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IP security cameras are a dime a dozen, so you might not think to look twice at the Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro, except to note its premium design. However, beneath this flagship smart home camera is a cutting-edge smart home device.

It's the Third Quarter tonight, which basically means there's only half of the moon on show. Third Quarter is also the second half moon of the lunar cycle, where the left side of the moon is illuminated (if you're in the Northern Hemisphere)

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Thursday, Dec. 11, the moon phase is Third Quarter. This means 53% of the moon is lit up tonight, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation.

If you don't have any visual aids, there's still lots for you to spot tonight, including the likes of the Tycho and Kepler Craters and the Oceanus Procellarum. If you have binoculars, you'll also be able to see the Grimaldi Basin, Clavius Crater, and the Alps Mountains. With a telescope, the Caucasus Mountains, Apollo 15 and the Rima Ariadaeus all come into sight.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on Jan. 3.

What are moon phases?

NASA says the Moon goes through a cycle of about 29.5 days, and during that time we see its different phases. Even though we always see the same side of the Moon, the sunlight hitting it changes as it orbits Earth. That’s what makes it look full, half-lit, or sometimes completely hidden. The cycle has eight main phases:

New Moon - The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

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 11, 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 9, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 11 Pips

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 5-3, placed horizontally.

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

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 0-1, placed horizontally; 6-6, placed horizontally; 4-2, placed horizontally.

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 11 Pips

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 1-1, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically; 5-6, placed horizontally.

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

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically.

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 1-3, placed horizontally.

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

Equal (2): Everything in this purple space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-2, placed horizontally; 2-5, placed horizontally.

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

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 11 Pips

Equal (2): Everything in this purple space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-2, placed horizontally; 2-5, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (1): Everything in this space must be greater than 1. The answer is 2-5, placed horizontally.

Equal (1): Everything in this purple space must be equal to 1. The answer is 3-1, placed vertically; 1-5, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 1-5, placed horizontally; 5-6, placed horizontally.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 5-6, placed horizontally; 3-4, placed vertically.

Number (9): Everything in this green space must add up to 9. The answer is 3-4, placed vertically; 2-1, placed vertically; 0-3, placed horizontally.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 0-3, placed horizontally; 4-0, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this purple space must add up to 10. The answer is 4-0 placed horizontally; 6-1, placed horizontally.

Equal (1): Everything in this purple space must be equal to 1. The answer is 6-1, placed horizontally; 1-1, placed horizontally; 2-1, placed vertically.

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

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

Worn while painting.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

SMOCK

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A seat option at a restaurant.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 11, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

BOOTH

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A copier brand.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 11 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 11, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

XEROX

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Trending.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for December 11 Hurdle Word 4 answer

VIRAL

Final Hurdle hint

A soldier.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

TROOP

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 $16: A 22-treatment box of Crest Whitestrips Professional Effects is on sale at Amazon for $29.99, down from the standard price of $45.99. That's a 35% discount that matches the lowest price we've seen this year.

Opens in a new window Credit: Crest Crest Whitestrips Professional Effects (22 Treatments) $29.99 at Amazon
$45.99 Save $16.00   Get Deal

We're in the frenzy period of shopping for last-minute holiday gifts. It's now a battle of searching for presents that'll arrive on time. But while you hunt for that perfect gift, consider stocking up on some essentials that are also seeing holiday discounts.

As of Dec. 10, a 22-treatment box of Crest Whitestrips Professional Effects is on sale at Amazon for $29.99, down from the standard price of $45.99. That's a 35% discount that matches the lowest price we've seen this year.

Crest Whitestrips are something we look forward to buying at a sale price each Black Friday. This year was no exception and they dipped back to their all-time low price. But if you missed out on the savings, you're still in good shape because they're currently 35% off.

SEE ALSO: The Lego Christmas Table Decoration is on sale for $24 and it'll arrive well before the holidays

Each box of Crest Whitestrips Professional Effects has 22 treatments for 44 strips in total. Crest says this 22-day plan will turn teeth 19 levels whiter while also being safe for enamel. They're easy to apply and the directions instruct wearing the strips for 45 minutes per session, so it's a quick process.

