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Open earbuds, while great for exercise, staying aware, and generally having an alternative to in-ear earbuds, aren't exactly known for their stellar sound quality.

It makes sense — open earbuds work by using air conduction to transmit sound to your ear canals, without actually having any part of the earbud inside of your ear. Naturally, a traditional earbud (even a relatively cheap one) is going to have the advantage in providing depth and clarity of sound.

The Shokz OpenFit Pro are the perfect cafe companions, balancing focus and awareness. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

Still, every now and then, I test open earbuds that impress me with their audio quality (namely, the Bose Ultra Open earbuds). The Shokz OpenFit Pro earbuds are the latest pair of open earbuds to do exactly that, impressing with a combination of balanced sound and noise reduction (the latter being a first for any Shokz headphones). And they're $50 cheaper than the Bose buds, clocking in at $249.95.

SEE ALSO: Sony’s new LinkBuds Clip open earbuds embrace pastel colors and a clip style design

Shokz made a name for itself in the open ear and bone conduction headphone space, but after spending a couple of weeks with these earbuds, I could see them becoming a favorite for open earbud users who prioritize the listening experience both in and out of the gym.

Shokz OpenFit Pro specs

While basically every pair of Shokz buds is geared toward use during exercise, Shokz wanted the OpenFit Pro to feature an excellent listening experience, making them just as good for a gym run as a study session in a cafe. With that in mind, here are the basic features you'll find on the buds:

• Drivers: Ultra large 11 × 20-millimeter synchronized dual-diaphragm driver

• Battery life: 12 hours of listening per charge (50 hours with the case) or six hours with noise reduction (and 24 hours with the case)

• Wireless charging: Qi wireless charging compatible

• Quick charge: 10-minute quick charge for four-hour listening time

• Equalizer: 10-band custom equalizer with five preset equalizer modes and two custom equalizer slots

• Microphones: Triple microphone system with AI voice recognition and custom wind-control technology

• Water and dust proof rating: IP55

• Connection: Bluetooth 6.1, multipoint connection

• Colors: Black and white

How does noise reduction work on the Shokz OpenFit Pro?

When you use the OpenFit Pro, you have the option between listening in open mode and noise reduction mode. Noise reduction is definitely not the same as noise cancellation, but that's by design.

In my briefing with Shokz, a representative from the brand told me that after conducting research from more than 400 participants globally, they found the top three improvements users wanted from their open earbuds were better sound quality, noise reduction that kept environmental awareness, and noise reduction that allowed for more versatility in wear.

It makes sense: The person who's drawn to open earbuds likely isn't looking for ANC, as the whole premise behind this category is maintaining a degree of awareness. Noise reduction, then, theoretically allows for the balance between awareness and focus.

The OpenFit Pro earbuds were the perfect companion at a crowded cafe patio. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

I took these earbuds everywhere, from crowded, tiny cafes with baristas who liked to blast music, to walks in the park, and to the library. Each time I wore them, I was impressed by the noticeable degree of noise reduction they provided, even without the assistance of any audio. The hum of other customers lowered, the music playing from a stereo system became less front and center, and the sound of a conversation next to me felt easier to tune out. I was still always aware of my surroundings, but it felt like the sounds of my environment went from the foreground to the background. Plus, I could hear the audio I was playing clearer.

Shokz could have stopped there, but they also made their noise reduction feature adjustable. The three-microphone system helps achieve effective noise reduction by monitoring the environment, the level of audio playing from the earbuds, and a microphone that helps boost the noise reduction performance.

The adjustable noise reduction is located front and center on the Shokz app. Credit: Shokz / Screenshot

You do have to use the companion app to adjust it (though you can switch between the open and noise reduction mode through the buds' on-ear controls). The default setting sits at 50 percent reduction, with a sliding scale to maximum or minimum noise reduction. The only real flaw here was that I noticed little performance difference between the levels in particularly noisy environments, like that aforementioned cafe with the loud music.

Still, it's not a hugely distracting detraction, especially when you consider that most open earbuds offer no noise reduction whatsoever. The only other major competition that comes to mind is the new Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro earbuds, which offer open-ear wear and wear with ANC, but for the latter use case, users have to wear the buds in their ears.

Why the sound quality is so great

The noise reduction tech was a real asset to the sound quality of these buds, allowing me to hear my music and podcasts clearly with ease. However, it's certainly not the only feature that makes OpenFit Pro sound great.

A new driver

Inside these earbuds is an ultra-large 11 × 20-millimeter synchronized dual-diaphragm driver, which Shokz calls its SuperBoost tech. According to Shokz, this driver is specifically designed for use on open-ear earbuds, and it shows. The frequency range of these earbuds is greater, meaning highs come through clearer, while lows don't get lost or distorted.

SEE ALSO: The 8 best earbuds of 2026, tested by audio experts

It's easy to notice, upon listening, how good they sound. BTS's "On" maintained a strong thumping percussive quality without sacrificing the soaring vocals of the group. Paramore's "That's What You Get" could easily sound like a crunchy mess on a pair of lesser open earbuds — on the OpenFit Pro, it came through properly grungy, evoking the perfect early-2000s energy.

Spatial audio

Also assisting the depth and fullness of songs is the spatial audio on these earbuds, made possible by their Dolby Atmos optimization. I'm always somewhat wary of spatial audio — more often than not, I can find it makes music sound weirdly hollow in the attempt to make it sound as if it's filling the room. Thankfully, the OpenFit Pro's spatial audio was noticeable, but not distracting. It didn't change the game on my listening experience, but I appreciated the variation it added. What I did find it more lacking was the head tracking feature — no matter the genres I listened to, I didn't really notice a difference between it being toggled on or off.

Equalizer settings

Finally, I was pleasantly surprised by the 10-band equalizer on these earbuds, which allowed for plenty of adjustment in their sound profile. For comparison, the Bose open earbuds come with a three-band custom equalizer and four preset equalizers.

