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There are some mysterious flying objects hovering over New Jersey and, days after the first drones were spotted, we still don't know much about what they are, where they're from, and what they're doing up there.
Folks with eyes on New Jersey have been reporting mysterious drone sightings — over houses, military installations, and Trump's Bedminster golf club, to name a few — since mid-November. The FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and Federal Aviation Administration have all investigated the origins but don't yet have any answers for us. The Pentagon says the mystery drones are not military and are probably not foreign. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and U.S. Sen. Andy Kim have gone on their own drone hunts, too, but have come back empty-handed.
Despite this, Murphy and law enforcement officials say the drones aren't likely a threat to public safety, according to the Associated Press.
"Tonight I met with @NJSP officials and radar technicians at the Regional Operations & Intelligence Center who are surveying the area for unmanned aircraft systems," Murphy posted on X Sunday night. "The public deserves clear answers — we will keep pushing the federal government for more information and resources."
The drones have become such a spectacle that the president-elect weighed in.
"Let the public know, and now," Trump said. "Otherwise, shoot them down!"
It's leading lawmakers to consider stricter rules about flying unmanned aircrafts, the AP reported. But many of the sightings aren't unmanned aircrafts at all — they're stars, planes, or other flying objects like aircrafts coming and going from New Jersey airports.
Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deletedJust look at the Friday X post from Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, who says he "personally witnessed" what he believed were "dozens of large drones in the sky above my residence in Davidsonville, Maryland." The video that accompanied the post clearly shows the constellation Orion and the stars Sirius and Procyon.
No matter who — or what — is behind the drones, Harry Direen, an electronic and software engineering expert at DireenTech, told USA Today that the culprits are "clearly ... not being very stealthy."
SAVE $23: Select Amazon accounts are eligible to buy an Amazon Smart Plug for just $1.99 with code PLUG, down from the list price of $24.99. That's a 92% discount. Check the product page to see if your account is eligible.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Smart Plug $1.99 at AmazonA smart plug is one of the simplest, yet most convenient additions if you prefer smart home devices. For some lucky Amazon accounts, you can grab a smart plug for an epically low price through the end of the month.
Until Dec. 31, the Amazon Smart Plug is just $1.99 for select Amazon accounts with discount code PLUG, down from the list price of $24.99. That's a 92% discount or a savings of $23.99. To check if you're eligible, head to the product page and look for the exclusive pricing offer.
Perfect for your Christmas tree or holiday lights, the Amazon Smart Plug allows you to turn the plug on or off through the Alexa app on your smartphone. That means you'll no longer have to maneuver behind the Christmas tree to unplug the lights.
The Amazon Smart Plug is also simple to set up, only requiring you to plug it in and open the Alexa app to get going. Amazon recommends using it with lamps, fans, coffee makers, and more.
Through the Alexa app, you can also set schedules for the Smart Plug, programming the Christmas tree lights to turn on at 5 p.m. and off at midnight, for example. Keep in mind it's only for use indoors and it'll need to connect to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network.
The Amazon Smart Plug can also be a great addition if you'll be going away for the holidays. With the plug, control a living room lamp to turn on and off whenever you feel like it, giving the impression someone is home. Kevin really could have used a smart plug when he got left behind at home.
Not all Amazon accounts are eligible for the deal, so you'll need to check the Smart Plug product page to see if it shows up for you. It's also non-transferrable so you won't be able to share the promo code with others. But if you're one of the lucky ones, be sure to jump on this great deal to get an Amazon Smart Plug for only $1.99.
There's only a little over a week until the big day, or in other words, it's crunch time for holiday shopping. Luckily, there's still plenty of deals at Amazon to help you save on your last-minute gifts. Brands like Beats, Yeti, Sonos, and more are offering discounts up to 48% off as of Dec. 16 — and we've rounded up the best ones.
Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If none of these are your cup of tea, be sure to check back tomorrow for a brand-new list of deals.
