- Help
- Google+
OpenAI has officially launched Sora.
On Monday, CEO Sam Altman immediately kicked off the livestream by announcing the Sora public release. As of today, Sora will be available today to ChatGPT Plus and Pro users in the U.S. and other countries — excluding the UK and countries within the EU.
SEE ALSO: Sora reportedly shipping as part of '12 Days of OpenAI' livestream marathon Tweet may have been deletedEarly last year, OpenAI introduced the AI video generator. But it has been quietly in development to a select group of testers, until being unleashed to the public today, allowing plenty of hype to build up in between. Early demos of Sora's photorealistic details and advanced sense of physics and accuracy has wowed AI enthusiasts. But it has also drawn controversy over how it got so good. OpenAI hasn't revealed what Sora was trained on, but reportedly transcribed over a million hours of YouTube videos, suggesting the AI video was trained on videos from the web without the credit or compensation of the video creators. Recently, a group of artists working as early testers for Sora leaked the API credentials in protest of what they call "art washing."
Perhaps, in an indirect response to criticisms that tools like Sora are exploiting and replacing the work of creatives, Flynn emphasized that "Sora is a tool" and an "extension for the creator behind it."
In the livestream, OpenAI product lead Rohan Sahai and product designer Joey Flynn wasted no time in sharing Sora's capabilities. The tool lives on a standalone website, sora.com, with an explore tab for discovering what other users are creating. By clicking into one of the videos, users can see the methods used to the create the video, such as simple text prompt, video or image extension, or Sora's storyboarding tool.
In the library tab, users can get started making their own video with a text prompt or uploading an image. From here, users can select aspect ratio, resolution up to 1080p, duration up to 20 seconds, and multiple variations of the prompt. There are also certain default presets like "stop motion" and "balloon world."
Sora also comes with a more advanced tool called Storyboard, which allows users to shape the video with specific directions. Storyboard bears a similar resemblance to other video editing tools with frame views on the bottom and various editing tools. Each "storyboard card" or frame can be generated from a text prompt or image upload. Users can use the recut feature to shift cards around, the remix feature to describe specific changes to the sequence, the loop tool to play the video on repeat, or blend to create a transition between multiple scenes.
In OpenAI's announcement, the company shared some of its safety measures. All Sora-generated videos come with C2PA invisible watermarks, and visible watermarks by default. Sora will block "damaging forms of abuse, such as child sexual abuse materials and sexual deepfakes," and limits uploads of people.
ChatGPT Plus users get 50 videos a month at 480p (or 720p for less videos) and ChatGPT Pro users get 10 times more usage.
SAVE $25: The rarely on sale Kindle Paperwhite is $25 off at Best Buy and Amazon. Get it now for $134.99 and 16% off.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite $134.99 at AmazonAmazon is known for good deals, even on their own products, discounting Fire tablets and Echo devices frequently. However, when it comes to their Kindle e-readers, the deals are few and far between. Unless it's a shopping event like Prime Day or Black Friday, Kindles rarely see discounts, and you're left paying full price. Yet, a week after Cyber Monday, Best Buy is offering a sweet discount on the latest Kindle Paperwhite.
Back in October, Amazon launched its 2024 line-up of Kindles that included the upgraded basic Kindle as well as the Paperwhite and Paperwhite Signature Edition. Luckily, during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, we saw record low prices on the devices. However, as quickly as the deals came, off they went when Cyber Week ended.
The Kindle Paperwhite is my favorite e-reader. It's Amazon's fastest e-reader, turning pages quickly, and not stuttering when switching between books. The screen has a crisp, high-contrast screen with adjustable warmth so you can read at night without any eye strain. Plus, with its Libby integration and Kindle Unlimited, you can read all you want without spending a dime.
As a special holiday treat, Best Buy is offering $25 off the 2024 Kindle Paperwhite. This brings the e-reader down to $134.99, giving you 16% off — this is just $5 more than it's lowest price ever. And since first spotting this deal at Best Buy, Amazon has decided to get in on the savings too, matching Best Buy's price. That gives you the freedom to buy from your preferred retailer.
SAVE $6.98: As of Dec. 9, select Verizon customers can get Netflix and Max (with ads) for just $10 a month, a $6.98 savings.
Opens in a new window Credit: Verizon Netflix & Max (with ads) Get DealIf your subscription services are pinching your wallet, you might be able to save money with the latest Verizon bundle.
As of Dec. 9, select Verizon customers can get Netflix & Max (with ads) for just $10 a month. That’s about $6.98 off per month if you subscribe to Netflix Standard and Max with Ads separately.
To get this deal, you’ll need to be a Verizon Unlimited Ultimate ($65/month), Unlimited Plus ($55/month), or an Unlimited Welcome ($65/month) customer. Verizon customers with 5G Home, LTE Home, and Fios home internet plans are also eligible.
If you’re already on an eligible plan and a current Netflix or Max subscriber, all you have to do is sign into your Verizon account (select “services & perks” or “recommended perks”) and add the bundle. It’ll ask for your login credentials, and you'll be all set.