Choose from five preset equalizer settings... Credit: Shokz / Screenshot Or enjoy the 10-band custom EQ. Credit: Shokz / Screenshot

As for presets, the OpenFit Pro have five options — I defaulted to standard most of the time, and it worked great. However, you also have two slots for saving any custom EQ settings.

The other major benefits of these earbuds

These earbuds stand out most in their sound quality (hence all the words on it above), but it's far from their only virtue.

Design

Cases for open earbuds with an ear-hook design can get on the bulky side, but Shokz keeps things relatively sleek and low-profile. Compared to the new Soundcore dual-form open earbuds (that also come in an ear hook design), the Shokz case was noticeably smaller. I tested the black colorway of the buds, and the exterior of the case was prone to some smudging, but nothing terribly noticeable (or difficult to scrub away).

The earbud itself is lightweight, with soft silicone hooks that were comfortable to wear for several hours at a time. The physical on-ear buttons were also easy to locate by feel alone and were a nice touch — I find that overly sensitive touch controls can be one of the worst features in earbuds I wear while exercising.

The Shokz earbuds (left) are more compact than Soundcore's new AeroFit 2 Pro earbuds (right). Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

The app itself also had a sleek design, packing plenty of customization in an easy-to-navigate interface. Whether it be adjusting the equalizer or reassigning on-ear controls, all the features of these buds were simple to find without effort.

Versatility

I can appreciate why Shokz pushed the versatility angle of these earbuds in their marketing. With an IP55 rating and the ear hook design, they're excellent for working out. The noise reduction and sound quality make them great for both casual listening and working in an office. The three-mic system works well on calls, also making them suitable for taking work calls.

Sure, I wouldn't mind if the battery life was a bit longer than the six hours they last with the noise reduction on, but ultimately, if a lack of ANC isn't a deal breaker, these are a really solid pair of all-round earbuds, which admittedly does help soften the price point. Speaking of...

The OpenFit Pro earbuds are undeniably an investment

Yes, the cost of headphones and earbuds has steadily been going up since last year. Several recent releases have come in $50 more expensive than their preceding generations.

All of that said, it is challenging to wrap my head around the average consumer shelling out $250 for a pair of earbuds that offer no noise cancelling. However, this is something many consumers have already done, considering the popularity of the Bose Ultra Open earbuds — and their $299 price tag. If the ear cuff design isn't a must-have feature, you're likely better off with the OpenFit Pro earbuds.

Are the Shokz OpenFit Pro worth it?

As great as the Shokz OpenFit Pro are, I imagine a premium pair of open earbuds is more difficult to justify. However, if you're someone who wants their workout earbuds to also serve as the earbuds they wear at work, and you really don't need ANC or passive noise reduction, it's hard to imagine a pair of open earbuds you'll be more satisfied with.

Shokz OpenFit Pro $249.95 at Shokz
  Shop Now at Shokz

SAVE $215: As of Jan. 27, the Dyson V15 cordless vacuum is on sale for $634.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 25% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson V15 $634.99 at Amazon
$849.99 Save $215   Get Deal

Looking for a new vacuum? You can’t go wrong with Dyson.

The name has long been associated with reliable products, and not without reason. And if you happen to be in need of a new model, check out this Amazon deal on the Dyson V15. As of Jan. 27, you’ll save over $200 ($215 to be exact) with the new price of $634.99. That’s a 25% discount on list price.

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And it’s a really great vacuum, promising to lift anything from pet hair to tough dirt. It comes with two advanced cleaner heads and four attachments, so you can tackle upholstery, stairs, and other hard-to-reach areas. It also benefits from a Fluffy Optic cleaner that illuminates dust you might not see on hard floors. The Digital Motorbar head is great and deep cleans all floor types while automatically detangling long hair and pet hair as you go. 

The motor spins up to 125,000 rpm and gives you up to 60 minutes of runtime, with three power modes to choose from. It even has an LCD screen showing you all the stats you need, including what’s been picked up and the remaining runtime. It also alerts you to any maintenance required. 

Find the Dyson V15 on sale at Amazon.

SAVE $70 As of Jan. 27, the Roku 65-inch Smart TV is on sale for $379.99 at Amazon. That's a 16% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku 65-inch smart TV $379.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $70   Get Deal

Investing in a new TV is a great way to get through the grim reality of January, especially with so much sport on the schedule. And if you’ve been searching for a smart TV to upgrade your experience, as of Jan. 27, there’s a great deal on the Roku 65-inch Smart TV at Amazon.

This TV is currently on sale for $379.99, down from $449.99. That’s a saving of $70 on list price. There are also deals across all size options, including the 43-inch, 50-inch, and 55-inch TVs, so there’s something for everyone.

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And you’re getting so much with this TV, including sharp 4K resolution with HDR10 support. It even benefits from a feature called Roku Smart Picture that automatically optimizes incoming signals and selects the best picture mode for whatever you’re watching. The Roku OS also gives you easy access to lots of entertainment options, including more than 500 free Roku TV channels as well as streaming platforms like Netflix. And the best part? These are all organized on a customizable home screen, so your favorite apps are easy to find.

The TV also comes with a voice remote with shortcut buttons and a lost remote finder. Use it to search for different shows with just your voice, and the next time your remote ends up down the side of the couch, you’ll find it in seconds.

Get this Roku deal from Amazon now.

SAVE $60: As of Jan. 27, the Amazon Fire TV 4 Series 43-inch is on sale for $269.99 at Amazon. That's a 18% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV 4 Series 43-inch $269.99 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $60   Get Deal

On the hunt for a new TV? Consider your search over, because there's a great new deal on the Fire TV 4 Series 43-inch at Amazon. As of Jan. 27, the newest edition of this TV is reduced by $60, bringing the price down to $269.99. This price is specific to the 43-inch model, however the 50-inch and 55-inch TVs are also heavily reduced.

