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TL;DR: iBUYPOWER is offering an an extra discount on any RDY Prebuilt PC with code 12DEALS. This is part of its 12 Deals of Christmas promotion that's running until Dec. 24.

Opens in a new window Credit: iBUYPOWER iBUYPOWER 12 Deals of Christmas: Save extra with 12DEALS   Get Deal

'Tis the season to treat yourself to some sleek new tech for the holidays. If a PC upgrade has been on your mind, iBUYPOWER is holding a 12 Deals of Christmas sale event until Dec. 24. This event features 24-hour Flash Sales each day on various prebuilt gaming PCs, including a stellar deal on iBUYPOWER’s RDY Element 9 R07.

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SEE ALSO: The 60+ best Christmas gifts for 2025: Find unique gift ideas you'd never think of on your own

This code can be used on any RDY Prebuilt PC from iBUYPOWER, allowing you to save up to $200 off RDY Prebuilt PCs priced over $2,999, $100 off RDY Prebuilt PCs over $1,999, and $50 off RDY Prebuilt PCs over $999. That's quite the bonus to take advantage of before Christmas hits, especially with component prices surging. So why not treat yourself to a new build today to take you into the new year?

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Remember, these are limited-time deals as part of iBUYPOWER's 12 Deals of Christmas, which only runs until Dec. 24. So, if one of those PC builds has caught your eye, now is your chance to save a little bit extra with code 12DEALS.

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

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 16, 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: Get moving!

• Green: Lineage

• Blue: Films by an iconic director

• Purple: Musical sounds

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Dances

• Green: Descendants

• Blue: Hitchcock movies

• Purple: Starting with percussion instruments

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 #919 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Dances: BOLERO, FOXTROT, MAMBO, QUICKSTEP

• Descendants: BROOD, FAMILY, OFFSPRING, POSTERITY

• Hitchcock movies: LIFEBOAT, ROPE, SPELLBOUND, SUSPICION

• Starting with percussion instruments: BELLHOP, CHIMERA, DRUMROLL, RATTLESNAKE

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 16, 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're a good judge of character.

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 16, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 16, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Let me count the ways

The words are related to personality.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe positive personality traits.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is High Praise.

NYT Strands word list for December 16

• Charming

• Funny

• Smart

• Beautiful

• High Praise

• Kindhearted

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 constantly changing.

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 16, 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 16, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A shift.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter E appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

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...

SEGUE

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 16, 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.

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 15, 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 15, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 16 Pips

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

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

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-2, placed vertically; 3-4, placed vertically.

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

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 2-5, placed horizontally; 3-6, placed horizontally.

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 16 Pips

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

Equal (0): Everything in this red space must be equal to 0. The answer is 3-0, placed horizontally; 0-1, placed horizontally.

Less Than (5): Everything in this space must be less than 5. The answer is 4-4, placed vertically.

Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 0-1, placed horizontally.

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

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 4-4, placed vertically; 6-1, placed vertically; 5-5, placed horizontally.

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

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 16 Pips

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 3-4, placed vertically; 3-5, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 3-5, placed horizontally.

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

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

Less Than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 3-0, placed horizontally.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 3-0, placed horizontally; 0-0, placed vertically; 5-0, placed vertically; 6-0, placed vertically; 1-0, placed horizontally; 0-2, placed vertically.

Less Than (6): Everything in this space must be less than 6. The answer is 5-0, placed vertically.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 6-4, placed horizontally.

Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 1-0, placed horiontally.

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

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 0-2, placed vertically.

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

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you know your defunct football.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, 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 the latest 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: Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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

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.

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

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: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Sounds painful

• Green: Protects

• Blue: Same first name

• Purple: Former footballers

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Injury verbs

• Green: Defends

• Blue: Baseball Matts

• Purple: Teams in the original USFL

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: Sports Edition #449 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Injury verbs - FRACTURE, PULL, STRAIN, TEAR

• Defends - BLANKETS, COVERS, GUARDS, MARKS

• Baseball Matts - CARPENTER, CHAPMAN, HOLLIDAY, OLSON

• Teams in the original USFL - BANDITS, EXPRESS, GENERALS, WRANGLERS

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports Connections 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.

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.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025:

AcrossIt has a trunk

• The answer is Car.

Kentucky senator ___ Paul

• The answer is Rand.

They have branches

• The answer is Banks.

Nowhere to be found

• The answer is AWOL.