Lego sets from retailers like Lego, Target, and Amazon for up to 30% off or more on Dec. 9th, ahead of the holidays. Plus, order now and get 2x Lego Insiders points when you buy direct from the Lego webstore.
Best Lego holiday deals Best Lego webstore deal Lego Jade Rabbit $11.99 (Save $8) Get Deal Best Lego Star Wars deal Lego Star Wars Mos Espa Podrace Diorama Build and Display Set 75380 $54.99 (Save $25) Get Deal Best Lego flower deal Lego Icons Poinsettia Building Set $34.99 (Save $15) Get Deal Best Lego Creator deal Lego Creator 3 in 1 Medieval Castle & Dragon Toy Set 31120 $79.99 (Save $20) Get DealThere are a ton of great Lego deals live right now ahead of the holidays. Black Friday came and went but the Lego deals never stopped, and right now major retailers like Target, Amazon, and the Lego webstore are all dropping major sets for sale prices hitting prices up to 30% off or more. It's a great time to nab a Lego gift.
Shop now to nab Lego Creator sets, Star Wars collaborations, and festive Lego flowers for excellent prices, and until Dec. 10th, when you shop on the Lego webstore, you'll earn 2x Lego Insiders points.
Best Lego webstore deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Jade Rabbit $11.99 at LegoNot only is it incredibly cute, but the Lego Jade Rabbit is also 40% off. This small set is one of the best Lego deals we've seen out there this week.
To make a great thing even better, the Lego webstore is currently running a special deal, where direct orders give 2x Lego Insiders points, helping you earn Lego perks even faster. What collector could resist?
Best Lego Star Wars deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego / Star Wars Lego Star Wars Mos Espa Podrace Diorama Build and Display Set 75380 $54.99 at TargetThere are lots of ways to use Lego. For some, Lego is all about building custom designs. For others, Lego collab-sets are memorabilia: a way to build and commemorate favorite moments from movies. This Lego Star Wars diorama set is the latter.
Star Wars fans will love building this Mos Espa Podrace set. Built for display, this 718 piece Lego set is a perfect decoration to accent a DVD collection or mantle.
Best Lego flower deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Poinsettia Building Set $34.99 at AmazonReinventing what it means to have a green thumb, Lego's collection of flowers are vibrant display sets. The Lego Icons Poinsettia Building Set is a perfect holiday gift or home accent.
Poinsettias are classic holiday flowers. This set will bloom year after year, whether you reassemble it every December or display it year round. Best of all, you won't need to water it.
Best Lego Creator deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Creator 3 in 1 Medieval Castle & Dragon Toy Set 31120 $79.99 at TargetAt their core, Legos are about building, and Lego Creator sets get to the root of that. This Lego Creator set celebrates classic Lego subject matter: castles and dragons.
The LEGO Creator 3 in 1 Medieval Castle & Dragon Toy Set 31120 comes with a whopping 1,426 pieces. Creators might build this set following instructions, then rebuild it a hundred different ways. If you're looking for a present for a Lego fan that like to dive into creating, then this is a perfect set.
More Lego deals:Lego Hidden Side Wrecked Shrimp Boat 70419 $39.99 $49.99 (save $10)
Lego Dungeons & Dragons minifigures $3.99 $4.99 (save $1)
Lego Porsche 963 $19.99 $24.99 (save $5)
Christmas Tree Toy Building Set 40573 $30.99 $44.99 (save $14)
Reddit is launching an AI search tool to simplify all the instances in which you need to find an answer to a particular problem.
We've all been there before — usually, for me, it's some weird tech issue — where you're in a pickle that seems resolvable only through the collective experience and knowledge of the Reddit hive-mind. The social media company's new AI tool, called Reddit Answers, aims to be the place you go for such searches instead of trawling through Google.
Wrote the company in a blog post announcing the tool:
"With Reddit Answers, redditors can ask questions and receive answers using a new, AI-powered conversational interface. Once a question is asked, curated summaries of relevant conversations and details across Reddit will appear, including links to related communities and posts. Redditors can easily read relevant snippets and answers inline from real redditors, jump into the full conversations, and go deeper in their search with their own or suggested follow-up questions."
With Reddit Answers, you can search a specific problem and, theoretically, have the tool deliver conversational answers with direct links and quotes to actual Reddit posts. The Verge's Jay Peters got an early look at Reddit Answers and wrote they've "liked what [they've] seen" in limited testing.
SEE ALSO: Reddit's traffic is way up – but why? It's Google.If you search Google for Reddit results, of course, it surfaces a bunch of links whereas Reddit Answers, in theory, makes it more digestible via summaries and bullet points. It's worth considering, however, that Reddit's AI tool could publish incorrect or incomplete summaries and answers — pretty much every AI tool has had that issue.
Reddit said it's rolling out Answers to a limited number of users, with English being the only available language for the time being. Interested Redditors can check the company's site to track if it's available in their area.
EA games — maker of the popular Sims, FIFA, and Madden franchises — is investing in more robust game development for people with disabilities.
In honor of International Day of People with Disabilities (Dec. 3), the electronic gaming company announced it will be expanding its Patent Pledge to include dozens more patents for accessible technologies that would put the power of more inclusive design in the hands of game developers. EA's Patent Pledge is a commitment to providing royalty-free IP to the gaming industry at large, and a promise not to enforce EA patent infringements for the accessible technologies the company offers.