With this TV, you're getting incredible 4K Ultra HD resolution and enhanced brightness, so everything you watch is great quality at all times. It supports HDR10+ for better contrast and detail, and uses a quad-core processor with WiFi 6 to keep everything smooth and non-laggy.

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It's an Amazon TV, so you'll also get Alexa built-in. This means you can use voice commands to find something to watch or get information hands-free. You can also use it to communicate with smart home devices like robot vacuums. The Fire TV OS also means you'll get access to over 1.8 million movies and TV episodes, from all the top streaming providers like Netflix and Prime Video. And if you're a gamer, you can even play games with Amazon Luna or Xbox Game Pass without a console.

Find this TV deal at Amazon, but don't wait too long to score this limited-time discount.

SAVE $100: The M4 Mac Mini is on sale at Amazon for $499, down from the normal price of $599. That's a 17% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple M4 Mac Mini (2024, 256GB) $499 at Amazon
$599 Save $100   Get Deal

Silicon Valley is going wild for the 2024 M4 Mac Mini, but it's not for the reason you might think. No, it's not being used as a traditional desktop computer in the way we assume. People are using it to run the latest AI assistant, Clawdbot. With a cute lobster mascot, the Clawdbot hype is driving up sales and snatching up stock of the Mac Mini with an M4 chip. Before it becomes impossible to find in-stock, check out this sale price.

As of Jan. 26, the M4 Mac Mini is on sale at Amazon for $499, marked down from the standard price of $599. That's a 17% discount that takes a hefty $100 off the normal price.

Why use a Mac Mini for running Clawdbot? The answers are pretty similar to why you'd want a Mac Mini in the first place. Like the name implies, it's a tiny beast that has 16GB of unified memory and 256GB SSD. Plus, you can leave it running at all times with no issue. If you live in the Apple ecosystem and plan to adopt Clawdbot, a dedicated Mac Mini could be an awesome sidekick.

SEE ALSO: Clawdbot is a viral AI assistant: What it is, how to try it

This 2024 version of the Mac Mini comes with Apple's powerful M4 chip, two USB-C ports, a headphone jack, ethernet, HDMI, and Thunderbolt 4 ports. All of that is housed in the compact five inch by five inch Mac Mini housing. This size makes it simple to add to your current desktop setup or take along on the next work trip.

If you're looking for the smallest possible personal assistant, running Clawdbot on a Mac Mini might be your best option. Before demand reaches even higher levels, snag the M4 Mac Mini from Amazon while it's on sale for $499. That's $100 off the normal price.

TL;DR: Live stream Alcaraz vs. de Minaur in the 2026 Australian Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2026 Australian Open is inching towards its dramatic conclusion, and all the biggest names are still in contention for the main prize. In the second quarter-final matchup from the men's draw, Alcaraz takes on de Minaur in what looks like an electric contest. It's the top seed against the home favorite. It doesn't get much bigger than that.

If you want to watch Alcaraz vs. de Minaur in the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Alcaraz vs. de Minaur for free

Alcaraz vs. de Minaur in the 2026 Australian Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2026 Australian Open 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 Australia

4. Visit 9Now

5. Watch the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Alcaraz vs. de Minaur without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Australian Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on 9Now, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

• 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 one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $59.88 and includes an extra three months for free — 69% off for a limited time. This plan also includes 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 Alcaraz vs. de Minaur in the 2026 Australian Open for free with ExpressVPN.

SAVE 60%: Get your first box of dog food from The Farmer's Dog for 60% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Farmer's Dog The Farmer's Dog Save 50% on your first box Get Deal

It's always important to make sure your dogs are treated nice, and a significant part of that is a healthy diet. If you've been searching for a healthier food option for your furry friend that's made from real meat and vegetables, The Farmer's Dog is very much worth a look. And there's no better time to check them out, as they're currently offering 60% off the first box.

The Farmer's Dog offers pre-portioned bags of dog food that are delivered straight to your door. That's incredibly convenient, especially if you're a busy pet parent who wants to make sure your pup is still looked after. If it interests you, their website features a quick questionnaire to fill out about your dog, or dogs, so you can create a personalized plan with recommended recipes and a daily price.

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According to The Farmer's Dog's About Us page, the team uses "quality and safety standards never before seen in the industry — and the result is fresh food that’s safe enough for humans to eat, but that’s nutritionally complete and balanced for dogs." It's delivered quickly to ensure that freshness, noting on the website that "Your food is made fresh and quickly frozen to lock in all the nutrients. No preservatives. Never stored on a shelf for years."

Treat your pup to some tasty meals this year, and save some cash while doing it. Don't miss out on 60% off your first box of The Farmer's Dog today.

I've been an Apple user for over a decade now and have been out of the Android game for a while. So when I jumped into testing Android devices, I was a bit intimidated working in an unfamiliar system. Now that I've spent plenty of time with Androids, I have some good news. Not only does everything look the same, but it pretty much works the same, too.

Having tested my way through all kinds of tablets, both iOS and Android models, the setup process is simple regardless of the operating system. So if you're switching from iOS to Android or just got a new tablet, here's how to set up an Android tablet.

How to set up an Android tablet As soon as you turn on the tablet, you'll be prompted through a setup screen. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable Total Time

• 10 minutes

What You Need

• Android tablet
• Google account
• WiFi access

Step 1: Power on your tablet

This is the most straightforward step. When you get your tablet out of the box, turn it on.

Step 2: Follow the prompts

Any tablet I've used, both Android and Apple, has started out with the same prompts. The first will have you select your language, followed by how you'd like to set up the device. The options listed will be an Android device or an iPhone/iPad. You can select which device you use; however, you don't need to use either to set up the device if you're not looking to copy over any data.