Our top pick: Beats Studio Buds Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Buds $79.00 at AmazonSearching for a solid pair of noise-cancelling earbuds that won't break the bank? The Beats Studio Buds are on sale for just $79 as of Dec. 16 at Amazon. That's 47% in savings and 99 cents cheaper than their Prime Day and Black Friday price. Mashable's Alex Perry called them "Apple's new go-to entry-level earbuds" when they first came out in 2021, boldly stating they "put entry-level AirPods to shame." Some standout perks are powerful bass, 24-hour battery life (with the charging case), transparency mode, spatial audio, and decent ANC. While they're no longer the latest or greatest Beats buds on the market, they still hold up in 2024.
Read our full review of the Beats Studio Buds.
Blink Whole Home Bundle Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Whole Home Bundle $109.97 at AmazonWhile you can't put a price tag on peace of mind, you can get pretty close with this $109.97 deal on the Blink Whole Home Bundle. It includes the Blink Outdoor 4, Mini 2, and Video Doorbell system, so you can keep an eye on every part of your home. Using the Blink app, you can see who shows up at your door (even at night) and enjoy live two-way communication with the Video Doorbell. Then, with the Outdoor 4, you can expand your field of view around your home and be alerted to anything out of the ordinary. The Blink Mini 2 handles the inside of your home, day or night, while the Sync Module 2 (included) lets you track all of the action in one place. Slash 45% off as of Dec. 16.
Sonos Ray Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Ray $169.00 at AmazonAccording to Mashable reviewer Han Schneider, the Sonos Ray "delivers on the bottom line requirement of any speaker: true, quality sound." It's a budget-friendly, low-profile soundbar that happens to be one of our favorites — particularly as a starter soundbar. It doesn't have a ton of fancy features (no Bluetooth connectivity, HDMI hookup, or smart home compatibility), but the price tag and impressive sound quality more than make up for it. It's usually $279, but as of Dec. 16, it's on sale for only $169 at Amazon. That's 39% in savings and just $20 away from its best-ever price from Black Friday.
Read our full review of the Sonos Ray.
Amazon Echo Frames Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Frames $169.99 at AmazonNeed a unique gift option that will make it to your door before Christmas? The Amazon Echo Frames check both of those boxes. They're Alexa-equipped sunglasses that allow you to control your smart home devices, ask questions, play music, stream podcasts, and take hands-free calls. No need to whip out a phone or pop in earbuds with these babies on. They last for up to 14 hours on a single charge and come in five unique styles. Plus, they're prescription compatible. Usually $329.99, you can grab a pair on sale for only $169.99 as of Dec. 16. That's 48% in savings and matches their best-ever price.
Yeti Roadie 60 wheeled cooler Opens in a new window Credit: Yeti Yeti Roadie 60 $337.50 at AmazonYeti coolers are hard to beat; not only can they keep eyes for days (weeks, even!), but they're also virtually indestructible. I own a Yeti Roadie 24 and my only complaint is that it's pretty dang heavy when it's filled up. The Roadie 60 fixes that problem by adding two puncture-resistant wheels and a periscope handle. It can fit 98 cans, 68 pounds of just ice, or 19 wine bottles — in other words, this thing is massive — making it a great option for camping trips, beach days, weekend getaways, and everything in between. It's usually $450, but you can get the lilac option on sale for $337.50 at Amazon as of Dec. 16. That's a rare 25% in savings.
None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.
Google Deepmind has unveiled its next-generation AI tools, Veo 2 and Imagen 3, along with a playful new experiment, Whisk, aimed at remixing visuals in creative ways.
Veo 2 is the newest version of the company's flagship video-generation tool, which according to Google will be capable of higher realism and an improved understanding of movement, physics, and cinematic techniques. In its press release, Google Deepmind states that Veo 2 can generate 4K videos and handle complex prompts — like specific camera lenses or cinematic shots.
SEE ALSO: Veo, Google's Sora competitor, is hyped by Donald Glover"Veo 2 understands the unique language of cinematography," the press release states, emphasizing its ability to deliver stylistic choices like "low-angle tracking shots" or "shallow depth of field." Further, the company says that, unlike earlier models that often “hallucinate” strange visuals (like extra limbs), Veo 2 reduces these quirks, making results more natural.
Imagen 3, released in August, has gotten some improvements with richer textures, brighter colors, and diverse art styles — from photorealistic landscapes to anime. The upgrade will also stick more faithfully to user prompts.
The most intriguing addition might be Whisk, a tool that allows users to remix images with creative flair. By combining Google’s Imagen 3 and Gemini models, Whisk can turn rough image ideas into digital artworks like "plushies or enamel pins," all while automatically generating descriptive captions.
Veo 2 is rolling out in Google’s VideoFX, Imagen 3 hits ImageFX in over 100 countries, and Whisk is live for U.S. users. You can sign up for the Google Labs waitlist now.
Save $101.99: As of Dec. 16, you can grab the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds for $198 at Amazon, saving you $101.99 on their $299.99 retail price. You can also grab the earbuds for a dollar more at Best Buy and Target, with all three deals giving you roughly a 33% discount, and the best prices we've ever seen on these earbuds.
Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds $198.00 at AmazonIf you're currently scrambling for last-minute Christmas gifts and kicking yourself for not shopping during Black Friday, I'd like to remind you that good things come to those who wait.
For example, as of Dec. 16, the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds are down to $198 at Amazon, beating their Black Friday and Cyber Monday price by about $30 and marking a new record low price for the earbuds that usually cost $299.99. If you're not a fan of Amazon, you can also find them on sale at Best Buy and Target for $199.99.
While testing headphones and earbuds for Mashable, I tried the Sony WF-1000XM5s, and was blown away by their sound quality and easy pairing, while their active noise cancelling placed them among some of the best noise-cancelling earbuds I've tried. Mashable Shopping Reporter Sam Mangino also named these one of her top picks for the best noise-cancelling earbuds, calling out their "distinct audio" that "pick up on the subtleness of every lyric and beat."
SEE ALSO: The 6 best Bluetooth speakers for basically any situationWhat helps make that audio shine is the custom equalizer on the earbuds' companion app. Though the interface can be a bit difficult to navigate, the "Find Your Equalizer" feature makes it easy for audiophiles and non-audiophiles alike to fine tune the settings they most prefer with their music.
Typically, the biggest con of these earbuds is their price point, but at $198, they're near the price of AirPods Pro on sale, and lower than the sale price of our favorite overall noise-cancelling earbuds, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds.
HDMI 2.2, the new HDMI specification is set to debut in early January.
In an email sent to the press, including Mashable, the HDMI Forum, which oversees the development of HDMI specifications, said HDMI 2.2 will be announced on Jan. 6 in Las Vegas, a day before the official start of CES.
Not much else was shared beyond the details of the press conference at the massive consumer tech conference. But the email did say that the new HDMI 2.2 specifications "will support a wide range of higher resolutions and refresh rates."
As Tom's Guide pointed out, the date of the announcement coincides with scheduled press events from Nvidia and AMD. Both companies are expected to announce new GPUs (GeForce RTX 50 from Nvidia and Radeon RX 8000 from AMD). If this is the case, the launches might be timed to align with the new HDMI standard.
The current HDMI standard, HDMI 2.1, was introduced in 2017. The most recent HDMI 2.1 update supports 48Gbps bandwidth, up to 10K resolution, and has up to 120Hz refresh rate at 4K. So whatever the specs are for HDMI 2.2 should be a significant upgrade from this. Mashable will be on ground at CES covering this, and other tech news.
YouTube is providing more ways to limit your child's access to the unfettered landscape of YouTube content.
Announced on Dec. 13, the platform will now offer an additional parent code feature on the YouTube app for TVs. With the code in place, users will have to input a password to access YouTube, even when signed out of an account with parental controls in place — a common work around to account safety settings. Young watchers will also need the code to access accounts for older members of your household (13 years and up), and to remove accounts on TVs.
SEE ALSO: Holiday tech gifts for kids: 5 things to knowYouTube is gradually changing the way young users access its platform, parental controls or not. Last week, YouTube unveiled its newly revamped YouTube Kids app, originally launched in 2015. Compared to its previously simplistic design, the new YouTube Kids looks more like it's enticing adult version, but with far more safety controls for young viewers. YouTube removed its standalone YouTube Kids app for TVs earlier this year, instead integrating the child version into the general YouTube app, accessible through a child's profile — other media sites, including streaming platforms, have moved in a similar direction.
The new parent code is a response to user concerns about children having access to the adult platform following the introduction of integrated profiles on TVs.
"We hope this change gives you added comfort in knowing kids cannot use accounts and features on your smart TV that aren’t meant for them," the company wrote, "while also making recommendations in your profile more relevant to your interests rather than what you previously watched together as a family."
On Dec. 16th, get up to 50% off on Govee smart lights and smart bulbs at Amazon.
The appeal of Govee is simple, these smart lights provide endless color variations. Simply replacing a couple of bulbs in your room could entirely change the feel of your apartment, allowing you to sculpt variation of hues. However, Govee’s selection of lights goes far beyond smart bulbs. Govee also offers outdoor rope lights that snake color through your yard, floor lamps, Christmas tree strands, and customizable LED panels.
Just ahead of the holidays, Govee is throwing down with a massive sale across their products on Amazon. Shop the sale to find Prime-member coupons hitting up to 50% off, overall price cuts, and more. Since the sale is on Amazon, if you shop now, you’ll still be able to get these before holiday go-time. Here are our favorites:
The best outdoor light deal Opens in a new window Credit: Govee Govee Outdoor Neon Rope Lights $120.00 at AmazonSnaking along the side of your walk, winding through the limbs of a crepe myrtle tree, or outlining the eaves of your home, Govee Outdoor Neon Rope Lights provide premium outdoor lighting that's fully customizable and weatherproof enough to survive the elements.
At 32.8 feet, this rope light has enough length to highlight roof lines on the entire front façade of a home, or line two sides of a walk. An IP67 ingress protection rating certifies that it's weatherproof enough to withstand rain and sand. A perfect something special to throw into the mix with your Christmas lights, now is a fantastic time to spring for Govee Neon Rope Lights. Order now and sign in to your Prime account to take advantage of the on-page coupon and get 40% off.
The best smart bulb deal Opens in a new window Credit: Govee Govee Smart Light Bulbs $24.99 at AmazonGovee's smart light bulbs screw into regular light sockets then connect to the Govee app to revolutionize what your lamp can be. With a vast array of colors, temperatures, and brightness levels, a few bulbs will paint your space in color. Set one bulb to a warm orange and another to a cool purple, or simply tune your bulbs to your ideal temperature of white.
I switched to Govee Smart Light Bulbs this summer, and while I mostly keep them set to my preferred warm off-white settings, they've drastically improved the feel of my room. When I want to watch a show, I open the app and tap my preset for dim orange. On an especially bright morning, I might switch one lamp to a pale pink to create the feeling of a spring dawn.
Whatever your color preference, Govee smart bulbs will oblige. At 29% off, this four pack is terrific value.
The best wall light deal Opens in a new window Credit: Govee Govee Glide Wall Lights $49.99 at AmazonWhether you want to add strips of light over your doors, or you'd like to offset the TV with a geometric pattern, the Govee Glide Wall Lights are designed to make it happen. This pack comes with six lights calibrated to attach one to the next, that will create two light panels.
Millions of colors adapt to different scene settings and even sync to your musical selections to create a pulsing multimedia vibe. Order the Govee Glide Wall Lights now and take advantage of a $20 on-page coupon.
More Govee smart light dealsGovee Icicle Lights — $69.99 $139.99 (save 50%)
Govee Envisual TV LED Backlight T2 with Dual Cameras — $89.99 $139.99 (save 36%)
Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights H7021 — $57.99 $99.99 (save 42%)
From working in construction to helping labour shortages and performing surgeries, robots have been keeping busy this year. In no particular order, here are the mechanical creatures that impressed, excited and, well, freaked us out a little, in 2024.
SAVE $50: An Amazon Echo Auto with one month of Amazon Music Unlimited is just $14.98, down from the typical bundled price of $64.98. That's a 77% discount.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Auto with one month of Amazon Music Unlimited $14.98 at AmazonAhh the open road. It offers us freedom to explore, see new and exciting areas, or just drive into work five mornings each week. Regardless of how often you drive or how you feel about driving, listening to music makes the activity far more enjoyable. Thanks to today's deal at Amazon, rocking out to tunes in the car just got a lot cheaper.
As of Dec. 16, an Amazon Echo Auto and one month of Amazon Music Unlimited is just $14.98, down from the typical price of $64.98. That saves you $50, working out to a 77% discount. It also means the Amazon Echo Auto device costs just $4.99, instead of the usual $54.99.
The Amazon Music Unlimited subscription will auto renew at $9.99 per month, but you're free to cancel at anytime. To score this deal, you'll need to be an Amazon Prime member and a new customer to Amazon Music Unlimited.
The Echo Auto adds Alexa to your car with a slim and simple device. That means you'll have all the hands-free features that come with Alexa like making calls, answering text messages, changing the song, or tuning into a podcast. You can connect the Echo Auto to your car's Aux input or through Bluetooth. It also comes with an adhesive car mount, so you'll be able to safely secure it near your car's stereo.
If you have Alexa-enabled devices at home, you can also use the Echo Auto to give those gadgets instructions. Tell Alexa to turn up your home's thermostat as you're driving home or turn on the lights.
In addition to the Echo device, this bundle includes one month of Amazon Music Unlimited, giving you access to millions of songs and podcasts with zero ads. It also includes audiobooks from Audible. All of this means your time spent in the car will no longer feel wasted, but rather be time spent catching up on your favorite podcasts and discovering new music.
If you'll be taking to the road this holiday season, employ the company of the Amazon Echo Auto bundled with Amazon Music Unlimited. Together, they're 77% off today for Prime members.
In what must be the least anticipated recap of the year, British online bank Monzo has dropped its answer to Spotify Wrapped for another brutal round.
Debuted last year to many, many memes, Monzo's 2024 wrap-up released once again to low moans across the UK. No, I don't need to know how much I spent on [REDACTED], I already know. But this year, the team listened — you can customise what the banking app tells you about your year of spending, whether "nice" or "savage."
"The nation’s favourite spending summary is back," the website reads. "And this time, you choose how we recap your year. We can be nice or savage. Your call."
SEE ALSO: Porn viewers wanted 'demure' tradwife content this year, Pornhub's Year in Review showsIf you pick "nice," the app "goes easy on you" when telling you the top places you've shopped, where you've eaten out, and where you spent on entertainment. You'll also see who you split bills most with, how much you saved, and the countries you spent money in if you used your card there.
If you pick "savage," it shows you the same things — but it's meaner about it. It's exactly the same data, but the library is open.
The app literally mocked me for my choices. "Okay fancy pants," it spat at me for my M&S snack purchases. "Newsflash: your fridge is closer," it barked showing my preferences for eating outside of my house. "Money can't buy friendship. But you sure did try," it says, showing me the friends I split bills with.
You've got to hand it to Monzo, they took those memes into consideration.
A wedding abroad, two ex partners and a long journey stuck in a camper van is the recipe for Paramount+'s romantic dramedy The Road Trip, based on Beth O'Leary's novel of the same name.
In the trailer above a car accident forces former girlfriend and boyfriend Addie (Emma Appleton) and Dylan (Laurie Davidson) into a long trip from England to Spain, while the friends (and one stranger) they're stuck with try to to get to the bottom of what went wrong between them.
The Road Trip is streaming on Paramount+ from Dec. 26.
Apple released MacOS Sequoia 15.2 last week for its laptops and desktop computers. As usual, this MacOS update brings some new features as well as some fixes and upgrades to existing ones.
But, as MacOS Sequoia is the first with Apple Intelligence, the new features that come with MacOS Sequoia 15.2 mostly involve new additions to Apple's own AI model.
So, what's new in MacOS Sequoia 15.2? Here are the biggest new features.
Apple Intelligence: Image PlaygroundIf you have a Mac powered by Apple's Silicon chipset, the new Apple Intelligence features are by far the biggest new releases in MacOS Sequoia 15.2.
SEE ALSO: Apple's iOS 18.2 arrives: Here's 4 new features to be excited aboutThe latest MacOS update brings Image Playground to Mac. Image Playground allows users to generate AI-generated images with text prompts. Apple lets users choose from animation or illustration styles and images can be created in existing Mac apps like Messages and Freeform for direct usage in those applications.
Apple Intelligence: ChatGPT integrationThe new MacOS Sequoia 15.2 also brings OpenAI's ChatGPT directly to Mac via a direct Apple intelligence integration. ChatGPT can be accessed through Siri or Writing Tools.
SEE ALSO: WatchOS 11.2 is here. This new feature alone is worth the updateUsers don't need a ChatGPT account to use ChatGPT via Apple Intelligence. Mac users will be able to anonymously make ChatGPT requests and their data won't be used to train OpenAI's models. ChatGPT users can login to their account if they'd like to though to take advantages of their account benefits.
Additional Apple Intelligence featuresApple has one more addition to Apple Intelligence with MacOS Sequoia 15.2.
Users can now tell Writing Tools exactly how they want a text document rewritten. For example, if a user writes a paragraph but wants it rewritten into a poem, the user can just tell Apple Intelligence that they want it to be rewritten as poetry.
PhotosThe Photos app also has some updates in MacOS Sequoia 15.2.
Viewed and Recently Shared album history can now be cleared in the latest update. The Favorites album also appears in the Utilities collection as well as the Pinned Collections.
SafariSafari has received some updates in MacOS Sequoia 15.2 too.
There are new background image customization options on the Safari Start Page. HTTPS upgrade will try to use secure HTTPS on all websites. And there is a new simplified import and export process for history, bookmarks, and passwords.
Additional updates: Weather in the menu bar, Sudoku, and more!That's not all with the MacOS Sequoia 15.2. Alongside the bigger aforementioned updates, there are additional upgrades and changes to other Mac features.
Weather is now accessible in the menu bar and allows users to get current weather conditions. For more detailed forecasts, users can click through on the menu bar to get more weather information.
Find My has a new Share Item Location feature that helps users locate and recover misplaced and lost items by allowing them to securely share the location of an AirTag of accessory with third parties.
SEE ALSO: United launches Apple AirTag-powered baggage locationThe Podcasts app allows users to choose favorites and get show recommendations based on them with the Favorite Categories feature. A new Personalized Search page in Podcasts will also highlight relevant categories and bring editorially curated collections to users.
Users can now describe what content they're looking for in Apple Music and the Apple TV app with new natural language search.
There's also a few more additional features such as Sudoku for News+ subscribers and a presenter preview which lets users choose whether to share a specific app or the whole screen when connecting to an external display via AirPlay.
MacOS Sequoia 15.2 is available now as a free update for all compatible Mac and MacBook users. However, Apple Intelligence features only work with Macs with the Apple Silicon chipset, such as the M1, M2, M3, or M4 line of computers.
A magic potion is the only thing standing between a tiny village and the invading Roman force in Netflix's upcoming Asterix and Obelix: The Big Fight series, based on René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo famous graphic novels.
In the teaser above the animated duo swill beer while comfortably fending off an entire legion of invading troops, knocking them aside like bowling pins before accidentally crushing their own potion master – and the secret to their superhuman strength – beneath a boulder. Uh-oh.
Asterix and Obelix: The Big Fight is coming to Netflix in 2025.
By now, you've likely heard all about the post-election exodus from Elon Musk's X, formerly known as Twitter.
Users on X, which Musk has branded the "everything app," have been fleeing the platform. The ripple effects of the election season and Musk's support of Donald Trump have given a rise to a deluge of misinformation and toxic discourse on the platform being forced into users' feeds. As a result, X alternative Bluesky has seen a sudden surge in user signups and daily active users.
This may seem like a blip for X. It might appear like just a temporary reaction to the result of the election. However, new data points to X's woes being much bigger than a post-election backlash.
Musk's X has been steadily losing users even preceding the election. And, based on the current trajectory, millions of X users are poised to leave over the next year as well.
X's election day traffic was a flash in the panSince the days of being called Twitter, X has traditionally seen a significant spike in traffic and daily active users based on big current events. Elections, specifically the U.S. Presidential elections are big traffic drivers for X.
SEE ALSO: Elon Musk hints that X throttles posts with linksAccording to data from SimilarWeb, as reported by the Guardian, this was indeed the case in 2024 as well – at least, on election day and a day or two immediately following the election as well.
However, in the broader leadup to the elections, X actually continuously shed daily active users. In fact, for the entire month of October, X saw a drop in anywhere from 300,000 to 2.6 million daily active users in the U.S. each day. Since early October, daily active U.S. users have fallen from 32.3 million to 29.6 million, a drop of 8.4 percent.
X likely to continue losing users in 2025Mashable previously reported on X's declining user base just one month prior to the time period covered by the latest data. In September, we published data showing that X lost nearly one-fifth of its daily active user base with a similar downward trend in the UK and EU.
However, according to analysts, it appears like X will continue its decline in 2025.
According to analysts at Emarketer, from when Musk acquired X in 2022 until 2025, they expect X to have lost 7 million monthly active users in the U.S.
The declining user base pales in comparison to the decline of X's brand and value. According to a recent report from Brand Finance, X's brand is now worth 673 million. The brand was valued at $5.7 billion before Musk's takeover in 2022. When it comes to revenue, X's revenue fell by 40 percent when compared to the prior year based on internal company data from June 2024.
We've been hearing it for years, be it through rumors, whispers, or actual patent applications: Apple is working on foldable devices. But the reports always come with a caveat: Those plans are still very far from realization, and they might change in the future.
Well, judging by the new crop of reports that showed up in the past couple of days, Apple's foldables are getting real, though it still may take a while until they launch.
SEE ALSO: Apple Intelligence appears to have falsely claimed that Luigi Mangione shot himselfIn a new report Sunday, the Wall Street Journal said that Apple is planing two foldable devices. The larger is "intended to serve as a laptop," and would have a display that unfolds to be at about 19 inches in diagonal.
A smaller model would be more akin to a phone, with a display that's larger than that of the iPhone 16 Pro Max when fully unfolded, the report said.
The company has experimented with various designs, but seems to have settled down to an inward-folding design for its foldables. According to the report, the foldable iPhone might actually hit the market in 2026 (though there are still technical challenges to overcome), and the foldable laptop/tablet would come later.
In the latest edition of his newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman also said Apple is working on a couple of foldables, though his report differs from WSJ's in a few key ways. Gurman thinks that the larger foldable is likely to be "akin to a giant iPad" (instead of an all-screen MacBook), and would likely run iPadOS. However, this device will is coming to market "around 2028."
Gurman also said Apple is looking into launching a foldable iPhone, which might come in 2026 "at the earliest."
The WSJ's report also reiterated previous reports that Apple is working on a super-thin iPhone (perhaps called the iPhone Air), which should launch next year. Details are scarce, except that the phone would be thinner than current models, with a simplified camera. As for the price, it should be "cheaper than the Pro models."
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 Monday, December 16, 2024:
AcrossPetting zoo animalThe answer is Goat.
The answer is Comma.
The answer is Union.
The answer is Bets.
The answer is ERs.
The answer is Goner.
The answer is Omits.
The answer is Amos.
The answer is Tan.
The answer is Cube.
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.
SAVE $200: As of Dec. 16, Samsung 75-inch Class DU6950 Series Crystal UHD 4K TV is on sale for $549.99 at Best Buy. That’s $200 off its usual price of $749.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 75-inch Class DU6950 $549.99 at Best BuyIf you've been dreaming of a larger screen for movie nights, sports events, or binge-watching your favorite shows, this Samsung 75-inch DU6950 Crystal UHD 4K TV deal is one to snag. Now available for $549.99 at Best Buy ($200 off its regular price), it's a fantastic opportunity to upgrade your home entertainment system without breaking the bank.