It has a trunk and branches

• The answer is Tree.

DownSomething that's carried while portaging, perhaps

• The answer is Canoe

___ breaker, basketball move that causes the defender to fall over

• The answer is Ankle.

Two in a fork?: Abbr.

• The answer is RDs.

Sound that imitates a lion or dinosaur

• The answer is Rawr.

Symbol in the night sky over Gotham

• The answer is Bat.

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

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Mini Crossword.

Seth Meyers dedicated a slot on Monday's Late Night show to join the many stars of the film and TV industry in paying tribute to Rob Reiner and his wife Michele, who were found dead at their home on Sunday.

Like Jimmy Kimmel, Meyers also had a response to Donald Trump, whose post about Reiner on Truth Social has been widely criticised.

"I feared this was something he was going to do, and I was pretty certain it would cast a shadow on what was already a really dark day, but it was even worse than I could have imagined," Meyers says in the clip above. "The president made it about himself, because he's incapable of making it about anything else."

Meyers finishes by talking about his own experiences with Reiner, and his love of the director's work.

"Both his work that I was lucky enough to experience, and then the few times I got to interact with him as a person, he was a man who set an example," Meyers says. "And there's such a value in that. And we have to do everything we can to not make setting an example a lost art. So I just want to send my condolences to the Reiner family and just say Michele and Rob, rest in peace."

SAVE $16: As of Dec. 16, the Amazon Fire TV Stick HD is on sale for $18.99. That's a 46% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick HD $18.99 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $16.00   Get Deal

The Amazon Fire TV Stick HD is back on sale at Amazon, and if you're wanting to upgrade your streaming device before Christmas, now is the time. As of Dec. 16, you can save $16 with the new price of $18.99. That's a 46% savings on list price.

This streaming stick is designed for HD TVs and supports Full HD playback. It's easy to set up (just insert it into your TV's HDMI port) and easy to use, bringing the Fire OS to your TV, meaning all your favorite shows and movies are easy to access. You'll have access to the top streaming apps too, including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and more. And if live TV is more your thing, enjoy access with Sling TV, YouTube TV, and other popular options.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

You can even use Alexa voice commands to search and launch content across multiple apps, watch live TV, news, or even have it search the web. Simply hold down the blue Alexa button on the remote control and speak. It can even be used to control other smart home devices, like your lights or robot vacuums.

Get this Fire TV Stick deal at Amazon now.

SAVE $40: As of Dec. 16, the Amazon Fire TV 2-Series is on sale for $109.99 at Amazon. That's a 27% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV 2-Series $109.99 at Amazon
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Looking to upgrade your TV in time for Christmas? You still have time, because as of Dec. 16, there's a great deal on the Fire TV 2-Series at Amazon. The 32-inch model is currently on sale for $109.99, saving you $40.

And you're getting so much with this TV, including 720p resolution with support for HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Audio. The Fire TV OS also keeps all of your entertainment easily accessible, with access to live TV, video games, and streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and more.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

If you have several Amazon TV devices, like a Fire TV Stick, content will stay in sync across each device, meaning you can move from room to room and pick up watching where you left off. The TV also supports Alexa voice control with the remote, allowing you to search for content, check sports scores, and manage compatible smart home devices like robot vacuums or lights.

Connectivity-wise, you'll get two standard HDMI inputs, an HDMI ARC port for audio equipment, Bluetooth support, and access to games through the app store, Amazon Luna, and Twitch.

Pick up this great TV deal from Amazon now.

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When you hear about a Mike Flanagan and Stephen King collab, you automatically assume it's a horror flick. But The Life of Chuck is far from it.

Part post-apocalyptic thriller, part feel-good coming-of-age drama, and part ghost story, The Life of Chuck is based off a short story of King's and it's one of our favorite films of the year. Starring Tom Hiddleston as Chuck Krantz and a wonderful ensemble cast including Chiwetel Ejiofor, Annalise Basso, Benjamin Pajak, Karen Gillan, Mia Sara, Matthew Lillard, Carl Lumbly, Samantha Sloyan, Harvey Guillén, Jacob Tremblay, Kate Siegel, and Mark Hamill, it weaves a tale of love, loss, and joys in living. It's a real crowd pleaser.

If you didn't catch it in theaters, now's your chance to stream it at home. Here's everything you need to know about how to watch The Life of Chuck.

What is The Life of Chuck about?