SEE ALSO: X got a new AI image generator called AuroraThe 23 new technologies include six audio and sound technologies, as well as a new opensourced photosensitivity analysis plugin for the Unreal Engine 5 builder. The plug-in allows designers to test their games using EA's IRIS tech in real-time — IRIS makes gameplay easier for people with epilepsy or other photosensitivities. The audio patents include tech for improved and simplified speech recognition and more personalized speech options, including text-to-speech in the voice of video game characters and machine-learning powered voice aging. These options make in-game expression more inclusive for gamers.
"Among other things, these patented accessibility technologies could be used to improve the gameplay experience of players who have speech disability or who prefer or need assistance with verbally expressing themselves," explained EA. "They could make it possible for those players’ speech to be more effectively recognized and reflected in-game in a way that is representative of their age, emotion, language and speaking style."
The video game titan has introduced several other accessibility patents, including personalized music and sound settings for those with specific hearing needs, haptic and touch screen technologies, and a tool known as Fonttik, which ensures visual fields and on-screen text are accessible to those with low vision. The offerings are part of EA's larger accessibility efforts.
"By making this technology available to others royalty-free, we want to encourage the industry to work together to make video games more inclusive by removing unintended barriers to access," wrote EA senior vice president Kerry Hopkins.
Only a little over two weeks separate us from Christmas, which means its crunch time for securing gifts for those on your list. If you missed out on shopping during Cyber Week, all hope is not lost for scoring a deal. In fact, plenty of Black Friday prices are live once again at Amazon. We've helped you out by rounding up a few of the best deals we think are worth adding to your cart on Monday, Dec. 9.
Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If none of these catch your eye, be sure to check back each day this week for brand new selections.
Our top pick: Sonos Move 2 Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Move 2 $359.00 at AmazonOne of our favorite Bluetooth speakers, particularly for smart homes, is back on sale at its Black Friday price of $359 (reg. $449). It's not exactly the most portable option for a Bluetooth speaker, but what it lacks in portability, it makes up for in impressive stereo sound, 24-hour battery life, and dynamic smart features. Plus it looks sleek and comes in both black and white options. As Mashable's Stan Schroeder writes in his review: "This speaker is one of the best in class, and the quality of sound it produces is reason enough to consider it."
Check out our full review of the Sonos Move 2.
Amazon Echo Buds with ANC Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Buds with active noise cancellation $34.99 at AmazonIf you're looking for budget earbuds that can quiet the world around you, the Amazon Echo Buds with active noise cancellation are basically a no brainer. Originally released in 2021, they feature a comfortable build, effective noise cancellation, solid sound quality, and average battery life. "I'd call them a steal for anyone who wants to dip their toes into the world of ANC without setting their wallet on fire," writes Mashable's Alex Perry in his review of the buds. And that was at their full price of $119.99. As of Dec. 9, they're back down to their best-ever price of $34.99 — that's 71% in savings.
Check out our full review of the Amazon Echo Buds with ANC.
Garmin vivofit jr. 3 Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin vivofit jr. 3 $69.99 at AmazonThe Garmin vivofit jr. 3 is designed to get kids excited about moving their bodies. This particular model uses Disney princesses to motivate kids to achieve active minute goals and unlock entertaining app adventures, games, and icons. The parent-controlled app is also a bonus for moms and dads who want to keep their kids safe. It can be used to assign tasks, schedule alerts and alarms, and reward kids for good behavior. Usually $89.99, it's on sale for just $69.99 as of Dec. 9. That's a savings of 22%. Not a Disney fan? There's also a more simplistic model (also on sale) that features a "Garmin world tour" instead of the magical kingdom.
Amazon Fire HD 8 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 8 $54.99 at AmazonAmazon quietly released a new Fire HD 8 tablet in October and it's seen numerous discounts since. As of Dec. 9, it's back down to its best-ever price of $54.99 — that's 45% in savings. Compared to the 2022 model, the latest Fire HD 8 includes 50 percent more RAM for boosted performance (3GB instead of 2GB), a better camera (5MP vs. 2MP), new generative AI-powered features, and a better price. It also didn't fix what wasn't broken; it packs the same display, storage options, and battery life as its predecessor.
Roku Ultra Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku Ultra $79.00 at AmazonOur favorite Roku streaming device, the Roku Ultra, is on sale once again. Usually $100, it's down to just $79 on Dec. 9, which is a savings of 21%. More powerful than the Roku Express 4K Plus, Roku's premium streaming device features a quad-core processor that offers smooth HD, 4K, and HDR streaming on a zippy interface. It comes with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision support, a microSD slot for storing and streaming external media, an Ethernet port, and the Roku Voice Remote Pro with customizable shortcut keys.
None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.
When it comes to J.R.R. Tolkien adaptations, Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy is a tough act to follow. Look no further than the Hobbit movies, which floundered in their efforts to capture the original films' success. Then there's The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, whose attempts to cram everything we love about Middle-earth into too-short seasons make for unwieldy (if still fun) TV.