This 2024 model delivers breathtaking picture quality, thanks to Samsung's Crystal Processor 4K, which upscales content for sharper images, vibrant colors, and enhanced detail. From streaming your favorite series to enjoying blockbuster hits, every frame comes to life in dazzling clarity. The PurColor technology widens the color spectrum beyond traditional RGB models, making everything from lush landscapes to vivid sunsets feel more lifelike.
SEE ALSO: How 'The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim' adapts two pages of Tolkien lore into a whole movieThe TV also features HDR (High Dynamic Range) and Mega Contrast, ensuring brightness and contrast are fine-tuned in every frame, letting you see deeper shadows and brighter highlights. Action scenes and sports are smooth and blur-free with the Motion Xcelerator. At the same time, Object Tracking Sound Lite enhances your audio experience with 3D virtual surround sound that follows the movement on-screen.
This Samsung TV is more than just a visual powerhouse — it's a smart home hub, too. Powered by Samsung's Tizen OS, it gives you access to popular streaming apps, games, and even workout programs. With Samsung TV Plus, you can enjoy free live TV channels via WiFi, keeping you entertained without additional subscriptions. And suppose you pair it with a Samsung Q-series or S-series soundbar. In that case, the Q Symphony feature unlocks an immersive audio experience by seamlessly syncing the TV speakers and soundbar.
This model doesn't just prioritize picture and sound — it's built for convenience. The intuitive Tizen interface ensures smooth navigation, while a sleek design makes it an eye-catching addition to any room.
Priced at $549.99, the Samsung DU6950 4K TV offers excellent value for its size and features. With a solid 4.3-star rating from Best Buy customers, this TV clearly delivers on its promise of quality. Deals like this don't last long, so grab it today and enjoy an unparalleled viewing experience just in time for the holidays.
SAVE $7,000: As of Dec. 16, Kyota Kizuna M688 Dual Mech Massage Chair is on sale for $2,999 at Best Buy. That’s a massive $7,000 saving off its regular $9,999 price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Kyota Kyota Kizuna M688 Dual Mech Massage Chair $2,999.00 at Best BuyIf luxury relaxation is on your wishlist, this deal on the Kyota Kizuna M688 Dual Mech Massage Chair might be your dream come true. This high-end, feature-packed chair is designed to turn your home into a personal spa, and right now, it’s available for $2,999 at Best Buy — an incredible $7,000 off its usual price of $9,999. Kyota Kizuna has it all for sore muscles, decompressing after a long day, or treating yourself.
What sets the Kizuna apart is its dual massage mechanisms, which work to provide targeted therapeutic relief to your back and glutes. Add the Truefit body scanning technology, which adapts to your body’s unique size and shape, ensuring every massage is tailored just for you. It even includes AI-powered health monitoring, measuring your heart rate and blood oxygen levels to create a fully customized massage program.
SEE ALSO: How 'The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim' adapts two pages of Tolkien lore into a whole movieComfort and convenience are built into every aspect of the chair. Zero Wall Fit technology means you only need a few inches of space behind the chair to fully recline. In contrast, the zero-gravity recline elevates your feet above your heart, relieving spinal pressure and improving circulation. For even more relaxation, the chair features both cooling and heating in the lumbar area and heating modules in the legs to soothe muscles and reduce inflammation.
The Kyota Kizuna M688 doesn’t stop at physical relaxation. Built-in Bluetooth speakers allow you to stream meditative music, guided relaxation tracks, or any audio you choose, immersing you in a full sensory experience. Meanwhile, a wireless charging pad and USB port keep your devices powered up as you recharge yourself. And if you’d instead go hands-free, its intelligent voice command system lets you adjust settings and activate programs with a simple phrase.
This chair also includes dual foot rollers and reflexology. It offers complete coverage of the soles and targets pressure points to improve overall wellness. Air compression therapy with strategically placed airbags ensures increased blood flow and a relaxing hug-like sensation throughout your body.
At its original price of $9,999, the Kyota Kizuna M688 is a significant splurge. But at $2,999, it’s too good to pass up. With a perfect five-star rating from Best Buy customers, this massage chair is worth every penny. Don’t wait too long — this level of luxury at such a steep discount might not last.
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