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SAVE $61.98: As of Dec. 12, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, Sky Cipher Special Edition Core Wireless Controller, and one-month Game Pass Ultimate bundle is down to $74.99 on Amazon. That's a saving of 45% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Xbox Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, Sky Cipher Special Edition Core Wireless Controller, and 1-Month Game Pass Ultimate Bundle $74.99 at Amazon
$136.97 Save $61.98 Get Deal

If you're still on the hunt for gift ideas for someone in your life ahead of the holidays, or just looking to pick up a little holiday treat for yourself, Amazon is full of great options that are still on sale after Cyber Monday. If you've been wanting to find something for the gamer in your life, one of our favorite deals at the moment is a Fire TV Stick 4K bundle which can get you setup with Xbox's Game Pass Ultimate library without even buying the console.

This Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K bundle comes with the aforementioned 4K streaming stick alongside the Sky Cipher Special Edition wireless controller and one month of an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership. With this, you can test out the Game Pass Ultimate library and play games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 or the brand-new release Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. This bundle is currently 45% off its full price, down to $74.99.

SEE ALSO: Get your head in the game with 50% off gaming headsets at Best Buy

Compared to buying all of these items separately — which totals $136.97 without any deals on the individual items — you're able to pocket $61.98. That's a fantastic deal to be set up with Xbox and Game Pass Ultimate. Even investing in the 512GB digital Xbox Series S would cost you $299.99, so this is a great alternative to save some cash.

Deals like this don't usually stick around for long, though. Take advantage of this Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, Sky Cipher Special Edition wireless controller, and one month Game Pass Ultimate bundle before the deal disappears.

Looking for even more gaming deals? There are still quite a few available after Cyber Monday. Outside of Xbox, PlayStation fans can also still save on the Chroma Pearl DualSense controller, the PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of The Mountain bundle, and the PlayStation 5 Slim (disc edition) console.

A Japanese spacecraft has made a daring approach to a discarded rocket in Earth's orbit.

The mission — undertaken by the satellite technology company Astroscale — intends to eventually remove the 36-foot-long spent rocket stage, but has first tested its ability to rendezvous with the problematic object (one of 27,000 space junk objects larger than 10 centimeters in orbit).

The pioneering space endeavor is called Active Debris Removal by Astroscale-Japan, or ADRAS-J.

"Ending 2024 with a historic approach!" Astroscale posted online. "Our ADRAS-J mission has achieved the closest ever approach by a commercial company to space debris, reaching just 15 meters [almost 50 feet] from a rocket upper stage."

SEE ALSO: NASA scientist viewed first Voyager images. What he saw gave him chills.

This rocket stage, weighing three tons, is the upper part of the Japanese Space Exploration Agency's (JAXA) H2A rocket, which launched the Earth observation GOSAT satellite in 2009. The greater space debris removal mission is part of JAXA's "Commercial Removal of Debris Demonstration" project, which seeks a proven way to remove problematic space junk from orbit.

ADRAS-J previously flew around the hunk of discarded metal, capturing imagery and gathering data on the rocket's condition and motion. This latest and closest endeavor, achieved on Nov. 30, demonstrated the spacecraft's ability to operate precisely in such close range to the derelict rocket, a requirement for the future capture of the unwieldy, large object. An accident between large objects, moving at thousands of miles per hour, isn't acceptable: It would exacerbate the problem.

To complete this close-proximity endeavor, ADRAS-J moved from behind the rocket, approaching in a straight line from 50 meters (164 feet) away. The craft then stopped at 15 meters out from an even closer point. This mission had successes, but as is the norm for novel space missions, it didn't go entirely as planned. The craft didn't reach the point where a follow-up mission will actually capture the rocket stage.

"ADRAS-J successfully maintained this position until an autonomous abort was triggered by the onboard collision avoidance system due to an unexpected relative attitude anomaly with the upper stage," the company said. "The spacecraft safely maneuvered away from the debris as designed before reaching the Capture Initiation Point. Astroscale Japan is currently investigating the cause of the abort."

The rendering below shows what this close approach looked like, and Astroscale has released previous images of the actual space junk target (also shown below).

A rendering of the ADRAS-J spacecraft approaching the 36-foot-long spent rocket stage. Credit: Astroscale Views of the large Japanese rocket debris orbiting Earth. Credit: Astroscale

The $82 million follow-up mission, ADRAS-J2, is expected to launch in 2028.

That spacecraft, currently under construction, will bring the rocket stage down to a lower orbit using a robotic arm. Eventually, it will largely burn up in Earth's atmosphere. In the future, the hope among spacefaring nations and commercial space interests is to keep low Earth orbit (LEO) largely clear of threatening space debris — especially inert craft that can't maneuver on their own.

"LEO is an orbital space junk yard," NASA explains. "There are millions of pieces of space junk flying in LEO. Most orbital debris comprises human-generated objects, such as pieces of spacecraft, tiny flecks of paint from a spacecraft, parts of rockets, satellites that are no longer working, or explosions of objects in orbit flying around in space at high speeds."

Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, Max, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television within each one!

Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services trying to determine what to watch! We've got your back whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, animation, and more.

But if you're seeking something brand spanking new (or new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.

SEE ALSO: The best Netflix TV shows of 2024

Mashable's entertainment team has scoured the streaming services to highlight the most buzzed-about releases of this week and ranked them from worst to best — or least worth your time to most watchable. Whether you're looking for some festive action, bad romance, spiritual scares, moving musician biopics, an addictive new mystery series, or papal intrigue, we've got you covered.

Here's what's new on streaming, from worst to best.

11. Red One

Dwayne Johnson re-teams with Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Jumanji: Next Level director Jake Kasdan for Red One, an action-comedy about an elite squad who must rescue a kidnapped Santa Claus.

The premise promises madcap fun, and the cast is bursting with star power from Johnson to Chris Evans, Lucy Liu, J.K. Simmons, Kiernan Shipka, and Game of Thrones' favorite Kristofer Hivju. However, critics absolutely thrashed Red One, calling it "bland," "head-scratching" and "absolute crap" with "not a crumb of Christmas charm." So, maybe leave this one off your Nice list. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Lucy Liu, J. K. Simmons, Kiernan Shipka, Bonnie Hunt, Nick Kroll, Kristofer Hivju, and Wesley Kimmel

How to watch: Red One debuts on Prime Video on Dec. 12.