Enter The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, an anime prequel from director Kenji Kamiyama (Blade Runner: Black Lotus) that centers on the legendary kingdom of Rohan, 183 years before The Lord of the Rings. While certainly indebted to Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy, The War of the Rohirrim doesn't just seek to replicate its predecessors' formula. Instead, it plays with tone and structure to forge a path that is far bleaker. That path starts with the medium of anime, which offers a new angle into Tolkien on a visual and thematic level.
SEE ALSO: 'The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim' trailer teases an epic battle for the fate of RohanKamiyama and screenwriters Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou frame The War of the Rohirrim as a historical tale told by The Lord of the Rings' Éowyn (Miranda Otto, returning in voiceover). Her voice acts as a bridge between the medium of live action and anime, with anime acting as a vehicle for live-action Éowyn's storytelling. While we never see any live action scenes, the hint of them becomes the film's baseline reality. Anime, with its heightened, stylized qualities, serves as a representation of legend.
And truly, there is no one better to tell this legend than Éowyn, as War of the Rohirrim's heroine Héra (voiced by Gaia Wise) is essentially Éowyn from 183 years in the past.
The War of the Rohirrim is what you'd get if you Éowyn had a solo film. Héra in "The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim." Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. PicturesThe War of the Rohirrim is based on a short section of Tolkien's appendices, in which Héra is but an unnamed daughter. However, in fleshing her out, the film is able to add new depth to the story, all while making sure Héra is the kind of person Éowyn would actually be telling a story about.
Like Éowyn, Héra is the daughter of a king of Rohan: the formidable Helm Hammerhand (voiced by Succession's Brian Cox). She's also a headstrong rider and fierce fighter, one who aspires to be just like the shieldmaidens of old. It's not hard to see Éowyn looking up to her and using her story to inspire the next generation of shieldmaidens, years down the line.
That story kicks off in earnest when the Dunlending lord Freca (voiced by Shaun Dooley) proposes that Héra marry his son (and her childhood friend) Wulf (voiced by Luke Pasqualino). Yet that marriage is the last thing both Héra and Helm want. In fact, Helm sees the proposal as such an affront that he challenges Freca to a fight. Here, we see another benefit of incorporating Héra further into the story. Her presence and development add new layers to Helm, as we get a better sense of his relationship to his family. His protectiveness of Héra carries shades of Théoden's own protectiveness over Éowyn, but he has an added element of bloodthirsty bravado that carries over into his brawl with Freca.
SEE ALSO: The 'Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' cast debates whether Sauron is "brat"That fight is the first of many skirmishes The War of the Rohirrim has to offer, and it's as uncompromising as one might expect when a man named "Hammerhand" is involved. All it takes is one mighty punch for Helm to kill Freca outright, but the feud between Helm's family and Freca's is far from over. Wulf, in his grief, vows revenge.
And revenge he'll get! Years later, Wulf has amassed enough of an army that he can march on Rohan. In the war that follows, Helm, Héra, and the Rohirrim must retreat to the Hornburg stronghold, where they'll make one last stand to save their people.
Sound familiar? That's because the story of Helm Hammerhand is basically the prototype for The Two Towers' Battle of Helm's Deep. After all, he's the reason the Hornburg comes to be known as Helm's Deep! Yet The War of the Rohirrim is no Helm's Deep retread. It's a brutal, lengthy siege that pushes everyone involved to new, desperate limits.
The War of the Rohirrim's siege sequence isn't just Helm's Deep 2.0. Helm Hammerhand in "The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim." Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. PicturesWhile the battles in the Lord of the Rings trilogy are gargantuan undertakings, and unquestionably the best fantasy set pieces put to screen, they aren't particularly lengthy affairs. The Battle of Helm's Deep takes place over the course of one night, whereas the Siege of Gondor and the Battle of Pelennor Fields last a few days. The siege in The War of the Rohirrim lasts an entire winter, and the film makes sure you feel the impact of every one of those months spent in the cold.
Within the walls of the Hornburg, the remaining people of Rohan are confronted day in, day out with their impending doom — especially as Wulf's army constructs a siege tower that could break their last defense. Things are hardly better outside the walls, though. Wulf's encampment bears the brunt of the snowy elements, forcing his own people to consider whether this siege is really worth it. Of course, there's no question for Wulf, who remains resolute in his snarling, single-minded quest to tear Helm apart. But for everyone else involved (including the audience), The War of the Rohirrim's siege sequence is a tightly wound coil of dread. One side has to break — but which will it be?
These psychological tensions only continue to rise when rumors spread of a ghostly figure tearing through Wulf's camp. Here, The War of the Rohirrim takes a turn into Gothic horror, with the hallowed halls of the Hornburg perhaps being home to some greater supernatural forces. The result is deliciously frightening for a time, then surprisingly sweet in its payoff.
The same is true for the rest of The War of the Rohirrim, which takes us from the depths of Rohan's despair to the heights of Héra's hope for the future. Her fervent belief that some good can still prosper in even the darkest of times is unmistakably Tolkien in nature, linking The War of the Rohirrim to the Jackson films through more than repeated locations and Easter eggs (some more heavy-handed than others). However, it's the ways in which The War of the Rohirrim stands out from Jackson's films — like the use of anime and the psychologically-focused siege sequence — that allows The War of the Rohirrim to truly carve out its own space in onscreen portrayals of Middle-earth.
