife also stars O-T Fagbenle, Sian Clifford, Ronny Chieng, Zoe Lister-Jones, Sofia Rosinsky, and Aasif Mandvi.

The Miniature Wife premieres April 9 on Peacock.

Best Apple deals this week Best Apple deal Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $299 (Save $100) Get Deal Best AirTag deal Apple AirTag (4-pack) $69.98 (Save $29.02) Get Deal Best AirPods deal Apple AirPods 4 (without noise cancellation) $99.99 (Save $29.01) Get Deal

Apple makes some of our favorite products and because of that, our eyes are always peeled for the best deals on all they have to offer. You'll never see markdowns on Apple products directly from the brand, so to find sales, look elsewhere.

This week, we hunted for the best prices across Apple Watches, MacBooks, and iPads to find the best deals to shop now. Admittedly, the sales this week are pretty lackluster. There are MacBooks and iPads on sale, but we're not that impressed with their sale prices.

The best savings can be found on the Apple Watch Series 11 which has hit a record low price. Plus, find great savings on AirTags and AirPods, too. Here are all the best Apple deals to shop now.

Best Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $299
$399 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

Now that we're a month deep into 2026, how are your New Years resolutions going? If you're looking for a way to track your workouts, try an Apple Watch. The Apple Watch Series 11 with 42mm face and GPS is back to its best price ever of $299. That saves you $100 off its $399 list price for 25% off.

The Apple Watch can track everything from your steps, sleep, heart rate, activity and more. It's even water resistant so you can swim laps with it. But beyond health tracking, it's a hub on your wrist allowing you to take calls and send texts.

There aren't a ton of stellar Apple deals going around, but this sale on the Apple Watch Series 11 is the best one right now.

Another Apple Watch deal

• Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS + Cellular, 42mm) — $599 $699 (save $100)

Best AirTag deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag (4-pack) $69.98 at Amazon
$99 Save $29.02   Get Deal Why we like it

Apple AirTags are the best Bluetooth trackers for iOS users. You can attach them to keys, wallets, and even luggage so you can have peace of mind over where your belongings are.

During Black Friday 2025, the AirTag 4-pack dropped to its lowest price ever of $62.99. And while we haven't seen that price again, nor do we expect to anytime soon, you can still get them on sale for a pretty good price. Right now, grab the AirTag 4-pack for just $69.98, saving you $29.02 of its $99 list price.

More Apple accessory deals

• Apple Pencil USB-C — $69 $79 (save $10)

• Apple Pencil Pro — $94.99 $129 (save $34.01)

Best AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 (without noise cancellation) $99.99 at Amazon
$129 Save $29.01   Get Deal Why we like it

The past few weeks, AirPods prices haven't been that great and while models aren't back to record lows, they're finally shop worthy. Right now you can get the Apple AirPods 4 (without noise cancellation) for just $99.99. That knocks 22% off its $129 list price for $29.01 in savings.

The Apple AirPods 4 are the entry-level earbuds from Apple. They seamlessly connect to iOS devices and last up to 30 hours. The AirPods 4 are Apple's latest generation of earbuds, too, so you're getting the most up-to-date tech.

More AirPods deals

• Apple AirPods 4 (with noise cancellation) — $139.99 $179 (save $39.01)

• Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $229.99 $249 (save $19.01)

• Apple AirPods Max — $449.99 $549 (save $99.01)

Best iPad deals

iPad

• Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, WiFi, 128GB) — $299.99 $349 (save $49.01)

• Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, WiFi + Cellular, 512GB) — $754 $799 (save $45)

iPad Mini

• Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB) — $489.99 $599 (save $109.01)

• Apple iPad Mini, 8.3-inch (A17 Pro, WiFi, 256GB) — $499 $599 (save $100)

iPad Air

• Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi, 256GB) — $656.99 $699 (save $42.01)

• Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB) — $679 $799 (save $130)

• Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi + Cellular, 128GB) — $689 $749 (save $60)

• Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M3, WiFi, 256GB) — $779.99 $899 (save $119.01)

iPad Pro

• Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) — $942 $999 (save $57)

• Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M5, WiFi, 512GB) — $1,127 $1,199 (save $72)

Best Mac deals

MacBook Air

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $849.99 $999 (save $149.99)

• Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $1,099 $1,199 (save $100)

• Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,269 $1,399 (save $130)

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,249 $1,399 (save $150)

• Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,499 $1,599 (save $100)

MacBook Pro

M4

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4 Pro, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,799 $1,999 (save $200)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4 Pro, 24GB Ram, 1TB SSD) — $2,149 $2,399 (save $250)

M5

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,511.01 $1,599 (save $87.99)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,599.99 $1,799 (save $199.02)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,825 $1,999 (save $174)

Mac Mini

• Apple Mac Mini (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $549 $599 (save $50)

This month, HBO Max is bringing us access to some eye-opening new content. In addition to an exclusive movie debut, you can expect the return of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, the final season of a sexy drama series, two new series debuts—one of which is based on astounding true events—and a true-crime documentary set in the hometown of the mirrored glitterball. Now it’s a party.

Best DJI deals this week at a glance Best DJI drone deal DJI Mini 4K Camera Drone Combo $309 (save $80 at Amazon) Get Deal Best DJI mic deal DJI Mic Mini (2 transmitters, 1 receiver) $79 (save $90 at Amazon) Get Deal Best DJI power station deal DJI Power 1000 V2 $399 (save $300 at Amazon with on-page coupon) Get Deal

DJI makes some of the best gadgets for creators. They tend to come packed with user-friendly features that are nice for both pro creators or those who are just starting out. While we're still in the depths of winter, now is a great time to utilize free time to brush up on some new creator skills, like becoming an expert drone flier or upgrading recording gear for summer adventures.

While February is not synonymous with a major sale period, we're seeing great sale prices from DJI this week. You'll be able to get the content-creator mic, a portable power station to use while creating off-grid, and a new drone, all on a major discount.

If your content set-up could use some upgrades, check out these deals.

Best DJI drone deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 4K Camera Drone Combo $309 at Amazon
$389 Save $80   Get Deal Why we like it

In case you haven't heard, DJI is no longer allowed to sell drones in the U.S. because of an FCC ban. However, the ban doesn't apply to DJI drone stock that's already in the country, which means finding a DJI drone both in-stock and on sale is a big deal. Today's deal on the DJI Mini 4K drone combo earns you the drone itself, two batteries, the DJI RC remote control, a spare set of propellers, a shoulder bag, and extra accessories. Yes, all of this is on sale for under $310.

The DJI Mini is a great model if you'll be on the move and traveling with your drone since it fits into the palm of your hand. There's also the benefit of video transmission that reaches up to 10 kilometers away and the 62-minute flight time.

More DJI drone deals

• DJI Mini 3 — $439 $549 (save $110)

• DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo — $575 $719 (save $144)

• DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo — $1,099 $1,599 (save $500)

Best DJI mic deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mic Mini (2 transmitters, 1 receiver) $79 at Amazon
$169 Save $90   Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the DJI Mic Mini.

The DJI Mic Mini has become the mic for content creators. Scoring it while it's on sale for $79 means you're getting the best discount we've ever seen at Amazon. Mashable Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard tested out the DJI Mic Mini and wrote, "After testing out the DJI Mic Mini for weeks and watching it in action with Mashable's social media team, I'm convinced it's one of the best upgrades for content creators."

Today's deal gives you two transmitters, one receiver, and a charging case. Other accessories include those adorable fuzzy windscreens, a carrying pouch, mini clip magnets, and a USB-C phone adapter.

More DJI mic deals

• DJI Mic Mini Transmitter — $25 $33 (save $8)

• DJI Mic Mini (1 transmitter, 1 receiver) — $45 $59 (save $14)

Best DJI power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Power 1000 V2 $399 at Amazon
$699 Save $300   Get Deal Why we like it

If you're taking your drone out on an adventure to capture footage, you might need to recharge those batteries. That's not particularly easy if you're out in nature. The easiest solution is to pack along a portable power station and DJI makes models that are especially friendly for DJI drone owners.

The updated DJI Power 1000 V2 gives you access to 1,024Wh of power. The two SCD ports are designed to quick-charge DJI drone batteries, and DJI made this model ultra-quick to recharge with wall power. Plus, it operates at a quiet level which is important if you'll be powering up studio lights while recording in the same room as the Power 1000 V2. Be sure to clip the on-page coupon to score this power station on sale for $399, down from the standard price of $699.

It's also worth noting this model is massively expandable with the DJI Power Expansion Battery 2000, which is also on sale today. Each expansion battery brings 2,048Wh to the power party.

More DJI power station deals

• DJI Power 500 — $279 $499 (save $220)

• DJI Power 1000 — $399 $999 (save $600)

• DJI Power Expansion Battery 2000 — $699 $969 (save $270)

• DJI Power 2000 — $699 $1,299 (save $600)

Android has evolved a lot since the first phone arrived back in 2008. Even in the last 4–5 years, there are dozens of new features you've likely forgotten about or never remember to use.

If you've ever tried to leave a colossal city subway station, and felt like the everyday drudgery of it all resembled a hellish maze, watch the terrifying trailer for Exit 8.

A Hundred Flowers director and Monster producer Genki Kawamura is set to thrill with his adaptation of Kotake Create's 2023 hit mystery video game The Exit 8 — and it looks like a chilling, freaky ride.

We meet Kazunari Ninomiya as a man frantically lost in a train station's halls, only to find himself in an eternal loop. But he's not alone, constantly finding himself alongside an unsettling stranger (Yamato Kochi) and a small boy (Naru Asanuma). He also keeps finding strange rules on the station walls, ones that must be obeyed if he is to escape this place and find the eponymous Exit 8. And then there's all that blood...

As far as psychological horror goes, this one seems all too real for commuters.

Exit 8 hits cinemas April 10.

SAVE $60: AS of Feb. 5, you can get the Skyrover S1 Mini Drone for just $289 at Amazon with an on-page coupon. That's 17% or $60 in savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Skyrover Skyrover S1 Mini Drone $289 at Amazon
$349 Save $60 with on-page coupon Get Deal

In case you haven't been keeping up with drone news in the U.S., the popular brand DJI faced an FCC ban just last December, making it no longer possible to sell its drones in the country. Thus, DJI stock has been selling out by the day. If you're looking for an alternative, Skyrover was founded last year by a small team of engineers with backgrounds at DJI — and the new brand's S1 Mini Drone is not only in stock, but on sale for $60 off.

As of Feb. 5, you can pick up the Skyrover S1 Mini Drone at Amazon for only $289 instead of its usual $349 using an on-page coupon. That's about 17% off its list price. Just be sure to check the box that says "Apply $60 coupon."

The Skyrover S1 Mini Drone is built for beginners. It packs a 48MP camera on board and 3-axis gimbal stabilization for snapping shake-free 4K photos and 60fps videos. Auto-tracking and one-tpa SmartGo modes also allow for hands-free content creation. Other features include a 39,000 feet transmission range, a foldable build that can slip into your pocket, one-tap takeoff and landing, and smart app connectivity for guides and flight tutorials.

The battery will give you about 40 minutes of flight time before it needs a recharge or a swap. If you spend $110 more on the Skyrover S1 Bundle, you'll get three batteries to swap out for a total of 120 minutes of flight time. Or you can stick with the $289 S1 Mini Drone on its own and save your money by waiting for it to charge.

Nintendo held a Direct livestream this morning. Let's talk about it.

Thursday's Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase was, as expected, full of announcements from third-party publishers, with nary a game from Nintendo proper to be seen anywhere. And while the Switch 2 is in full force, Nintendo didn't forget Switch 1 owners, announcing several games or ports of older games for the older console. Here is everything that got announced during the Direct.

SEE ALSO: 'Dragon Quest VII Reimagined' is a chill, condensed take on a fascinating game Orbitals

Previously announced a couple of months ago, Nintendo kicked off the show with Orbitals, a retro anime-inspired co-op adventure that looks like it has a lot of style. You'll be able to play through Orbitals with a friend or loved one exclusively on Switch 2 in summer 2026.

PARANORMASIGHT: The Mermaid's Curse

A sequel to a 2023 cult hit, PARANORMASIGHT: The Mermaid's Curse is a visual novel that is presumably about a curse involving mermaids. It's out on Switch 1 very soon, on Feb. 19

Captain Tsubasa 2

Fans of both anime and soccer will be delighted that Captain Tsubasa 2: World Fighters is coming to Switch sometime in 2026. It's got more than 100 playable characters and a whole lot of stylistic flair to go around, making it a pretty distinctive take on the beautiful game.

Tokyo Scramble

Tokyo Scramble is a new survival horror game coming exclusively to Switch 2 on Feb. 11, just a handful of days from now. While many modern horror games give players ways to fight back against whatever is chasing them, Tokyo Scramble asks players to simply run away from subterranean dinosaurs and set up traps for them if necessary. Interestingly, it also has a co-op mode where up to four players can work together to control one character. One person takes care of movement, another takes care of traps, etc.

Valheim

Valheim went viral a few years ago during its Early Access period on Steam thanks to its creative Viking survival/crafting shenanigans. Now, it's coming to Switch 2 sometime in 2026, complete with way more features than the game had back in Early Access, and 10-player online play.

Hollow Knight: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

The original Hollow Knight is getting a Switch 2 edition with improved visuals. Anyone who owns the game already on Switch can get the Switch 2 version for free. Have fun, folks.

eFootball Kick-Off!

People who love soccer but hate anime should avert their eyes from Captain Tsubasa and look at eFootball Kick-Off! instead. It's coming to Switch 2 this summer and is the successor to the old Pro Evolution Soccer series, featuring real teams and players.

The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales

The Adventures of Elliot appeared in a Nintendo Direct for the second time today after being announced last year. The new trailer reaffirmed that it'll be available on June 18 on Switch 2. It's an action RPG with gorgeous "HD-2D" visuals and a fun-looking time travel conceit. There's already a free demo on the Switch 2 eShop, so anyone who is intrigued can go check that out.

Super Bomberman Collection

Who doesn't love Bomberman? Konami's classic and explosive multiplayer series is getting a collection on Switch and Switch 2 and it's out today. It features several older games from the 8-and-16-bit eras, including a few that were never released in English before.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth was one of the best games of 2024 and it's coming to Switch 2 on June 3. That's really all you need to know.

Pragmata

There were several trailers in this Direct for games that are already known quantities, with the trailers themselves not really revealing anything new. One of those was Pragmata, a new third-person sci-fi shooter from Capcom that has an extremely cool hacking mechanic that is central to the gameplay. I played this one a few months ago at a preview event and loved it. There's a demo coming to the Switch 2 eShop later today, so check that out if you can.

Turok Origins

The Turok franchise of dinosaur-themed shooters is harder to kill than the dinosaurs were. After a long period of dormancy, it's back in the form of Turok Origins, which can be enjoyed in both first and third-person and with friends in co-op. If you've ever wanted to shoot dinosaurs with guns, this is the game for you. It's coming to Switch 2 in fall 2026.

Kyoto Xanadu

The successor to a series that goes all the way back to 1985, Kyoto Xanadu is an action RPG that blends side-scrolling exploration, 3D action combat, and everyone's favorite activity, going to virtual high school. It's coming to Switch and Switch 2 in summer 2026.

Digimon Story: Time Stranger

Coming to Switch and Switch 2 on July 10 after an initial release on other platforms last year, Digimon Story: Time Stranger is an RPG featuring everyone's favorite digital monsters. I haven't played them personally, but people I know dig these games, so if you like Digimon and/or RPGs, this might be for you.

Granblue Fantasy Relink - Endless Ragnarok

Granblue Fantasy Relink is one of my favorite action RPGs of the last few years, with gorgeous visuals, excellent music, and extremely fun combat featuring a few dozen playable characters who all have unique and interesting mechanics to learn. It's coming to Switch 2 on July 9, and I highly recommend taking a look at it if it looks interesting to you at all.

Monster Hunter Stories 3

Monster Hunter Stories is a spin-off series from the popular action franchise, with cartoony visuals, great turn-based combat, and a pretty neat take on Pokémon-style monster collecting mechanics. The new one comes out on Switch 2 on March 13, and there's a free demo going up on the eShop today.

Arcade Archives 2 and Console Archives

Arcade Archives is a long-running series of very well-regarded re-releases of old arcade games, and it's getting updated with some new titles on Switch this year. There's also a new Console Archives series of re-releases of old console games, including Ninja Gaiden II for NES.

Resident Evil Requiem

There was a new trailer for Resident Evil Requiem which honestly didn't have much in the way of new information to share about the upcoming survival horror title. If you want to know more about this game, which seems like it might be great, you can read my hands-on preview from a couple of weeks ago.

A few Bethesda ports

Nintendo closed out the show with three Switch 2 ports of existing Bethesda games. Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition launches on Feb. 24, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle launches on May 12, and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered comes out sometime in 2026.

Do you use Linux Mint but feel like you’re not getting the most out of it? Or maybe you think Mint is too basic for serious work. Whether you’re a student or a working professional, these three Cinnamon applets can help you become more productive on Linux Mint.

SAVE $400.01: As of Feb. 5, get the iRestore LED Face Mask for $398.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $799. That's a discount of 50% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon iRestore LED Face Mask $398.99 at Amazon
$799 Save $400.01   Get Deal

When it comes to skincare, trying the latest and greatest gadgets can be part of the fun. There are tons of different items to try to jumpstart your skin and give it the upgrade you're looking for, and one of those includes infrared light masks and other devices. If you're looking to try to clear up tired, dull skin or even out your tone, light therapy could be what you need. You can get it at home for much less than paying for multiple salon treatments thanks to this deal.

As of Feb. 5, get the iRestore LED Face Mask for $398.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $799. That's $400.01 off and a discount of 50%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: We tried the celeb-favorite Solawave skincare wand

This red light mask offers 360 LEDs to shine on your face for double the power of your usual mask. It targets fine lines, wrinkles, uneven tone, and dull skin to rejuvenate your look. That means you're going to reveal smoother, firmer skin with each subsequent treatment. Obviously it's important to keep in mind it's not a miracle worker, but it's certainly meant to help you on your way.

In addition to red light, it offers both blue and infrared options to help target different skincare concerns as well, like blemishes, adding collagen, reducing dark spots, and more. All you do is strap on the lightweight mask and wear it for as little as 10 minutes 3 to 5 times a week.

If you're ready to add some oomph to your routine, this might be the route you want to go in, especially since it can get expensive heading to skincare boutiques for the same kind of treatment. Give it a try while it's on sale for this significant discount.

Car culture and PC culture share more vocabulary than you’d think—often entire concepts lifted straight from automotive engineering. Here are nine common PC terms that came directly from car culture, and how their meanings shifted (or stayed the same) when they drifted over.