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At this year's CES, automakers focused on showing us the future of cars; not so much the cars themselves.

OK, there were exceptions, such as Sony Honda Mobility's AFEELA 1 and the accompanying SUV prototype. Some automakers decided to launch new or refreshed models in the past couple of days, unrelated to CES.

SEE ALSO: Best of CES 2026 awards announced: See all the winners and nominees

At the CES 2026 show floor, however, the focus was on artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, safety tech, and the good old practice of throwing massive computing power at a car to make it smarter.

Let's recap the most important car and mobility trends that emerged from CES 2026.

Sony Honda Mobility is still dedicated to building EVs The AFEELA is real-a. Sorry about that. Credit: Caroline Brehman / Contributor via Getty Images

We're not going to pretend that Sony Honda's AFEELA 1 is new. The joint company first unveiled the AFEELA 1 prototype three years ago, at CES 2023, while the production version was shown last year. And this year's version was simply more refined in numerous little ways, though that refinement comes at a cost, as the AFEELA 1 starts at $89,900.

This year, the company also brought the AFEELA 1 Prototype, which the company says will likely reach production in 2028. The car itself is essentially a SUV variant of the AFEELA 1, but the big news is that Sony Honda still looks serious about this whole smart EV business, even as some competitors dial down on their EV plans.

Tensor's Robocar It should be able to drive itself, but you'll still have the option to sit behind the wheel and drive it if you so desire. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable

The California-based Tensor Auto calls itself an "AI and RoboCar company," which tells you all you need to know about today's mobility trends: the AI element is as important as the car itself.

At CES 2026, the company brought its Robocar, a preposterously luxurious, extremely futuristic electric car that is basically a big smart robot that lugs you around — we had a close look at the Tensor Robocar at CES.

The Robocar, as the name suggests, is equal parts robot and car. You can talk to it, and it talks back. The vehicle can, for example, notify you about traffic conditions before you leave the house, and make contextual decisions as it drives you to your destination.

Featured Video For You Motorola is entering the wearable AI game

Oh, and did we mention that it's a real head-turner?

It's still early days for cars like these, as no personal car out there can autonomously drive you around without any user intervention (Tensor has designed the Robocar with Level 4 autonomy in mind). But Tensor is ramping up production in the second half of 2026, meaning you should be able to buy one relatively soon. Fingers crossed.

Nvidia's physical AI

One of Nvidia's obsessions at CES 2026 was "physical AI," which means AI systems that can perform complex actions in the physical world. This includes robots, smart spaces, but also autonomous vehicles, which have to process sensor data in real-time and then act upon it.

Mercedes-Benz was one of Nvidia's partners on the show floor, which showed its vision of AI-based driving, based on Nvidia's reasoning model for autonomous driving called Alpamayo. The company also announced plans to start testing a robotaxi service (with a partner) as soon as 2027.

So. Many. AI. Assistants.

In the past, the first things automakers bragged about were the acceleration, the space, the comfort. Now? It's all about who has the best AI assistant.

At CES 2026, BMW demoed its Amazon Alexa+-based assistant, built into the company's first Neue Klasse EV, the BMW iX3. The new AI companion, which is rolling out in the second half of 2026 in the U.S., is not just for navigation and turning on your seat heatings; it can also answer broader questions, including ones about the Mona Lisa.

Ford announced an intelligent assistant that will debut on smartphones first before launching in cars circa 2027. Sony's AFEELA 1 will feature a Microsoft Azure OpenAI-based AI assistant that should be able to keep up a conversation. And Tensor's AI Agent takes things a step further by analyzing data from all possible sensors as well as in-car entertainment systems and using long-term memory to learn and adapt to your preferences over time.

Good old EVs Not fully revealed yet, but the Volvo EX60 should have the best range in its class. Credit: Volvo

With Detroit Auto Show coming up next week, most automakers decided to show up there instead of at CES. But some, like Xiaomi and Volvo, launched or teased new models during CES (even if Xiaomi didn't have a big presence at the show).

These weren't as futuristic as the other stuff we've seen at the show, but the good news is that they're actual new models that will soon be available for purchase.