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim opens in theaters Dec. 13.
SAVE UP TO 23%: Find the Dyson Supersonic, Airwrap, and Airstrait on sale post-Cyber Monday. Save up to 23%, including on the Dyson Supersonic, bringing it down to $329, saving $100.99.
Shop the best deals on Dyson Best Dyson deal Dyson Supersonic $329 at Amazon (Save $100.99) Get Deal Best Airwrap deal Dyson Airwrap $489.99 at Amazon (Save $110) Get Deal Best Airstrait deal Dyson Airstrait $399 at Amazon (Save $100.99) Get DealJust because Black Friday and Cyber Monday have passed, doesn't mean that the deals of the season are over. If you've still got lots of holiday shopping to do, the good news is, we're here tracking the best deals leading up to Christmas. If you're hunting for beauty tech, the elusive Dyson hair styling tools are still on sale ahead of the holidays.
Having tested our way through Dyson's hair styling tools, we get the hype. From the Supersonic to the Airwrap, they're an efficient way to get a blowout at home while cutting back on the amount of heat damage your strands face. However, we've never been a fan of the price tag on these devices. Luckily, Dyson hair styling tools are down to their all-time low prices ahead of the holidays. Plus, if you order now, these Dyson devices will arrive by Christmas.
Best Dyson deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Supersonic $329.00 at AmazonThe Dyson Supersonic started the Dyson hair tool craze. It's an easy-to-use hair dryer, with magnetic attachments that make at-home blowouts a breeze. It's quieter, faster, and more lightweight than a traditional hairdryer, so if you're blow drying your hair everyday, it's going to be far less of a workout than you're used to.
Our biggest sticking point with the Dyson is its price tag, and we've found plenty of Supersonic dupes that get the job done at a better price. However, ahead of the holidays, it's down 23% on Amazon, bringing it to its lowest price ever of $329. So if you're looking to give the Supersonic to someone you love (even if that person is yourself), you'll save $100 while doing so.
More Dyson dealsDyson Supersonic (Refurbished) — $229.99 $349.99 (save $120)
Dyson Airstrait — $399 $499.99 (save $100.99)
Dyson Airwrap — $489.99 $599.99 (save $110)
L'ange Le Vite Straightening Brush — $27.64 $39.49 (save $11.85)
L'ange Hair Le Volume 2-in-1 Titanium Blow Dryer Brush — $48.30 $69 (save $20.70)
L'ange Hair Le Duo Standard 360° Airflow Styler — $53.40 $66.75 (save $13.35)
Shark SpeedStyle — $129.99 $179.99 (save $50)
T3 Aire 360 Ceramic Air Styler — $268.99 $299.99 (save $31)
SAVE $90: As of Dec. 9, you can nab a Sonos Move 2 for $359 at Amazon. That's 20% off the list price and a savings of $90.
Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Move 2 $359.00 at AmazonPortable speakers are always a good idea — they’re great for gifting to friends, fam, and yourself. With a durable, portable Bluetooth speaker, you can take the party wherever you go.
As of Dec. 9, you can get the Sonos Move 2 for $359 at Amazon. (Sonos and B&H match this price.) That’s a $90 price cut and a pretty sweet deal for a powerful, all-weather (IP56 rating) Bluetooth speaker from one of the most trusted audio brands around.
SEE ALSO: Sonos Move 2 Review: Fantastic sound and a price to matchAccording to Mashable’s Senior Editor, Stan Schroeder, the Sonos Move 2 “almost sounds too good for its size and intention.”
The Move 2 can play for up to 24 hours on a single charge (you can listen twice as long as the previous generation) and has a built-in handle to help you tote it from one place to another. The automatic Trueplay tuning adjusts the speaker's sound output based on its surroundings, so you'll get a rich, immersive listening experience no matter where you place it.
“The Move 2 is equally as good at playing various types of music, including modern pop and its vast electronic soundscape, a well-recorded studio track by a jazz ensemble, and an intimate, live acoustic performance,” Schroeder writes.
The only qualms Schroeder had with the Move 2 were its weight and price, but with the $90 discount, you’re getting premo audio quality for an even more reasonable price point.
SAVE 27%: As of Dec. 9, you can snag 27% (or more) off KitchenAid stand mixers, food choppers, and more at Amazon.
Best KitchenAid deals as of Dec. 9: Best deal overall KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer (KSM150PS) $329.99 (save $120) Get Deal Best food processor deal KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper (KFC3516IC) $44.99 (save $15) Get Deal Best blender deal KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender (KHBV53) $44.99 (save $15 ) Get DealYou don’t have to be a baker to appreciate the value of a high-quality kitchen appliance, and thanks to Amazon, you don’t have to be a millionaire, either.
SEE ALSO: All the best kitchen gadgets we’ve tested and lovedRight now, Amazon’s slashing prices on a wide range of KitchenAid products, from stand mixers to blenders and everything in between. Get up to 27% off select KitchenAid items, including the iconic 5-quart stand mixer.
Whether you’re an aspiring chef or just want to make mealtime a little bit easier, these deals are so good, you might find yourself looking forward to spending time in the kitchen.
Here are our top picks from the sale:
Best deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: KitchenAid KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer (KSM150PS) $329.99 at AmazonThe KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer (KSM150PS) is a kitchen classic, and it’s on sale for $329.99. That’s a 27% discount or $120 off the sticker price. For an iconic mixer that rarely goes on sale, this is a deal you won't want to miss.
This stand mixer is the only mixer you’ll ever need. With 59 touchpoints around the mixer bowl and 10 speeds, you can make everything from fluffy whipped cream to sticky bread dough. It’s available in 20 color options, but the feather pink (pictured) is a personal favorite.
Best food processor deal Opens in a new window Credit: KitchenAid KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper (KFC3516IC) $44.99 at AmazonIf you’ve been on the hunt for a top-notch food processor, the KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper (KFC3516IC) is just $44.99, down from $59.99. That’s a 25% discount or $15 in savings.
This little kitchen gadget is designed to chop, slice, dice, and puree a wide range of ingredients, from vegetables to cheese and nuts. With two speeds and a 3.5-cup capacity, it's great for small batches and simple meal prep.
Best blender deal Opens in a new window Credit: KitchenAid KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender (KHBV53) $44.99 at AmazonWe’re headed into the thick of soup season, so a powerful blender is a must-have. The KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender (KHBV53) is also on sale for $44.99, a 25% discount from $59.99.
This hand blender features a removable eight-inch blending arm with a four-point stainless steel blade shape, enough to blend soups, sauces, and more right in the pot. (The included pan guard helps prevent scratches.) Plus, the variable speed trigger puts you in full control of the blending process.
GET $10 OFF: Dec. 9th, the JBL Go 3 is on sale for $29.95, order now and save 25% or $10.
Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Go 3 $29.95 at AmazonClip it onto your backpack, tuck it in a beach bag, or hook it onto your scooter, the JBL Go 3 is meant to come along for the ride.
Right now this highly portable, waterproof speaker is 25% off at Amazon. Whether you're outfitting your exercise gear with sound, or you're looking for a great stocking stuffer, this deal is not to be missed.
SEE ALSO: I find the best earbud deals, and Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX earbuds are half-offThe JBL Go 3 has an ingress protection rating of IP67, meaning it can withstand sudden showers, and won't falter because of a little beach sand.
JBL is known for punchy bass and a sonic profile that's bigger than you'd expect based on the speaker size. Simple to connect with Bluetooth, the speakers enable you to tune in wherever you might roam.
As of Dec. 9th, get the JBL Go 3 for $29.95 and save 25% or $10.
The Go 3 is built with a cord loop designed to hook onto a carabiner, so you can easily clip it onto your pack or shower spout.
With five hours of battery life, this speaker isn't only rugged enough to come along on your expedition, it can keep up.
'Tis the season of showing love and generosity toward those who matter most. But while you're shopping, make sure you're clued in on the cybersecurity risks this time of year. No matter how you plan to buy, get the lowdown on how to stay safe with expert tips from Bitdefender.
Awards season has almost arrived, and here to usher it in are the official Golden Globes 2025 nominations.
As expected there are plenty of big names in there — Sean Baker's bold dramedy Anora, Edward Berger's Vatican thriller Conclave, and Jon M. Chu's glittering Wicked adaptation on the movie side, and Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks' historical epic Shōgun and Richard Gadd's dark limited series Baby Reindeer on the TV side — as well as a few notable snubs.
SEE ALSO: The 25 best movies of 2024, and where to watch themMindy Kaling and Morris Chestnut announced the nominees for the 82nd Golden Globes in a live CBS broadcast on Monday, on behalf of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
Here they are... (and we're updating live).
