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It's the most wonderful time of the year: The Steam Winter Sale (not to be confused with the second most wonderful time of the year, which is the Steam Summer Sale).
Running from Dec. 19 to Jan. 2, the sale features deep savings on tons of games, from popular titles to hidden gems that may have flown under your radar. Steam's big sale events don't come around all that often, so if you own a gaming PC or Steam Deck and you're looking to stock up on new stuff to play, now is the best time to do that.
SEE ALSO: Alienware m16 R2 review: The best RTX 4070 gaming laptopThere are too many deals to list fully, but we've gathered up some of the best discounts we could find from what's on offer. Check out our favorite deals from the Steam Winter Sale 2024, and go to Steam's website for even more.
Best Steam Winter Sale dealsAvatar: Frontiers of Pandora — $27.99 $69.99 (save $42)
Baldur's Gate 3 — $47.99 $59.99 (save $12)
Cyberpunk 2077 — $26.99 $59.99 (save $33)
Dave The Diver — $13.39 $19.99 (save $6.60)
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut — $9.99 $39.99 (save $30)
Divinity: Original Sin Enhanced Edition — $3.99 $39.99 (save $36)
Elden Ring — $35.99 $59.99 (save $24)
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth — $48.99 $69.99 (save $21)
Firewatch — $1.99 $19.99 (save $18)
Grand Theft Auto IV: The Complete Edition — $5.99 $19.99 (save $14)
Grand Theft Auto V: Premium Edition — $14.98 $39.98 (save $25)
Helldivers 2 — $31.99 $39.99 (save $8)
Inscryption — $7.99 $19.99 (save $12)
It Takes Two — $7.99 $39.99 (save $32)
Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes — $1.49 $14.99 (save $13.50)
Mad Max — $2.99 $19.99 (save $17)
Metro Exodus — $2.99 $29.99 (save $27)
No Man's Sky — $23.99 $59.99 (save $36)
Okami HD — $4.99 $19.99 (save $15)
Outer Wilds — $14.99 $24.99 (save $10)
Planet Coaster — $2.24 $44.99 (save $42.75)
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order — $3.99 $39.99 (save $36)
Star Wars Outlaws — $45.59 $69.99 (save $24.40)
State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition — $2.99 $29.99 (save $27)
Tales from the Borderlands — $1.99 $19.99 (save $18)
Tekken 8 — $34.99 $69.99 (save $35)
Terraria — $4.99 $9.99 (save $5)
Titanfall 2 — $2.99 $29.99 (save $27)
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth — $4.94 $14.99 (save $10.05)
UFO 50 — $21.24 $31.98 (save $10.74)
Vampire Survivors — $3.49 $4.99 (save $1.50)
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 — $44.99 $59.99 (save $15)
Hawk Tuah Girl became a breakout internet star over the summer, and her viral origin story is all too common in the digital age. It started with one of those man-on-the-street interviews designed to go viral. The questions were sexual in nature, and that, combined with the setting (a.k.a. the party scene in Nashville), was a recipe for success.
In case you somehow, some way missed it, Hawk Tuah Girl — real name Haliey Welch — first surfaced in a Tim & Dee TV video. She was asked, "What's one move in bed that makes a man go crazy every time?"
In a Southern accent, she answers, with enthusiasm and in a ridiculous way: "Aw, you gotta give 'em that 'hawk TUAH' and spit on that thang! You get me?" She says this while miming, well, spitting on that...thang...in the form of a microphone angled toward her.
This clip, in turn, went wildly viral on TikTok with videos featuring the moment, reacting to it, or updating folks on it, gaining millions and millions of views. Of course, not everything was peachy for Welch upon her newfound fame. It's not always a smooth process becoming a viral star. As the internet is wont to do, people began digging and starting random rumors.
SEE ALSO: 'Hawk Tuah' girl Haliey Welch has disappeared from public view after crypto rug pullChief among them? That Welch was a teacher and fired for the viral clip. That started with a parody account that fooled people online. Now, months later, the world knows quite a bit about the real Welch. And against all odds, she has become something of a household name.
And while Welch initially seemed a bit hesitant to cash in on the viral moment, she quickly reversed that course — perhaps to a fault. Welch began by selling merchandise, which is a pretty foolproof way to pull in money as an influencer. She's worked with a local Tennessee company called Fathead Threads to sell merchandise capitalizing on all the Hawk Tuah virality. Among the items: a "Hawk Tuah 2024" trucker hat, graphic tees, and New Jersey-Boardwalk-esque shirts making crude Hawk Tuah jokes.