Written and directed by Mike Flanagan, The Life of Chuck marks his third Stephen King adaptation following 2017’s Gerald’s Game and 2019’s Doctor Sleep. Based on the King novella of the same name, it begins in a world plagued by catastrophe. School teacher Marty Anderson (Ejiofor) is dealing with an onslaught of bad news, from natural disasters to the internet going down for good. As he's trying to make sense of things, he's distracted by a billboard honoring Charles "Chuck" Krantz (Hiddleston) for "39 great years." Who is this mystery man, and why are these billboards appearing in what seems to be the end of the world as we know it?

The Life of Chuck blends genres in three chapters to explore the life of an average guy, Chuck, and his profound impact on the world.

Check out the full trailer:

Is The Life of Chuck worth watching?

While it didn't get the biggest crowd at the box office, those who did show up for The Life of Chuck loved it. It holds an 81 percent critic rating and 88 percent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and earned the coveted People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024, beating out Oscar winner Anora and nominee Emilia Pérez.

SEE ALSO: What's new to streaming this week?

"The Life of Chuck is masterfully told. Like King's most moving adaptations, it doesn't play by standard rules of structure or audience expectations. It demands we follow the winding road through playful dialogue, painful lows, and rollicking highs, to an unknown beyond," Mashable's Kristy Puchko writes. "It's surprising and upsetting, funny and profound. I laughed hard, cried 'til my eyes ached, and once gasped so loud that I heard it echo across a theater struck silent by a moment both shocking and tender."

Simply put, it's one of our favorite movies of 2025. Even King himself praised the adaptation, calling it "one of the good ones."

Read our full review of The Life of Chuck.

How to watch The Life of Chuck at home Credit: Neon

The Life of Chuck opened in theaters nationwide on June 13, 2025, after premiering at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival. If you missed out, no biggie; it's now officially available to watch at home. You'll have three different ways to watch as of Dec. 23: buy it on digital video-on-demand retailers, rent it from digital video-on-demand retailers, or stream it. See the details below.

Buy or rent on digital

The Neon film officially made its at-home debut via video-on-demand retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV on July 29. And as of Dec. 12, the rental price has dropped to just $5.99. You can purchase The Life of Chuck for your own digital library or rent it for 30 days. Just keep in mind that with rentals, you'll only have 48 hours to finish watching once you start.

Here are some quick links to buy or rent the film on digital:

• Prime Video — $5.99 to rent, $19.99 to buy

• Fandango at Home — $5.99 to rent, $19.99 to buy

• Apple TV — $5.99 to rent, $19.99 to buy

• Google Play — $5.99 to rent, $19.99 to buy

Stream it on Hulu

As a Neon film, it's no surprise that The Life of Chuck is set to make its streaming debut on Hulu as of Dec. 23. We were expecting a late fall release in November 2025, based on the theater-to-streaming windows for other Neon films, but Neon took its time with this one. Fortunately, it's worth the wait.

Hulu subscriptions start at $11.99 per month (thanks to a recent price hike), but there are a few different ways you can save. We've rounded up the best ongoing Hulu streaming deals below.

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The best way to cut the price of a Hulu subscription is to opt for an annual plan instead of a monthly plan. By paying for a year upfront for $119.99 (which breaks down to $9.99 per month), you'll save about 16% or just shy of $24. Sure, it's not a ton of money, but every dollar counts.

Best bundle deal: Get Hulu and Disney+ for 45% off Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu / Disney+ Hulu and Disney+ (with ads) $12.99 per month (save $10.99 per month) Get Deal

One of the best deals in the streaming world is Disney's bundle plan. You can get both Disney+ and Hulu with ads in the Duo Basic bundle for just $12.99 per month. That's only a dollar more than paying for one streamer on its own, saving you about 45% total. You could also throw HBO Max into the mix for an extra $7 per month. That's $19.99 per month for three different services, which saves you about 42%.

Best for students: Hulu Student Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu Student (with ads) $1.99 per month (save $10 per month) Get Deal

College students can save 83% or $10 per month on a Hulu with ads subscription. Sign up through the Hulu Student promotional page and verify your college email address via SheerID, and the price will drop from $11.99 to just $1.99 per month.