SEE ALSO: 25 of the best Christmas horror movies to haunt your holiday 10. It Ends With Us

Sorry to say, the drama behind the scenes of It Ends With Us' press tour is way more intriguing than the movie itself. Produced by and starring Blake Lively, the film centers on aptly named flower shop owner Lily Bloom, who falls hard for Ryle Kincaid, a hot brain surgeon (played by It Ends With Us's director Justin Baldoni). But the bloom on their romance wilts as Ryle gets viciously jealous and even violent, causing Lily to flee to her ex Atlas Corrigan (Brandon Sklenar) to find a way out of this toxic relationship.

The domestic violence drama begins like a poorly written rom-com, with a meet-cute and a wacky yet chic bestie (Jenny Slate). But the only funny thing in this adaptation of Colleen Hoover's novel is how awkward the central couple is. Lily makes brash declarations like, "The first guy I had sex with was homeless ... or temporarily unhomed," and Lily describes herself as an "unreliable narrator." Ryle exists chiefly to glower or grapple. The onscreen lovers have zero chemistry, and then the movie has the absolute nerve to be over two hours long!

We've got a long list of love stories you could watch instead. — K.P.

SEE ALSO: The best romantic movies on Netflix right now

Starring: Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, Jenny Slate, Hasan Minhaj, Brandon Sklenar, Kevin McKidd, Amy Morton, Alex Neustaedter, and Isabella Ferrer

How to watch: It Ends With Us is now streaming on Netflix.

9. Joker: Folie à Deux

Todd Phillips' follow-up to the Oscar-winning Joker wasn't a complete disaster. For one thing, it made John Waters' top 10 of the year, as did some of our favorites like Love Lies Bleeding. For another, Lady Gaga shines through the macho muck and meandering menace of a movie that can't decide what it wants to be or who it's for.

With Arthur "Joker" Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) awaiting trial for the murder spree from the first film, he is a subject of pity, scandal, mockery, and infatuation from a caustic cavalcade of characters. Chief among them is Lee (Gaga), a fangirl who wants to live out a Bonnie-and-Clyde movie musical with her clown prince of crime. But Phillips is determined to keep anyone from getting what they want out of Joker 2.

As I jeered in Mashable's review: "It's all so much clown paint on a pig. Phillips has crafted an astoundingly tedious courtroom drama bedecked with musical numbers, star power, and DC IP, yet it still feels like a slog. To his credit, he's broken out of the superhero cliches that have resulted in fatigue from critics and audiences alike. But his pastiche brings nothing new or exciting to the screen for a woefully indulgent runtime of two hours and 18 minutes. 

"In the end, Joker: Folie à Deux doesn't feel provocative, romantic, or even entertaining. This sequel feels like a punishment." — K.P.

Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Zazie Beetz, Leigh Gill, Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, Steve Coogan, and Harry Lawtey

How to watch: Joker: Folie à Deux debuts on Max on Dec. 12.

8. Queer Eye, Season 9

Queer Eye is back for a ninth season. It's the first since interior designer Bobby Berk left the show, with the colossal renovation part of the makeovers now run by Jeremiah Brent. Following seasons in New Orleans, Atlanta, Austin, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Tokyo, and the Australian town of Yass, this season is set in Las Vegas, with a new set of "heroes" for Tan France, Karamo Brown, Antoni Porowski, Jonathan van Ness, and Brent to meet and make over. There's been a fair bit of rumoured tension swirling around the show, so we're sure the team is keen to get this season live, just like we are to watch it. — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

How to watch: Queer Eye Season 9 is streaming on Netflix Dec. 11.

7. Heretic

We love Hugh Grant when he goes villainous. Be it the deceitful rogue in Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, the nefarious burglar/thespian in Paddington 2, the chocolate-stealing Oompa Loopa of Wonka, or the cheating cad of Bridget Jones's Diary, we can't get enough. But Heretic takes the villainy to all new level, casting the English icon as a mansplaining zealot who is absolutely giddy to trap two young female missionaries in his labyrinthian home.

In her review, Entertainment Reporter Belen Edwards cheered for this frightening performance, writing, "Frightening reveals and boatloads of religious and occult iconography (much of it delivered in impressively crafted statues and images throughout Mr. Reed's house) certainly get the blood pumping. But they're something you could see in any religious horror movie. What really sets Heretic apart is Grant, the absolute monster of a man he plays, and just how awfully familiar that man is." — K.P.

Starring: Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, and Chloe East

How to watch: Heretic is now available to rent or buy on Prime Video.

6. Carry-On

Director Jaume Collet-Serra has excited audiences with the shark-infested Shallows, the twisted killer thriller Orphan, and Liam Neeson vehicles like Non-Stop and Unknown. Now, he's teaming with Taron Egerton (Rocketman, Kingsman: The Secret Service) for an unusual holiday adventure.

Set in a Los Angeles airport on Christmas Eve, Carry-On follows a TSA agent (Egerton) who is desperate to stop a suspicious package from making it to a deadly destination. There are some truly wild things in this cat-and-mouse game that pits an eager Egerton in everyday hero mode against Jason Bateman as a snarling mercenary hellbent on getting his package delivered, whatever the collateral damage. Those seeking fresh thrills will relish Collet-Serra's competent approach to suspense, and may well feel their travel anxiety spike. But hey, can we all admit that asking English hunk Egerton to do an American accent is a crime against cinema? It's not even that he's bad at at. It's more that, in a world where so much is terrible, why waste even a moment by not hearing Egerton in his native tongue? — K.P.

Starring: Taron Egerton, Jason Bateman, Sofia Carson, Danielle Deadwyler, Sinqua Walls, Logan Marshall-Green, Theo Rossi, Josh Brener, and Dean Norris

How to watch: Carry-On debuts on Netflix on Dec. 13.

5. Venom: The Last Dance

Sometimes good is overrated, and you just want something goofy as hell. Well, Venom: The Last Dance is here for you.