Soon enough Welch expanded into another space lucrative for influencers: podcasting. Her pod, aptly named Talk Tuah, actually did pretty well on the charts and on YouTube. But then what was once a feel good story — turning a potentially embarrassing moment into a well-paying career — went south.
SEE ALSO: Haliey Welch releases first statement after going MIA following 'Hawk Tuah' crypto crashAs Mashable's Matt Binder covered in detail, this month Welch launched a crypto memecoin called $HAWK, which rocketed in value before plummeting, perhaps leaving her fans in a financial hole. She, and the team behind the coin, have been accused of a rug pull, which is effectively ballooning a coin's value in an effort to cash out at other folks' expense. It didn't help that Welch logged-off a public Spaces stream on X about $Hawk in a frankly cartoonish manner. She's not surfaced in public since that moment on Dec. 5.
Tweet may have been deletedThe lesson seems that as quickly as the internet can build you up, it can bring you down — though it stands to reason Welch's bank account still has far more zeroes than it did that night of the fateful interview.
SAVE $80: As of Dec. 20, you can score an Apple Watch Ultra 2 for $719 at Best Buy. That's $80 off the list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Ultra 2 (49mm, GPS+Cellular) $719.00 at Bes BuyIf you’ve been waiting to get your hands on the Apple Watch Ultra 2, now’s your chance to snag one for less at Best Buy.
As of Dec. 20, you can get an Apple Watch Ultra 2 for $719 at Best Buy. That’s $80 less than the usual $799 price tag. Sure, it’s still a little pricey, but definitely worth it for what you’re getting. (You can also save up to $250 by trading in an old device.)
SEE ALSO: Apple Watch Ultra 1 vs. Ultra 2: We'll make this simpleThe Apple Watch Ultra 2 (49mm, GPS+Cellular) with a titanium case and black ocean band is built for sports, adventure, and outdoor excursions. It has a rugged and durable exterior and is water resistant up to 100 meters, so you can take it diving with you.
With the freedom of cellular, you can leave your phone at home and still stay connected. Take calls, send messages, stream music, and more right from your wrist. It also has features for cyclists, hikers, and swimmers, including offline maps, elevation tracking, and automatic stroke detection. And with the new Action button, you can customize one-touch access to your favorite apps and workouts.
Last-minute shoppers have been rewarded with some of the best deals of the season. Seriously — after sorting through Amazon's daily deals, we've found discounts on gadgets from Apple, Sony, Roku, and more that either match Black Friday or beat it. In other words: run, don't walk.
Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day on Dec. 20. Don't see anything that sparks your interest? Check out our selections from Dec. 18 and Dec. 19. Most of those deals are still live, including a Prime-exclusive 38% discount on the 55-inch Omni Fire TV and a coupon that drops the 10th generation Apple iPad down to a record-low.
Our top pick: Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones $279.99 at AmazonWe've tested tons of headphones at Mashable and we're huge fans of the Sony WH-1000XM5s. With impeccable sound quality, great noise cancellation, and customizable sound, it's no surprise that our Deputy Reviews Editor Miller Kern gave them a nearly perfect rating and a Mashable Choice award. The WH-1000XM5s also pack 30 hours of battery life, crisp call clarity, voice assistant support, comfortable ear cushions, and an ambient mode that lets you tune into your surroundings in an instant (like when your flight attendant asks for your drink order). They're usually $399.99 and have been sitting at their sale price of $299.99 for a couple weeks now. However, as of Dec. 20, they dropped to a new record-low of $279.99. All you last-minute shoppers have been rewarded with a 30% discount.
Apple AirTag 4-pack Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTags (4-pack) $69.99 at AmazonRecord-low price alert: the four-pack of Apple AirTags just dropped back down to its best price ever from Black Friday. These babies are a must-have for iPhone users who travel a lot — or those who just tend to lose things often. As long as there's an Apple device nearby with Find My turned on, you'll be able to keep track of whatever you attach your AirTag to, from your suitcase and backpack to your keys and laptop case. You'll be able to see where you are in proximity to your stuff with a pretty impressive accuracy of just a few feet. Save 29% and snag a pack for only $69.99 at Amazon as of Dec. 20.
Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 10 $74.99 at AmazonThe Amazon Fire HD 10 is still hanging out at its best-ever Black Friday price of $74.99 if you need a last-minute gift idea. That's 46% in savings. It's not the fanciest tablet on the market, but the no-frills design is ideal for browsing the web, watching new shows, answering emails, or even reading on the go. Mashable reviewer SaVanna Shoemaker says it's "lighter and faster than its predecessors, with a long battery life and vivid picture that makes it great for on-the-go entertainment."
Check out our full review of the Amazon Fire HD 10.
Roku Streambar SE Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku Streambar SE $69.00 at AmazonIf multitasking gadgets are your bread and butter, then you'll love the Roku Streambar SE. It's part soundbar and part Roku streaming device, meaning it can boost the sound while you stream all of your favorite shows, movies, and events. It can also automatically adjust the volume to make voices clearer and commercials quieter. Win-win. Usually $99.99, it's on sale at Amazon for just $69 as of Dec. 20. That's 31% in savings.
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom Play Opens in a new window Credit: Ultimate Ears Ultimate Ears Wonderboom Play $47.49 at AmazonThe Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 is our favorite sub-$100 Bluetooth speaker — and just last week we featured it as our Amazon deal of the day at $59.99. If you're looking for a similar speaker, but want to spend less than $50, check out its nearly identical sibling, the Wonderboom Play. Built with twin dimensions, the Play can also fit in the palm of your hand and pump out truly impressive sound. It has a slightly shorter battery life (10 hours vs. 14 hours), no podcast mode (which we weren't particularly fans of anyway), and directional sound versus 360-degree sound. However, it's price definitely makes up for it. Regularly $89.99, the Wonderboom Play is on sale at Amazon for just $47.49. That's 47% in savings.
None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.
SAVE 50%: As of Dec. 20, you can score 50% off a MasterClass membership.
Opens in a new window Credit: MasterClass MasterClass Membership Get 50% off through Dec. 25 Get DealThere’s still time to find the perfect gift this holiday season, especially if you’re looking for something that’s digital and instantly giftable.
As of Dec. 20, you can get a Standard, Plus, or Premium MasterClass membership for 50% off through Dec. 25. That’s $5 for the Standard plan, $8 for the Plus plan, and $10 for the Premium plan.
SEE ALSO: Ready to become a YouTuber? Take this 12-course masterclass first.MasterClass is an online education platform where you can learn just about anything from some of the world's most renowned experts, like Martha Stewart, Margaret Atwood, and even Ru Paul. With more than 200 classes across various topics like cooking, writing, leadership, and even gardening, MasterClass memberships make great last-minute gifts for nearly anyone on your list, especially the intellectually curious folks who are always eager to learn something new.
A Standard MasterClass membership gets you access to the full catalog of classes, which you can view on a single device, but there isn’t an offline option with the Standard plan. For $3 more, the Plus plan allows you to watch on up to two devices at the same time and provides offline access so you can download classes to watch later.
The Premium plan is another $2 more and lets you watch on up to six devices simultaneously, which might be useful for families or if you want to share your account with friends, in addition to offline access.
A new Bluesky update aims to tamp down on the cybersquatting and fake account problem that has plagued the app.
In an update rolled out on Thursday evening, users who have verified their account by using a domain name automatically reserve their default username to prevent impersonators from taking it.
SEE ALSO: I've barely used Bluesky, and the engagement already feels more real📢 App Version 1.96 is rolling out now (1/6)
In this release: a notifications Mentions tab, reserving your default username when you verify your account with a domain, and other improvements!
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Bluesky is having a moment as a alternative for those who feel like X has become toxic. Since the U.S. election, millions have migrated to Bluesky in search of a better online experience and meaningful engagement instead of right-wing trolls. Currently, Bluesky has over 25 million users, amassing 5 million of those users in less than a month.
But in the midst of meteoric growth, Bluesky has seen a rampant increase in fake accounts. Previously, there was nothing stopping scammers or trolls from taking the default username given to users when they first sign up, then switch to a verified domain name. Users are automatically given @[username].bsky.social when they make an account. But if they own a domain, they can change it to @[domainname.com] by providing the private domain registrar information given to all websites. So Wikipedia could change its handle from @wikipedia.bsky.social to @wikipedia.org, which effectively verifies Wikipedia's account. But scammers would have been able to take over the @wikipedia.bsky.social handle and impersonate the account.