Best for T-Mobile users: Hulu (with ads) free for select customers Opens in a new window Credit: T-Mobile / Hulu Hulu (with ads) free for select T-Mobile customers Get Deal

Aside from the free trial, the only way you can get Hulu for free in 2025 is through T-Mobile's Go5G Next and Experience Beyond plans. Better yet, you'll also get Netflix and Apple TV+ for free. If you're already on one of these plans, head over to the T-Mobile promo page and choose "redeem now" to claim the offer. You'll just have to enter your T-Mobile number and account details to sign up for Hulu. If you're not on the Go5G Next plan or Experience Beyond plan, make the switch to start taking advantage of the best free streaming lineup around.

SAVE $40: As of Dec. 16, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are on sale for $139.95 at Amazon. That's a 22% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shokz Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 $139.95 at Amazon
$179.95 Save $40   Get Deal

If you're still on the hunt for the perfect Christmas gift for the runner in your life, take a look at this latest Amazon deal on the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2. This pair of bone conducting earbuds is currently on sale for $40, and as of Dec. 16 you can purchase for just $139.95.

Bone conduction headphones sit on your cheekbones and transmit sound through vibrations directly to your inner ear, rather than through the ear canal (air conduction, which is the traditional way sound reaches your ears). They keep ears open, so you can still hear background sounds like traffic or conversations. They’re especially useful for running and cycling, keeping the user safe and aware of their surroundings.

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The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 combine bone conduction with air conduction technology using dual drivers to give you a powerful sound. You can adjust the listening experience using dedicated EQ modes in the Shokz app, too. These modes include a Classic Mode and a Volume Boost option for noisier environments. If you use your earbuds for calls or voice notes, dual wind-resistant microphones and AI noise reduction are designed to reduce background noise, including wind, so your voice is picked up nice and clear.

The battery life is impressive too, with a single charge promising to last up to 12 hours, and it only takes an hour to charge up.

Get this Shokz deal from Amazon in time for Christmas.

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

The NBA Cup final is finally here, and no, it doesn't involve the Oklahoma City Thunder. They were dumped out at the semi-final stage by Wemby's San Antonio Spurs, setting up a final showdown with the New York Knicks. It's going to be an electric contest between two star-studded teams.

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

When is Knicks vs. Spurs?

Knicks vs. Spurs in the NBA Cup final starts at 8;30 p.m. ET on Dec. 16. This game takes place at the T-Mobile Arena.

How to watch Knicks vs. Spurs for free

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

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

Stream the NBA for free by following these simple steps:

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

2. Subscribe to a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

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

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

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

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

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream the NBA Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has found the strongest evidence yet that a small, rocky planet outside our solar system has air, even though it orbits precariously close to its star.

The exoplanet, called TOI-561 b, is less than 1.5 times as wide as Earth and circles its star in less than 11 hours. That's so close — less than 1 million miles away from it in space — one side always faces the star. Having that permanent daylight likely causes the hemisphere to get hot enough to melt rock, bathing the world in a hellish lava ocean.

But what surprised scientists is the alien planet’s lightness. 

"What really sets this planet apart is its anomalously low density," said Johanna Teske, a Carnegie Science Earth and Planets Laboratory researcher and the study’s lead author, in a statement. "It’s not a super-puff, but it is less dense than you would expect if it had an Earth-like composition."

If TOI-561 b has an atmosphere, it would mean even rocky exoplanets exposed to the harshest conditions can have air, providing new insights for scientists on the hunt for habitable worlds elsewhere in the galaxy.

SEE ALSO: A NASA spacecraft is piercing the sun's scorching atmosphere right now

At first, the team wondered whether TOI-561 b, a world 280 light-years away, formed with unusual materials. The exoplanet's host is a G-type star like the sun and only slightly smaller, but it's very old with relatively little iron. That may mean the planet has similar chemistry to that of worlds born early in the universe. But that alone could not explain the measurements.

The researchers then tested another idea: What if the planet has a thick atmosphere? To do this, Webb measured how much heat the planet gives off by tracking changes in infrared light as the planet passed behind its star. This method lets scientists estimate surface temperature.

The James Webb Space Telescope is on the hunt for rocky worlds elsewhere in the galaxy with atmospheres. Credit: NASA GSFC / CIL / Adriana Manrique Gutierrez illustration

If the planet were a bald rock with no air to circulate heat, its dayside should reach about 4,900 degrees Fahrenheit. Instead, Webb measured a much cooler temperature of about 3,200 degrees — still cooking, but far lower than expected. The research team's findings appear in the The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

"We really need a thick volatile-rich atmosphere to explain all the observations," said Anjali Piette, a coauthor from the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom, in a statement.