The third film in the Tom Hardy-fronted double act of Eddie Brock and Venom has the odd couple on the run from an alien entity, hungry for power. Though stuffed with the bonkers bits fans have come to love of the squabbling symbiotic besties, Venom: The Last Dance is dragged down by an earnest military plotline that tries to treat this world seriously. As I wrote in my review, "Venom: The Last Dance is therefore one-half of a wonderful movie. Still, it's worth sticking through the rest for a totally gonzo finale that's somehow equally absurd and moving." —K.P.

Starring: Tom Hardy, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Juno Temple, Rhys Ifans, Stephen Graham, Peggy Lu, Clark Backo, Alanna Ubach, and Andy Serkis.

How to watch: Venom: The Last Dance is now available on digital.

4. Maria

Chilean director Pablo Larraín loves spinning surreal and stirring cinema inspired by the life of a famous but tragic female figure. First, there was Jackie, the Oscar-nominated drama in which Natalie Portman portrayed widowed first lady Jackie Kennedy. Then came Spencer, a Kristen Stewart-fronted film that felt like a haunted house movie, focusing on Princess Diana's tumultuous inner life over a Christmas with the royal family. Now, there's Maria, a dreamy eulogy for world-renowned opera singer Maria Callas, played by an exquisite Angelina Jolie.

In his review out of the film's world premiere at the 2024 Venice International Film Festival, Siddhant Adlakha praised the film's cinematography and Jolie's performance. "The further Callas reaches into her soul, the more the curtain slips; you can practically see Jolie and her character becoming one," he writes, "crying out in unison for some kind of respite from simply being themselves, and living at their level of constant visibility, no matter how much they love the spotlight. It's heart-wrenching to witness." — K.P.

Starring: Angelina Jolie, Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, Haluk Bilginer, and Kodi Smit-McPhee

How to watch: Maria debuts on Netflix on Dec. 11.

3. Elton John: Never Too Late

If you love Elton John, then this documentary is a must-see. Probing more deeply on some tender areas — like the pop god's struggle with his sexual identity — Elton John: Never Too Late centers on frank conversations from the man himself as he spills stories for a biography. Directed by R.J. Cutler (The September Issue, Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry) and John's husband David Furnish, the film relies heavily on archival footage, press clippings, and personal snapshots. However, there's also a warm window into John's life now, where he meets with groundbreaking queer artists (though he prefers to say "LGBTQ") and FaceTimes with his young sons after school lets out.

Admittedly, there are no earth-shattering relevations here, as John's life has been an open book for ages. Still, it's a pleasure to follow him down the yellow brick road of his memory as he prepares for his farewell concert, his greatest hits playing the booming soundtrack along the way. — K.P.

Starring: Elton John

How to watch: Elton John: Never Too Late debuts in theaters and on Disney+ on Dec. 13.

2. No Good Deed

Emmy–winning creator and showrunner Liz Feldman previously gifted us the twisted pleasures of Dead to Me, a dramedy that intoxicatingly blended crime and comedy. Now she's back at it with No Good Deed, another enticing Los Angeles series co-starring Linda Cardellini.

Ray Romano and Lisa Kudrow star as a married couple looking to sell their beautiful Los Feliz home. The interested — and nosy — buyers are played by a crackling ensemble cast. Beyond buyer rivalry and family drama, there are also skeletons in the closet to be uncovered, and plenty of socially awkward shenanigans to boot. Funny, addictive, and sharply cast, No Good Deed is a no-brainer to add to your watch list.* — K.P.

Starring: Ray Romano, Lisa Kudrow, Linda Cardellini, Luke Wilson, Abbi Jacobson, Poppy Liu, Kate Moennig, Teyonah Parris, and O-T Fagbenle

How to watch: No Good Deed premieres Dec. 12 on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: The best Netflix TV shows of 2024 1. Conclave

One of the best films of 2024, Conclave is low-key also one of the funnest films of 2024, and no one is more surprised than lapsed Catholic me. Sure, on the surface, Conclave, adapted from Robert Harris' 2016 novel of the same name, is a thriller. In the sacred halls of the Vatican, the Catholic Church's most revered leaders gather together for a series of secret votes to determine who among them will be God's representative on Earth. And as dean of the conclave, Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is tasked not only with keeping things running smoothly but also sussing out what skeletons lie in the closets of the contenders.

SEE ALSO: 'Conclave' review: Vatican-set thriller is divinely fun

And yet within this dramatic framework, the charming ensemble (which includes Isabella Rossellini, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow) laces in a catty sense of humor, which has been catching on in memes and social media. Through this divine blend of suspense and subtle comedy, helmer Edward Berger delivers a thriller that is divinely entertaining.* — K.P.

Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini

How to watch: Conclave begins streaming on Peacock on Dec. 13.

TL;DR: Get a refurbished HP 11.6-inch Chromebook 11A G8 EE through Dec. 15 for just $69.99 (regularly $239).

Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP Chromebook 11A G8 EE (4GB RAM, 32GB SSD) $69.99
$239.00 Save $169.01 Refurbished Get Deal

Looking for an affordable laptop for travel, school, or as a backup device? The refurbished HP Chromebook 11A G8 EE (4GB RAM, 32GB SSD) fits the bill for just $69.99 (regularly $239). This compact machine is ideal for kids, road trips, or anyone who needs a no-fuss device that simply gets the job done.

It has an 11.6-inch HD display and a lightweight design. Whether it’s streaming videos on the go, tackling homework assignments, or checking emails during downtime, it's made to handle everyday tasks. Powered by an AMD A4-9120C processor and Radeon R4 Graphics, it offers smooth multitasking and a surprisingly responsive experience for the price.

Durability is where this Chromebook shines. Able to withstand even classroom use, it’s built to survive life’s little mishaps, from spilled drinks to accidental drops. The keyboard is resistant to accidents, while reinforced corners and a sturdy design keep it safe even on rougher days.

Running on Chrome OS, the device boots up quickly and integrates seamlessly with Google apps like Docs, Sheets, and Drive. It’s ideal for professionals, students, educators, or those who thrive in a cloud-based environment. 