Now, users that verify their account by linking their domain name get to automatically keep the default @username.bsky.social username. That doesn't stop cybersquatters from buying the rights to someone's domain name and using it for themselves on Bluesky, but that's beyond the app's control. But this will hopefully curtail some of the rampant impersonations and scams. Previously Bluesky shared its efforts to crack down on impersonators with a "more aggressive" policy on labeling parody accounts.
As part of the new update, Bluesky has also added a Mentions tab in Notifications to better keep up with replies and conversations and a new setting for prioritizing replies.
Haliey Welch, aka the "Hawk Tuah Girl," has resurfaced with a public statement after a controversy over her memecoin $HAWK.
In case you missed it, Welch disappeared from public view for weeks after it appeared the launch of her cryptocurrency was a rug-pull in which some her fans were left in a financial hole. Mashable's Matt Binder covered in detail the controversy and Welch's subsequent disappearance.
SEE ALSO: 'Hawk Tuah' girl Haliey Welch has disappeared from public view after crypto rug pullBut Welch finally resurfaced on Friday with a statement promising to help those who were financially affected.
"I take this situation extremely seriously and want to address my fans, the investors who have been affected, and the broader community," she wrote in a statement posted to X. "I am fully cooperating with and am committed to assisting the legal team representing the individuals impacted, as well as to help uncover the truth, hold the responsible parties accountable, and resolve this matter."
Tweet may have been deletedThe internet reacted with jokes, memes, and some anger. Even Dril jumped in with a joke.
Tweet may have been deletedThere were jokes about Welch's now-infamous comments about going to bed during a Spaces stream about the memecoin controversy.
Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deletedAnd there were more generic jokes and even some support for Welch, with some folks assuming people in the crypto space took advantage of her.
Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deletedSo there you have it. Hawk Tuah Girl has spoken. And the internet has certainly responded.
SAVE $121.99: As of Dec. 20, get a pair of Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones for jut $278 at Amazon, down from their usual price of $399.99. That's a discount of 30%.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones $278.00 at AmazonIt's down to the wire. The holidays are officially in full swing, and Christmas is next week. If you're still looking for a great gift option or you just want to splurge on something for yourself, now's the time to do it. Believe it or not, there are still deals popping up here and there, and there's one absolutely fantastic one you won't want to miss if you're looking for a pair of headphones. Our favorite noise-cancelling headphones are now officially cheaper than their Black Friday price, thanks to a deal from Amazon.
As of Dec. 20, you can get the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones for just $278 at Amazon. That's $121.99 off their normal price of $399.99 and a discount of 30%. This is their lowest price yet, and beats their Black Friday price by a solid $20.
Miller Kern, Mashable's Deputy Editor of Shopping and Reviews, helped name these headphones one of our favorite noise-cancelling options, with Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard praising them for their "balanced sound that lets your music shine."
You get 30 hours of playback with these cans, and they sport a lightweight frame that feels good on your head even through longer listening sessions. They're great for music or podcasts alike, and have a nice, premium feel that make them a good option for just about anyone. Now that they're more affordable than ever, it's a good time to snag a pair so you don't miss out.
She's awake!
Viral internet star Haliey Welch has resurfaced for the first time in weeks, less than 24 hours after Mashable published a report on her disappearance following the failure of her "Hawk Tuah" branded memecoin $HAWK.
In a statement provided to Mashable and posted on her X account on Friday, Welch said she was looking to help her fans who experienced financial losses due to the failed $HAWK memecoin. Welch is urging anyone affected by the crypto crash to get in touch with the law firm that filed the lawsuit against $HAWK's creators on Thursday.
The last time the public heard from Welch was during an X Spaces audio stream on the night of Dec. 4, which went into the early morning the next day. During the stream, Welch and the cryptocurrency group behind the memecoin project attempted to explain to investors why $HAWK collapsed shortly after it launched earlier that day.
"Anywho, I'm gonna go to bed and I'll see you guys tomorrow," Welch said, interrupting a conversation on the stream before it ended. Since then, Welch has been MIA to the public for more than two weeks. Her popular weekly podcast, Talk Tuah, failed to release new episodes during that time as well. The most recent episode of the podcast was published on Dec. 3, just one day before the crypto launch.
Haliey Welch's first public statement on $HAWK's collapseBased on Welch's statement, it appears the young viral star is alleging that she did not have an active role in the $HAWK memecoin project, aside from lending her brand and star power to the promotions for it.
Tweet may have been deleted"I take this situation extremely seriously and want to address my fans, the investors who have been affected, and the broader community," reads Welch's statement. "I am fully cooperating with and am committed to assisting the legal team representing the individuals impacted, as well as to help uncover the truth, hold the responsible parties accountable, and resolve this matter. If you have experienced losses related to this, please contact Burwick Law using the link below: https://www.burwick.law/newclient."
Welch launched an official memecoin based on her viral "Hawk Tuah" catchphrase, $HAWK, on Dec. 4. As is the case with many celebrity and influencer backed cryptocurrency projects, $HAWK was rug pulled. This typically means that a few insiders who held the majority of the crypto tokens, likely via a pre-sale before the general public had access to the token, dumped their holdings shortly after the memecoin launched to the public.
SEE ALSO: 'Hawk Tuah' girl Haliey Welch has disappeared from public view after crypto rug pullFor $HAWK, this meant that the coin's market cap fell by millions of dollars shortly after launching. Some of Welch's fans and investors in the crypto token claim to have lost thousands of dollars in just minutes.
Welch's statement comes just one day after another statement from a cryptocurrency company that has ties to the failed memecoin project called OverHere. According to the group, the individual to blame for the failure of the launch was music producer and crypto promoter Alex Larson Schultz. Schultz, who also goes by the moniker Doc Hollywood, "controlled all token decisions, fees, treasury" according to OverHer
Welch allegedly received a sponsorship fee to promote the memecoin and brand it with her viral slogan. Sources close to Welch claim she did not have a role in the creation or development of the $HAWK project beyond that and that she was taken advantage of by the responsible parties in order to capitalize on her viral success.
And Talk Tuah fans, fear not. It appears that Welch is planning to continue her podcast as soon as she clears up what her involvement in $HAWK actually was.
Ready for a horror movie that's sure to make your skin crawl? Then brace yourself for Grafted. In her feature debut, New Zealand director Sasha Rainbow gifts us this gnarly tale of an ugly duckling who uses experimental science to become the swan of her dreams — and our nightmares.
Joyena Sun stars as Wei, a Chinese scholarship student who travels to New Zealand to pursue medical research at an illustrious university. However, while Wei has a brilliant brain, she's afflicted by insecurities over a facial birthmark. This makes her a target for her pretty, popular, and vicious cousin Angela (Jess Hong). But by burrowing into the skin-grafting research of her late father, Wei believes she can fix herself from the outside in. So begins a dark journey of jealousy and twisted self-discovery.
SEE ALSO: 2025 movie preview: All the films you'll want to know aboutFrom the trailer above, you get a sense of Rainbow's splashy brand of body horror, along with the buzz Grafted picked up on the film festival circuit. Critics have been gagged, and soon it'll be your turn.
Nov. 20, these stocking stuffers from Amazon will still make it in time for Christmas, order now, get deal prices on great gifts like Burt's Bees holiday lip balm, and have something to grin about on Christmas morning.
The best stocking stuffers on Amazon you can still get The best stocking stuffer deal Burt's Bees Christmas Gifts $9.95 ($2.04) Get Deal The best chocolate stocking stuffer Tony's Chocolonely Dark Chocolate with Candy Cane Bar $5.20 Shop Now The best tech stocking stuffer deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (newest model) with AI-powered Fire TV Search $27.99 ($22) Get DealWhether you're working with classic felt stockings hung above a crackling fire, or dad's bulging hiking stocks taped below the apartment window, stockings are one of the most fun Christmas traditions.
Great stocking stuffers are usually low-lift gifts that make you feel good: Think Tony's Chocolonely chocolate, or some really special Christmassy lip balm. However, sometimes you find a deal so good that it makes a case for adding tech to the mix, for example, this Amazon Fire TV Stick deal.
Whatever your stocking stuffer style, we found stocking-worthy gifts from Amazon that Prime members can still get in time to hang from the mantle — most of them are even discounted! Just order quick! Most of these require a Prime Membership to make it in time for Christmas morning.
The best stocking stuffer deal Opens in a new window Credit: Burt's Bees Burt's Bees Christmas Gifts $9.95 at AmazonChapped lips are as much a part of the winter holidays as red berries and holly bushes. Thankfully, Burt's Bees has something to say about that.
With Christmassy flavors including peppermint and shortbread cookies, this four-pack is a great stocking stuffer in its own right. Families can split up the flavors to bless each stocking with a touch of something special. Order today to get Burt's Bees Christmas Gifts pack for 17% off and have it arrive before Christmas morning.
The best chocolate stocking stuffer Opens in a new window Credit: Tony's Chocolonely Tony's Chocolonely Dark Chocolate with Candy Cane Bar at AmazonThe secret's out: Tony's Chocolonely makes some of the tastiest, richest chocolate around. I still remember the first time I tried it.
This special edition Christmas dark chocolate bar has hidden chunks of candy cane within and a Christmas tree pressed right in its center. Order now and get the Tony's Chocolonely Dark Chocolate with Candy Cane Bar before Christmas.
SEE ALSO: Around 10,000 Amazon workers are striking just before Christmas The best tech stocking stuffer deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (newest model) with AI-powered Fire TV Search $27.99 at AmazonThis Amazon Fire TV Stick deal is so good it will make their stocking go up in flames (metaphorically). On sale for 44% off, this small Fire Stick and remote combo is just $27.99 and gets you access to a huge library of streaming services including movies, TV, and games.
Other great last minute stocking stuffers:Toysmith Tech Gear Multi Voice Changer — $15.00 $19.99 (save $4.99)
AMMZO Meat Thermometer Digital — $14.98 $16.65 (save $1.67)
Educational Insights Kanoodle Genius 3-D Puzzle Brain Teaser Game — $9.99 $13.38 ($3.39)
Lenovo has a knack for unusual laptop form factors, but this is a new one even for that company.
It looks like Lenovo is set to debut a rollable concept laptop called the ThinkBook Plus in the near future, perhaps at CES 2025, if leaked images published by Evan Blass are to be believed. These images, which look pretty official and convincing, showcase a laptop that looks normal at first, but whose display can actually "unroll" to the point where you functionally have two displays on top of each other.
SEE ALSO: CES 2025 preview: Mashable's guide on what to expectIn other words, it's a big display that can roll down into a smaller one when needed. This isn't really a shock for those who follow Lenovo's laptop business, as the company frequently experiments with unusual designs. Last year, we saw the Auto Twist, which can twist itself around via voice commands, and the year before, the Yoga Book 9i was a laptop with two entire screens on it.
SEE ALSO: Lenovo Auto Twist: A voice-activated laptop that responds to ‘Open,’ ‘Close,’ and even ‘Dance’It's unclear if this is just a concept for the upcoming CES or something Lenovo plans on selling to consumers in the near future. We will all find out together in the coming weeks.
SAVE 46% OR MORE: Still need a gift? Amazon has last-minute deals on headphones, tablets, and more with delivery by Christmas.
Best last-minute gift ideas as of Dec. 20: Best headphone deal JBL Tune 520BT $34.95 (save $15) Get Deal Best tablet deal Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet (newest model) $74.99 (save $65) Get Deal Best STEM deal National Geographic Jumbo Crystal Growing Kit $12.99 (save $4) Get DealFinding the perfect gift takes time. Sometimes, life is just too hectic to get all of our holiday shopping done early. Between family obligations, work deadlines, and the general chaos of the season, it’s easy to find ourselves scrambling at the last minute, searching for that special something to cross the remaining names off our lists.
SEE ALSO: In a holiday gift pinch? Shop the best gift card deals at AmazonThankfully, we live in a world where the internet and big e-commerce giants like Amazon have made it possible to snag thoughtful, high-quality gifts in the eleventh hour.
Whether you’re shopping for your best friend, your boss, your significant other, or your hard-to-buy-for uncle, we’ve compiled the best last-minute gifts you can get at Amazon — and, yes, all of these options are eligible for speedy before-Christmas delivery.
Best headphone deal Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Tune 520BT $34.95 at AmazonYou can snag a pair of JBL Tune 520BT headphones for just $34.95 at Amazon. That’s a $15 discount and a great deal on a quality set of wireless headphones that’ll arrive before Christmas.
The JBL Tune 520BT headphones can last up to 57 hours on a single charge (a quick five-minute charge will get you an additional three hours of music), feature convenient buttons on the ear cup for making hands-free calls, and have a comfortable, lightweight design. (If they’re too tight, the manufacturer recommends placing them over a ball for a few hours to help them expand.)
Best tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet (newest model) $74.99 at AmazonThe Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet (newest model) is currently at its lowest price we’ve seen since October, clocking in at $74.99 at Amazon.
It’s a great tablet for streaming and browsing the web. Mashable’s SaVanna Shoemaker gave it 4.5 stars out of 5 in her review, writing that it’s “faster than its predecessors, with a long battery life and vivid picture that makes it great for on-the-go entertainment.”
Best STEM gift Opens in a new window Credit: Blue Marble Store National Geographic Jumbo Crystal Growing Kit $12.99 at AmazonAmazon still has tons of National Geographic playsets, and they make incredible last-minute gifts. (They’re also super affordable; I bought, like, five of them for my nephew for Christmas.)
For example, the National Geographic Jumbo Crystal Growing Kit is only $12.99, down from $16.99. This kit comes with everything your little one needs to grow their very own crystal. According to the manufacturer, this crystal growing kit produces a crystal three times the size of the standard crystal kits. Plus, it glows in the dark.
More than 100,000 people are expected to make their annual trek to Las Vegas this coming January – and no they're not taking the trip to gamble (mostly).
We're, of course, talking about the Consumer Electronics Show, better known as CES. The annual trade show is the largest technology conference of its kind. Every January, some of the biggest and some of the newest tech companies and startups show up to show off their latest products as well as prototypes for potential future technologies.
And CES 2025 will be no exception. So, what should you expect to come out of this CES. Mashable takes a look at some of the latest news, rumors, and announcements to give you a sneak peek at what's likely to be the main events of CES.
New TVsTelevisions are always a showstopper at CES and CES 2025 will likely continue that streak. We'll likely see plenty of new Smart TVs touting AI-integration.
But, alongside announcements regarding new TV consumer products, will be the real headline-stealers that you likely won't find in-stores anytime soon.
LG, for example, is already promoting its "World Premiere press conference" at CES on Jan. 6, the day before the show floor opens to the public. It's very possible that they are going to announce a brand new TV product that attendees will be able to experience in-person the very next day. Just last month, LG announced a new stretchable display, the first that's able to expand by 50 percent – from a 12-inch display to an 18-inch one. LG might have that at the event.
HDMI 2.2Along with brighter OLED displays and more affordable Mini-LED options, there's another big TV announcement likely coming to CES: HDMI 2.2.
HDMI Forum will announce a "new HDMI specification release" at CES 2025. It's expected to be HDMI 2.2, which will bring higher resolutions and refresh rates to your TV set. While there have been some minor updates, the latest major release was HDMI 2.1 in 2017. TV technology has certainly improved since then, so HDMI 2.2 will be much-talked about at CES.
AI wearablesThere's no doubt about it: AI will be the big buzz word out of CES this year. And it won't just be in TVs. Artificial intelligence products, led by industry leader OpenAI and its hit ChatGPT, will be everywhere at CES and ingrained in every product category imaginable.
For example, at last year's CES, Mashable was able to get hands-on with multiple smartglass products from companies like TCL and XReal. Conversational AI, AI-powered translations, and chatbots could be found in nearly every smartglass wearable that was demoed at the 2024 event.
Yes, some big AI wearable launches have been major flops over the past year, but the AI space as a whole has only grown since then, so expect even more AI-related products looking to improve in areas where others failed at CES.
Next-generation laptopsSpeaking of AI, don't be surprised to see new laptop models from basically every PC brand to integrate AI in some way.
In fact, if you want a look into what to expect at CES, just look at what the newest Innovation Award honorees showcase. Yes, CES has already issued awards for 2025. And award-winning laptops like the HP OmniBook 14" Ultra Flip and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition are both winners that highlight AI capabilities. So, look forward to plenty of new laptops accentuating their AI capabilities and Microsoft Copilot integrations.
As always, expect a few next generation laptops that introduce something new to the space. For example, one 2025 Innovation Award winner to keep an eye out for is the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid. There are plenty of tablets out there that you can connect a keyboard accessory to and touch-screen laptops are also a growing market as well. So what's unique about this? Well, for one, the "hybrid" part of this laptop isn't that it's a laptop and tablet. The innovative aspect here is that the computer is both a Windows and Android device.
Gaming computers and laptops should also make their mark at this year's CES for a very specific reason, which brings me to the next likely big CES 2025 announcement.
Nvidia RTX 50-seriesNvidia CEO Jensen Huang is delivering a keynote at CES 2025 and rumors are spreading that the company is planning to use the big event to launch its latest GPUs, specifically the GeForce RTX 5090.
Nvidia's products have been very successful and in-demand thanks to AI. But, don't forget that gamers have been a reliable consumer base for the company too. The Nvidia RTX 50-series will be the first powered by the company's new powerful Blackwell architecture.
At the point, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 is expected to be the big announcement as part of Huang CES keynote on Jan. 6, 2025. So, while CES officially starts on Jan. 7, it seems the party will get started a day before the show floor opens to the public.
An interesting CES for EVsElectric vehicles always steal at least some of the headlines at CES. Aptera Motors, for example, is going to debut its solar-powered EV at CES 2025.
But, the conversation around EVs at CES will likely be something that can't be showcased: The incoming Trump administration's hostile policies regarding electric vehicles. Trump will likely look to end the EV tax credits, which would hurt many EV companies, especially startup EV manufacturers like the ones that attend CES. Combine that with a global slowdown of EV sales in general and the EV news coming out of this CES may not be all about what new technology was unveiled, but who isn't there this year.
CES 2025 in Las Vegas opens to the public on Jan. 7. Mashable will be there live at the show floor and at the media days before the public opening covering all the latest news from the event.
OnePlus is looking to upstage Samsung's big announcements this year.
The company is preparing to launch its new flagship smartphone, the OnePlus 13, on January 7 - about two weeks ahead of the (leaked) launch date for Samsung's Galaxy S25 flagships.
The OnePlus 13 already launched in China in October, so it's not that big of a surprise. It's a 6.82-inch smartphone, powered by Qualcomm's powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, with a triple 50-megapixel camera, a humongous, 6,000mAh battery, 12/24GB of RAM, and 256/512/1,024GB of storage.
Yeah, the international version might not be specced exactly the same, but the differences will likely be minor, so the biggest reveal on January 7 will be the phone's price.
OnePlus does have one surprise up its sleeve, however. The company is also launching the OnePlus 13R, a slightly more affordable and less powerful phone. We know a few things about it: For example, it'll be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, and it's going to come with (big surprise) a bunch of AI features.
OnePlus 13R - three cameras on the back, and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip inside. Credit: OnePlusThe best thing about the OnePlus 13R could be its battery, as OnePlus confirms that it'll also pack a 6,000mAh battery.
We also have a few images of the phone which, frankly, looks very similar as the OnePlus 13. It will come in two colors: Nebula Noir, and Astral Trail (see image above).
Tweet may have been deletedOnePlus also plans to launch a new color for its earbuds during the event, the new OnePlus Buds Pro 3. They will now be available in Sapphire Blue.
The launch event kicks off at 10:30 a.m. ET on January 7, so stay tuned for more info.
Mufasa: The Lion King stars Mads Mikkelsen, Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jnr, Tiffany Boone, and Billy Eichner sit down with Mashable UK Editor Shannon Connellan to discuss voicing Scar's origin story, unpacking childhood trauma, and working with Barry Jenkins.
Mufasa: The Lion King is out in theatres on Dec. 20 2024.
Martin Short has already brought his roasting talents to SNL, and in his latest promo he brings his flair for the dramatic.
Standing alongside musical guest Hozier and cast member Kenan Thompson, Short announces that the only thing he wants for Christmas this year is "a better script than this" before storming off camera.
The last SNL episode of 2024 is shaping up to be a good one.
Martin Short's appearance on The Tonight Show starts off with some of Short's usual roasting of the host ("You must be very excited, because in one month you're going to be pardoned for your role in January 6th," he tells Fallon) and his Only Murders in the Building co-star Steve Martin ("He's way into Christmas — he's already hung his compression stockings with care"). But then, suddenly, Short requests that Fallon talk to him privately behind the blue curtain.
What follows is an entertainingly silly hot mic-style skit in which Short and Fallon have an escalating argument that involves multiple curtain trips and a smashed urn.
The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.
With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.
So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on MashableHere are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, December 20, 2024:
AcrossWhat it doesn't hurt to do if you're confused, they sayThe answer is Ask.
The answer is Tata.
The answer is Carol.
The answer is Adore.
The answer is Many.
The answer is Aaron.
The answer is Carol.
The answer is Kale.
The answer is Tada.
The answer is Cam.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of GamesAre you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.
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