And the nominees for the 2024 Golden Globes are:Best Performance by an Actor In A Television Series - DramaDonald Glover, Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Jake Gyllenhaal, Presumed Innocent
Gary Oldman, Slow Horses
Eddie Redmayne, The Day of the Jackal
Hiroyuki Sanada, Shōgun
Billy Bob Thornton, Landman
Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series – DramaAnna Sawai, Shōgun
Emma D'Arcy, House of the Dragon
Kathy Bates, Matlock
Keira Knightley, Black Doves
Keri Russell, The Diplomat
Maya Erskine, Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Best Original Score - Motion PictureBest Television Limited Series, Anthology Series, or Motion Picture Made for TelevisionMonsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story
Best Supporting Female Actor - TelevisionLiza Colón-Zayas, The Bear
Hannah Einbinder, Hacks, Season 3
Dakota Fanning, Ripley
Jessica Gunning, Baby Reindeer
Allison Janney, The Diplomat
Kali Reis, True Detective: Night Country
Best Male Actor - Motion Picture - Musical/ComedyJesse Eisenberg, A Real Pain
Hugh Grant, Heretic
Gabriel LaBelle, Saturday Night
Jesse Plemons, Kinds of Kindness
Glen Powell, Hit Man
Sebastian Stan, A Different Man
Best Picture - Non-English LanguageThe Girl With the Needle
I’m Still Here
The Seed of the Sacred Fig
Vermiglio
Best Supporting Male Actor - TelevisionTadanobu Asano, Shōgun
Javier Bardem, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story
Harrison Ford, Shrinking
Jack Lowden, Slow Horses
Diego Luna, La Maquina
Ebon Moss-Bachrach, The Bear
Best Female Actor - Motion Picture - Musical/ComedyBest Television Female Actor - Musical/Comedy SeriesBest Song - Motion PictureBest Supporting Female Actor - TelevisionBest Female Actor - Limited Series, Anthology Series or Television Motion PictureBest Picture - AnimatedBest Supporting Male Actor - Motion PictureBest Screenplay – Motion PictureBest Television Male Actor - Musical/Comedy SeriesBest Male Actor - Limited Series, Anthology Series or Television Motion PictureBest Television Female Actor - Drama SeriesBest Director – Motion PictureBest Drama SeriesBest Television Female Actor - Musical/Comedy SeriesBest Picture - Non-English LanguageBest Supporting Male Actor - TelevisionBest Song - Motion PictureBest Supporting Female Actor - TelevisionBest Female Actor - Limited Series, Anthology Series or Television Motion PictureBest Picture - AnimatedBest Supporting Male Actor - Motion PictureBest Screenplay – Motion PictureBest Television Male Actor - Musical/Comedy SeriesBest Male Actor - Limited Series, Anthology Series or Television Motion PictureBest Television Female Actor - Drama SeriesBest Director – Motion PictureBest Drama SeriesBest Musical/Comedy SeriesBest Stand-Up Comedian on TelevisionCinematic and Box Office AchievementBest Male Actor - Motion Picture - DramaBest Female Actor - Motion Picture - DramaBest Picture - Musical/ComedyBest Picture - DramaThe 82nd annual Golden Globe Awards is set to take place on Jan. 5, 2025 on CBS and Paramount+, with comedian Nikki Glaser hosting.
SAVE $15: As of Dec. 9, the LEGO Icons Poinsettia set is on sale for $34.99. This is 30% off its list price of $49.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: LEGO LEGO Icons Poinsettia Building Set $34.99 at AmazonThe holidays are right around the corner, and if you're still looking for gift ideas or even a little treat for yourself, Amazon's full of different options at the moment. There are even some LEGO sets still on sale there after the big Cyber Monday sale event, including a lovely LEGO Poinsettia set for those who want a bit more holiday cheer in their home this year.
SEE ALSO: Upgrade your iPad with this Apple Pencil Pro deal, now $30 off at Best BuyThe LEGO Icons Poinsettia set is currently on sale for $34.99, 30% off its list price of $49.99. This deal is marked as a 'limited time deal' at Amazon right now, though, and has so far been claimed by 27% of shoppers, so if you want to add this little decorative piece to your home before the holidays begin you'll want to act fast. And if you want it as a gift instead for someone in your life, Amazon even notes above the 'Add to Cart' button that it arrives before Christmas, so you don't need to worry about a long wait time on delivery.
This LEGO set is part of the LEGO Botanical Collection and comes with 608 pieces to put together, forming a cute little potted poinsettia bouquet that you can set up in your home. It's a fun way to put up a cute display that's perfect for the season.
As mentioned earlier, this is a limited time deal that may not be around for much longer, so scoop up the LEGO Icons Poinsettia set for $34.99 while it's still at that price.
Even though Cyber Monday is over now, there are still some deals worth checking out at various retailers. In our roundup of 15 excellent holiday gifts on sale for Cyber Monday, you can have a look at some of our favorite gift ideas. Some of the deals have disappeared by now, but there are still quite a few offers available to keep on your radar.
Tesla took its sweet time with this one. Given how great the car company’s iPhone app is, one would expect Tesla would jump at the opportunity to create an app for the Apple Watch, too, but it never happened — until now.
With the company's holiday update now rolling out to Tesla vehicles, I took the opportunity to try out the new Apple Watch app, which becomes available for your wearable once the car software is updated to version 2024.44.25.
SEE ALSO: Elon Musk fails bid to restore $55.8 billion Tesla pay packageFirst, a hardware checklist: I had at my disposal an Apple Watch Series 10, as well as two Tesla vehicles: a 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range, and a 2016 Tesla Model X 90D.
Unfortunately, my Model 3 did not yet receive the update, so I only tested the app with the Model X. Given that it's an older model, it didn't receive all of the features that are typically available with the new app; for example, I could not set the Watch to be a key for the car.
The app is visually pleasing, with a nice, big icon of the Model X, an indication that the car is charging, as well as time remaining to the desired charge state. I was also able to check the car's VIN, firmware version...and that was about it. Not bad, but not too great, either.
One of my vehicles didn't get the update, so I didn't get to test all of the new features. Credit: Stan Schroeder/MashableOn the Model 3 — once the new software becomes available for it — I should also be able to lock and unlock the car, turn on climate control, and open the car's front trunk (frunk for short). That's a lot more convenient, and it makes sense to have these shortcuts on something that's (nearly) always available on your wrist: your smartwatch.