The Crest Whitestrips Professional Effects are also part of an Amazon P&G promotion that'll save you $5 if you purchase two eligible items. Stock up on toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and more during this promotion and you'll save an extra $5.

Since the Crest Whitestrips Professional Effects are back at a Black Friday price of $29.99, stock up for 2026. This year has taught us raising prices and shrinkflation are never-ending, so it's worth securing this deal today.

SAVE OVER $1,000: As of Dec. 10, the Jackery HomePower 3600 portable power station is down to $1,699 at Amazon — a saving of $1,100 that matches its Black Friday price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery HomePower 3600 $1,699 at Amazon
$2,799 Save $1,100   Get Deal

With a huge surge in camping and off-grid living, plus a threat of extreme weather looming, portable power stations are really having a moment. Sometimes referred to as solar generators or home backup power, they're basically reliable and movable power sources that can keep everything from your phone and laptop to your refrigerator and CPAP machine up and running when you don't have access to standard wall power.

These gadgets come with hefty price tags, but you can often find great deals if you dig. For instance, as of Dec. 10, the Jackery HomePower 3600 portable power station is down to just $1,699 at Amazon. That's $1,100 or 39% off its usual list price of $2,799 and matches its Black Friday discount.

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The HomePower 3600 weighs about 77 pounds, which pushes the limits of what we would consider portable, but it has built-in wheels and a handle. So you can roll it around like a suitcase. That bulk translates to some serious power. It delivers 3,600W output (7,200W in parallel) to run heaters, dryers, and refrigerators with ease. It offers dual voltage (120V and 240V in parallel) and 3,584Wh capacity, which is enough to keep your fridge running for two weeks. It's also expandable to 21kWh per unit or 43kWh with multiple units, which could keep your entire household running for the same amount of time.

The HomePower 3600 packs four AC outputs, a TT-30 RV port, two USB-C ports, and two USB-A ports on board and there's no complex installation required. Just plug it in and power it up and you're ready to rock and roll. When it runs out of juice, there are four convenient ways to charge it back up — a typical AC outlet, solar power, gas generator, or AC plus solar dual charging.

Whether you need a home backup or a way to power a full campsite, the Jackery HomePower 3600 goes above and beyond — snag it while it's over $1,000 off.

TL;DR: Internxt is offering a lifetime 100TB cloud storage plan with end-to-end encryption for $974.97, a nearly 90% discount from its usual price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Internxt Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription: 100TB $974.97
$9,900 Save $8,925.03   Get Deal

Backing up files is one of those things everyone knows they should do — but it rarely sits at the top of the to-do list. Physical storage doesn’t help much either. Hard drives fail, USBs fade into obscurity, and laptops die at the worst possible time. Cloud storage remains the most practical long-term option, and Internxt offers encrypted cloud storage with a one-time lifetime plan instead of ongoing monthly fees. Right now, those plans are heavily discounted.

Right now, you can score a lifetime subscription to Internxt’s 100TB plan for $974.97 through Dec. 14 (it usually costs $9,900).

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Internxt separates itself from most mainstream cloud platforms by putting privacy at the center of its design. It uses end-to-end encryption and zero-knowledge architecture, meaning your files are encrypted on your device before they’re uploaded, and only you can access them — not even Internxt. The service also employs post-quantum cryptography, which is designed to protect data against future quantum-computing threats.

In practical terms, Internxt still works like a standard cloud service — just with stronger security layered on top. You can upload, store, share, and send files across devices with a straightforward interface. Apps are available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, along with a browser-based web app for access anywhere. File organization is simple, and sharing tools allow you to move large files without relying on email attachments or external drives.

Performance isn’t a problem either. Internxt is built to take full advantage of your internet connection for uploads and downloads. The platform is also GDPR-compliant and has undergone third-party security auditing by Securitum, a European cybersecurity firm.

While nearly $1,000 is a pretty steep upfront cost, the scale of the storage is equally significant. 100TB is enough space for an estimated 20 million songs or roughly 20,000 HD movies, making it suitable for long-term photo archives, video libraries, creative projects, and business backups — all without worrying about expanding storage later.

For a limited time, you can purchase a lifetime subscription to Internxt’s 100TB encrypted cloud storage plan for $974.97 through Dec. 14.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Lifetime access to over 1,000 StackSkills courses — covering IT, design, coding, finance, marketing, and more — is now just $19.97 for a limited time.

Opens in a new window Credit: StackSkills EDU Unlimited by StackSkills: Lifetime Access $19.97
$600 Save $580.03   Get Deal

A fresh year always brings a sense of possibility, and having the right tools makes it much easier to follow through on big goals. That’s why lifetime access to EDU Unlimited by StackSkills is such a standout offer right now.

For $19.97, you get a permanent learning library filled with 1,000+ online courses — all organized, professionally produced, and easy to explore at your own pace.

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EDU Unlimited covers an impressive range of subjects. Tech skills? Check out courses on cloud computing, Python, ethical hacking, UI/UX design, or data analytics. Creative passions? There’s photography, character design, animation, music production, and YouTube strategy.

Professional development? You’ll find communication, marketing, business strategy, finance, leadership, and plenty more. The variety makes it simple to jump between career-focused paths and personal-interest topics whenever inspiration hits.

The platform is powered by 350+ experienced instructors, many of whom teach from real-world expertise — startup founders, engineers, designers, marketers, analysts, and creators who’ve tried, failed, succeeded, and are ready to share the whole journey. Progress tracking tools, course certifications, and quarterly Q&A webinars help keep things structured without feeling rigid.

One of the biggest advantages is flexibility. Courses cover beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, so you can build a foundation or refine the skills you already use every day. New courses are added monthly, meaning the library grows along with your goals.

For anyone looking to make professional progress, switch career paths, explore a side hustle, or simply learn for the joy of learning, lifetime access for this price is tough to beat.

Get a lifetime of EDU Unlimited by StackSkills while it’s just $19.97 (reg. $600) ahead of the holidays.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Normally, a brand would be thrilled if its new holiday commercial went viral, but a new McDonald's Netherlands ad has gone viral for all the wrong reasons.

Originally posted to YouTube on Dec. 6, the holiday commercial was clearly made using generative AI, and it also features a label disclosing it as "AI-generated." The commercial's theme is "The most terrible time of the year," and it features a montage of short clips depicting holiday traditions descending into chaos. The clips bear the hallmarks of generative AI video — generic-looking actors, exaggerated movements, strange inconsistencies, and a flat, artless aesthetic.

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After the video gained mainstream attention, the backlash from AI haters was overwhelming. While the "most terrible time of the year" theme may have been intended as tongue-in-cheek, many viewers found the idea cynical. By Dec. 9, McDonald's Netherlands pulled the holiday commercial, or advert.

McDonald's provided Mashable with the following statement from McDonald's Netherlands:

"McDonald’s Netherlands has decided to remove our AI-generated Christmas advert. It was intended to reflect the stressful moments that can occur during the holidays in the Netherlands, but we recognize that for many of our guests, the season is 'the most wonderful time of the year'. We respect that and remain committed to creating experiences that offer Good Times and Good Food for everyone."

Recently, Coca-Cola published its own AI-generated holiday commercial, made in partnership with the AI studio Secret Level. Though Coca-Cola also faced backlash for its ad, the company has continued playing the ad throughout the holiday season, undeterred by critics.

The BBC reports that the McDonald's Netherlands commercial was made by the Dutch company TBWA\Neboko and the U.S. company The Sweetshop. Speaking to Futurism, the CEO of Sweetshop emphasized that a lot of human labor went into the final product.

"We generated what felt like dailies — thousands of takes — then shaped them in the edit just as we would on any high-craft production,” the CEO reportedly said. "This wasn’t an AI trick. It was a film."