Step 3: Connect to WiFi

At this point in the setup, you'll need to connect to WiFi. Enter the credentials for the network now. If you don't have WiFi access, you won't be able to complete the setup.

Step 4: Enter Google account information.

To use an Android tablet, you'll need a Google account. This is where Android and Apple devices differ. Apple devices require an Apple login, and Androids use Google. With your Google account, Gmail, Google Photos, and Drive will all be linked to your tablet.

Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Step 5: Download additional apps

Once you're logged into your Google account on the tablet, you're set to start using the device. To download your essential apps, go through the Google Play Store, which has access to all the essentials.

Microsoft is finally checking off one of the biggest items on the Excel power user wishlist. The full Power Query experience is officially rolling out to the web app, which means you can import, transform, and automate your data workflows without ever opening the desktop app.

Jimmy Kimmel has tearfully paid tribute to Alex Pretti, the man shot dead by ICE in Minneapolis on Saturday. Highlighting the stark difference between the Trump administration's characterisation of the killing and the many videos of the event circulating online, Kimmel urged viewers to watch the clips and draw their own conclusions.

"They fired 10 times on an ICU nurse," said Kimmel. "They're telling us, 'well, it was justified, you know?' Is that the law and order that you voted for, if you voted for this? Every day is a nightmare now. My wife and I have family in Minneapolis. They're afraid to take their kids to school. They're afraid to go to work. And I can only imagine how people who aren't white feel about this."

Becoming slightly choked up when speaking of Pretti, Kimmel also called on right-leaning people to take a stand, stating that he considers them crucial to stopping this from continuing to happen.

"I know it takes a lot of courage to go against your tribe or whatever it is, but that's what we need. We need some decent people on the right to show some courage and some common sense," said Kimmel.

"We're less than a month into the new year. So far, this administration has managed to start a war in Minnesota, invade Venezuela, threaten to invade Greenland, pull us out of the World Health Organization, attack our own Federal Reserve, abandon vaccine science, bring back measles, send health care premiums through the roof, and kill two US citizens in cold blood. And he still thinks he got cheated out of a Nobel Peace Prize. I mean, if that delusion doesn't trigger the 25th Amendment, what possibly will?"

New Windows laptops are slowly trickling out after the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), and the MSI Prestige 14 Flip AI+ is the first one I've been able to get my hands on. 

Admittedly, there's so much riding on this 2-in-1 work laptop that I almost felt bad for it. For one thing, it's my first impression of Intel's fresh Ultra Core Series 3 chips (previously code-named "Panther Lake"), the first made with its 18A process technology. The chipmaker claims they offer a 60 percent bump in multitasking performance compared to their predecessors and up to 27 hours of battery life. If that pans out, its chips could finally vie with Apple's M-series silicon.

The Prestige 14 Flip AI+ also marks my first opportunity to check out the new Intel Arc B390 integrated GPU, which supposedly rivals the entry-level dedicated GPUs found in cheap gaming laptops. Historically, Intel iGPUs haven't been great for serious PC gaming. But the company is so confident in Panther Lake's gaming capabilities that it's planning on launching a handheld gaming platform with it later this year.

SEE ALSO: The best laptops of CES 2026

As if that weren't enough, MSI redesigned its entire Prestige series of premium business laptops for 2026. The Prestige 14 Flip AI+ is my first glimpse at the new look. 

Whew. 

Incredibly, maybe even miraculously, the Prestige 14 Flip AI+ meets all of the hype (and I'm not just being nice). In my tests, it combines MacBook-tier multitasking performance with all-days battery life, all wrapped up in a gorgeous convertible design with plenty of future-proofing and a shockingly reasonable price. Did MSI not get the memo about the RAM shortage?

I still have some more benchmarking to do, but I'm already confident enough to award the Prestige 14 Flip AI+ a Mashable Choice Award, an honor reserved for the best gadgets we test. If this is a preview of the 2026 Windows laptop market on Intel, the future is dazzling.

MSI Prestige 14 Flip AI+ review: Pricing and specs The MSI Prestige 14 Flip AI+ is a 14-inch hybrid laptop. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

The review unit that MSI sent me is priced at $1,299.99 and available for purchase through MSI's website and B&H Photo. It comes equipped with the following specs:

• Intel Core Ultra X7 358H processor

• Intel Arc B390 graphics 

• 32GB RAM

• 1TB SSD

• 14-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200 pixel) OLED touchscreen display with a 60Hz refresh rate and a 16:10 aspect ratio

• WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0

• Two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-A ports, one HDMI port, and a headphone jack

• Includes an MSI Nano Pen

MSI is also releasing a 16-inch version called the MSI Prestige 16 Flip AI+, which has a nicer 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to a high-end Intel Core Ultra X9 chip. It starts at $1,399 at Costco without its Nano Pen and $1,549 at other retailers with the accessory.

MSI Prestige 14 Flip AI+ review: Design and build quality The MSI Prestige 14 Flip AI+ is thinner and lighter than the latest MacBook Pro. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

MSI's 2026 redesign for the Prestige series involves a thinner, lighter chassis with an all-aluminum build and rounded corners instead of boxy ones. Additionally, all models have a more minimalist top cover logo with an iridescent finish.

I can't speak for the other Prestige variants, but this 14-inch convertible looks sleek and spiffy. Its smooth Platinum Gray finish doesn't cling to fingerprints, and its wavy logo gives it a slightly futuristic, almost Neo-Y2K vibe. It's a little more interesting than your average silver MacBook impersonator, but it's also not too flashy for the office. I really dig it.

Shiny. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

I tried last year's Prestige 13 AI+ Evo and thought its ultralight magnesium-aluminum chassis felt flimsy. The Prestige 14 Flip AI+ benefits from the new fully aluminum case and a little extra heft; it feels very well-made. There's zero give to its lid when I pressed down, and its hinge barely wiggles.

The new Prestige measures 0.47 to 0.55 inches thin at different points on its chassis. Its base is shaped like a wedge with a taper in the front, something it inherited from its predecessors, but its curvier edges make it incredibly subtle. There are two skinny feet running across the underside of its base that keep it slightly elevated when it sits on a hard surface.

The MSI Prestige 14 Flip AI+ sits sturdy in tent mode. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

That's also where you'll find a storage slot for the MSI Nano Pen, a cute little stylus for drawing and note-taking that's included with the device at no extra cost. It charges while it's being stored and pops out with the push of a button.

The MSI Nano Pen charges while it's being stored inside the device's base. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

MSI designed this stylus in partnership with Microsoft, and it doubles as a way to talk to Copilot. If you press both of the buttons on the side of the Nano Pen at the same time, the Copilot app opens on the Prestige 14 Flip AI+. If you press the buttons again, you can verbally ask Copilot questions or give it prompts using the Nano Pen's built-in microphone. I'm not a fan of AI chatbots so I'd probably never use this feature myself, but I love a freebie. (Ironically, we've been yelling at Microsoft to stop making people pay extra for accessories. It's really this easy!)

The Prestige 14 Flip AI+ weighs in at 3.02 pounds. Three pounds is technically our cutoff point for laptops we consider to be lightweight, but it's definitely portable and easy to hold with one hand. For comparison's sake, it's about 0.4 pounds lighter and at least 1.5 millimeters thinner than the latest 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro.

Display You can't go wrong with OLED. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

The OLED screen provides deep blacks and punchy colors. This also makes it seem a bit more vibrant than other displays rated at 300 nits of brightness. I didn't have any trouble using it indoors, though I typically set it at max brightness, which will zap the battery faster. Its picture might be a little harder to see in sunnier environments. 

The display has a shiny Corning Gorilla Glass covering for durability. I don't have any issues to report regarding its touchscreen capabilities. It's responsive whether you're navigating with the Nano Pen or a fingertip.

Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

The Prestige 14 Flip AI+'s 60Hz refresh rate and 1200p resolution are a little basic, and its lower bezel is a bit thick. But overall, the display looks attractive, if not tremendously crisp. I really can't complain too much: Upgrades like a 120Hz refresh rate and a 2.8K resolution would push the device to a much higher price point.

Keyboard and touchpad The MSI Prestige 14 Flip AI+'s "Action Touchpad" supports gesture controls. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

The Prestige 14 Flip AI+ has an island-style keyboard with adjustable backlighting and black keys with a soft matte finish. There's a fingertip reader in the power button, which is shinier and slightly recessed so you can't push it accidentally. Its up and down arrow keys are a little too close together for my liking (it's hard to tell them apart with your finger), but that's really my only issue. This is a snappy, satisfying, just-stiff-enough keyboard that I loved typing on.

The mylar touchpad that sits below it is big and velvety smooth, and it makes a pleasant clicking sound when you press down on it all the way; it doesn't feel cheap. MSI is calling it an "Action Touchpad" because it has built-in gesture functions. You can customize these actions in the MSI Center S app, the device's main control hub.

SEE ALSO: We've tested over 30 laptops in the past year. Here are the 12 best for 2026.

This isn't a groundbreaking feature — lots of other laptops have touchpads with gesture controls — but it's a nice premium detail.

Webcam and mic

The Prestige 14 Flip AI+ has a full HD (1080p) webcam with a physical privacy shutter. It supports Windows Hello, a facial login tool, as well as Microsoft's Windows Studio Effects for Copilot+ PCs. These are AI-powered camera settings like background blur, automatic framing, and an uncanny valley eye contact toggle.

The 1080p webcam is a little fuzzy, but not terribly so. You can still make out details like my baby hairs. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

The camera's picture quality is passable but not spectacular, something I've come to expect from Windows laptops' webcams. I would say its color accuracy is above-average — warm tones like skin aren't too oversaturated — but it's grainier than the 1080p FaceTime camera on my M1 Pro-era MacBook Pro. It's especially noticeable when you move around the screen.

As for the mic: It's a solid 4/5 on its own, just a little thin and echoey. However, if you turn on the Studio EQ setting in the MSI Center S app, it becomes a 5/5 MacBook-level mic. Overall, this machine is fab for video calls.

Speakers There are two speaker grills on the underside of the MSI Prestige 14 Flip AI+. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

The Prestige 14 Flip AI+ has two 2-watt stereo speakers and two 2-watt woofers. There are two 2.2-inch speaker grills underneath its base.

I always go into testing ready to be disappointed by laptops' sound quality; most of them mandate a good pair of headphones. But you know what? The Prestige 14 Flip AI+ actually sounds pretty decent. While its audio lacks the bass and richness of my MacBook Pro, it doesn't sound muffled or distorted. I don't think you'd realize you were missing out on anything if you don't have better speakers to compare it to.

MSI Prestige 14 Flip AI+ review: CPU performance The MSI Prestige 14 Flip AI+'s multi-core performance is on par with that of newer MacBooks. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

Now comes the juicy part. How fast is that new Intel Core Ultra Series 3 chip?

Here at Mashable, we run a couple tests to measure processing power. One is Primate Labs' Geekbench 6 CPU test. The other is a real-world stress test that involves opening at least 20 Google Chrome tabs and two apps to try to make the device sweat.

In Geekbench 6, the Intel Core Ultra X7 358H chip notched a single-core score of 2,824 and a multi-core score of 16,257. 

That first number isn't super impressive. It trails the single-core score of the M4 MacBook Air (3,778). But the multi-core is exceptional. It surpasses that of the M4 MacBook Air (14,992) and the M4 MacBook Pro (15,199). Compared to the newer M5 MacBook Pro (17,470), it's only seven percent slower in demanding multitasking scenarios like video rendering.