I've used third-party Watch apps before, such as the one from Tessie, and some of them offer more functionality than the official app. But when it comes to an app that can unlock your car, it's somehow really reassuring to have an official one from the company that actually makes the car.
I was also eager to try out another snazzy new feature that should come with the Tesla holiday update, which is "Fart on contact." Unfortunately, that one also wasn't available for the Model X, which, frankly, ruined my day. Once I get that feature for the other car, I will share my experience in meticulous detail, because you, dear reader, deserve nothing less.
SAVE $22: As of Dec. 9, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is on sale for $27.99. This is 44 percent off its retail price of $49.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (newest model) $27.99 at AmazonIf you're on the hunt for gift ideas before the holidays hit, look no further than Amazon. The retailer still has some very nice deals available after Cyber Monday on some of its own products, including the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K. If you want to get 4K streaming for under $30, this is a deal worth jumping on.
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is currently on sale for $27.99, 44% off its list price of $49.99. This is an excellent price for such a high-quality device, and if you've been trying to find good gift ideas for this year, this is a great option to pick up while it's still at this price. Amazon even has a note saying it 'Arrives before Christmas'.
If you or someone in your life has been looking to upgrade their streaming setup, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K will do just that by offering up 4K streaming across numerous different apps. It also features support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos audio, so you can bring the cinematic experience into your home with select movies and shows.
That's not all, though. It's also a great investment for gamers with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Thanks to cloud gaming, you can access the Game Pass Ultimate library to play a variety of exciting games, making this one powerful little streaming stick.
Amazon has the Fire TV Stick 4K listed as a limited-time deal, so act fast to pick it up at this excellent price before the deal's all gone.
Among the iOS 18 features Apple announced at WWDC 2024, the ability to lock and hide apps was a standout.
Well, in a sense, it's the opposite of standing out because it means users can prevent people from accessing certain apps or hide them altogether. Locking and hiding apps are related features that require Face ID to open them. It's a welcome update for the privacy-minded.
SEE ALSO: You will finally be able to schedule texts on iOS 18 How to lock your appsOn the home screen, long press on the app you want to lock, just like you would for rearranging or editing apps. From the list of options, there's a new option on the bottom that says "Require Face ID." Tap this option. Next a window pops up asking if you want to require Face ID or hide the app and require Face ID. Tap "Require Face ID to confirm your choice.
You can now lock your Photos app and require Face ID to open it. Credit: AppleYour app is now locked to anyone else. You'll notice this because the next time you open the app, Face ID does a quick scan to confirm your identity before granting access to the app.
How to hide your appsJust like you would for locking an app, long press on the app you want to hide and find the option that says "Require Face ID." Instead of tapping "Require Face ID," tap "Hide and Require Face ID." You'll receive a notice saying the app will no longer be visible on your home screen. Tap "Hide App" to confirm.
The option to hide apps isn't currently available for all apps — namely the Photos app. Credit: AppleVoila, the app magically disappears from your home screen. But it's not entirely invisible. The hidden app is still accessible in a "Hidden Apps" folder. This can be found at the bottom of the "Apps" page.
In case you're wondering, all iPhones with the iOS 18 update have the Hidden Apps folder, so even if you haven't hidden any apps, the folder still exists. This should obscure any lingering questions about whether or not you have hidden apps. To open the Hidden Apps folder and access these apps, Face ID is required.
All iOS 18 users have the Hidden App library, so fear not! Credit: AppleWe've noticed that certain apps are unhide-able, so when you long press on an app, you might not have the option to hide it. So far, we've discovered this to be the case for built-in apps like Calculator, Maps, Clock, Stocks, and most notably, Photos.
So if you're trying to hide certain, ahem, explicit, photos, you'll have to choose and hide them the old fashioned way. It's unclear whether this is a permanent choice or will come later with a new iOS 18 version. That said, you can hide most third party apps like Spotify, Venmo, and mobile banking apps.
How to unlock or unhide your appsTo unlock an app, simply long press again and tap "Don't Require Face ID" from the app shortcuts.
To unhide an app, swipe through to the App Library and scroll down to the Hidden Apps folder. This requires Face ID to open. Once your identity has been verified, it'll show your hidden apps. Long press on the app you want to unhide and tap "Don't Require Face ID."
Unfortunately, the app you just unhid doesn't automatically reappear on the home screen, so you'll have to manually add it back in. It's unclear if this is a bug or if un-hidden apps will automatically reappear in a future update.
Take a New York Minute to Review Your Recovery Plan Don Henley is right: everything can change in a New York...
I Lost all of my Photos In every disaster I have ever responded to from here to...
Boston's most important responders: Bostonians The people of Boston are to be congratulated for being...
3 Values Your Business Continuity Plan Should Have Your business lives with risk every day from competitors...
Digital Privacy: A Catch 22 Mobility, convenience, accessibility and real-...
Take a New York Minute to Review Your Recovery Plan Don Henley is right: everything can change in a New York...
3 Values Your Business Continuity Plan Should Have Your business lives with risk every day from competitors...
I Lost all of my Photos In every disaster I have ever responded to from here to...