But for AI critics, any amount of AI in filmmaking or advertising is unacceptable, full stop. Likewise, writers and actors' unions have fought against expanding the use of generative AI. Even so, Hollywood and Madison Avenue leaders appear eager to adopt the new technology.

If you need the fastest possible speeds for external storage, Hyper might have the tool for you. The company's new HyperDrive enclosure uses USB4 V2 to turn any NVMe drive into a high-performance external drive, but you'll have to pay a hefty sum for the privilege.

SAVE $20: As of Dec. 10, the new Amazon Echo Dot Max is on sale for $79.99. That's 20% off its list price and its lowest price to date.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Dot Max $79.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $20   Get Deal

One of Amazon's most popular smart home speakers got a boost earlier this fall. The Echo Dot Max is one of four new Echo devices built specifically for Alexa+, the superpowered AI assistant that can do more than ever before. And it just got its biggest discount since launch.

As of Dec. 10, you can grab the new Amazon Echo Dot Max for just $79.99 instead of $99.99. That's 20% off its list price and beats its Black Friday price by $10. For a speaker just over a month old, that's a pretty solid discount.

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While it's just slightly bigger than the Echo Dot, the Dot Max features nearly three times the bass. It's powerful enough to fill large spaces with its 0.8-inch tweeter and a 2.5-inch woofer that support lossless, high-definition audio. It can even adapt to its environment to provide the best sound possible. Now that the original Echo is obsolete, the Dot Max seems to be taking its place, with a similar look and the exact price point.

Just like other Echo smart speakers, you can use it to control lights, locks, and other smart home devices, set routines, ask it for the weather, and so much more without needing a separate hub. And since it was built for Alexa+, you'll get access to a more natural and conversational voice assistant that's wildly advanced.

Whether you're in the market for a new smart home speaker or you're looking for a gift for someone on your list, the brand-new Echo Dot Max has a lot to offer — especially at its lowest price to date.

TL;DR: Live stream Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The NBA Cup quarter finals are almost through. The last matchup sees the Los Angeles Lakers take on the San Antonio Spurs for a place in the final four. We're expecting an electric contest between two star-studded teams.

If you want to watch Lakers vs. Spurs in the NBA Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Lakers vs. Spurs?

Lakers vs. Spurs in the NBA Cup starts at 10 p.m. ET on Dec. 10. This game takes place at the Crypto.com Arena

How to watch Lakers vs. Spurs for free

Lakers vs. Spurs in the NBA Cup is available to live stream for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

This free live stream is geo-restricted to the U.S., but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can access free live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Stream the NBA for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime (if you're not already a member)

2. Subscribe to a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

4. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

5. Watch the NBA from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Learn More

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can watch NBA live streams without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select games from the NBA Cup before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing free live streams on platforms like Prime Video, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also 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 $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the NBA Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

Side projects usually seem like a hobby, but they can be the most powerful career launchpad available. While traditional metrics like university degrees and years of professional experience still hold weight, a well-executed side project acts as a direct, unfiltered view of your technical capabilities, your problem-solving approach, and your passion for creation.

Xfinity is completely refreshing its national video plans, introducing all-in pricing, and officially dropping annual contracts for new and existing customers. Every new package now comes standard with an included X1 4K TV box and the company’s voice remote.

TikTok is expanding its role in music and creator-driven content with the launch of a new live podcast series, TikTok In The Mix, according to a report from Variety. The series will debut Thursday, Dec. 11, with Demi Lovato as its first featured guest.

The podcast is structured as a four-episode season of live, 30-minute conversations with major artists and will stream directly on TikTok’s official account. According to Variety, the project will be produced and sponsored by T-Mobile.

SEE ALSO: TikTok will let users share feeds in DMs

Lovato’s episode will be hosted by Trackstar founder Jack Coyne and will include a discussion about the making of her latest album, It's Not That Deep. The appearance will also feature a segment called the "Booth of Truth," where Lovato breaks down the meaning behind select lyrics, as well as a moment addressing speculation about a potential collaboration with Zara Larsson. TikTok executives speaking to Variety say that the new series is designed to strengthen the platform’s connection between artists and fans.

The live podcast push also aligns with TikTok’s broader effort to keep users engaged for longer periods by expanding beyond short-form video. In recent months, the company introduced a range of new features designed to enhance retention and user experience, including well-being tools such as an in-app affirmation journal, guided breathing exercises, meditation prompts, and soothing background sounds.

TikTok has framed these updates as part of an effort to improve user safety and mental health — particularly for younger users — while encouraging people to spend more time within the app’s ecosystem rather than turning to outside platforms.

It may be a cliché, but it's true: There's an app for everything, including praying to God.

One such app is Hallow, a popular Catholic prayer subscription service downloaded by millions of users, including celebrity partners like Gwen Stefani.

SEE ALSO: ICEBlock app developers sue Trump administration

Stefani has been a Hallow app partner for the last year, but its only recently that her social media promotion gained enough traction to incur the ire of fans and fellow celebrities en masse. In a Dec. 1 Instagram post, the No Doubt singer once again plugged the app for the start of this year's advent season, urging followers to join her in its daily prayer challenges. In follow up responses, podcast host Matt Bernstein, reality TV star Chrishell Stause, and other social media commenters pointed out what Stefani didn't: That many of the app's prayerful messages suggest a thinly-veiled conservative agenda, including suggesting anti-abortion pleas to users.

Despite the possibility of a tarnished brand — and the confusing reversal in public image for an artist that used be the preeminent "cool girl" — the "Hallow-back girl" (as one Redditor user called her) hasn't backed off. She's not the only one.

What is the Hallow app?

Referred to as a "pay-to-pray" app by its critics, Hallow was developed in 2018 by founder and CEO Alex Jones (no, not that Alex Jones). The subscription-based app combines audio-guided Catholic prayer routines with "mindfulness" practices and challenges, pitched as a solution to daily stress. It's accessible for the monthly price of $9.99, or $69.99 for the year — there are family plans, too.

Hallow even offers partnerships with schools, providing free subscriptions to students at religious institutions, as well as content for kids and families. It ran ads during the Super Bowl.

Jones is on record saying the company courts famously religious celebrities, including action stars like Mark Wahlberg and Chris Pratt and Hollywood icons like Mario Lopez, as a way to "reach fallen-away Catholics or those who are not particularly religious" on the social media platforms they most frequent. "They're just incredible Christians, they're great people of faith," said Jones in a 2024 interview about app partners Stefani and actor Kevin James. "It is awesome for us to get to partner with them, to use their platforms to invite people into prayer."

Why is Hallow controversial?

Fellow Catholics, even those with more conservative beliefs, have been skeptical of the app's model, marketing tactics, and reliance on celebrities since its launch. Jones backed off from a partnership with actor Liam Neeson, for example, after conservative Catholics rejected the platforming of Neeson's pro-choice views. He was then criticized for platforming figures from the Catholic right, including anti-abortion figure Lila Rose and QAnon proponent Jim Caviezel.

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In addition to ambassador controversies, including a partnership with actor Russell Brand that ended after accusations of sexual assault, Hallow has increasingly been associated with far-right figures and conservative financial backers.

In 2024, election reporting by the Guardian discovered that Vice President JD Vance had invested tens of thousands of dollars into the app. Other notable funders include ultra-conservative PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel, who participated in a $40 million round of funding for Hallow in 2021.

Hallow was banned from EU markets earlier this year, with many suspecting regulators shut down app access due to data privacy concerns. Sensitive data used for ad targeting, including religious affiliation, is highly regulated under the EU's Digital Services Act.

Following Stefani's promotion and other advent advertisements including Chris Pratt, Hallow climbed the Apple App Store charts, which Jones celebrated in a recent X post. "Feels like God's just getting started."

Visual Studio Code just released its November 2025 update, version 1.107. There are more improvements for AI coding agents and TypeScript support, but I'm mostly excited about another change: a much more powerful terminal.

One of the things I love about the Christmas holidays is the time they provide to sink into my couch and watch some classic festive comfort flicks. JustWatch has revealed their list of the most rewatched movies of the season, based on the last three holiday periods, and it’s official—viewers crave humor, warmth, and nostalgia.

Le Wand is one of the most well-known names in the wand vibrator market. The company’s known for its luxe, high-performance designs and innovative tech. Of course, premium quality comes with a premium price, but Le Wand’s been doing the most to keep costs down (when tariffs are running rampant).

SEE ALSO: Should I panic buy vibrators right now?

In August, the brand launched its most affordable line yet: the Glow Collection. Each vibrator in the lineup (the Le Wand Flat Top Fusion G, Le Wand Thrust, Le Wand Hither, and Le Wand Lick) is under $100 — this move made the brand’s advanced tech more accessible.

Now, the brand’s serving up its signature design with a twist (and an even better price point) with the launch of its Classique Collection, and every single wand comes with a freebie and a three-year warranty.

Here’s everything you need to know about the new collection:

Le Wand Classique Mini Rechargeable Vibrating Massager, $54.99 Opens in a new window Credit: Le Wand Le Wand Classique Mini Rechargeable Vibrating Massager $54.99 at Le Wand
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The most affordable wand in the Classique lineup is the Le Wand Classique Mini Rechargeable Vibrating Massager. This little guy is super cute (it's the smallest wand in the bunch), travel-friendly, and comes with a free storage bag. In addition to its compact design, which is def a plus (especially with holiday travel coming up for many of us), it has 10 vibration intensities, a travel lock (which is super handy; nothing's worse than pretending your suitcase isn't buzzing when it clearly is), and can run for 90 minutes on a single charge. It's also IPX7 waterproof, so you can take it in the shower. (Sometimes, that's the only place I can get some alone time myself, so I get it.)

SEE ALSO: The Magic Wand Micro is tiny, mighty, and pricey Classique Rechargeable Petite, $84.99 Opens in a new window Credit: Le Wand Le Wand Classique Cordless Petite Rechargeable Vibrating Massager $84.99 at Le Wand
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If you're looking for something that's a little bit bigger but not too big, the Le Wand Classique Cordless Petite Rechargeable Vibrating Massager is the second-most-affordable wand in the Classique Collection. It's $84.99 and comes with a free storage bag and a hands-free massager holder. (This device is ideal for people with mobility issues, arthritis, or for those of you who are ready to experiment with new positions.) Like the Mini, this wand has 10 vibration intensities, and it's rechargeable via a USB-C cable. (Of course, the charging cable comes with it.) You'll get two hours of playtime after a 90-minute charge. It's also IPX7 waterproof and has a travel lock.

Classique Plug-In, $89.99 Opens in a new window Credit: Le Wand Le Wand Classique Plug-In Original Full-Body Vibrating Massager $89.99 at Le Wand
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Next up is the Le Wand Classique Plug-In Original Full-Body Vibrating Massager. This wand vibe is what I like to call a "traditional wand vibe" because it plugs into the wall. It's $89.99 and comes with a free storage bag and a hands-free massager holder. The wand also features 10 vibration intensities and a travel lock. It's plug-and-play with an eight-inch cord, so it'll literally never die as long as it's plugged in. (A pretty nifty feature for anyone interested in edging.)

Classique Rechargeable Original, $139.99 Opens in a new window Credit: Le Wand Le Wand Classique Cordless Original Rechargeable Vibrating Massager $139.99 at Le Wand
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The Le Wand Classique Cordless Original Rechargeable Vibrating Massager is the last vibe in the Classique lineup, and it's also the most expensive, but for good reason. With 8800 RPM power, this wand vibrator was built for deep relaxation. It has a flat, soft head with a flexible neck so you can really reach every spot. And, with this one, you'll get four hours of playtime on a single charge. Just note: this vibe isn't waterproof; it's IPX6 splash-proof, which means you probably shouldn't take it in the bathtub. Like the other wands on this list, it has a travel lock and 10 vibration intensities.

With the price of memory and storage rising rapidly with no hope of relief visible in the near future, it makes more sense than ever to try and get the most out of your old PC hardware instead of buying something new.