With the new XIaomi SU7, the focus is on safety. Credit: Xiaomi

Xiaomi's refreshed SU7 electric sedan focuses on safety, though it does also have improved range and powertrain, among other improvements.

Finally, Volvo will officially launch its electric SUV, the EX60, on Jan. 21, but the company teased the car with a few photos, and some very impressive range figures.

Head to the Mashable CES 2026 hub for the latest news and updates from the biggest show in tech.

At this year's CES, automakers focused on showing us the future of cars; not so much the cars themselves.

OK, there were exceptions, such as Sony Honda Mobility's AFEELA 1 and the accompanying SUV prototype. Some automakers decided to launch new or refreshed models in the past couple of days, unrelated to CES.

SEE ALSO: Best of CES 2026 awards announced: See all the winners and nominees

At the CES 2026 show floor, however, the focus was on artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, safety tech, and the good old practice of throwing massive computing power at a car to make it smarter.

Let's recap the most important car and mobility trends that emerged from CES 2026.

Sony Honda Mobility is still dedicated to building EVs The AFEELA is real-a. Sorry about that. Credit: Caroline Brehman / Contributor via Getty Images

We're not going to pretend that Sony Honda's AFEELA 1 is new. The joint company first unveiled the AFEELA 1 prototype three years ago, at CES 2023, while the production version was shown last year. And this year's version was simply more refined in numerous little ways, though that refinement comes at a cost, as the AFEELA 1 starts at $89,900.

This year, the company also brought the AFEELA 1 Prototype, which the company says will likely reach production in 2028. The car itself is essentially a SUV variant of the AFEELA 1, but the big news is that Sony Honda still looks serious about this whole smart EV business, even as some competitors dial down on their EV plans.

Tensor's Robocar It should be able to drive itself, but you'll still have the option to sit behind the wheel and drive it if you so desire. Credit: Joseph Maldonado / Mashable

The California-based Tensor Auto calls itself an "AI and RoboCar company," which tells you all you need to know about today's mobility trends: the AI element is as important as the car itself.

At CES 2026, the company brought its Robocar, a preposterously luxurious, extremely futuristic electric car that is basically a big smart robot that lugs you around — we had a close look at the Tensor Robocar at CES.

The Robocar, as the name suggests, is equal parts robot and car. You can talk to it, and it talks back. The vehicle can, for example, notify you about traffic conditions before you leave the house, and make contextual decisions as it drives you to your destination.

Featured Video For You Motorola is entering the wearable AI game

Oh, and did we mention that it's a real head-turner?

It's still early days for cars like these, as no personal car out there can autonomously drive you around without any user intervention (Tensor has designed the Robocar with Level 4 autonomy in mind). But Tensor is ramping up production in the second half of 2026, meaning you should be able to buy one relatively soon. Fingers crossed.

Nvidia's physical AI

One of Nvidia's obsessions at CES 2026 was "physical AI," which means AI systems that can perform complex actions in the physical world. This includes robots, smart spaces, but also autonomous vehicles, which have to process sensor data in real-time and then act upon it.

Mercedes-Benz was one of Nvidia's partners on the show floor, which showed its vision of AI-based driving, based on Nvidia's reasoning model for autonomous driving called Alpamayo. The company also announced plans to start testing a robotaxi service (with a partner) as soon as 2027.

So. Many. AI. Assistants.

In the past, the first things automakers bragged about were the acceleration, the space, the comfort. Now? It's all about who has the best AI assistant.

At CES 2026, BMW demoed its Amazon Alexa+-based assistant, built into the company's first Neue Klasse EV, the BMW iX3. The new AI companion, which is rolling out in the second half of 2026 in the U.S., is not just for navigation and turning on your seat heatings; it can also answer broader questions, including ones about the Mona Lisa.

Ford announced an intelligent assistant that will debut on smartphones first before launching in cars circa 2027. Sony's AFEELA 1 will feature a Microsoft Azure OpenAI-based AI assistant that should be able to keep up a conversation. And Tensor's AI Agent takes things a step further by analyzing data from all possible sensors as well as in-car entertainment systems and using long-term memory to learn and adapt to your preferences over time.

Good old EVs Not fully revealed yet, but the Volvo EX60 should have the best range in its class. Credit: Volvo

With Detroit Auto Show coming up next week, most automakers decided to show up there instead of at CES. But some, like Xiaomi and Volvo, launched or teased new models during CES (even if Xiaomi didn't have a big presence at the show).

These weren't as futuristic as the other stuff we've seen at the show, but the good news is that they're actual new models that will soon be available for purchase.

With the new XIaomi SU7, the focus is on safety. Credit: Xiaomi

Xiaomi's refreshed SU7 electric sedan focuses on safety, though it does also have improved range and powertrain, among other improvements.

Finally, Volvo will officially launch its electric SUV, the EX60, on Jan. 21, but the company teased the car with a few photos, and some very impressive range figures.

Head to the Mashable CES 2026 hub for the latest news and updates from the biggest show in tech.

SAVE 28%: As of Jan. 9, you can get the Magic: The Gathering Innistrad Remastered Play Booster Box (504 MTG cards) for $181.89, down from $251.64. That's a 28% discount or $69.75 in savings.

Magic: The Gathering Innistrad Remastered Play Booster Box (504 MTG cards) $181.89 at Amazon
$251.64 Save $69.75   Get Deal at Amazon

If you’re ready to experience one of Magic’s most iconic settings, this is the best time to do it without overpaying for the nostalgia. Since the "Remastered" sets tend to have shorter print runs, catching a price dip on a full display is a solid win for any collector.

SEE ALSO: Acer debuted 3 new gaming monitors at CES 2026 — should you upgrade?

As of Jan. 9, the Magic: The Gathering Innistrad Remastered Play Booster Box (36 Packs) is on sale for $181.89, down from $251.64 at Amazon. That's a 28% discount and $69.75 in savings. While that’s already a great deal, the real context is the current market value, which is sitting at $179.99. Getting a box at essentially the exact market price (with the convenience and shipping speed of Amazon) makes this an easy choice over the usual secondary-market markups.

Each of the 36 Play Boosters contains 14 cards, and you're guaranteed to find a Retro-frame card in every single pack. These are the boosters designed specifically for drafting, so if you've been itching to host a horror-themed game night, this is the box you'll want.

Inside, you can expect between one and four Rares or Mythic Rares per pack, along with a traditional foil card. There’s also the tiny chance (less than 1%) of pulling a Foil Borderless Mythic Planeswalker.

SAVE 28%: As of Jan. 9, you can get the Magic: The Gathering Innistrad Remastered Play Booster Box (504 MTG cards) for $181.89, down from $251.64. That's a 28% discount or $69.75 in savings.

Magic: The Gathering Innistrad Remastered Play Booster Box (504 MTG cards) $181.89 at Amazon
$251.64 Save $69.75   Get Deal at Amazon

If you’re ready to experience one of Magic’s most iconic settings, this is the best time to do it without overpaying for the nostalgia. Since the "Remastered" sets tend to have shorter print runs, catching a price dip on a full display is a solid win for any collector.

SEE ALSO: Acer debuted 3 new gaming monitors at CES 2026 — should you upgrade?

As of Jan. 9, the Magic: The Gathering Innistrad Remastered Play Booster Box (36 Packs) is on sale for $181.89, down from $251.64 at Amazon. That's a 28% discount and $69.75 in savings. While that’s already a great deal, the real context is the current market value, which is sitting at $179.99. Getting a box at essentially the exact market price (with the convenience and shipping speed of Amazon) makes this an easy choice over the usual secondary-market markups.

Each of the 36 Play Boosters contains 14 cards, and you're guaranteed to find a Retro-frame card in every single pack. These are the boosters designed specifically for drafting, so if you've been itching to host a horror-themed game night, this is the box you'll want.

Inside, you can expect between one and four Rares or Mythic Rares per pack, along with a traditional foil card. There’s also the tiny chance (less than 1%) of pulling a Foil Borderless Mythic Planeswalker.

SAVE $100: As of Jan. 9, the Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro, 128GB, WiFi) is down to just $399 at Amazon and Best Buy, down from $499. That's a savings of 20%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro, 128GB, WiFi) $399 at Amazon
$499 Save $100   Get Deal

Apple's smallest iPad packs a surprising amount of punch. It may not be the most exciting tablet in the brand's lineup, but we still think it's pretty great — especially when it's on sale for $100 off.

As of Jan. 9, you can get the Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro, 128GB, WiFi) on sale for just $399 at Amazon and Best Buy. That's a savings of 20% from its list price of $499.

The seventh-generation iPad Mini, released in fall 2024, packs some predictable (yet welcome) upgrades from its predecessor — including a new A17 Pro chip, a boost in RAM, a new starting storage capacity of 128GB, and of course, Apple Intelligence. At just 8.3 inches, it's compact enough to slip in your purse and whip out for on-the-go reading, streaming, and casual scrolling. In fact, if you prefer not to buy a separate e-reader, we think the iPad Mini is the best tablet for reading (it's just an inch bigger than a Kindle Paperwhite).

Mashable's reviewer Stan Schroeder writes, "If you're new to the iPad, and you want the most compact one around (or any compact tablet), the new iPad mini 7 is the best choice." It won't knock you off your feet or anything, but it is a very solid device for the price, particularly when it's on sale.

SAVE $100: As of Jan. 9, the Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro, 128GB, WiFi) is down to just $399 at Amazon and Best Buy, down from $499. That's a savings of 20%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro, 128GB, WiFi) $399 at Amazon
$499 Save $100   Get Deal

Apple's smallest iPad packs a surprising amount of punch. It may not be the most exciting tablet in the brand's lineup, but we still think it's pretty great — especially when it's on sale for $100 off.

As of Jan. 9, you can get the Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro, 128GB, WiFi) on sale for just $399 at Amazon and Best Buy. That's a savings of 20% from its list price of $499.

The seventh-generation iPad Mini, released in fall 2024, packs some predictable (yet welcome) upgrades from its predecessor — including a new A17 Pro chip, a boost in RAM, a new starting storage capacity of 128GB, and of course, Apple Intelligence. At just 8.3 inches, it's compact enough to slip in your purse and whip out for on-the-go reading, streaming, and casual scrolling. In fact, if you prefer not to buy a separate e-reader, we think the iPad Mini is the best tablet for reading (it's just an inch bigger than a Kindle Paperwhite).

Mashable's reviewer Stan Schroeder writes, "If you're new to the iPad, and you want the most compact one around (or any compact tablet), the new iPad mini 7 is the best choice." It won't knock you off your feet or anything, but it is a very solid device for the price, particularly when it's on sale.

Has Google's Antigravity left you feeling indifferent? You're not alone. I've also become tired of the AI hype train. Perhaps you recall the blockchain fad? While the idea was positive, the execution felt like non-stop solicitation. The hype can induce anxiety and a fear of missing out, but are we really missing out? Here are five reasons Antigravity doesn't do it for me.

Founded in 1996, Edifier has established a strong reputation in the audio industry, consistently delivering high-quality technology designed for a diverse range of audiences. The company has earned multiple awards for its exceptional speakers and other audio products, including CES Innovation Awards, iF Design Awards, and more.

SAVE $140: As of Jan. 9, get the Eufy 11S Max robot vacuum for $139.99, down from its usual price of $279.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 50%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Eufy 11S Max robot vacuum $139.99 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $140   Get Deal

If you're looking to invest in a robot vacuum, you've got tons of options to choose from. As the tech has improved over the years, prices have also lowered, so even a budget robot vacuum can be a pro at cleaning your living room. If you want something that can get your home tidy without forcing you to drain your bank account, there are absolutely ways to achieve that, and we've found one robot vacuum you'll want to snap up now as it's on sale.

As of Jan. 9, get the Eufy 11S Max robot vacuum for $139.99, down from its usual price of $279.99 at Amazon. That's $140 off and a discount of 50%.

SEE ALSO: I found the best robot vacuums for every floor, budget, and level of laziness (after testing 30+ models)

The Eufy 11S Max has 2000Pa of suction power so it can breeze through any cleaning job with no issue. It has over 10 infrared sensors to keep it moving as well, with anti-collison and anti-drop tech to ensure it doesn't run into any snags. On top of that, it has a three-point cleaning system and a remote control, both of which can help you establish routines and cleaning zones.

While it does lack some of the more fleshed out features that some of its brethren do include, you can't really argue with a robot vacuum for under $200 that can still do the cleaning job that this one can. You get tons of ways to make sure your floors are as clean as possible for a price that you really can't beat. At the very least, it'll certainly shave some time off of your cleaning routine, and time is the most valuable currency of all, no matter how you slice it. Get yours while it's still on sale.

SAVE $140: As of Jan. 9, get the Eufy 11S Max robot vacuum for $139.99, down from its usual price of $279.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 50%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Eufy 11S Max robot vacuum $139.99 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $140   Get Deal

If you're looking to invest in a robot vacuum, you've got tons of options to choose from. As the tech has improved over the years, prices have also lowered, so even a budget robot vacuum can be a pro at cleaning your living room. If you want something that can get your home tidy without forcing you to drain your bank account, there are absolutely ways to achieve that, and we've found one robot vacuum you'll want to snap up now as it's on sale.

As of Jan. 9, get the Eufy 11S Max robot vacuum for $139.99, down from its usual price of $279.99 at Amazon. That's $140 off and a discount of 50%.

SEE ALSO: I found the best robot vacuums for every floor, budget, and level of laziness (after testing 30+ models)

The Eufy 11S Max has 2000Pa of suction power so it can breeze through any cleaning job with no issue. It has over 10 infrared sensors to keep it moving as well, with anti-collison and anti-drop tech to ensure it doesn't run into any snags. On top of that, it has a three-point cleaning system and a remote control, both of which can help you establish routines and cleaning zones.

While it does lack some of the more fleshed out features that some of its brethren do include, you can't really argue with a robot vacuum for under $200 that can still do the cleaning job that this one can. You get tons of ways to make sure your floors are as clean as possible for a price that you really can't beat. At the very least, it'll certainly shave some time off of your cleaning routine, and time is the most valuable currency of all, no matter how you slice it. Get yours while it's still on sale.

Parts of World Cup 2026 matches will be live-streamed on TikTok, FIFA announced on Thursday. As part of a "first-of-its-kind Preferred Platform agreement," the platform will also feature other original content created specifically for TikTok, as well as curated clips.

"FIFA's goal is to share the exhilaration of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with as many fans as possible, and we can't think of a better way to further that mission during the biggest event in sports history than to have TikTok as the tournament's first Preferred Platform," FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström said in the press release.

SEE ALSO: Why is TikTok so obsessed with 365 buttons?

FIFA and TikTok will also build a creator program, giving select TikTokkers access to behind-the-scenes moments like press conferences and training sessions. A wider group of creators will be able to use archival FIFA footage. (TikTok will apparently implement anti-piracy policies, per the announcement.)

A World Cup hub will live in the app, powered by TikTok GamePlan, a product suite for sports fans and creators announced in December. The suite includes a search hub and destination for fans to discover accounts, check schedules, add games to their calendars, buy tickets, and create their own content. The World Cup hub will also feature custom stickers, filters, and gamification features.

FIFA's partnership with TikTok runs until the end of 2026.

TikTok's global head of content, James Stafford, stated in the press release, "Football has experienced explosive global growth on TikTok over the past few years, and as FIFA's first-ever Preferred Platform, we're excited for fans to experience the FIFA World Cup 2026 beyond the 90 minutes, with exclusive content and unprecedented creator access."

Parts of World Cup 2026 matches will be live-streamed on TikTok, FIFA announced on Thursday. As part of a "first-of-its-kind Preferred Platform agreement," the platform will also feature other original content created specifically for TikTok, as well as curated clips.

"FIFA's goal is to share the exhilaration of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with as many fans as possible, and we can't think of a better way to further that mission during the biggest event in sports history than to have TikTok as the tournament's first Preferred Platform," FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström said in the press release.

SEE ALSO: Why is TikTok so obsessed with 365 buttons?

FIFA and TikTok will also build a creator program, giving select TikTokkers access to behind-the-scenes moments like press conferences and training sessions. A wider group of creators will be able to use archival FIFA footage. (TikTok will apparently implement anti-piracy policies, per the announcement.)

A World Cup hub will live in the app, powered by TikTok GamePlan, a product suite for sports fans and creators announced in December. The suite includes a search hub and destination for fans to discover accounts, check schedules, add games to their calendars, buy tickets, and create their own content. The World Cup hub will also feature custom stickers, filters, and gamification features.

FIFA's partnership with TikTok runs until the end of 2026.

TikTok's global head of content, James Stafford, stated in the press release, "Football has experienced explosive global growth on TikTok over the past few years, and as FIFA's first-ever Preferred Platform, we're excited for fans to experience the FIFA World Cup 2026 beyond the 90 minutes, with exclusive content and unprecedented creator access."

UPDATE: Jan. 9, 2026, 4:58 p.m. EST The headline of this article was updated to clarify that TikTok the platform will not be livestreaming the World Cup but rather broadcasters can livestream clips from matches on the platform.

Elon Musk's AI tool Grok says it is now restricted to X paid subscribers. The move comes after an outcry over sexualised and violent images reportedly generated by the platform's AI assistant.

Earlier this week, news emerged that Grok was digitally removing women's clothes in images without their consent, in response to user requests. X users were also reportedly asking the chatbot to manipulate women's photos to make them appear in swimsuits or even sexual situations.

Now, when users who aren't paying subscribers ask Grok to edit an image, Grok responds with the following message viewed by Mashable: "Image generation and editing are currently limited to paying subscribers. You can subscribe to unlock these features," with a link to X's Premium sign-up page.

SEE ALSO: Grok under investigation for sexualized deepfake generation

While Grok is repeatedly stating that this feature is paywalled, The Verge noticed that "it no longer generates images as @grok replies for free, but Grok’s image editing tools remain readily available for any X user to churn out images, both sexualized and tame."

Grok responded to Mashable stating that "as of January 9, 2026, image generation and editing via Grok on X are restricted to paid subscribers following backlash over misuse." It added that some non-subscribers may be able to access it in the standalone Grok app, however.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Mashable did receive a response from X, stating their current response was posted (albeit several days ago) on X's Safety account, stating: "Anyone using or prompting Grok to make illegal content will suffer the same consequences as if they upload illegal content." No additional clarifications were made regarding paywalling.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This week, analysts at the Internet Watch Foundation charity in the UK said they had found "criminal imagery" including "sexualised and topless imagery" of children aged 11-13 on an unnamed "dark web forum," which users claimed were made using Grok. On Monday, the UK's communication regulator Ofcom said it had "made urgent contact" with X and xAI regarding "sexualised images of children" which had allegedly been generated by Grok.

Grok indeed admitted last week that generated images of "minors in minimal clothing" form part of a larger issue with deepfakes. "xAI has safeguards, but improvements are ongoing to block such requests entirely," read Grok's response.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Grok is now being investigated by governments in France, India, and Malaysia for generating sexualised deepfakes in what appears to be the beginning of a global crackdown the AI assistant.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

The news that Grok will now only be available to paid subscribers does not go far enough, per a statement from UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer's official spokesperson, who called the move "insulting" to survivors of sexual violence and misogyny.

Downing Street told reporters that paywalling image generation "simply turns an AI feature that allows the creation of unlawful images into a premium service".

Earlier this week, Starmer said in an interview that Grok's generation of sexualised imagery of women and children is "disgraceful" and "disgusting," saying "It's not to be tolerated...Ofcom has our full support to take action in relation to this."

This could mean the UK government could ban X if adequate protections are not introduced by X owner Elon Musk on his platform. Regulator Ofcom has the power to block a website or app in the UK by court order, in addition to fining a company 10 percent of its global turnover.

At the time of publishing, X had not publicly commented on this matter.

If you have experienced sexual abuse, call the free, confidential National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), or access the 24-7 help online by visiting online.rainn.org.

UPDATE: Jan. 9, 2026, 3:58 p.m. Updated with additional information.

Elon Musk's AI tool Grok says it is now restricted to X paid subscribers. The move comes after an outcry over sexualised and violent images reportedly generated by the platform's AI assistant.

Earlier this week, news emerged that Grok was digitally removing women's clothes in images without their consent, in response to user requests. X users were also reportedly asking the chatbot to manipulate women's photos to make them appear in swimsuits or even sexual situations.

Now, when users who aren't paying subscribers ask Grok to edit an image, Grok responds with the following message viewed by Mashable: "Image generation and editing are currently limited to paying subscribers. You can subscribe to unlock these features," with a link to X's Premium sign-up page.

SEE ALSO: Grok under investigation for sexualized deepfake generation

While Grok is repeatedly stating that this feature is paywalled, The Verge noticed that "it no longer generates images as @grok replies for free, but Grok’s image editing tools remain readily available for any X user to churn out images, both sexualized and tame."

Grok responded to Mashable stating that "as of January 9, 2026, image generation and editing via Grok on X are restricted to paid subscribers following backlash over misuse." It added that some non-subscribers may be able to access it in the standalone Grok app, however.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Mashable did receive a response from X, stating their current response was posted (albeit several days ago) on X's Safety account, stating: "Anyone using or prompting Grok to make illegal content will suffer the same consequences as if they upload illegal content." No additional clarifications were made regarding paywalling.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This week, analysts at the Internet Watch Foundation charity in the UK said they had found "criminal imagery" including "sexualised and topless imagery" of children aged 11-13 on an unnamed "dark web forum," which users claimed were made using Grok. On Monday, the UK's communication regulator Ofcom said it had "made urgent contact" with X and xAI regarding "sexualised images of children" which had allegedly been generated by Grok.

Grok indeed admitted last week that generated images of "minors in minimal clothing" form part of a larger issue with deepfakes. "xAI has safeguards, but improvements are ongoing to block such requests entirely," read Grok's response.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Grok is now being investigated by governments in France, India, and Malaysia for generating sexualised deepfakes in what appears to be the beginning of a global crackdown the AI assistant.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

The news that Grok will now only be available to paid subscribers does not go far enough, per a statement from UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer's official spokesperson, who called the move "insulting" to survivors of sexual violence and misogyny.

Downing Street told reporters that paywalling image generation "simply turns an AI feature that allows the creation of unlawful images into a premium service".

Earlier this week, Starmer said in an interview that Grok's generation of sexualised imagery of women and children is "disgraceful" and "disgusting," saying "It's not to be tolerated...Ofcom has our full support to take action in relation to this."

This could mean the UK government could ban X if adequate protections are not introduced by X owner Elon Musk on his platform. Regulator Ofcom has the power to block a website or app in the UK by court order, in addition to fining a company 10 percent of its global turnover.

At the time of publishing, X had not publicly commented on this matter.

If you have experienced sexual abuse, call the free, confidential National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), or access the 24-7 help online by visiting online.rainn.org.

UPDATE: Jan. 9, 2026, 3:58 p.m. Updated with additional information.

SAVE $200: As of Jan. 9, shop the Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) at Amazon for just $999. That saves you $200 off its $1,199 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $999 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $200   Get Deal

New year new...computer? If a new laptop wasn't under the Christmas tree this year, then it's time to take matters into your own hands. If you're an Apple loyalists, our favorite MacBook, the one we think is the best option for most people, is the Apple MacBook Air with M4 chip. And to kick off 2026, Amazon just dropped the price on the MacBook Air.

As of Jan. 9, the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air is now just $999. That saves you $200 off its $1,199 list price for 17% savings. This MacBook comes with the M4 chip and has 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD.

The MacBook Air with M4 chip is 85% faster than all of the laptops we've tested. It scores 14,992 on the Geekbench 6 multi-core report, meaning it runs quickly, efficiently, and quietly. The 15-inch model has six speakers and a 12MP camera. It's also just an exceptionally well-valued laptop, delivering powerful computing in a slim package all for just $1,199. We'd tell you to buy it full price, so we definitely think you should buy it for $200 off.

The MacBook Air with M4 chip's lowest price is $949, so the current deal at Amazon is just $50 more. Not bad especially if you can't wait to buy until the next big sale.

Insurance costs are one of the biggest, and most overlooked, expenses of vehicle ownership, and in 2026, one Japanese SUV stands out for offering the lowest average insurance rates of any new model. For budget-minded buyers, that can translate to hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars saved over the life of the vehicle, making it a remarkably affordable choice beyond its sticker price.

SAVE 46%: As of Jan. 9, you can get the DJI Power 2000 Portable Power Station on sale for $699, down from $1,299, at Amazon. That's a 46% discount or $600 in savings. It's also the best price we've tracked on this model.

DJI Power 2000 Portable Power Station $699 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $600   Get Deal at Amazon

If you’ve been waiting for a reason to finally set up a home backup system, this DJI deal is definitely worth a look. It’s the kind of practical purchase that you’ll be glad you have when the power goes out, and you're the only one on the block who can still run the microwave.

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

As of Jan. 9, the DJI Power 2000 Portable Power Station is on sale for $699 at Amazon. That's a 46% discount and $600 in savings. It's also the best price we've tracked on this model.

For a station with this much capacity, seeing the price drop under $700 is a big deal, especially since it's coming from a brand that's currently fighting for its right to even sell here. Because DJI was added to the FCC’s "Covered List" at the end of 2025, its ability to launch new products in the U.S. is basically on ice. This Power 2000 was cleared before those restrictions hit, so it’s still legal to own and operate, but it’s a reminder that the window to grab their hardware might not stay open forever.

The Power 2000 is built to handle the heavy stuff. It features a 2048Wh LFP battery and a 3000W stable output, which is plenty of juice to keep an air conditioner, a space heater, or a full-sized fridge running during an outage. If you do manage to drain it, DJI’s fast-charging can get it from 0 to 80 percent in about 55 minutes when you’re plugged into a wall outlet.

The hardware itself is surprisingly quiet and uses LFP cells rated for 3,000 cycles. That means even if you use it heavily, it should stay reliable for roughly a decade. It’s a straightforward, high-capacity backup that’s currently priced more like a mid-range unit.

"I did not come here to poke at your trauma," is not a thing I, Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko, expected to say to anyone, much less Scottish action star Gerard Butler. When we sat down to celebrate the release of Greenland 2: Migration with a game of "Slash or Pass," I'd prepped to talk about disaster movies, having no idea how many actual disaster scenarios Butler has faced off-screen.

"My life is a disaster," he laughed while playing the game. But you should watch for yourself to see Butler coolly explain all the stressful scenarios he's survived. Then you too will know that, when in danger, we should look for Gerard Butler.

In our round-up of disaster movies, we touched on Titanic, Airplane!, Geostorm, Twister, The Happening, and of course, Greenland and Greenland 2: Migration. The sequel sees Butler reprise the role of engineer/family man John Garrity, who successfully got his wife and son to safety as the world-threatening comet Clarke barreled to Earth. This time, he'll face natural disasters and man-made menace to get his loved ones to a new "green land," a place of peace, clean air, and the promise of a better tomorrow.

Greenland 2: Migration is now in theaters.

The ChromeOS Files app isn’t just a place to browse downloads. It’s the control center for everything your Chromebook stores, syncs, and touches. Local files, Google Drive, Android app data, and Linux files all funnel through here. If you don’t understand how Chromebook storage actually works, you’re already using it wrong.

When it’s time to make your way through town during rush hour traffic or head off on a road trip, which mapping app do you use? Back in the day, I’d say Google Maps, but these days my first choice is Apple’s pack-in.