An atmosphere could cool the planet by driving strong winds that move heat to the dark side. Gases such as water vapor could also block some heat from escaping, making the planet appear cooler to the telescope. Bright clouds made of rock-like material may reflect some starlight as well.

The team plans to keep studying the planet to map temperatures across its surface and learn what its atmosphere is made of. Scientists don't yet know how a small planet could hold onto its atmosphere under such intense radiation. One idea some have proposed is that gases may constantly cycle between the lava ocean and the air hanging over it. 

"This planet must be much, much more volatile-rich than Earth," said Tim Lichtenberg, another coauthor. "It’s really like a wet lava ball."

TL;DR: From Dec. 16-18, Back Market is running a 72-hour flash sale on a wide range of refurbished tech. Mashable readers can enjoy limited promo codes on select refurbished Apple and gaming devices.

The best deals from the Back Market 72-hour Flash Sale Best Apple Watch Series 9 Deal Apple Watch Series 9 $15 off at Back Market Get Deal Best Apple Watch Series 10 Deal Apple Watch Series 10 $20 off at Back Market Get Deal Best AirPods Pro 2 (2022) Deal AirPods Pro 2 (2022) $10 off at Back Market Get Deal Best AirPods Pro 2 (2023) Deal AirPods Pro 2 (2023) $15 off at Back Market Get Deal Best PlayStation 5 Deal PlayStation 5 Digital Edition $35 off at Back Market Get Deal Best PlayStation 5 Slim Deal PlayStation 5 Slim Digital Edition $35 off at Back Market Get Deal Best Nintendo Switch Deal Nintendo Switch (2019) $15 off at Back Market Get Deal Best Nintendo Switch OLED deal Nintendo Switch OLED $20 off at Back Market Get Deal

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great opportunities to save on high-end tech, but if you're still shopping for more deals before the holidays kick off, Back Market is here to help. The retailer — a popular hub for refurbished tech — is holding a huge 72-hour flash sale from Dec. 16-18, and Mashable readers can save on a selection of items by using promotional codes, activated by clicking the product links below.

These promo codes apply to a variety of top tech products and will auto-apply the full discount at checkout. They're only available while supplies last, or until the end of the sale on Dec. 18. It's also important to note that only one code can be used per customer per order during this period, and they can't be combined with any other discounts.

SEE ALSO: The 60+ best Christmas gifts for 2025: Find unique gift ideas you'd never think of on your own

Check out the selection of promo codes below. There's a limited amount of each, so act fast to grab your favorites while supplies last.

The best deals on wearables and audio

• Apple Watch Series 9: Limited codes. $15 off, auto-applied. Ends Dec. 18 or while supplies last.

• Apple Watch Series 10: Limited codes. $20 off, auto-applied. Ends Dec. 18 or while supplies last.

• AirPods Pro 2 (2022): Limited codes. $10 off, auto-applied. Ends Dec. 18 or while supplies last.

• AirPods Pro 2 (2023): Limited codes. $15 off, auto-applied. Ends Dec. 18 or while supplies last.

The best deals on consoles and gaming

• PlayStation 5 Digital Edition: Limited codes. $35 off, auto-applied. Ends Dec. 18 or while supplies last.

• PlayStation 5 Slim Digital Edition: Limited codes. $35 off, auto-applied. Ends Dec. 18 or while supplies last.

• Nintendo Switch (2019): Limited codes. $15 off, auto-applied. Ends Dec. 18 or while supplies last.

• Nintendo Switch OLED: Limited codes. $20 off, auto-applied. Ends Dec. 18 or while supplies last.

If you're curious to learn more about Back Market, they're all about making sure high-end tech finds a long-lasting home, rather than being thrown away. According to their website, their mission is to "make refurbished tech the mainstream choice, by extending the life of devices, fighting electronic waste, and challenging today's throwaway culture."

Again, this flash sale only runs from Dec. 16-18 and there are limited codes available for each item. Be quick to pick up the items that catch your eye, as this is a great opportunity to score some last-minute gifts ahead of the holidays.

TL;DR: Spoil your PC this holiday season with this Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows license, now just $29.97 (reg. $229).

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows $29.97
$229 Save $199.03   Get Deal

Don’t forget about yourself this holiday season. You may not have enough left in the gifting budget for a new computer, but you can spruce up your old one with this Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows license.

Right now, you can give your dusty old device permanent access to seven helpful apps for just $29.97 (reg. $229).