Its fast-charging capability allows you to go from nearly empty to 90 percent battery in just 90 minutes, making it ideal for those who need a quick recharge before heading out. The Chromebook’s Qualcomm WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2 ensure seamless connectivity, even in shared or busy networks. And with multiple USB ports, including USB-C, you’ll have the flexibility to connect peripherals or external drives with ease.

Refurbished with a grade-A rating, you can expect it to arrive in near-mint condition with minimal to no signs of usage.

Order this HP 11.6-inch Chromebook 11A G8 EE through Dec. 15 for just $69.99 (regularly $239) and enjoy on-time Christmas delivery.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: The grade-A refurbished 2019 Apple iPad mini (5th gen) delivers power, portability, and performance for just $279.99 (reg. $529).

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Refurbished Apple iPad mini (5th gen, 64GB, WiFi & Cellular) $279.99
$529.00 Save $249.01 Get Deal

Need a device that balances portability with power? The refurbished 2019 Apple iPad mini 5th Gen is an ideal pick, and at just $279.99 (regularly $529), it’s a steal. With on-time Christmas delivery guaranteed when you order by Dec. 15, it’s the ultimate gift for the tech lover in your life or yourself.

This 7.9-inch mini is a workhorse in a petite package. The Retina display dazzles with True Tone and wide color, making everything from e-books to blockbuster movies look vibrant and crisp. The A12 Bionic chip is made to power through multitasking, creative apps, and even AR experiences with ease. And with 10 hours of battery life, you can work or play all day long without missing a beat.

However, the iPad mini is also about connectivity. The unlocked cellular capability lets you pop in a SIM card and stay online wherever you go. Whether working remotely, video chatting with family, or streaming your favorite series, you’ll stay connected on your terms. Plus, fast 802.11AC WiFi ensures smooth streaming and browsing.

Capture life’s moments with the 8MP back camera, or hop on FaceTime with the 7MP HD front camera for crystal-clear video calls. The stereo speakers enhance everything from music to movie nights, delivering rich, immersive sound. All this, wrapped in a sleek design in your choice of gold or silver.

The iPad mini is a versatile, portable device that’s a great option for students, professionals, or anyone who needs a reliable, compact tech companion. And while it’s small in size, its capabilities are anything but.

Get the grade-A refurbished Apple iPad mini for just $279.99 (reg. $529) and on time for Christmas when you order through Dec. 15.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Live stream Toronto Raptors vs. Miami Heat in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.

The Toronto Raptors are heading to the Kaseya Center in Miami to face the Heat. The Raptors are struggling in 14th in the Eastern Conference while the Heat are fifth place.

The Raptors are also riding a three-game losing streak heading into Miami, which is not a good look for a team about to go up against Miami's three-game winning streak. The Heat's last three wins included victories over the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Lakers, no small feat.

These two teams have faced each other twice this season, splitting a pair of games in late November and early December. Players to watch include Miami's Tyler Herro and Toronto's Jakob Poeltl.

When is Toronto Raptors vs. Miami Heat?

Toronto Raptors vs. Miami Heat in the NBA starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 12. This game takes place at Kaseya Center in Miami.

How to watch Toronto Raptors vs. Miami Heat

You need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Raptors vs. Heat basketball game.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV FuboTV Pro plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling TV Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

How to watch Raptors vs. Heat from anywhere in the world

If you're traveling outside of the U.S. during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server, meaning you can unblock live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Toronto Raptors vs. Miami Heat for free 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 app

5. Watch Toronto Raptors vs. Miami Heat from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Toronto Raptors vs. Miami Heat before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, 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 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.

Live stream Toronto Raptors vs. Miami Heat in the NBA with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Detroit Pistons vs. Boston Celtics in the NBA on YouTube TV or Sling TV.

The Detroit Pistons will visit the Boston Celtics in an Eastern Conference rivalry on Thursday. The Pistons are struggling in 11th place in the Eastern Conference, but the team is coming off a win over the New York Knicks. The Celtics, however, are in second place and looking to defend their 2024 NBA Finals championship.

The Celtics have won three of their last five games, but are coming off a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. Boston was also eliminated from the Emirates NBA Cup in the group stage in mid-November.

These two teams faced each other last week, where the Celtics came out on top, 130-120. This game will take place at TD Garden in Boston, where the Celtics are 10-3 at home.

When is Detroit Pistons vs. Boston Celtics?

Detroit Pistons vs. Boston Celtics in the NBA starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 12. This game takes place at TD Garden in Boston.

The game will air on NBA TV.

How to watch Detroit Pistons vs. Boston Celtics

You need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Pistons vs. Celtics basketball game on NBA TV. 

Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal

YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling TV Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

How to watch Pistons vs. Celtics from anywhere in the world

If you're traveling outside of the U.S. during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server, meaning you can unblock live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Detroit Pistons vs. Boston Celtics for free 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

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming app of choice

5. Watch Detroit Pistons vs. Boston Celtics for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, 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 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.

Live stream Detroit Pistons vs. Boston Celtics in the NBA with ExpressVPN.

SAVE $100: As of Dec. 12, the Ultenic T10 Elite robot vacuum and mop is on sale for $269.99 at Ultenic. Use code 2024XMAS at the checkout to bring the price down to $229.50 — $100 off its usual $329.99 price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ultenic Ultenic T10 Elite Robot Vacuum $229.50 at Ultenic
$329.99 Save $100.49 Get Deal

Ultenic T10 Elite is a solid robot vacuum solution for anyone looking to make household chores less of a chore. With its self-emptying base, this robot vacuum provides 45 days of hands-free cleaning, so you can set it and forget it. Unlike standard vacuums, which require constant attention, the T10 Elite empties its dustbin after every cleaning session, keeping it ready for whatever mess comes next.

What sets the T10 Elite apart is its precise laser navigation technology. This feature allows the vacuum to efficiently map your entire home, ensuring it cleans every corner without wasting time on random movements. Whether you have a small apartment or a large house, the T10 Elite adjusts its cleaning route for maximum efficiency. Its vacuum and mop combo can handle tough dirt and sticky spills in one pass, leaving your floors spotless.