A 360-degree hinge means you can use the MSI Prestige 14 Flip AI+ in laptop, tent (pictured), or tablet mode. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

The X7 358H's most direct predecessor is likely the 7 255H chip from last year's Arrow Lake era. We tested three laptops powered by that processor — all of which cost more than $2,000 — and two of them scored below 15,400. The only one that scored better than the Prestige 14 Flip AI+ was the Dell 16 Premium (16,881), which was 1.7 pounds heavier and cost $3,200.

The Prestige 14 Flip AI+ runs remarkably quiet and cool for a laptop with that much oomph. Props to its new dual-fan vapor chamber thermal system; MSI says it helps heat dissipate faster than the previous Prestige models' setup.

The device's fan briefly kicked on while I was opening tabs for a stress test, but it's so whisper-quiet that I barely noticed it. (The radiator hissing next to my desk as I wrote this review is, like, 10 times louder.) The fan volume didn't increase even when I plugged in the laptop and ran my Geekbench 6 benchmark, which should've made it work harder. It never got hot to the touch.

MSI Prestige 14 Flip AI+ review: GPU performance

We don't normally run in-depth graphics tests on Windows laptops that lack dedicated GPUs, but Intel has made such a fuss about its new Intel Arc B390 iGPU that I felt obligated. I'm happy to report that Cyberpunk 2077 was playable on the Prestige 14 Flip AI+ at both 1080p and 1200p with the game's default settings enabled. (Intel's XeSS Super Res 2.0 AI upscaling technology was on.) 

Unfortunately, I don't have any other testing takeaways or detailed frame rate readings to share at this time. After I cranked up the upscaling to the max settings and closed out of the game to apply them, my game kept crashing at startup. Intel's engineering team is looking into the issue, and I'll update this review as soon as they determine a fix. It could just be a me problem.

For now, I'll say this: The Prestige 14 Flip AI+ isn't a replacement for a proper gaming laptop, but it can almost certainly play most of your favorite titles.

MSI Prestige 14 Flip AI+ review: Battery life The MSI Prestige 14 Flip AI+ lasts longer than nearly every other laptop we've tested. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

Strong multitasking performance is one thing, but a premium Windows laptop can't truly compete with Apple's MacBooks if it doesn't offer an all-day battery life, too. 

The Prestige 14 Flip AI+ has that in the bag. As I'm writing this, it just surpassed the 24-hour mark in our video rundown test. (I'll update this review with its final runtime in the very near future.) It outlasts every MacBook and nearly every other Windows laptop we've ever tried except for the HP OmniBook 5 14 with Qualcomm's original Snapdragon X Plus chip, which is an extreme outlier.

SEE ALSO: The 11 best Windows laptops for 2026

Only one Intel-powered Windows laptop that we've tested in the past two years has surpassed the 20-hour mark. (Models with those Snapdragon X series chips have generally had more stamina.) That would be the $1,550 Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition, which died after 23 hours and 34 minutes. Notably, the Yoga 9i only got a Geekbench 6 multi-core score of 10,765 with its Intel Core Ultra 7 258V chip.

As for the last-gen (Arrow Lake) laptops that do offer similar performance: None of them lasted for more than 14 hours.

Final thoughts: Is the MSI Prestige 14 Flip AI+ worth it?

This is one of the most worth-it laptops I've ever tested — a beautiful and well-made machine with nice specs, plenty of RAM and storage, and uncompromising stamina and computing power. It's a stellar all-rounder, a legit MacBook competitor, and a can't-recommend-enough buy for professionals, remote workers, and content creators.

I reserve the right to edit my final rating for it once I finish my battery life and GPU benchmarks. But at present, the Prestige 14 Flip AI+ earns an overall score of 4.8/5, making it the highest-scoring laptop we've reviewed since overhauling our laptop testing methodology. 

What a way to start the year. Good luck, everyone else.

Opens in a new window Credit: MSI MSI Prestige 14 Flip AI+ (Intel Core Ultra X7 358H, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,299.99 at MSI Store
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Many employees are worried about how AI will affect their careers. While you can’t offer certainty to mitigate their anxiety, you can give your team honesty, empathy, and clarity. Here’s how to lead anxious employees through the unknown.  Name the fear. Start by normalizing anxiety. Share your own uncertainty and model courage by taking action anyway. Naming fears out loud helps your team feel […]

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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

To walk confidently.

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

STRUT

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A checkered pattern.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for January 27, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

PLAID

Hurdle Word 3 hint

To regret.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for January 27 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 27, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

RUING

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A necktie.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

ASCOT

Final Hurdle hint

Untrue.

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

FALSE

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

TL;DR: Live stream Gauff vs. Svitolina in the 2026 Australian Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2026 Australian Open quarter finals naturally include some huge matchups, but Gauff vs. Svitolina might be the best of the bunch.

This contest between the third and 12th seeds is particularly difficult to call. Gauff leads their rivalry 2-1, but both players have looked slick moving through the rounds in Melbourne. Svitolina is yet to lose a set in this year's competition. Could this be her moment to win her first Grand Slam?

If you want to watch Gauff vs. Svitolina in the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Gauff vs. Svitolina for free

Gauff vs. Svitolina in the 2026 Australian Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2026 Australian Open by following these simple steps:

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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 Australia

4. Visit 9Now

5. Watch the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Gauff vs. Svitolina without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Australian Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on 9Now, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

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A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $59.88 and includes an extra three months for free — 69% off for a limited time. This plan also includes 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 Gauff vs. Svitolina in the 2026 Australian Open for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream the 2026 Australian Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It feels like we're inundated with tennis tournaments over the summer months, and then nothing. After the US Open, tennis fans have a painful wait for the next Grand Slam.

But that wait is over. The 2026 Australian Open is finally here, delivering epic contests between the best players in the world. It's the first chance to see the likes of Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, and Iga Świątek on the biggest stage. And better yet, it's possible to follow all the action from this showpiece event without spending anything.

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

What is the Australian Open?

The Australian Open is a tennis tournament held annually at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia. It's the first of the four Grand Slam tennis events held each year, followed by the French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open.

The current singles champions are Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys.

When is the 2026 Australian Open?

The 2026 Australian Open is the 114th edition of the tournament. This year's event takes place from Jan. 18 to Feb. 1.

How to watch the 2026 Australian Open for free

The 2026 Australian Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2026 Australian Open 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 Australia

4. Visit 9Now

5. Watch the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to 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 2026 Australian Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on 9Now, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

• 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 eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $78.18 and includes an extra four months for free — 78% 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 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Social media is rarely as activated as it was this weekend — or as bipartisan in its outrage. Users from a wide swath of the political spectrum shared their horror at the killing of Alex Pretti, 37, an ICU nurse fatally shot on Saturday by a masked federal immigration officer in Minneapolis. 

But in Silicon Valley, a divide began to grow. On one side were top tech CEOs who, as CNBC noted, failed to criticize an administration they've been cozy with since its inauguration. The most conspicuous silence was that of Apple's Tim Cook, who made a point of calling out the "senseless killing" of George Floyd at the WWDC conference in 2020. As his latest X post (celebrating MLK Day) filled with angry replies, Cook was to be found at the White House, attending a screening of the movie Melania.

But that wasn't the whole story. Just below the tier of superstar CEOs, some of the industry's leading technologists and investors (think: Google, Anthropic, OpenAI, a16z) took a stand on social media — including more than one who felt moved to post while declaring that they don't normally talk politics. Here's a representative list:

1. Jeff Dean, chief scientist, Google DeepMind & Google Research This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. 2. Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. 3. Yann LeCun, executive chairman at AMI Labs  This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. 4. Alexis Ohanian, investor and co-founder of Reddit This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. 5. Meredith Whittaker, president of Signal app This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. 6. James Dyett, senior executive at OpenAI This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. 7. Paul Graham, co-founder of Y Combinator This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. 8. Ethan Choi, partner at Khosla Ventures This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. 9. Vinod Khosla, founder of Khosla Ventures This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. 10. Chris Olah, co-founder of Anthropic This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. 11. John O'Farrell, former general partner of a16z This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. 12. Kath Korevec, director of product at Google Labs  This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. 13. Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. 14. Vineeta Agarwala, general partner at a16z This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. 15. Ashley Mayer, co-founder and general partner of Coalition Operators This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. 16. Katie Jacobs Stanton, founder and general partner of Moxxie Ventures This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. 17. Dave McClure, founder of Practical Venture Capital This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. 18. Seth Bannon, founding partner at Fifty Years This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. 19. Josh Miller, CEO of The Browser Company This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Best Samsung TVs on sale ahead of the big game Best OLED TV deal Samsung 65-inch S95F OLED TV $2,299.99 (save $1,000) Get Deal Best QLED TV deal Samsung 75-inch QN90F QLED TV $1,799.99 (save $1,200) Get Deal Best the Frame TV deal Samsung 75-inch The Frame Pro $1,999.99 (save $1,200) Get Deal

Football and Bad Bunny fans alike can agree on the importance of having the best screen possible to view the big game.

With just under two weeks to go until the New England Patriots take on the Seattle Seahawks, Samsung is helping with that goal, putting many QLED and OLED TVs on sale, with savings of up to 50%.

SEE ALSO: What to look for when buying a TV, as told through this easy TV specs guide

Below, we've gathered some of the best deals from the sale. Most of the TVs are on sale in multiple sizes (though some have sold out). All that to say, if you like the model but are looking for a smaller or larger size, be sure to click around the available options.

Best OLED TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-inch S95F OLED TV $2,299.99 at Samsung
$3,299.99 Save $1,000   Get Deal Why we like it

The S95F is our TV expert's favorite OLED TV for bright rooms overall, thanks to its impressive peak brightness and anti-glare matte screen. If you're a fan of both the big game and gaming in general, you'll also appreciate the 165Hz found on this TV.

If the above sounds appealing, but an anti-glare screen sounds like overkill, you can also go for the S90F OLED — the 77-inch version is on sale for $1,999.99.

Best QLED TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 75-inch QN90F QLED TV $1,799.99 at Samsung
$2,999.99 Save $1,200.00   Get Deal Why we like it

On this TV, you'll find a great color balance, a crystal clear picture, and no glare on the screen. Our sister site PC Mag (also owned by Ziff Davis) wrote in their review for the 65-inch Q90F that it offers a "stunning picture for a very high price." Thanks to this Big Game deal, you get to take $1,200 off that price.

Best the Frame TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 75-inch The Frame Pro $2,000.02 at Samsung
$3,199.99 Save $1,199.97   Get Deal Why we like it

Generally speaking, this will be the best art TV you can grab for bright rooms, according to our TV expert. That's especially important for a TV meant to be used as a display piece when not in use. It is worth noting that this TV does have a higher input lag and limited contrast, meaning the picture won't be the best for movie watchers and gamers. Still, if you've had your eye on an art TV and having the best possible picture isn't the highest priority for you, this is a solid deal.

More Samsung TV deals

75-inch+ TVs

• Samsung 75-inch QN90D QLED TV — $1,299.99 $3,299.99 (save $2,000)

• Samsung 75-inch The Frame — $1,699.99 $2,999.99 (save $1,300)

• Samsung 75-inch The Terrace 4K TV — $5,499.99 $6,499.99 (save $1,000)

• Samsung 77-inch S85F OLED TV — $1,599.99 $2,999.99 (save $1,400)

• Samsung 77-inch S95F OLED TV — $3,499.99 $4,499.99 (save $1,000)

85-inch+ TVs

• Samsung 85-inch Q7F QLED TV — $1,199.99 $1,499.99 (save $300)

• Samsung 85-inch QN1EF QLED TV — $1,549.99 $2,899.99 (save $1,350)

• Samsung 85-inch QN80F QLED TV — $2,199.99 $3,499.99 (save $1,300)

• Samsung 85-inch QN900F QLED TV — $3,799.99 $5,499.99 (save $1,700)

• Samsung 85-inch QN990F QLED TV — $5,999.99 $8,499.99 (save $2,500)

98-inch+ TVs

• Samsung 98-inch Q7F QLED TV — $2,199.99 $2,499.99 (save $300)

• Samsung 98-inch QN90F QLED TV — $8,999.99 $14,999.99 (save $6,000)

• Samsung 100-inch QN80F QLED TV — $3,999.99 $5,999.99 (save $2,000)

Sony has announced two new Bluetooth turntables after seven years of radio silence.

The original Sony PS-LX310BT developed a cult following in that time as one of the few worthwhile beginner-friendly Bluetooth record players (along with the Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-USB). Now, instead of scouring Reddit for budget Bluetooth record player recommendations, those cautiously looking to replace their old Sony PS-LX310BT have two direct successors as an upgrade option: The $399.99 Sony PS-LX3BT (available to pre-order now) or the slightly more premium $499.99 Sony PS-LX5BT (coming this spring).

Unfortunately, the new record players come with a higher price than the original. For reference, the 2019 PS-LX310BT costs $448, but it was available for $199.99 for many years.

SEE ALSO: Sony’s new LinkBuds Clip open earbuds embrace pastel colors and a clip style design

The relatively random announcement came just days after Sony announced that it was handing its home entertainment business (TVs, home audio gear) to TCL. The news didn't sound overly promising for anyone holding on to hope that Sony would ever make a new turntable. False alarm — the best Sony headphones aren't the only way to appreciate Sony's hi-fi expertise in 2026. Here's what to expect.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony PS-LX3BT Full Auto Playback Turntable with Bluetooth $399.99 at Sony
  Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony PS-LX5BT Full Auto Playback Turntable with Bluetooth $499.99 at Sony
  Learn More What's different about the new Sony Bluetooth turntables

As well as the beloved PS-LX310BT has aged, the technology is still creeping up on a decade old. The upgraded playback tech in the 2026 models includes expanded support for Bluetooth codecs like aptX and aptX-Adaptive, minimizing the amount of crucial sound details that are lost over a standard wireless connection. Both support 33⅓ records and 45s and feature built-in phono preamps to connect directly to a speaker system.

The PS-LX3BT comes in a dark gray finish. Credit: Sony The PS-LX5BT comes in black. Credit: Sony

The PS-LX5BT features a Moving Magnet cartridge, more precise stylus pressure, and a gold-plated audio jack that's said to elevate wired connections. This is clearly the option geared more toward stricter audiophiles, while the PS-LX3BT would be a great record player for beginners.

What's not different about the new Sony Bluetooth turntables

What hasn't changed in either is the fact the PS-LX3BT and PS-LX5BT are still both fully automatic, belt-drive turntables. That might be a bummer for some vinyl purists — the lowering of the needle by hand and nostalgic pre-track crackling play just as much of a role in the overall turntable experience as the quality of the sound itself.

However, as analog media makes a comeback, there's definitely room in the market for simpler automatic record players, especially ones with Bluetooth features. With these Bluetooth record players, you can enjoy the classic sound of vinyl records beamed directly to your favorite wireless headphones. And if you already have Sony headphones, connecting should be even easier.

TL;DR: Finally get through your TBR stack with this lifetime subscription to book summary app Headway Premium, on sale now for just $39.99 with coupon code SUMMARY20 through Jan. 31, the best price online.

Opens in a new window Credit: Headway Headway Premium: Lifetime Subscription $39.99
$299.95 Save $259.96   Get Deal

Got a long list of books you’d like to read, but life keeps getting in the way? It’s time to meet Headway Premium. This app gives you 15-minute summaries of the world’s best nonfiction books, which you can read or listen to in your spare time.

Right now, a lifetime subscription to Headway Premium can be yours for only $39.99 with code SUMMARY20 through Jan. 31.

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No matter how busy your schedule is, you probably have a free 15 minutes. Headway Premium can fill that time by learning the key concepts and ideas from some acclaimed nonfiction books. Choose from topics ranging from personal development and health and wellness to business strategies.

Headway offers two types of concise summaries — audio or written. You can either read or listen to professionally narrated audio. There are already over 2,000 summaries on the app, with new ones added each month.

Set goals and take advantage of the app’s gamified learning process, which tracks your progress and incentivizes continued learning. You can also test yourself with quizzes and trivia, and highlight and save your favorite insights and turn them into interactive flashcards.

Join more than 15 million people already learning with Headway. Though it doesn’t replace reading the entire book, it is a great way to learn about new topics and discover things you’d like to investigate further.

Get a lifetime subscription to Headway Premium for just $39.99 with coupon code SUMMARY20 now through Jan. 31, the best price online.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Live stream Sabalenka vs. Jovic in the 2026 Australian Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2026 Australian Open quarter finals are all about huge matchups between the world's best players. The good news for tennis fans is that most of the best players have made it through to this late stage.

Sabalenka vs. Jovic is the first quarter-final matchup. Sabalenka is the favorite in pretty much every game she plays, but 29th seed Iva Jovic will believe that she can pull off a shock. The 18-year-old is clearly talented, but this will be a seriously tough test for the teenager.

If you want to watch Sabalenka vs. Jovic in the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Sabalenka vs. Jovic for free

Sabalenka vs. Jovic in the 2026 Australian Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2026 Australian Open 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 Australia

4. Visit 9Now

5. Watch the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Sabalenka vs. Jovic without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Australian Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on 9Now, for a number of reasons:

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A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $59.88 and includes an extra three months for free — 69% off for a limited time. This plan also includes 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 Sabalenka vs. Jovic in the 2026 Australian Open for free with ExpressVPN.