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No matter what you primarily use your PC for, whether it be school, work, or personal reasons, you can benefit from a Microsoft Office license. These apps have stood the test of time for a reason — offering tools to help you tackle your to-do list.

This particular version, Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows, comes with seven powerful apps, including some of the classics. You can draft a document in Word, build a budget in Excel, manage emails in Outlook, and design your presentations in PowerPoint.

There are newer additions to Microsoft Office included, too. You can take digital notes with OneNote, manage large databases with Access, and create professional documents with Publisher.

Don’t worry about this edition hailing from 2019. The apps have all been redesigned and include enhanced features, like new presentation tools in PowerPoint, new analysis capabilities in Excel, and updated email and contact management features in Outlook.

Your purchase gets you an instant delivery and download, so you can keep the apps on your device permanently and work offline if needed. And if you run into any issues, you’ll have access to free customer service.

Upgrade a PC with this Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows license, now just $29.97 (reg. $229).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Creatives can get a leg up with this lifetime subscription to the AI Magicx Rune Plan, now only $59.97 (reg. $972) through Jan. 11.

Opens in a new window Credit: AI Magicx AI Magicx: Lifetime Subscription (Rune Plan) $59.97
$972 Save $912.03   Get Deal

If you’re a creative, you know how hard it is to keep the creative juices flowing every day. If you could use a little assistance in this department, AI Magicx can be your creative companion and help you tackle everything from designing logos to writing social media content.

Right now, you can get a lifetime subscription to AI Magicx’s Rune Plan for just $59.97 (reg. $972) until Jan. 11.

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Whether you’re a content creator or you just need a little creativity boost every now and then, AI Magicx is ready to help you create written and visual magic. This tool basically replaces 10 other AI-powered apps, with over 75 tools and deep model integration, and all you have to do is enter a simple prompt to get started.

If you’re looking for easy-to-get AI-generated imagery tailored exactly how you’d like, you’ll be impressed with AI Magicx. Not only does it create images with a prompt, but it also takes your notes, tweaks, and crafts a final result just to your liking.

Need AI Magicx to write you some content? That’s a breeze too — from blog posts to well-researched articles, it can whip it all up in a few seconds. It’s also ready to design you a chatbot that can talk to your customers.

Curious what the AI Magicx Rune Plan includes? You’ll have access to unlimited Magicx words, 250 Magicx images, 250 Magicx logos, private generations, a commercial license, and 100 premium chatbot messages every month.

Take something off your plate with this lifetime subscription to the AI Magicx Rune Plan, now just $59.97 (reg. $972) 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

The college football postseason continues with more bowl game action, as the Troy Trojans take on the Jackson State Tigers in the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl in Cramton. This one’s being played purely for pride between schools that are some 150 miles apart — and they haven’t played each other since 2001.

Following James Madison securing a historic playoff bid last week — beating Troy in the Championship Game, no less — we know that anything can happen on the field and you can be sure that Troy will want to bounce back from that Sun Belt Conference title loss.

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We’ve already seen great bowl season action with Boise State vs. Washington in the LA Bowl, and this game promises to deliver plenty more bowl game fun.

If you want to watch Troy vs. Jackson State for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Troy vs. Jackson State?

Troy vs. Jackson State takes place at 9 p.m. ET on Dec. 16. This game is held at the Cramton Bowl.

Troy vs. Jackson State is broadcast on ESPN.

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 Troy vs. Jackson State 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 Troy vs. Jackson State 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 Troy vs. Jackson State 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

The deaths of director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele led to an outpouring of tributes from Hollywood on Monday — and one long, unpleasant Truth Social post from Donald Trump, in which the president suggested Reiner died "reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME."

"Just when you think he can't go any lower he somehow finds a way to do that," responds Jimmy Kimmel in the clip above. "His description of what happened is of course not at all what happened. This is exactly what I've spoken about before, this rush to pin the tail on the donkey in pursuit of the Trump-friendly narrative, not to mention blaming his death on the fact that he is an outspoken liberal, insulting someone who's just been murdered who leaves children behind, without having any idea of what actually happened.

"It's so hateful and vile. When I first saw it I thought it was fake, my wife showed it to me this morning, I was like, 'Even for him that seems like too much.' But nothing is ever too much for him."

Kimmel goes on to play a clip of Trump being asked about the post by a reporter at the White House, only to double down on his words.

"That corroded brain is in charge of our lives," says Kimmel. "If you voted for that, it's OK to reconsider."