SEE ALSO: Get 5 years of privacy on 10 devices for only $35 with this VPN

T10 Elite automatically returns to its charging station when the battery runs low and resumes cleaning right where it left off once it's powered up. You don't need to monitor its progress, it's as independent as a robot can get. Plus, quiet operation at just 55dB won't interrupt your Zoom meetings, movie nights, or even your baby's nap time.

The Ultenic app offers control and customization. It lets you set cleaning schedules, designate specific areas to clean or avoid, and check the progress from your smartphone. Prefer voice commands? The T10 Elite works with Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, making it easy to give it instructions without lifting a finger.

At a discounted price of $229.50 with code 2024XMAS, you're saving $100 on a model packed with premium features that usually come with a much higher price tag. Preparing for holiday guests or just looking to simplify your routine? This deal offers unbeatable value.

Deals on direct-from-brand websites don't last long, and this discount code runs out at the end of the year. Let Ultenic T10 Elite take care of your floors while you focus on the things that matter this Christmas.

If you're in the market for a new pair of earbuds, we have good news: You have a lot of options. The bad news? You have a lot of options, and your decision can get overwhelming fast. Wasn't life easier when our iPhones came with a free pair of earbuds?

Prices on earbuds range anywhere from under $10 to in the thousands (if you're going for professional-grade studio earbuds), but even in the narrower range most consumers occupy, you can easily spend up to $300. While we stand by the value of everything on this list, we know that spending $300 on a pair of headphones is a lot to stomach. Major shopping events like Black Friday and Prime Day, are usually the best time to shop these gadgets, however, leading up to the holidays you might find a surprise good deal still hanging around.

So whether you need a pair of earbuds stat or are getting your holiday shopping list together, these are the best earbuds of 2024.

SEE ALSO: I tested the best headphones and earbuds for working out during my daily run Are wired or wireless earbuds better?

Though most earbuds are now wireless, this ultimately comes down to preference. If you have a tighter budget or don't want to worry about the battery running low all the time, wired earbuds are a great option. With that said, it is significantly harder to find wired earbuds with active noise cancellation (we're working on tracking down and testing a few pairs like this). So, if ANC is a priority for you, you'll be better off with a pair of wireless earbuds.

To help you decide, we put a range of wired and wireless earbuds to the test to determine which are worth your money. Whether you're simply looking for earbuds to get you through the work day, a pair to take with you on a flight, or a pair that you can live in 24/7, we have a set of buds for you. And if nothing on this list stands out too much, you can always expand your search to headphones as well.

NASA's Mars helicopter proved so successful, the space agency plans to build a larger, more advanced chopper.

After over 70 flights, the Ingenuity helicopter — the first craft to ever make a powered, controlled flight on another planet— crashed in the Martian dunes in January 2024. But its unexpected achievement (engineers hoped it might make five flights) has prompted the conceptual design and planning for what the agency calls its "Mars Chopper."

"In addition to scouting, such a helicopter could carry science instruments to study terrain rovers can’t reach," NASA said.

SEE ALSO: NASA scientist viewed first Voyager images. What he saw gave him chills.

The short video below shows a helicopter with six main rotors, compared with Ingenuity's two. Such a design could allow the craft to have more lift efficiency, and travel greater distances.

Flying on Mars is daunting. The Martian atmosphere is quite thin, with a volume about one percent of Earth's. This makes it difficult to generate the lift needed for flight. To take to the air, Ingenuity spun its four-foot rotor blades at a blazing 2,400 revolutions every minute. But the relatively light design not only succeeded — it's been hugely informative

"Ingenuity has given us the confidence and data to envision the future of flight at Mars," Teddy Tzanetos, Ingenuity’s project manager, said in a NASA statement.

"Ingenuity has given us the confidence and data to envision the future of flight at Mars."

The futuristic chopper's design is still in its infancy, and some things will almost certainly evolve. But the current concept is 20 pounds heavier than Ingenuity and would be able to travel some two miles a day, NASA explained. For reference, Ingenuity's longest flight was 2,310 feet (704 meters).

For its future exploration of the Red Planet, the space agency is also investigating a Mars plane, which would be capable of taking off and landing vertically, like a helicopter. Both choppers and aircraft would be a great boon for Martian exploration, a world that once teemed with water, may harbor great subterranean lakes today, and could hide secrets in caves.

On an extraterrestrial world with no runways, these craft may become invaluable pioneers.

Anyone who grew up in a Christian household knows two truths: One, you can learn a lot about biblical themes from a talking cucumber. And two, no holiday season is complete without an Advent calendar.

A religious custom that stems from 19th-century Lutherans in Germany, Advent calendars traditionally mark each day of (you guessed it) Advent — the hopeful season that spans four Sundays leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ, celebrated on Dec. 25. They typically contain compartments or pockets that can be filled with tiny trinkets for kids, which are designed to be opened one at a time as a fun way of counting down the days until Christmas.

SEE ALSO: 60+ of the absolute best stocking stuffers for 2024

In a moderately blasphemous twist, recent adaptations by big-name brands have given Advent calendars secular appeal as a seasonal holiday indulgence for people (and even pets) of all ages. After hitting a mainstream stride in the mid-2010s, Google search interest has peaked several times — folks are anticipating them so hard, in fact, that search interest for the phrase "advent calendar" in June 2024 had already beat out the number from December 2022 (the previous all-time high). It's popping off in a similar fashion in the midst of the 2024 holiday season.

Much of Advent calendars' modern popularity can be credited to TikTok, where they've starred in myriad unboxing videos that are suspenseful and addictive to watch (in a similar vein as fashion hauls). But it's also because they're easy ways for retailers to tempt cagey, inflation-weary consumers into sampling products they may not have purchased otherwise: everything from fancy French jams to Lego sets. Advent calendars are a prime example of "needing a little treat" culture (treatcore? being treat-pilled?) at work.

Some Advent calendars have sold out already at this point in the season. (This is your reminder for next year to shop by Black Friday if you want your picking of all of the Lego ones, or Sephora's big box for the year.) But if you hurry, you can still order one before carolers start lining up on your doorstep. Keep reading for our curated list of the best Advent calendars for 2024.

You can now buy a new car on Amazon. The retail giant has launched Amazon Autos, enabling people across the U.S. to purchase their next vehicle via the online shopping platform like ordering groceries.

Announced on Tuesday, Amazon Autos allows customers to browse vehicles which are available at local participating dealers. Users can also filter results according to model, trim, colour, fuel type, and other features. Though Amazon Autos only offers Hyundai vehicles at launch, Amazon plans to add more automotive brands next year, allowing people to browse by make as well.

SEE ALSO: Hyundai's new Ioniq 5 has bigger battery, native Tesla Supercharging

Amazon states that Autos customers can choose a vehicle, secure financing, electronically sign the relevant paperwork, and place their order "with a few clicks," "streamlining" the process of buying a car. The company's famous delivery service doesn't apply to Amazon Autos, though. Once a purchase is finalised, shoppers will be directed to choose a date and time to pick up their new car from a local dealership themselves.

“We’re partnering with dealers and brands to redesign car shopping — making it more transparent, convenient, and customer-friendly," said global head of Amazon Autos Fan Jin. "With Amazon Autos, we’re bringing the simplicity and ease customers expect from Amazon to car shopping, one of their largest purchases, while offering dealers a new channel to connect with a broad audience."

Credit: Mashable screenshot: Amazon

Of course, the nature of online shopping does mean Amazon Autos eliminates a few previously ubiquitous elements of purchasing a new car, for better or for worse. 

Amazon Autos offers no opportunity to haggle, with set prices keeping costs "transparent" but preventing customers from attempting to negotiate a better deal. There also seems to be no option to test drive vehicles to see if you like how they feel, or any sales associates to consult about whether a different car might better fit your transportation needs. Some may miss that human interaction, however others will no doubt consider the lack of salespeople to be a point in Amazon Autos' favour.

Customers can trade in their current car by answering questions about its condition to have it valued, then dropping it off when they pick up their new one. New functionality such as leasing and additional financing options will also be added next year.

Amazon initially announced that it had partnered with Hyundai to sell its cars online in the U.S. last November. The retail giant's move into the auto market has been predicted since at least 2017, when it struck deals with several auto parts vendors. 

Where is Amazon Autos available? Credit: Amazon

Amazon Autos is only available across 48 U.S. cities at launch, with plans to expand to more locations next year. As of Dec. 2024, Amazon Autos is available in:

• Atlanta

• Austin

• Baltimore

• Beaumont-Port Arthur

• Birmingham

• Boston

• Champaign/Springfield

• Charlotte

• Chicago

• Cincinnati

• Cleveland

• Columbia

• Columbus

• Dallas

• Denver

• El Paso

• Fond Du Lac

• Ft. Myers/Naples

• Harrisburg-Lancaster-Lebanon-York

• Harrisonburg

• Hartford

• Houston

• Indianapolis

• Jacksonville

• Los Angeles

• Miami

• Milwaukee

• Minneapolis-St. Paul

• Nashville

• New York

• Orlando

• Philadelphia

• Phoenix

• Pittsburgh

• Portland

• Providence

• Raleigh-Durham

• Salt Lake City

• San Antonio

• San Diego

• San Francisco

• Seattle

• Sheboygan

• Springfield

• St. Louis

• Tampa

• W. Palm Beach

• Washington D.C.

The move follows a visit that Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s chief executive, made last month to Mar-a-Lago to meet with President-elect Donald Trump.

Collecting all your favourite snacks and drinks, surrounding yourself with comfortable cushions and blankets, and then spending hours in front of a screen can be a truly therapeutic experience. Unfortunately, there is one big problem with this hobby: There is a limited amount of content out there to keep you entertained.

We're a greedy bunch, and regular streamers can easily get to a point where it feels like there's nothing left to watch. What are you supposed to do then? Don't panic, because there is a simple solution to this frustrating issue.

If you've reached this point of streaming shortage, you should consider investing in a VPN. It will likely unlock a lot of shows and movies on services to which you're already subscribed.

What is a VPN?

VPNs are security tools that provide protection for your information by creating a private network that hides your real IP address (digital location). All of your activity is untraceable and secure, because all of your online traffic passes through an encrypted tunnel. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like hackers, viruses, and malware.

SEE ALSO: 30 best movies on Netflix to stream right now

The act of hiding your real IP address is what can trick leading streaming sites into thinking you are based in another country.

Do you need a VPN?

VPNs are used to provide protection for your sensitive information, which is obviously super important. This isn't the only reason VPNs are so popular though, because these tools can be also be used to watch content that is normally blocked in your location.

By hiding your real IP address and connecting you to a server in another country, you can watch all your favourite content from that location. For example, you could watch all the extra films and shows on American Netflix that are not usually accessible outside of the U.S. There is so much content out there that can be accessed with the help of a VPN.

Everyone is in need of something that can bypass geo-restrictions to access all of this blocked entertainment, and that something is a VPN. These services are keys to the online world, granting you access to more of the shows and films you love.

How to unblock U.S. Netflix

If you think accessing American Netflix is going to be difficult with a VPN, think again. It's actually a really simple process that absolutely everyone can understand:

1. Sign up 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. Visit Netflix to watch movies and shows from the U.S. content library

If you're worried that this whole thing sounds a bit illegal, then maybe we can reassure you. It's currently legal to watch Netflix while using a VPN, although we should point out that Netflix states in its terms of service that it may restrict your account without compensation or notice if you are engaged in "improper" use. We're not entirely sure what that means, but consider yourself warned.

We should make it very clear that you still need to be subscribed to Netflix for this trick to work. A VPN is not going to grant access to the streaming site for free. A VPN provides access to more libraries from around the world, once you're subscribed.

Should you use free VPNs?

There are plenty of free versions and free trials of VPNs, so why would you ever consider paying for a service? As with most things in life, you get what you pay for with VPNs.

There is always a catch with free versions, and it's normally in the form of limited data usage. These plans will be just fine if you're just an occasional user, but if you're going to be streaming or downloading anything, this isn't going to work. Free trials are different as come with everything you get in a paid plan, but obviously they don't tend to last very long. Trials are great for testing out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution.

To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you generally need to pay up. That being said, services like ProtonVPN offer an impressive set of features for free. However, you might have trouble streaming Netflix with this free version.

What is the best VPN for Netflix?

There are a lot of VPN services out there that can effectively unblock American Netflix, but which is the best? There are plenty of strong options for you to consider, but we wouldn't want you wasting your time checking everything out. To save you time, we've handpicked your best options. Each service has a different set of features that will suit some users better than others, and it's all about finding something that works for you.

ExpressVPN is at the top of this list because it combines essential features with impressive results, but it isn’t the only option available to you. We have lined up all the best VPNs for unblocking Netflix, with something for everyone on this list. We've highlighted the best deals on the likes of Surfshark, PureVPN, CyberGhost VPN, and NordVPN.

These are the best VPNs for Netflix in 2024.

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

If you've got the money to spend, a robot vacuum is always a good purchase. Here are some basic questions to help you decide whether you should buy or not: do you like cleaning the house? No, we thought not. Do you like relaxing and putting your feet up? Yes, of course you do. In that case, you absolutely need a robot vacuum in your life.

Unless you're tech-savvy, choosing a robot vacuum cleaner to whizz around your home can be easier said that done. There are dozens of models out there, all offering variations on the same thing. And there are other questions that need answering: Is a robot vacuum worth the money? How do they work? And which is the best brand?

If all that's got your head spinning, don't worry: We're here to help. We're looked around and done some research on your behalf, which means even more time to put your feet up. Here's a quick guide on robot vacuums — and our pick for the best models you can buy right now.

Are robot vacuums worth buying?

The crisp control of a regular, upright vacuum is its own particular pleasure. But if you're someone who finds cleaning stressful, a robot vacuum could cut a major task off your to-do list. Whether robot vacuums are worth it or not comes with a caveat: It can't be just any robot vacuum. A cheap robovac that acts drunk — scattering dust rather than sucking, bumping into walls, getting stuck on rugs — defies the point. Robot vacuums are made to be convenient — so get one that makes life easier.

What are the most important robot vacuum features?

Here's a rundown of essential features to consider when buying a robot vacuum:

• App control — WiFi-enabled robot vacuums can be synced with a smartphone app to control scheduling and other features. If you're used to asking Alexa or Google to turn off the lights or tell you the weather, a model with voice integration will blend in nicely.

• Battery life — Larger spaces require more time to clean, which means you'll want a battery that lasts. Run times for the list below range between 115 and 240 minutes.

• Docking station — Many robot vacuums have a multipurpose docking station. The robovac will return to the dock automatically and self-empty its bin while also charging the battery. The docking station may double up as a bin that can hold debris.

• Floor types & mopping — Depending on the floors you have at home, look out for models that have features for both carpet and hard floors. This may include the ability to climb up on higher pile rugs. There are also hybrid models that mop hard floors. 

• Low-profile cleaning — No one should have to be scared about what's accumulated under their sofa over the past year. A robot vacuum measuring three inches or less in height should be able to scoot under most low-hanging sofas and beds.

• Navigation & mapping — Every robot vacuum is equipped with sensors and drop detection. But if your home has lots of rooms, lots of turns, or lots of close-together furniture, you'll have fewer navigation issues with an advanced model that uses intelligent mapping to remember exactly how your home is laid out.

• Pet hair cleaning — Pet owners should consider a model with an anti-tangling roller brush, which will make it easier to pick up cat and dog hair and will prevent the robot vacuum from clogging up.

• Suction power — A vacuum is the one purchase that you hope sucks a lot. Suction power is typically measured in Pascals (Pa), ranging between 2,500 and 8,000 Pa in the ones on this list. Stronger sucking will be needed to pick up heavier pieces of debris and to pull patted-down pet hair from rugs.

Keep these features in mind when shopping around for a robot vacuum.

What is the best robot vacuum?

It's not a one-size-fits-all situation. "Best" to someone with four dogs and lots of carpet may not mean "best" to someone with a huge house filled with wooden floors. To help make sense of this confusing situation, we have highlighted a selection of the very best robot vacuums for everyone.

These are the best robot vacuums in 2024.

TL;DR: Give the gift of digital organisation and pay just £62.72 (reg. £366.26) for lifetime access to FileJump's 2TB cloud storage plan.

Opens in a new window Credit: FileJump FileJump 2TB Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription £62.72
£366.26 Save £303.54 Get Deal

Looking to make an impression with your gifts? During this winter sale, you can give the gift of peace of mind with the FileJump 2TB Cloud Storage lifetime subscription for just £62.72 (reg. £366.26).

FileJump offers an easy, secure, and affordable way to store files across devices, ideal for students, professionals, or anyone who hates running out of storage space.

Whether backing up family photos, collaborating on projects, or simply saving space on their devices, FileJump is the perfect solution. With 2TB of storage, end-to-end encryption, and no recurring fees, this gift will keep on giving— no subscription needed.

With FileJump's drag-and-drop interface, you don’t need to be a tech wizard to upload files, while the built-in media preview makes viewing photos, videos, and documents a breeze.

Sharing and collaborating are seamless, too. Share files via custom links or create free accounts for clients and team members to access shared folders. With AES 256-bit encryption, your files are not only accessible but also secure.

What really sets FileJump apart? There are no limits on download speeds or transfer rates, meaning you’ll never wait longer than necessary to access your data. 

At £62.72 (reg. £366.26) for lifetime access to 2TB of storage, an 82% discount for the holidays, FileJump delivers premium features at an incredible value. Competitors charge monthly fees for similar services, but with FileJump, you pay once and own it forever. This offer isn’t just practical and useful — it’s economical, too.

For a limited time, you'll pay just £62.72 (reg. £366.26) for lifetime access to 2TB of FileJump storage.

FileJump 2TB Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription - £62.72 | Get It Here

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get Microsoft Office 2021 and Windows 11 Pro together for £43.11 (reg. £343.52) at the Mashable Shop.

Did your PC or laptop struggle to get through the semester? Then it’s time to get serious about those grades. Whether you’re hitting the books for revision or looking to help your student, check out this ultimate productivity bundle: Microsoft Office and Windows 11 Pro together for just £43.11.

Separately, this office suite and OS cost hundreds, but they’re on sale for a limited time at the Mashable Shop. Best of all, these device licenses never expire, so they'll last as long as the device they're installed on.

Microsoft Office 2021 apps

Every student needs reliable productivity apps for those dreaded assignments and presentations. Lean on tools like Microsoft Word and PowerPoint for homework, OneNote for note-taking, and Outlook and Teams to stay connected to peers and teachers. 

Microsoft Office for Windows also comes with Access and Publisher. You might use Excel and Publisher for math and data science courses and Publisher if you’re designing materials for clubs or art classes.

Windows 11 Pro + Copilot AI

Upgrading your OS isn’t just for the new user design; you’ll also get the new AI assistant, Copilot. Microsoft calls it “the ultimate AI study buddy.”

Copilot uses a custom version of ChatGPT, so it’s like getting the chatbot's premium version without having to pay for it. You could use it to:

• Have it explain complex class concepts in simpler terms

• Make custom flashcards for revision

• Create practice questions

• Simulate conversations in a new language you’re learning

You’ll also enjoy how Windows 11 Pro boosts your PC’s load times, gives you new productivity tools, and adds new security features like BitLocker device encryption. It’s like an internal makeover for your computer.

Take advantage of this Microsoft app bundle with Office 2021 and Windows 11 Pro at £43.11 (reg. £343.52). No coupon is needed for this discount.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle £43.11 at the Mashable Shop
£343.52 Save £300.41 Get Deal

TL;DR: A wide range of ChatGPT courses are available to take for free on Udemy.

Udemy is a popular hub for online courses, covering everything from Python programming to Microsoft Excel. And some of these courses are available to take for free, including some highly-rated lessons on ChatGPT.

We've checked out everything on offer from Udemy and lined up a selection of standout ChatGPT courses to get you started. These are the best online ChatGPT courses you can take for free this month on Udemy:

• AI For Beginners: Learn The Basics of ChatGPT

• Become an AI Accelerated Engineer Using ChatGPT

• Become an AI-Powered Engineer: ChatGPT, Github Copilot

• ChatGPT 101: The Complete Beginner's Guide and Masterclass

• ChatGPT and Durable Masterclass: Make Money with AI

• ChatGPT in 30 Minutes: New Prompt Engineering and AI Skills

• ChatGPT, Midjourney, Firefly, Bard, DALL-E, AI Crash Course

• ChatGPT Quick Guide: Prompt Engineering, Plugins, and More

• ChatGPT Security: Privacy Risks and Data Protection Basics

• Generative AI and Prompt Engineering

• Intro to Manual and Automation Software Testing with ChatGPT

• Mastering ChatGPT 4.0: From Setup to Advanced Interactions

• Midjourney and ChatGPT: Unleash AI for Unique Image Generation

• Personalized Coaching with ChatGPT and Generative AI

• Practical Introduction to ChatGPT

• Prompt Engineering Principles: ChatGPT and DALL-E

• Smart ChatGPT Productivity Hacks for Business Professionals

• The Introduction into ChatGPT Content Creation for Beginners

These free online courses do not offer certificates of completion or direct instructor messaging, but that's the only catch. You still get unrestricted access to all the video content, so you can learn at a pace that suits you.

Find the best free ChatGPT courses on Udemy.

Opens in a new window Credit: Udemy AI Courses Free at Udemy Get Deal

TL;DR: Unblock porn sites with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

The frustrating thing is that your access to porn sites is not always guaranteed. Sure, online restrictions are probably a good idea. But your right to online freedom is important.

Fortunately, there is a simple hack that can bypass geo-restrictions to unblock porn sites like Xnxx from anywhere in the world. If you're looking for the best way to unblock sites like Xnxx for free, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock Xnxx for free

VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This straightforward process bypasses geo-restrictions to access porn sites like Xnxx from anywhere in the world.

Unblock porn sites like Xnxx by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a 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 a location that supports access to Xnxx

4. Access Xnxx from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for bypassing content restrictions are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Xnxx without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can retain access to porn sites when temporarily away from home.

What is the best VPN for porn?

ExpressVPN is the best service for fast and reliable unblocking of porn sites like Xnxx, 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

• Fast streaming 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 also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Unblock Xnxx for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers for free with a 30-day free trial of Prime Video.

Thursday Night Football returns with Week 15 action, which kicks off with an NFC West showdown between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers. The Rams are 7-6 overall, looking to overtake the Seattle Seahawks (8-5) in the division. The 49ers are technically at the bottom of the division with a 6-7 record. The NFC West is the closest division race in either conference and with three weeks left to go, it really could be anyone.

The Rams have won three of their last five games and head to San Francisco with back-to-back wins under their belt. The 49ers have won only two of their last five games, but are coming off a decisive win over the Chicago Bears last week. With a 4-3 record at home, and the Rams having a .500 record on the road, the 49ers are the betting favorite.

When is Rams vs. 49ers?

Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers takes place at 8:15 p.m. ET on Dec. 12. The two teams will face off at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

Al Michaels is expected to do the play-by-play, Kirk Herbstreit will join him in the booth as the analyst. Kaylee Hartung will report from the sidelines.

How to stream Rams vs. 49ers for free

Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers is available to live stream on Prime Video in the U.S., but anyone can watch this game for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime (not to mention other Thursday Night Football fixtures).

If you're already a member, or have already used the 30-day trial, Prime Video subscriptions start at $8.99 per month.

Best streaming services for Rams vs. 49ers

Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers will be aired locally in both Los Angeles and San Francisco. It may be available in some other markets, but NFL games are subject to local blackouts.

If you do not have a cable package in those markets, you have options. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Rams vs. 49ers on local networks.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling TV Sports Plan Get Deal

Sling TV offers its Orange & Blue package of 48 channels at $55 per month that would serve your needs for locally available NFL games. Sign up to enjoy a first-month discounted rate of $27.50.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

For in-market games: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Pro plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Again, Rams vs. 49ers is subject to local blackouts. It is available nationally on Prime Video.

How to watch Rams vs. 49ers 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 the NFL from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Rams vs. 49ers 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 Rams vs. 49ers 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.

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal