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TL;DR: Ditch decision fatigue and find free entertainment with this lifetime subscription to BitMar Streaming Content Finder, on sale now for just $14.97 (reg. $150) through Jan. 11.

Opens in a new window Credit: BitMar BitMar Streaming Content-Finder: Lifetime Subscription $14.97
$150 Save $135.03   Get Deal

We spend way too much money on streaming services to sit there browsing endlessly without finding something to watch. If you’re looking for an alternative, it’s time to consider BitMar Streaming Content Finder. This innovative tool allows you to pay once and enjoy free entertainment online for life.

Right now, a lifetime subscription to BitMar Streaming Content Finder is just $14.97 (reg. $150) until Jan. 11.

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Ready to ditch decision fatigue? We’ve all been there — endlessly scrolling to find something to watch, only to go to bed not having watched anything. BitMar offers a unique solution: a streaming content finder that gives you unlimited options from around the world.

With BitMar, there are no expensive monthly subscription fees. Pay once and enjoy this user-friendly platform for life, with AI-powered features and a Bing-powered search engine that helps you find free entertainment online. Discover full movies, TV shows, channels, videos, and music, all completely ad-free — even if you pick something on YouTube.

BitMar Streaming Content Finder only routes you to secure websites, helping you discover diverse content from around the world. If you’re wondering how it’s so affordable, it’s because you’re paying for the platform, not the content. All the creators earn revenue by monetizing the free traffic BitMar sends them, and the platform is fully DMCA-compliant.

A lifetime subscription works on up to five different devices, from smartphones and tablets to laptops and smart TVs. You can create themed content lists depending on your mood, the genre, or an occasion. BitMar can also suggest content for you based on your preferences and viewing history.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Entertain everyone on your gifting list with the Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro Retro Gaming Emulator and Streaming Console, now just $84.97 (reg. $159.99), plus free shipping, through Dec. 14 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kinhank Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro Retro Gaming Emulator & Streaming Console $84.97
$159.99 Save $75.02   Get Deal

Looking for a gift that will delight almost anyone — from Gen Z to Boomers? The Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro Retro Gaming Emulator and Streaming Console offers something for everyone, from iconic games spanning multiple generations to streaming movies on Disney+.

Right now, you can bring home this entertaining device for just $84.97 (reg. $159.99) with free shipping. But you’ll have to act fast, this deal only runs through Dec. 14 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

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From the avid gamer in your life to the mom who loves to host game night, the Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro Retro Gaming Emulator and Streaming Console is a gift that works for nearly everyone.

The older generations will love the nostalgic games that are included on the Kinhank Super Console, with options from beloved retro consoles like Nintendo, Atari, and Sega Genesis. There are also classic arcade games, letting everyone take a stroll down memory lane. And for those who prefer more recent games, 3D games are available to download for free.

With thousands of games to choose from, you have endless entertainment at your fingertips. There are no cartridges or discs to keep track of because all games are preloaded.

For those who don’t love games, the Kinhank Super Console also doubles as a streaming device. Hop on your favorite apps and enjoy a good binge session with just a few clicks. It connects easily to your TV, laptop, or projector.

Entertain everyone with the Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro Retro Gaming Emulator and Streaming Console, now just $84.97 (reg. $159.99), plus free shipping, through Dec. 14 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Scan anywhere, anytime with this lifetime subscription to the iScanner App for just $27.99 (reg. $199.90) with code FLASH, now through Jan. 11.

Opens in a new window Credit: iScanner iScanner App: Lifetime Subscription $27.99
$199.90 Save $171.91   Get Deal

Whether you need to submit a signature, keep an important document safe, or archive a sweet memory, it’s important to be able to scan things easily. And it doesn’t get much easier than the iScanner App, a convenient tool that turns your iPad or iPhone into a portable scanner.

Right now, a lifetime subscription to the iScanner App is on sale for just $27.99 (reg. $199.90) with code FLASH through Jan. 11.

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Want to be able to digitize documents anywhere? iScanner App makes it possible, offering an easy and convenient way to save any piece of paper — and all you’ll need is an iPhone or iPad. With iScanner App, you just point your device’s camera at the pages you would like to scan. The app then uses AI-powered features to detect and adjust the document’s borders, preventing any distortions.

After scanning, you can take advantage of the editing tools, like color correction and noise-removing features, to make your scan shine. Once your file looks right, you can export it as a PDF, JPG, DOC, XLS, PPT, or TXT.

iScanner App doesn’t just digitize your documents; it also doubles as a document manager. Organize things into folders with its convenient drag-and-drop functionality. And if you’re working with sensitive information, you can lock folders and files with a PIN.

This multitasking app can also serve as your own PDF editor, allowing you to sign, add text, or auto-fill documents. And thanks to the power of AI, it’s also able to solve math problems and translate text in up to 20 different languages — all within the app.

A lifetime subscription to the iScanner App can be yours for just $27.99 (reg. $199.90) with code FLASH now through Jan. 11.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Want to watch college football this season? Here are your best options: BEST FOR ESPN ESPN Unlimited $29.99 per month for 1 year (save $15) Shop Now Best for Fox and Big Ten Fox One 7-day free trial, then $199.99 per year (save $39.89) Shop Now BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month (save $30) Get Deal Best for channels Hulu + Live TV 3-day free trial, then $76.99/month Shop Now Best for affordability Sling Season Pass $329 for 5 months (save $50.95) Shop Now BEST for INTRODUCTORY OFFER YouTube TV 5-day free trial, then $49.99/month for 3 months (save $99) Shop Now

There was big college football drama last week, with James Madison securing a playoff spot thanks to a series of championship game results. But the drama is far from over as we enter bowl season, meaning plenty more action and, of course, the playoffs.

Dec. 13. kicks off the bowl season action, with the Boise State Broncos vs. Washington Huskies in the LA Bowl from SoFi Stadium.

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Boise State are the Mountain West champions, having defeated UNLV in the Championship Game. It’s the Broncos’ third straight conference win — they’re also on a three-game streak entering this bowl game — but they’ll still face a tough challenge against the Power Four team of Washington, who have eight wins overall this season. Boise State haven’t toppled a Power Four team since 2019.

Add to that all the spectacle and excitement of bowl season, and this is a game not to miss. If you want to watch Boise State vs. Washington for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Boise State vs. Washington?

Boise State vs. Washington takes place at 8 p.m. ET on Dec. 13. This game takes place at SoFi Stadium.

Boise State vs. Washington is broadcast on ABC.

How to watch college football in 2025/26

Fans can live stream college football on a wide range of recommended services, some of which include free trials so you can follow the action without actually spending anything.

ESPN Unlimited (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: ESPN ESPN Unlimited $29.99 per month for 1 year Shop Now

Channels: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, and ACCNX

ESPN Unlimited provides access to everything that ESPN has to offer. For college football, you get live access to games on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN+, SEC Network, SECN+, ACC Network, and ABC. The Unlimited plan will set you back $29.99 per month, but for the first year, new subscribers can secure a bundle with Disney+ and Hulu for the same price.

Fox One (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Fox One Fox One 7-day free trial, then $199.99 per year Shop Now

Channels: Fox, FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network

Fox One provides access to live broadcasts on Fox, Fox Sports, FS1, FS2, and Big Ten Network. It costs $19.99 per month, but you can save $40 by opting for the annual plan at $199.99. You can also start with a seven-day free trial, so you've got the chance to watch select games without spending anything.

FuboTV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NBCSN, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network, and The CW

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and provides the opportunity to watch on 10 screens at once, if that's your thing. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

Fubo takes sports seriously, and that's something we appreciate. With the Pro subscription, you get access to most college football broadcasts. But hardcore fans may want to consider upgrading to the Elite plan, which unlocks access to ESPNU, SEC Network, Pac-12 Network, and ACC Network. Either way, we suggest you test the waters for seven days before you make any sort of commitment.

Hulu + Live TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu + Live TV 3-day free trial, then $76.99/month Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, and The CW

Hulu + Live TV is not exactly cheap, but it does offer good bang for your buck. You need to cough up $76.99 per month (after a three-day trial), but you get access to over 95 live TV channels, plus Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ (all with ads). The included access to ESPN+ provides bonus access to even more college football games on top of live TV networks like ABC, FOX, ESPN, The CW, ACC Network, and more. Now that's value.

Sling (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Season Pass $329 for 5 months Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN 3, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network

Sling is a comprehensive sporting service that offers a whole host of benefits, but you do need to be careful when selecting a plan. The Orange and Blue packages give you access to FOX, NBC, ABC, ESPN, and more in local markets, but for access to ACC Network, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, and more, you'll need the Sports Extra package. We recommend checking your local market to ensure you get access to the channels you actually need.

YouTube TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV 7-day free trial, then $49.99/month for your first 3 months Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, NBCSN, SEC Network, and The CW

YouTube TV provides access to over 100 live channels. Newsflash: that's a lot. This huge list includes most of the channels you actually need to watch live college football, including NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, and ESPN, plus networks like FS1 and SEC Network. YouTube TV also offers that all-important free trial so you can watch select games without spending anything.

How to watch Boise State vs. Washington from anywhere in the world

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of college football from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Boise State vs. Washington from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

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

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

5. Watch Boise State vs. Washington from anywhere in the world

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% 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 $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

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

DJI launched its latest smartphone gimbal, the Osmo Mobile 8, in November, in markets across (most of) the globe. It's a decent option for budding content creators on a budget, offering straightforward controls and smooth performance that can also help jazz up home movies.

The DJI Osmo Mobile 8 is a solidly built phone gimbal Credit: A. Yeo

DJI's Osmo Mobile 8 has solid build quality, largely made of a sturdy-feeling black plastic — but it also comes with a slightly textured rubberised grip on the handle's rear. This addition seems unnecessary, as the material feels barely different to the rest of the handle and adds little in terms of grip.

The seams interrupt the smooth, ergonomic feel of it in the hand. Making the handle's body a single piece may have been preferable; the micro-channel around the grip seems likely to collect dead skin and grime. Still, the Osmo Mobile 8 feels good overall.

The Osmo Mobile 8 comes with its multifunctional module, a clamp to hold your phone, and a fabric storage pouch. The phone clamp connects to the gimbal arm via a magnet, which is reassuringly strong enough to give users peace of mind. There are also two USB-C cables: A longer one for charging the Mobile 8, and a shorter one which connects the module to your phone when using a mic. 

Credit: A. Yeo

In addition to these accessories, the Osmo Mobile 8 has an inbuilt telescopic extension rod and a tripod, both of which are solidly built. Though the extension rod only adds around 8.5 inches, it's enough to get crowd shots or a decent selfie, and packs away so well that you're likely to forget it's there. You can fully extend it while using the tripod as well, though it feels just precarious enough that you wouldn't want to if there's much of a breeze.

Tripod legs stow away in the Osmo Mobile 8's handle, making for a very compact and elegant design solution. These legs pull out from the bottom and then fold out, attached with metal hardware that feels durable.

There is a nice amount of flex when you apply downward pressure to the Osmo Mobile 8, while the tripod is set up. It has the kind of bounce that makes it feel it's unlikely to break.

The bottoms of the tripod prongs end in relatively sizable rubber feet, which provide a good amount of stability and grip, as well as scratch protection for the surface you place it on. It does a decent job of standing on uneven surfaces, though isn't designed for anything extreme.

DJI recommends picking up its separately sold Grip Tripod accessory if you want to set up your Osmo Mobile 8 in less even, more windy conditions.

Travelling with the Osmo Mobile 8 isn't smooth Credit: A. Yeo

Unfortunately, even with its smart tripod storage, the Osmo Mobile 8 is bulky enough that carrying it around to shoot on the go feels like a hassle. The gimbal is over twice as heavy as DJI's popular Osmo Pocket 3 gimbal camera, weighing in at around 370g, and while the mobile phone arm folds down, it still leaves the Mobile 8 an awkward shape for transport.

The Osmo Mobile 8's included fabric storage bag offers little protection, alas, and doesn't feel sufficient for carrying it around. Realistically, many users are likely to leave the Osmo Mobile 8's magnetic phone clamp attached to the gimbal when not in use. (While DJI does have a flat quick-release mount accessory for MagSafe compatible iPhones, it's sold separately and isn't compatible with the multifunction module.)

The clamp can still be rotated even while the Osmo Mobile 8 is powered off, which can cause it to get caught in the storage bag's opening when being taken out or stowed. This part doesn't spin freely either, as the gimbal's mechanical range doesn't have a 360-degree roll. You wouldn't want to force it too far, which doesn't feel like an impossible mishap that might occur in the bottom of your bag.

The DJI Osmo Mobile 8 is best when used hands-free Credit: A. Yeo

While the DJI Osmo Mobile 8's build is a bit clunky, it makes up for it with impressive performance. In addition to offering a fill light with eight levels of brightness and color temperature settings, the Osmo Mobile 8's incredibly handy multifunction module acts as a microphone receiver for compatible DJI transmitters as well as enables tracking of people or animals.

Subject tracking is smooth, easy to operate, and works well. When using the DJI Mimo app, users choose a subject to lock on to simply by tapping them while they're in frame. (Subjects are automatically tracked instead when using AppleDockKit in the iPhone camera app — more on that later.)

The gimbal will then follow the selected subject as long as they move at a moderate, reasonable speed, making it suitable for vlogging. We did successfully dodge it when attempting to do so, meaning people can duck out of frame when needed.

The Osmo Mobile 8 is great if you want to set up your gimbal for hands-free filming. Aside from the built-in tripod and heavier weight helping to keep it sturdy, the large phone screen enables you to check your framing from a further distance (provided you're using your phone's front camera).

Unfortunately, its weight acts against it when used as a handheld device. DJI's smaller and lighter Osmo Pocket 3 is a far superior handheld gimbal experience, though it's also three times the price and has a comparatively tiny inbuilt screen which makes filming from a distance trickier.

Credit: A. Yeo

When you've finished filming, turning the Osmo Mobile 8 off feels a bit like putting it in a sleeper hold. Powering it off involves folding down the gimbal arm and rotating it so that it locks in place, aligning the small, subtle indicators to guide you. At first it feels as though you're doing something you aren't supposed to, as the unit will struggle against you, twitching and turning as you force it into position.

When using the Osmo Mobile 8, the camera quality depends on the phone you use. The DJI Mimo app supplements this by offering a few basic beauty filter options. All of these work quite well, and can be adjusted in strength if you prefer more subtle touchups.

However, the iOS app applies face slimming by default, even if you move its slider down to zero. You'll have to completely turn off all beauty filters to disable it, meaning you can't just smooth your skin or get rid of your dark circles. In contrast, Android offers more beauty filter options, and doesn't apply face slimming automatically.

DJI Osmo Mobile 8 vs 7P: What are the differences? Credit: A. Yeo

The Osmo Mobile 8 is the same size and roughly the same weight as its predecessor, the Osmo Mobile 7P. DJI also states that both models have 10-hour run times and charge in about 2.5 hours. The primary upgrades between the DJI Osmo Mobile 8 and Osmo Mobile 7P are the mechanical range of the gimbal and AppleDockKit support. 

While the Osmo Mobile 7P's mechanical range limited it to -109 to 222 degrees of panning, the Osmo Mobile 8 allows for full 360-degree pan rotation. This means that you can set it to track you via DJI's Mimo app, then walk in circles around the gimbal and have the camera follow you. Such a wide range of motion makes the Osmo Mobile 8 much easier to set and forget, for when you want to catch moments like running around with the kids at a family picnic.

The Osmo Mobile 8 also introduces AppleDockKit support, enabling iPhone users to track subjects in the native iPhone camera app. Pairing is easy, simply requiring you to tap your phone to the NFC tag on the side of the gimbal's handle. Even so, you can't directly choose what AppleDockKit tracks, making it most suitable for less busy shots where there's a higher chance it will lock on to your desired subject.

AppleDockKit tracking works with the Osmo Mobile 8's phone clamp, but won't activate if you have the multifunction module attached. It's far more practical to use the gimbal's quick-release mount instead if you have it, as its AppleDockKit tracking doesn't use the multifunction module anyway. 

Native iPhone camera tracking isn't necessarily a groundbreaking new addition to the Osmo Mobile 8, as tracking in the DJI Mimo app works well. However, it may improve workflow for people who prefer to film footage directly to their camera roll instead of via the app.

Should you buy the DJI Osmo Mobile 8? Credit: A. Yeo

With compact gimbal cameras such as DJI's Osmo Pocket 3 available, comparatively bulky gadgets like the Osmo Mobile 8 can be a harder sell even for those willing to pay a premium. The Osmo Pocket 3 is notably more compact and lightweight, and doesn't require you to relinquish your phone to use it.

Even so, the Osmo Mobile 8's significantly lower price makes it a much more attractive option for those who dabble in content creation, primarily film at home, and are curious to find out how a gimbal might upgrade their setup.

If you're after smooth subject tracking on a budget, the DJI Osmo Mobile 8 is a versatile, well-built gimbal that will likely suit your needs.

Unfortunately, while the Osmo Mobile 8 is currently available in many markets, the U.S. remains a notable exception. DJI continues to deal with notable obstacles from the U.S. federal government, which have hindered its business stateside. For now, getting your hands on DJI's Osmo Mobile 8 in the U.S. may require going through third parties.

Apple, Samsung, Google, and OnePlus brought their A-games with new phone releases in 2025.

Not every aspect of every new device that those companies released was great. Some of the devices themselves were disappointing. Still, whether you want a mid-range powerhouse or a fabulous foldable, or anything in between, you have plenty of great options in 2025.

Here are the best smartphones that launched in the past 12 months.

SEE ALSO: The 11 best video games of 2025 OnePlus 15 It's a little generic-looking, but who cares? Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

For the past few years, Chinese firm OnePlus has offered pretty excellent flagship phones at competitive prices. If you want to escape the Apple/Google/Samsung ecosystem and go with something a little different (but arguably just as good, if not better), the OnePlus 15 is a great way to go.

There's nothing especially distinctive or gimmicky about the OnePlus 15 — just a reliable, solid Android handset. For $899, you get three good rear cameras, a huge display with a staggering 165Hz refresh rate, and a gargantuan 7,300mAh battery that holds up for exceptionally long stretches of time.

The OnePlus 15 is the most recently released phone on the list, and absolutely stands its ground against the rest.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 It's simply absurd how thin this phone is. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

One of the big problems with tablet-style foldables (which I personally prefer to clamshell-type phones) is this: most feel bulky when folded up. You can use the outer display like a normal phone — but on almost all of these devices, the form factor doesn't make that a super fun thing to do.

That's what makes the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 so remarkable: Samsung fixed that problem entirely. The solution, it turned out, was just to make the phone extraordinarily thin.

The Fold 7 has the most impressive physical design of any device on this list; it really needs to be seen to be believed. It's a great phone in many respects, but the fact that it actually feels like a regular phone when you fold it up is a true game-changer. This is easily the best foldable I've ever used.

Motorola Razr Ultra

Samsung's Z Flip 7 has gotten the most attention among foldable fans, but don't count out the premium Razr Ultra.

This smartphone has an incredible battery life, and it lasted over 24 hours in our rundown tests. On top of that, it starts with 512GB of storage and comes with a Snapdragon processor, unlike the Z Flip 7.

In short, the Razr Ultra feels more like a flagship phone, whereas Samsung's flip phone is a clear step down from the flagship Z Fold 7. The early versions of the foldable Razr had some problems, which we've covered in depth. But the 2025 version fixes these bugs, and it's a satisfying flip-style phone that actually fits in your pocket.

This phone went a long way in convincing our tech editor that foldables are finally ready for the mainstream market; he called it the "unsung hero" of the year.

Google Pixel 10 Pro Not the most exciting color options, sadly. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

I'm an iPhone guy and probably will be for the rest of time — but if I ever had to move to Android, Google's Pixel line is where I'd go.

The Pixel software is always clean and intuitive, and Google tends to favor Pixel phones when it comes to releasing new Android software features first. Then there's the fact that they have some of the best cameras in the business.

Most of that remained true with the Pixel 10 Pro this year. It delivered amazing photos (at least during the daytime) and some of its new AI features, like Daily Hub, can be useful. Google didn't do much tweaking to Pixel this year, but it didn't need much.

iPhone 16e It's a blend of old and new. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

For years, Apple's mid-range iPhone was the iPhone SE. These were generally pretty good devices, and in particular, they appeased folks who yearned for the physical home button.

Unfortunately, Apple never got into the habit of releasing new SE models annually, and the line was sent out to pasture.

The good news is that Apple didn't give up on mid-range iPhones entirely. The iPhone 16e is the first in what we expect to be an annual line of cheap-ish iPhones, and while its $599 starting price is a bit on the high end for a mid-range device, the phone itself is great.

For far less than the price of a flagship iPhone, you get a nice A18 chip for quality performance, outstanding battery life, and all of the current Apple Intelligence features you could ask for. Hopefully Apple keeps up the momentum and eventually gets the iPhone e-series up to par with the next phone on this list.

Google Pixel 9a Nice color. Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

Google's Pixel A-series has been its budget-friendly standard bearer for years, and the Pixel 9a was no different. Aside from a somewhat dull redesign, this $499 handset is almost as good as the regular Pixel 9.

All the AI features are here, the cameras aren't bad, the battery lasts a long time, and you can get it in pink. As a budget phone, it doesn't bring any new features to the table, but the fact that you don't really miss out on much from the regular Pixel 9 is a great selling point in itself.

iPhone 17 Pro Max Sadly, we didn't get the orange one. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

No, we were not going to end this list without talking about 2025's new flagship iPhone. You can breathe easy.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is a powerhouse. You can get up to 2TB of onboard storage, it has some of the best smartphone cameras money can buy, and you will never have any concerns about performance thanks to powerful internal hardware.

Oh, and the battery is pretty great too; we noted as much as 39 hours of battery life when it comes to video playback. It's not a cheap phone, but if you can afford it, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is worth the investment.

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are some of the best features in newer cars, but if you've ever wanted to upgrade from a wired system to a wireless one, the options were somewhat limited—until now. Don't waste your money on a no-name adapter from Amazon, and buy this one instead.

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

A load.

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

CARGO

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Open land.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 13, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

GLADE

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A slant.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 13 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 13, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

SLOPE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

To delay.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for December 13 Hurdle Word 4 answer

STAVE

Final Hurdle hint

Clearheaded.

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

SOBER

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

The moon is returning to its crescent shape as we head towards the New Moon. We're still a few days away from total darkness, so for now there's still a few features to be spotted on the surface. Read on to find out what you can see.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Saturday, Dec. 13, the moon phase is Waning Crescent. This means 34% of the moon is lit up tonight, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation.

Tonight, without any visual aids, you'll be able to see Kepler Crater and the Oceanus Procellarum. If you have binoculars, you'll also be able to see the Grimaldi Basin, Clavius Crater, and the Mare Humorum. With a telescope, Reiner Gamma, Schiller Crater, and Fra Mauro Highlands will also become visible.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on Jan. 3.

What are moon phases?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TL;DR: Watch the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free on Channel 4. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There is quite simply no tournament like the Africa Cup of Nations. It's an electric combination of heated rivalries, colorful fans, and flair that is sometimes lacking from elite competitions. We know that the eyes of the footballing world are already fixed on the 2026 World Cup, but this incredible tournament should whet the appetite of fans before the main event next summer.

The likes of Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi, Sadio Mane, Bryan Mbuemo, and Victor Osimhen will be taking center stage in Morocco. We're expecting some scintillating football from the best of the best.

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If you're interested in watching the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

What is the Africa Cup of Nations?

The Africa Cup of Nations (or AFCON) is the main biennial international men's association football competition in Africa. 24 teams are drawn into six groups of four teams. The top two teams from each group and the four best third-placed teams advance to the knockout rounds.

The defending champion is Ivory Coast. Egypt is the most successful nation in the tournament's history, winning seven times and securing three consecutive titles in 2006, 2008, and 2010.

When is the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations?

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is the 35th edition of the competition. This year's event takes place from Dec. 21 to Jan. 18 in Morocco.

How to watch the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is available to live stream for free on Channel 4. All matches will be live across Channel 4’s network, including Channel 4, E4, 4Seven, and Channel 4 Sport YouTube. 

Channel 4 is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can stream the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Connect to Channel 4

5. Watch the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free from anywhere in the world

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The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer pretty generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch AFCON without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for Channel 4?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on free platforms like Channel 4, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (also with a money-back guarantee).

Live stream the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free with ExpressVPN.

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

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

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

How to play Pips

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 13, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for December 13, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 13 Pips

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

Number (7): Everything in this red space must add up to 7. The answer is 0-6, placed vertically; 1-1, placed vertically.

Number (7): Everything in this light blue space must add up to 7. The answer is 1-1, placed vertically; 4-3, placed vertically; 5-2, placed horizontally.

Number (11): Everything in this orange space must add up to 11. The answer is 5-2, placed horizontally; 6-6, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 13 Pips

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

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

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 0-4, placed horizontally; 4-3, placed horizontally.

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 4-3, placed horizontally; 5-1, placed horizontally.

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

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

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 6-0, placed vertically; 2-3, placed horizontally.

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

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 13 Pips

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

Less Than (6): Everything in this space must be less than 6. The answer is 1-3, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 1-3, placed horizontally; 3-6, placed vertically.

Equal (2): Everything in this orange space must be equal to 2. The answer is 5-2, placed vertically; 2-1, vertically.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 4-1, placed vertically.

Equal (1): Everything in this green space must be equal to 1. The answer is 2-1, placed vertically; 4-1, placed vertically; 1-1, placed horizontally.

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

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 4-6, placed horizontally.

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

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you're stylish.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for December 13, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Bottoms

• Green: Unspoken

• Blue: Baseball stars

• Purple: Ancient legends

Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Wide-legged pant styles

• Green: Silent "T"

• Blue: New York Mets legends

• Purple: Greek mythology figures minus a letter

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #916 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Wide-legged pant styles: CULOTTE, GAUCHO, HAREM, PALAZZO

• Silent "T": APOSTLE, DEPOT, MORTGAGE, POIROT

• New York Mets legends: GOODEN, PIAZZA, SEAVER, STRAWBERRY

• Greek mythology figures minus a letter: AJA, ARE, HER, HERCULE

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 13, 2025

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you love chaos.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 13, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 13, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: All over the place

The words are related to structure.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe disorder.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Thats Wild.

NYT Strands word list for December 13

• Unruly

• Chaotic

• Thats Wild

• Disorderly

• Tumultuous

• Stormy

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Strands.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're frugal.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 13, 2025 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for December 13, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A penny-pincher.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter S appears twice.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter M.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

MISER

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 13, 2025

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Wordle.

Million-dollar diamonds, priests with neck tattoos, full-on resurrection... These are all elements of the narrative puzzle Rian Johnson pieces together in Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.

The latest Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) whodunnit transports audiences to the quiet town of Chimney Rock, where local church Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude has been rocked by a murder most foul, that of controversial Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin). Following a Good Friday mass, Wicks popped into a sealed room just off the altar, where he collapsed, stabbed by a dagger with a devil wolf head pommel.

SEE ALSO: 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery' trailer sees Josh O'Connor accused of an impossible crime

The clearest suspect in this textbook locked-room mystery is Reverend Jud Duplenticy (Josh O'Connor), a young priest who challenges Wicks' prejudiced teachings. He's also been caught on camera threatening to cut Wicks out of the church, so things don't look great for him.

But of course, as in any Knives Out mystery, things are rarely as they seem. Although there was animosity between Wicks and Jud, it wasn't Jud who killed him. Instead, the murder came from within Wicks' own flock of religious followers. Was it lawyer Vera Draven (Kerry Washington) or her adopted son and incendiary political hopeful Cy (Daryl McCormack)? Wicks' number-one devotee Martha Delacroix (Glenn Close) or sci-fi writer Lee Ross (Andrew Scott)? Doctor Nat Sharp (Jeremy Renner) or cellist Simone Vivane (Cailee Spaeny)?

Let's break down the killer's twisted plot.

Who killed Jefferson Wicks in Wake Up Dead Man? The ensemble of "Wake Up Dead Man" lays eyes on a murder. Credit: John Wilson / Netflix

Not one, but two members of Wicks' flock were behind his murder. It was Nat who dealt the killing blow, but it was Martha who set the whole plan in motion.

Before we get into Martha's motive, let's get into her and Nat's methodology. It starts with the two devil wolf head lamp toppers from local bar Il Diavolo. Nat stole one, and Martha nabbed the other when Jud hurled it into the church in anger. She painted the heads red and sewed one into Wicks' Good Friday vestments, which explains the red thread the police found by Wicks' body. That head was also attached to a remote control device. When Wicks went into the side room to drink from his flask, Nat set off the device, which popped a squib of blood onto the robes. Martha and Nat also laced the flask with medical-grade tranquilizer, causing Wicks to fall unconscious.

That means Wicks wasn't dead when Jud initially found him. His actual death came when Nat entered the room in order to investigate. Using Martha's horrified reaction as a distraction, Nat stabbed Wicks with the devil wolf knife and got rid of the device. That's how you pull off a locked-room murder in a church, folks!

Wait, why did Martha want to kill Wicks in the first place?

But hold on, why did Martha, Wicks' ride-or-die disciple, want him dead? You think he'd be the last person she'd wish death on, right?

The answer is a tale 60 years in the making, and it all starts with Wicks' mother Grace (Annie Hamilton), also known as "the harlot whore." Grace remained under her father Reverend Prentice Wicks' (James Faulkner) roof until his death, hoping to gain access to his hidden fortune — and a ticket out of her miserable existence in Chimney Rock. However, Prentice didn't want Grace to succumb to the temptation of Eve's apple, and so he passed away without telling her where he'd hidden it.

Turns out, Eve's apple wasn't just a metaphor for temptation. It was Prentice's fortune: a literal diamond, worth millions, that Prentice swallowed as his final communion. He invited Martha to witness it, telling her that with the fortune gone, it would no longer be a corrupting force within his family.

Martha harbored this secret for 60 years, never once giving it up. (Although she certainly goaded a distraught Grace about it.) But when Jud questioned whether she or anyone in Wicks' flock could actually confess their deepest sins at Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude, she decided to take him up on that challenge. She revealed the location of Eve's Apple to the priest hearing her confession. The big problem? She thought she was talking to Jud, when in reality, she was talking to Wicks.

Knowing his grandfather's fortune lay close at hand changed Wicks. He ordered a construction company to open his grandfather's mausoleum so he could remove Eve's Apple from his skeleton. After that, he planned to fly the coop and burn his flock in his wake, including busting Nat for treating patients while under the influence of alcohol. Following his grand exit, he would embrace the grander political aspirations of Cy, who is actually his son. For Martha, these were all signs of the corruption of temptation. Wicks' covetous sin would bring the downfall of the church she'd worked to uphold for decades, and she couldn't fail her duty to the church. Sure, she can excuse the bigoted rhetoric, but this is where she draws the line.

So how could Martha preserve both the church and Wicks' image? By killing him, obviously. Oh, and then reviving him.

How did Martha "revive" Wicks? Kerry Washington and Glenn Close in "Wake Up Dead Man." Credit: Netflix

In waking up dead man Wicks, Martha hoped to stage "a holy mystery, unsolvable and divine." Of course, she couldn't really resurrect Wicks. But she could enlist the help of a surprisingly accurate Wicks body double: her husband Samson (Thomas Haden Church).

A very alive Samson was entombed in the mausoleum, not Wicks' corpse. When Nat sent him the signal, Samson burst out of the purposefully shoddy coffin he'd built himself, went digging in Prentice's rib cage for Eve's Apple, then opened the mausoleum's Lazarus door from the inside. Anyone watching the security footage of Samson emerging into the night would see what looked like a newly revived Wicks reuniting with Samson. The reality of the scene was that Samson, dressed as Wicks, was reuniting with Nat, dressed as Samson.

From there, Nat, Samson, and Martha were supposed to dispose of Eve's Apple. Samson would then tell the world his story of meeting the resurrected Wicks, who gave him his blessing before ascending to heaven. It would be Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude's own miracle, one in the vein of the resurrection of Lazarus, or even Jesus Christ himself.

But Martha didn't count on Jud stumbling onto the scene, or Samson knocking him out. Nor did she factor Nat's greed into the equation. When he lays eyes on Eve's Apple, it's like Gollum catching sight of the One Ring for the first time. And just like Gollum, he jumps straight to murder. He takes out Samson, then stages the scene to look like Jud did it.

Nat attempts to continue his murder spree by poisoning Martha with a lethal dose of pentobarbital. Unluckily for him, she already knew about Samson's death, so she pulled a Reverse Uno straight out of the Sicilian's challenge in The Princess Bride, switching their tea cups so he drinks the poison instead. From there, all Martha had to do was stage Nat's corpse to look like he was drowning Wicks in a vat of acid. Talk about improvise, adapt, overcome.

What happens to Martha in the end? Josh O'Connor and Glenn Close in "Wake Up Dead Man." Credit: Netflix

Martha winds up confessing all of her sins of her own free will to Jud. She does so after taking pentobarbital herself, passing away in the church. Before she does, though, she finds forgiveness for those she harbored hate for in life, including Grace. Jud recites the Sacrament of Reconciliation and gives her the grace of forgiveness. I'm not sure I could look past the full-on murder or hero worship of a monstrous man in order to forgive someone, but then again, I'm not a priest, and Jud is just better than me.

As for Eve's Apple, it officially "disappeared." However, Jud cheekily hid it within the new crucifix he made for Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude. With that, the ugly legacy of the Wicks family, including Wicks' nasty teachings and rants against his own mother, fades away, leaving the church in a better place. Yes, there are unfortunately still Wicks truthers out there who believe in the miracle, all based on Cy's inflammatory videos. But in Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude itself, the future looks bright for Jud, who prepares to welcome everyone who steps through his doors.

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is now streaming on Netflix.

It's hard to imagine a company appearing to put its thumb on the scale for another company more than Bob Iger's Disney just did for Sam Altman's OpenAI.

The very day Disney took legal action against Google for what it says is unlicensed use of its intellectual property, it also licensed some of that property for use in Sora, the video generator made by Google's main rival, OpenAI. Just to make it clear which side of the AI feud the Mouse House was on, Iger also invested in Altman's company to the tune of $1 billion.

But coincidence of the timing aside, it's also hard to imagine the deal doing more good for Altman than it does for Iger.

OpenAI is spending so freely at the moment that $1 billion will cover 3-4 weeks of its estimated losses (see below for the math) or one-thousandth of its spending commitments.

Based on those numbers, OpenAI needs more than 1,001 Disney deals just to keep going. (Could be there's a movie in that!) And now, on top of that, OpenAI will pay the world's largest media company so its users can make a video using one of Disney's approved characters.

Disney, meanwhile, gets a chunk of the company, the glory of being a player in AI, and a carefully curated, user-created stream of new content for Disney+. It's lose-win!

SEE ALSO: Everything is fine: Disney CEO Bob Iger says OpenAI deal isn't a threat to creatives.

Why would Altman accept a deal like that? Perhaps because of the sheer scale of the hole OpenAI is in. That scale may become clearer this month, in a flurry of investigations and estimates. OpenAI is in trouble, declared the Atlantic — and in one of the publication's sickest burns ever, dubbed the ChatGPT maker the "Netscape of AI."

(Netscape was also a pioneer of the web browser, but couldn't compete when tech giants like Microsoft built their own models; in the end, AOL bought Netscape).

How much money is OpenAI really losing?

That takedown looked mild next to a typical tech journalist's summary: "You have no idea how screwed OpenAI actually is." (And that was written before the "Code Red" Altman declared last month, when Google Gemini was launched and OpenAI started hemorrhaging users.)

How screwed, exactly, is a moving target. Just ask Deutsche Bank, which also started hammering nails in OpenAI's coffin this month. Deutsche analyst Jim Reid has estimated the company's losses going forward at a staggering $140 billion, between 2024 and 2029 alone.

Given the commitments OpenAI has made to spending on new infrastructure — more than $1 trillion, or 1,000 Disney deals — Reid may be optimistic in suggesting the company will be around that long.

We can't examine the books, given that OpenAI is also the world's largest private company, but it seems Altman has fully embraced a burn rate of spending that makes the dotcom bubble era look sensible.

In the first half of 2025 alone, according to The Information, revenue at OpenAI was $4.3 billion; total expenditure was $17.8 billion.

"No start-up in history has operated with expected losses on anything approaching this scale," Reid wrote.

No kidding. When you make a billion-dollar deal with Disney, and that deal covers less than one month of your losses, then ... well, you too might have panic sweats. And you too might be looking for as many deals with as many more Disneys as possible.

Disney now joins the ranks of Softbank, Microsoft (which made its first $1 billion investment in OpenAI in 2019), or NVIDIA (which made a $100 billion deal with OpenAI that ties them into using NVIDIA chips). These are the companies you need in your corner if your cash is going to run out at any time.

Maybe you'd be looking for a bailout from one of these deep pockets, or all of them, down the line. Maybe you'd even be looking for a U.S. government bailout, as some sources suggest.

And maybe, if all is lost and OpenAI's valuation heads south, you'd be hoping for someone like Iger to do for OpenAI what AOL did for Netscape.

Apple released new updates to its core operating systems today, with the 26.2 versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and visionOS available now.

As expected, the iPhone update iOS 26.2 is getting the most attention. Apple's official description of the update says it offers "enhancements to Apple Music, Podcasts, and Games, as well as other features, bug fixes, and security updates for your iPhone."

How to update to iOS 26.2, iPadOS 26.2, macOS 26.2, watchOS 26.2, and visionOS 26.2

Apple makes this process pretty simple; if you have automatic updates enabled, your device may already be updated to the new OS.

To manually update, go to your device's settings, tap or click on "General," and then "Software Update." From there, you'll see options to update immediately or later in the evening while you're asleep.

What's new with iOS 26.2?

The beta of this update has been available since November, so there may not be surprises if you follow all of the latest beta developments and bug fixes. But if you don't (and why would you?), here are the key updates:

• Your "Favorite Songs" playlist will appear in "Top Picks" on the Apple Music home tab

• Offline lyrics will be available for downloaded songs in Apple Music

• Automatically generated chapters make it easier to navigate episodes in Podcasts

• New filters in the Games library

• Improved support for third-party mobile controllers

• New Lock Screen customization options, including more or less opacity for Liquid Glass

• Enhanced safety alerts

• AirDrop verification codes when connecting with unknown contacts

• New navigation options in Apple News

• A new accessibility setting that makes the screen flash when you receive a notification

What's new with iPadOS 26.2?

The release notes for iPadOS 26.2 highlight 17 changes and bug fixes. The update "enhances the new windowing system introduced in iPadOS 26 with familiar drag and drop gestures for tiling app windows and creating a Slide Over window," as well as enhancements to Apple Music, Podcasts, and Games, and essential security updates.

Most of the key changes are the same as with iOS:

• Multitasking gestures to quickly tile windows or place an app in Slide Over by dragging app icons from the Dock

• New drag and drop gestures for the iPad windowing system

• Your "Favorite Songs" playlist will appear in "Top Picks" on the Apple Music home tab

• Offline lyrics will be available for downloaded songs in Apple Music

• Automatically generated chapters make it easier to navigate episodes in Podcasts

• New filters in the Games library

• Improved support for third-party mobile controllers

• New Lock Screen customization options, including more or less opacity for Liquid Glass

What's new with macOS 26.2? The new Edge Light feature in macOS 26.2. Credit: Apple

MacOS introduces one of the most notable changes with this round of updates — a new video calling feature called Edge Light.

"Edge Light simulates a ring light by illuminating the borders of your screen, providing a pleasing fill light when you make a video call in low light. And to ensure that you always have access to your content, the effect automatically recedes from the area around your mouse pointer...Edge Light works best in low-light conditions, such as dim indoor lighting at night. You can combine it with any of the other effects."

Google is always introducing new experimental AI tools, like that time it tried out AI-generated podcasts in Google Search results. Another such AI-powered experiment has hit the proverbial airwaves. This time, it’s a Gemini-powered tool that it’s calling "Disco," which can take a web browser tab and turn it into an interactive web app. 

The process is fairly simple. You take a browser tab and ask Disco to make it a web app with its GenTab function. The AI then creates a simple web app that houses all of the information from the browser window. This includes interactive elements that can help visually explain information from the browser window. The presentation is controllable based on how you prompt the AI. 

In one example that Google used, it created a Disco web app from a webpage about entropy and showed an example of what entropy might look like. There is also a tool that helps you take that information and summarize it for use in writing.

Another example Google used was planning a winter trip. In the GenApp that Disco generated, it included information about the location, a Google Maps map of the surrounding area, integration with the user’s calendar, and an itinerary builder that used Google Maps map pins to show where everything would be. It showed all of this and more in an interactive user interface. 

Google also showed off the ability to make an interactive meal planner and a vegetable garden planner. In short, if you want to plan something, this might actually be a useful tool.

The general idea appears to be combining web browsing for the purposes of research, and combining it with the ability to plan or research things more deeply. Instead of just reading 15 webpages about a certain topic, you can generate a web app that will guide you through the material. Similarly, instead of opening tabs for your calendar, Google Maps, and other tools to plan a trip, you can have Disco’s GenTabs make a web app that houses all of those tools in one spot. 

It’s an interesting pivot for Google. Most AI companies are currently investing in web browsing via the AI browser idea, which includes Perplexity’s Comet and Copilot Mode in Microsoft Edge. Google has the Chrome browser with Gemini baked in already, so this is a different way to explore the notion of web browsing with AI.

Google says that Disco will eventually be a platform that will house multiple features. GenTabs, the functionality described above, is the first such feature for that platform. Currently, users will have to sign up for a waitlist if they want to try it out, but the waitlist does say that approved testers will likely be chosen for future Disco features as well.

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