The Beats Powerbeats Fit are a perplexing release. They’re essentially a sequel to one of the best wireless earbuds ever made, the Fit Pro, yet come with a less powerful processor and a misleading name that has people confusing them for the flagship Powerbeats Pro 2. 

Outstanding active noise cancellation, sound, and wearability serve the buds well. Unfortunately, there aren’t enough upgrades to warrant the investment. Here are my full thoughts on the Powerbeats Fit.

Beats Powerbeats Fit earbuds review: By the numbers

Check the specs below:

• Type: In-ear wireless earbuds

• Processor: Apple H1 chip

• Battery life: Up to 7 hours (per charge), 30 hours with charging case

• Fast charging: 5 minutes equals 1 hour of use (USB-C charging)

• Ear-tip sizes: XS, S, M, L

• Colors: Black, blue, cappuccino, pink, white, yellow

• Noise cancellation: ANC

• Spatial Audio: Yes

• Water resistance: IPX4-rated

• Weight: 5.78 grams (per bud), 61.3 grams (buds + case)

Everything the Beats Powerbeats Fit earbuds get right

In terms of sound, the Powerbeats Fit are equal to the Powerbeats Pro 2. You’re guaranteed warm and well-balanced audio with some kick to it. Workout tracks best highlight the product’s lively soundstage. 

Bass is punchy on these buds. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

The monstrous bass on Clipse’s “P.O.V.” bangs heavy and is nicely controlled, resulting in high-octane reverberation that kickstarts intense workouts. I noticed the uptick in midrange on these buds compared to their upscaled sibling; vocals are crisper and more pronounced. The Fits also deliver sonic goodness on more delicate-sounding recordings. Instrumental separation on Miles Davis’ “So What” was very impressive. The smooth double bass, steady hi-hats, and vibrant horns put my body at ease during recovery. 

Turning on Personalized Spatial Audio boosted bass levels. Lows had more punch to them. Dynamic headtracking brought an immersive presence to all Dolby Atmos content.

Maintaining a tight seal is key to maximizing sound. The redesigned wingtips nestle gently on the ear and form a snug, secure fit. This provides solid noise isolation for fuller output.

Speaking of which, Beats’ noise cancellation is far better on the Powerbeats Fit than the Powerbeats Pro 2. Chatter, weight machines, and the humming noises from an AC were always noticeable when using the Powerbeats Pro 2 at the gym. The Powerbeats Fit kept me focused on workouts and let me enjoy music peacefully during leisure time. They block out mid- and high-frequency sounds at a higher level. Transparency mode was clutch for raising situational awareness. Running outdoors felt safer since I could hear cars and pedestrians loudly and clearly.

The Powerbeats Fit have a nice, secure fit that creates passive noise cancellation. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

The smaller charging case looks nice and holds more juice (up to 30 hours). A full charge gets you seven hours of use. ANC brings playtime down to six hours. Fast-Fuel charging generates one hour of listening time on a five-minute charge. 

Lastly, the buds pair seamlessly with iOS/macOS and Android devices.

What the Beats Powerbeats Fit earbuds get wrong

The Powerbeats Fit simply lack modernization. I’m shocked as to why they operate on Apple’s H1 processor. This limits their upgradability, meaning you won’t get the latest Apple listening modes (e.g., Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness) or many other upcoming features via software update.

Not having the Powerbeats Pro 2’s killer feature — heart rate monitoring — is another huge blow. Even worse is the absence of both multipoint pairing and wireless charging, which are two major features available on most other wireless earbuds. 

Are the Beats Powerbeats Fit earbuds worth it?

Not really. The missing features and older specs make them feel like last-gen mid-range buds, which is insulting to the Fit Pro since they carried the flagship banner for nearly three years. 

There are some redeeming qualities. Strong noise cancellation blends beautifully with resonant sound. Small touches to the design help optimize fit and portability. The increase in playtime is appreciated as well. In the end, quality performance is overshadowed by glaring flaws.

A price cut to the $200 tag may compel budget-conscious exercisers to purchase the buds. Until then, I strongly recommend splurging on futureproof Apple-based models that come with all the bells and whistles, such as the excellent AirPods Pro 3 or Powerbeats Pro 2. There’s also the original Fit Pro that still provide plenty of value at a more attainable MSRP ($139 at Amazon at the time of writing).

Beats Powerbeats Fit $199.95 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon