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CES 2025 hit us with a curveball when Naughty Dog Studios' creative director Neal Druckmann unexpectedly stepped onto the Sony press conference stage to drop a brand new trailer for The Last of Us Season 2 — and yeah, it’s as intense as you’d hope.

It's the latest in a few teasers dropped over the last few months. In this one, not only do we get to see our favorite post-apocalyptic duo, Joel and Ellie (Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey), back in action, but we also learned that the new season is set to premiere on Max this April — with the exact date to come.

This time around, Season 2 dives deep into the emotionally charged storyline of The Last of Us Part II, following Ellie’s relentless quest for revenge after a devastating act of violence shakes her world. Oh, and if that wasn’t enough, the trailer gives us another haunting glimpse of Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, a character shrouded in mystery but carrying some major emotional baggage — especially when it comes to Joel.

Samsung is set to reveal its new Galaxy S phone series in two weeks, with the company announcing that it will host its next Unpacked event on Jan. 22.

The follow up to Samsung's current Galaxy S24 model, the Galaxy S25 range is expected to be revealed in the showcase staged in San Jose, along with other gadgets, wearables, and more. The date for Samsung's Unpacked event had previously leaked, but the company officially confirmed it with a brief yet undeniably jazzy teaser on Monday (which also hinted at a new and improved Bixby).

Samsung Unpacked will be streamed live on Samsung's website and YouTube channel at 1 p.m. EST / 10 a.m. PST.

Samsung's S25 flagship models likely to be revealed are the Samsung Galaxy S25, Samsung Galaxy 25+, and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Mashable's Stan Schroeder previously reported on leaked beta software containing the model numbers of all three.

The company will also lean heavily on revealing new Galaxy AI features for its smartphone series and other devices at Unpacked. As Samsung's press release vaguely teased, "The next evolution of Galaxy AI is coming and it’s going to change the way you interact with the world every day." Of course, there have already been leaks about what these AI features could be.

SEE ALSO: Everything announced at Samsung Unpacked, including Galaxy AI and Galaxy Ring

We also know that Samsung is reportedly working on (at least) three new foldable phones for 2025, though whether they'll be announced at Unpacked remains to be seen.

To give you an idea of what to expect, here's everything Samsung revealed at its Galaxy Unpacked event last year, including the Samsung Galaxy Ring, Galaxy Watch Ultra, and more.

And in the meantime, Samsung has plenty of reveals now happening at CES 2025, where Mashable is on the ground.

Mr. White, a close ally of President-elect Donald J. Trump, further strengthens the social media giant’s connections with the incoming administration.

CES 2025 is filled with weird, new robot vacuum innovations. Dreame, a Chinese tech company, has unveiled its new X50 Ultra, a "stair-climbing" robot vacuum. But before you start dreaming (pun intended) of a bot that can clean your steps, here’s the reality: the X50 Ultra doesn’t actually climb stairs.

SEE ALSO: Samsung at CES 2025: You can't escape the smart house

Well, not exactly.

The X50 Ultra can "climb" only if your stairs are about two inches tall, which might make it more accurate to call it a threshold-hopper. Dreame’s North American PR team is marketing it as the "robot vacuum that can literally climb stairs" (their emphasis, not ours). That claim feels a bit overblown, considering the X50 Ultra’s actual capability is more about navigating small obstacles like cords or the lip of a doorway — tasks powered by Dreame’s ProLeap System technology.

Even so, two inches is more than double the threshold clearance height of most robot vacuums on the market. It may not be enough for a full step, but it's nothing to sneeze at.

Unfortunately, we weren’t able to test the X50 Ultra’s ability to handle thresholds due to Wi-Fi issues. Still, despite its exaggerated marketing claims, the X50 Ultra looks like a solid contender based on its specs. It boasts up to 20,000Pa of suction power, a HyperStream Detangling DuoBrush for tangle-free cleaning, and a 360-degree scanning sensor for smooth, efficient navigation.

You’ll still need to manually carry your robot companion up stairs considering that its navigational abilities are limited to thresholds just over two inches high. But if you’re after a premium robot vacuum that’s great at handling obstacles on flat floors without getting stuck, the X50 Ultra might be worth considering.

The Dreame X50 Ultra will be available for pre-order on Jan. 7 for $1,699 and launches on Valentine's Day 2024.

Mashable is on the ground live at CES 2025! We’re covering all the wildest and most important developments this week, so please keep checking back in with us. Want to submit a product you represent for our teams’ consideration as we identify the Best of CES? Here’s more info on how to do it.

AI-powered TVs are here, whether you really want one or not.

Google unveiled its new TV operating system at CES 2025, promising many AI offerings. For what it's worth, Google is far from alone — as Mashable's Cecily Mauran pointed out, AI-powered TVs are one of the big trends of CES 2025. 

Here are three things the Gemini-enhanced TVs will reportedly be able to do after its planned release later this year.

1. Chat with your TV

Ever struggle to find that one movie you're looking for? Google seems to think Gemini can help there.

It wrote in a blog post about the new TVs:

"You and your family will be able to gather together and have a natural conversation with your TV. This will make searching through your media easier than ever, and you will be able to ask questions about travel, health, space, history and more, with videos in the results for added context."

The idea is that you can use Gemini to ask your TV questions, access specific content, or perform other tasks.

2. Read the news to you

As TechCrunch noted, the new Gemini TVs will be able to read you a daily news brief it generates after "the AI assistant [scrapes] news stories from across the internet and YouTube video headlines posted by trusted news channels." That seems neat on its surface, but it is also a bit troubling considering all the trouble AI tools — Google's included — have had with getting basic facts correct.

SEE ALSO: How a Monday Night Football mishap may have exposed deep problems with Google Search 3. Know when you're around

The new TVs will be outfitted with sensors that can tell when you're nearby, prompting the TV to "show 'personalized and informative widgets' with the weather or news stories," the Verge noted.

You might never need to ask Alexa the temperature outside again.

Mashable is on the ground live at CES 2025! We’re covering all the wildest and most important developments this week, so please keep checking back in with us. Want to submit a product you represent for our teams’ consideration as we identify the Best of CES? Here’s more info on how to do it.

Samsung kicked off CES 2025 with a splashy media day before the shows open — pulling top-tier tech reporters into a private event to unveil its latest lineup of Bespoke AI smart appliances. Held at the glitzy Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, the showcase made one thing abundantly clear: Samsung wants AI to power everything in your home.

SEE ALSO: The 6 most WTF robots at CES 2025

Backed by the trio of Samsung Knox, Bixby, and SmartThings, the company has envisioned an AI experience designed to be user-friendly, energy-efficient, and, most importantly, focused on helping you take care of yourself. Think Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, but with an oven that can pinpoint exactly how hot your turkey is.

For context, Samsung Knox is the company's mobile security platform; Bixby is Samsung's AI voice assistant, and Smart Things is the device hub that provides the interconnectivity between all the appliances. These are devices such as the SmartThings Hub, Motion Sensor, and Camera.

Credit: Chance Townsend / Mashable

Samsung showcased a sprawling ecosystem of connected devices. From ovens and refrigerators to washer/dryer combos, vacuums, and even HVAC systems, the company’s lineup is designed to integrate seamlessly — at a cost. Even the PR rep we spoke to admitted they couldn’t afford the AI-powered utopia Samsung envisions for its customers.

SEE ALSO: 5 new gadgets from CES 2025 that you can actually buy right now

The most connected of the bunch is the new fridge, equipped with AI Vision technology and internal cameras that track everything going in and out. Integrated with Instacart’s product-matching system, it can recommend items to replenish and let you place an order with just a few taps. You can even browse your grocery list directly on the fridge’s touchscreen and arrange for same-day delivery, turning your kitchen into a high-tech command center.

In addition to Bixby’s voice assistant enabling hands-free control, Samsung has offered a clear peek into its ambitious “screens everywhere” vision for the modern home, where every appliance is part of an interconnected, AI-driven ecosystem.

Mashable is on the ground live at CES 2025! We’re covering all the wildest and most important developments this week, so please keep checking back in with us. Want to submit a product you represent for our teams’ consideration as we identify the Best of CES? Here’s more info on how to do it.

Another CES, another new handheld gaming console. Except Acer's Nitro Blaze 11 isn't your average Steam Deck competitor.

The Taiwanese tech company announced the portable PC Monday ahead of the massive annual trade show in Las Vegas, a new entry in its Nitro series of handheld gaming devices. It's huge in size but shockingly light, with a detachable controller design that makes it feel an awful lot like a Nintendo Switch on steroids — with the added twist of some laptop functionality.

SEE ALSO: 5 new gadgets from CES 2025 that you can actually buy right now

Mashable got to go hands-on with the Nitro Blaze 11 just before launch, and while it swings a bit toward "who is this for?" territory, it's an incredibly cool and versatile gadget for the right kind of user with cash to burn.

How the Acer Nitro Blaze 11 feels to use That's the smaller, also-new Acer Nitro Blaze 11 in the background on the right. Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

It simply must be said: At over 14 inches wide and nearly seven inches tall, this thing is gigantic — massive, hulking, jumbo, beefy, majestic even. It gives Apple's largest iPad Pro a run for its money. It dwarfs my hands, and these puppies used to be able to stretch a full octave on a standard piano.

Yet, the Nitro Blaze 11's dimensions are slightly deceptive. Picking it up for the first time is a disarming experience: It weighs only 1,050 grams, or about 2.3 pounds. I can't believe how light it is; it's surprisingly comfortable to hold. A big win for gamers' wrists everywhere.

SEE ALSO: CES 2025 highlights: What we've seen so far

It's especially impressive when you consider the amount of power the device packs. Inside, there's a laptop-tier AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS processor with 16GB of RAM and an NPU that can hit up to 39 trillion operations per second (TOPS) in AI tasks. That's coupled with AMD Radeon 780M graphics and up to 2TB of storage. I should note that it got pretty hot on the back just sitting on its pedestal in Acer's media showroom.

Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

The Nitro Blaze 11 isn't rated for battery life just yet, but an Acer rep told me there's probably a reason for that: "It's not something to boast about." Not entirely surprising, all specs considered.

The device's display is an immersive 10.95-inch touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. It's an IPS display, not OLED like the ones on the latest Steam Deck and Switch, but it looks fluid and plenty vibrant in person. (It's rated at 500 nits of brightness.)

Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

On either side of the screen are two detachable controllers, which slide easily out of their slots and click satisfyingly back into place. Both of them have a joystick with a colorful lit-up border; there's a D-pad below the left one and action buttons above the right. They feel a little plasticky but well-made overall, and the joysticks' movement is silky smooth. They feature magnetic Hall Effect technology (as are their triggers), so the long-term stick drift issues that plague the Switch should be a non-issue here.

In a Nintendo similarity, the backside of the Nitro Blaze 11 has a kickstand that lets you switch (!) to playing it in tabletop mode. It's sturdy and stays in place when not in use. When I pointed out the Switchiness of the Nitro Blaze 11's design, Acer's rep remarked, "It works."

Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

Here's where we start veering away from Switch territory: The Nitro Blaze 11 runs on Windows 11 and comes with some fixings that make it usable as a laptop alternative. There's a front camera situated at the very top of its display, for instance, and users can connect it to peripherals like a keyboard via Bluetooth or its USB-A port. It doesn't feel like a total laptop replacement, but if you need to hop on a quick Zoom call or write up an email and it's the only device you have on you, you're not SOL.

Acer Nitro Blaze 11 price and release date Credit: Haley Henschel / Mashable

Acer's rep told me that the company hasn't quite defined its target audience for the Nitro Blaze 11 just yet, but younger commuters in Asia who want a discreet way to play PC games on the go are top of mind.

I'm sort of stuck on the same issue. With a starting price of $1,099, I think a standard gaming laptop would be a wiser purchase for most people. At the same time, I want one. It's sick. It's slick. And sometimes awesomeness trumps practicality.

The Nitro Blaze 11 launches in Q2 2025 alongside the smaller new Acer Nitro Blaze 8 ($899), which has an 8.8-inch 144Hz display; it omits its bigger sibling's detachable controllers, kickstand, and camera. Stay tuned for our full review.

Mashable is on the ground live at CES 2025! We’re covering all the wildest and most important developments this week, so please keep checking back in with us. Want to submit a product you represent for our teams’ consideration as we identify the Best of CES? Here’s more info on how to do it.

With 211 million followers on social media, the multibillionaire seems intent on using his global platform to rattle British politics.

As the Mashable team scampers around the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas this week, there's one question that's top of mind every time we visit a booth or attend a demo: "That's cool, but when can I buy it?"

A lot of times, the answer is never. Many gadgets exhibited at the annual tech industry trade show are just concepts and prototypes that don't make it to market. (That Withings OMNIA smart mirror for at-home health screenings, for instance? Yeah, there's a good chance it'll never see the light of day.)

SEE ALSO: CES 2025: Mashable's guide on what to expect

But sometimes the answer to that question is soon — or even now. Below, we've rounded up a list of five new products from CES 2025 that consumers can buy or preorder immediately, from an AI-powered planter to a smart bird bath. We'll be updating it throughout the week as more announcements go live, so check back often.

1. LeafyPod

Got a finicky pothos that acts like it's perpetually under- or overwatered? The LeafyPod is an AI-powered smart planter designed to tell you exactly what it needs to thrive. It features environmental sensors that keep tabs on soil moisture, light, temperature, and humidity levels, and its built-in rainfall-esque watering system can change its schedule based on the plant's current condition. (Its companion app features care info and watering schedules for over 100 common houseplants.) Also nice: There are no cords, so it looks just like a regular planter.

Opens in a new window Credit: LeafyPod LeafyPod $148.00 at Kickstarter
Pre-Order Here 2. Lymow One

You've heard of the robot vacuum and the robot mop, but a new challenger is about to enter the arena: The robot lawnmower. If you're lucky enough to even have a yard in this economy, one of your least favorite chores is most likely mowing your lawn manually. The Lymow One promises to take that task off your hands by doing all the dirty work itself, employing automatic boundary detection to get your lawn looking immaculate. While there's no exact release date just yet, you can still back the Lymow One on Kickstarter as we speak.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lymow Tech Lymow One $1,999.00 at Kickstarter
Pre-Order Here 3. XREAL One Pro AR glasses

Augmented reality is still in the "early adopter" phase in terms of audience and widespread utility, but if you're looking to dip your toes in nonetheless, XREAL's new One Pro AR glasses seem to be the new standard. The recently upgraded wearable has a speedier chipset with the XREAL X1, as well as a larger FOV, higher max brightness, and a more lightweight design compared to its predecessor. You can pre-order the XREAL One Pro AR glasses right now — they'll run you $599 and are expected to ship out in March 2025.

Opens in a new window Credit: XREAL XREAL One Pro AR glasses $599.00 at XREAL
Pre-Order Here 4. Birdfy Bath Pro

Bird enthusiasts, rejoice, for the Birdfy Bath Pro is here. The camera-equipped smart bird bath does pretty much what you'd expect it to do: It allows you to check in on your avian friends as they use your bird bath to freshen up. How adorable! It comes with two different lenses — a wide angle and auto-tracking version — and has the option for an AI analysis add-on that's supposed to recognize repeat visitors and take highlight photos. The Birdfy Bath Pro is currently up for preorder starting at $249.99 and is slated to ship out in March 2025. P.s. You can score $50 off if you preorder now.

Opens in a new window Credit: Birdfy Birdfy Bath Pro $199.99 at Birdfy
$249.99 Save $50.00 Pre-Order Here 5. JLab Epic Lux Lab Edition headphones

JLab's new pair of ANC headphones is here in the Epic Lux Lab Edition. Joining the likes of Apple AirPods and the Bose QuietComfort line, the Lab Editions feature Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation, as well as an Aware mode. The headphones also have high-fidelity 32mm dynamic drivers, spatial head tracking, wireless charging, and more. The JLab Epic Lux Lab Edition ANC headphones are priced at $199.99 and should ship in mid-February.

Opens in a new window Credit: JLab JLab Epic Lux Lab Edition headphones $199.99 at JLab
Pre-Order Here

Mashable is on the ground live at CES 2025! We’re covering all the wildest and most important developments this week, so please keep checking back in with us. Want to submit a product you represent for our teams’ consideration as we identify the Best of CES? Here’s more info on how to do it.

Mashable is on the ground at CES 2025, covering the latest consumer tech has to offer. The team is expecting big announcements for EVs, TVs, gaming upgrades, smart home devices, and lots and lots of AI-powered gadgets.

Check here for the most noteworthy highlights updated regularly, from the wacky to the "wow" and everything in between.

TVs with AI are popular at CES 2025

Two major themes collide for CES 2025: AI and TVs. Samsung's Neo QLED, OLED and QLED, and The Frame models and LG's OLED evo lineup are packed to the gills with AI features to optimize audio/video settings, recommend content, and personalize your TV experience. Plus, both Samsung and LG have partnered with Microsoft to bring Copilot integration to their respective models. TBD on whether AI features on TVs become useful tools or gimmicky bloatware, but expect much more of this to come.

Samsung unveils Vision AI, a suite of AI-powered features for its TV lineup. Credit: Samsung LG StanByMe 2 portable battery-powered TV

LG's battery-powered, 27-inch, $999 TV in a briefcase went viral last year for being a convenient and budget-friendly way for road trippers to watch TV anywhere. This year, LG announced StanByMe 2, an update from the previous model with longer battery life (four hours from three hours) and higher resolution (1440p from 1080p). Availability and pricing hasn't been announced yet.

An electric spoon that makes things taste salty

Kirin's Electric Salt Spoon definitely falls in the wacky category of CES offerings. By sending an electric current through the spoon to your tongue, it makes your tastebuds think you're eating something saltier than it is. Mashable's Matt Binder did a hands-on, er, "mouth-on" (sorry) and confirmed that it works. A useful gadget for someone trying to consume less salt, although sadly it's currently unavailable in the U.S.

Robots, robots, robots

Robots are another mainstay you can expect to see at CES, and this year hasn't disappointed. So far we've seen a robot-lamp hybrid from Jizai that looks like the Pixar mascot, a robot called R2D3 from OpenDroids that tackles household chores, and the Roborock Saros Z70 that's a vacuum robot with a robotic arm for picking up obstacles in its path, like socks.

A dyslexia-friendly monitor

French startup Lili for Life has engineered a monitor to help people with dyslexia, by addressing the underlying problem of overlapping "mirror" images caused by dyslexic people having two dominant eyes. Mashable's Chance Townsend explains how it works: "The Lili screen emits nearly imperceptible light flashes that correct this overlap by creating a shift in visual perception. This innovation makes reading smoother, faster, and less tiring, enhancing text comprehension and making the experience more enjoyable for the reader, according to the company."

This monitor addresses the underlying challenges for people with dyslexia. Credit: Mashable / Chance Townsend Nvidia GeForce RTX 50-series rumored to be announced Monday

Anyone following AI news or gaming innovations is highly anticipating Nvidia's Jan. 6 keynote. The GPU-manufacturer that powers AI models and gaming engines is expected to unveil its GeForce RTX 50-series. Mashable's Alex Perry has the details, but the TL;DR is it's supposed to be really fast and powerful. Stay tuned today's announcement at 6:30 p.m. PST/9:30 p.m. EST.

Mashable is on the ground live at CES 2025! We’re covering all the wildest and most important developments this week, so please keep checking back in with us. Want to submit a product you represent for our teams’ consideration as we identify the Best of CES? Here’s more info on how to do it.

It's unlikely that many people had a robot vacuum with a whole-ass arm on their CES 2025 bingo card. But alas, Roborock gave us one: the Roborock Saros Z70. While it hasn't been tagged with an official price just yet, word on the street is that the Roborock Saros Z70 will go for around $2,000. That's steep but expected, considering the current high-end Roborocks with no robotic limbs go for over $1,500-ish (a few hundred less if they're on sale).

Where can you buy the Roborock Z70?

If you're in the market for a new robot vacuum — and are open to buying one on the more expensive end of the spectrum — you still have plenty of time to decide whether the arm thing is overkill even for you. Roborock says that the Z70 won't start shipping until April, and as of the first full week of January, it can't be preordered yet. This post will be updated whenever Roborock opens preorders or announces a preorder date.

What's so special about the Roborock Z70?

The Roborock Z70 goes past the small obstacle avoidance technology that has become a navigational staple in recent years and topples into obstacle removal technology. It performs such with a robotic OmniGrip arm that unfolds out of the top of the robot vacuum to grab the obstacle claw machine-style, and drops it in a nearby designated area. (The live demo at CES 2025 showcased the Z70 putting socks into a basket.) The arm's pickup capabilities cover four different types of obstacles and must weigh under 300 grams: socks, paper, small towels, and lightweight shoes. I'd personally benefit the most from the arm being able to grab pet toys, which is apparently in the works.

People more swayed by practicality than a hit-or-miss high-tech feature might find the bigger grab here to be the Z70's incredible 22,000 Pa of suction power. That's 12,000 Pa more powerful than the Roborock Qrevo Master, my favorite overall robot vacuum of 2024 that cleans with 10,000 Pa, and 3,500 Pa more powerful than the Roborock Qrevo Curv that has sold out several times.

The Saros Z70 isn't the only new Roborock coming out in 2025

Roborock also announced another new flagship in the Saros line that does not feature the robotic arm, likely making it a much more digestible price to the average household. However, the new Roborock Saros 10R does feature a slew of other big upgrades compared to the 2024 flagship Roborock, so I predict its debut price to land somewhere between $1,399.99 and $1,699.99.

Rather than relying on the circular laser tower atop the botvac alone to assess walls and furniture in the room, the Roborock Saros 10R maneuvers using dual-light 3D Time-of-Flight technology and AI-powered RGB cameras. That's fancy talk for more meticulous 3D mapping of your home and more precise detection of small obstacles that may be lying in the cleaning path — so even without the arm, this is still a big step up in the autonomous navigation department. The AI itself is also upgraded for more accurate, ever-improving recognition of the trickiest obstacles, including small toys and loose, unfolded cables. It just won't be able to clean under them like the Z70, though that might be a no-brainer sacrifice depending on the price difference between the two.

The Saros 10R's dock is incredibly chic. Credit: Roborock

Cleaning-wise, the suction power of the Saros 10R has not yet been disclosed, but Roborock says that it will be better at lifting itself between thresholds and different floor types, better at removing hair from carpet, better at keeping that hair from tangling in the brushes, and better at keeping carpets dry. It still features the extending FlexiArm brush for dry sweeping in corners, but it's unclear as to whether the extending, spinning side mop that I loved on the Qrevo Master is present.

The price and release date for the Saros 10R are still under wraps, and this post will be updated when further intel is received. Ahead of both product drops, I will also be composing full reviews of both the Z70 and 10R. And in the meantime, I still highly suggest checking out Roborock's Qrevo line — they're still super worthwhile robot vacuums, and are probably on sale while you're reading this.

Mashable is on the ground live at CES 2025! We’re covering all the wildest and most important developments this week, so please keep checking back in with us. Want to submit a product you represent for our teams’ consideration as we identify the Best of CES? Here’s more info on how to do it.

Acer's got a couple of fancy new handheld gaming PCs coming to market, but they aren't cheap.

The tech giant announced on Monday that it is expanding upon the Nitro Blaze handheld gaming PC device it launched last year. There will be two new models in 2025: The Nitro Blaze 8 and Nitro Blaze 11. Starting at $899 and $1,099 USD respectively, these two handheld machines promise high quality displays and powerful performance at greater financial expense than something like a Steam Deck.

Get blazed. Credit: Acer

Here are the basic specs:

• 8.8-inch or 10.95-inch display depending on model

• 2560x1600 resolution

• 144Hz refresh rate on Nitro Blaze 8

• 120Hz refresh rate on Nitro Blaze 11

• 16GB LPDDR5X RAM

• Up to 2TB storage

• AMD Ryzen 8840HS processor

• AMD Radeon 780M GPU

Aside from display size and refresh rate, the two models mostly have parity with one another. It should be noted, though, that the bigger Nitro Blaze 11 model has detachable controllers, a built-in stand, and a front-facing video camera.

SEE ALSO: CES 2025: Exhibitors, dates, ticket prices, and everything else you must know

Acer promises high performance thanks to the processor and built-in AI technology, though how much better it runs games than a Steam Deck remains to be seen without detailed testing. However, both models have higher refresh rates and resolutions than the Steam Deck, which is nice. And, crucially, it comes with Hall Effect triggers and analog sticks. Without getting too in-the-weeds technically, that means stick drift won't be nearly as big a problem here as it is on something like a Nintendo Switch.

Handheld gaming PCs have generated a pretty crowded market, but more options can't hurt.

"Dude, you're getting a Dell" is about to be more apt than ever.

Dell announced a sweeping overhaul of its AI-powered PC portfolio at CES 2025 Monday. More than just a next-generation refresh, the company's upcoming fleet of laptops and desktops will feature new hardware, new designs, and new names under the same all-encompassing brand.

Dell PCs now fall into three categories called Dell, Dell Pro, and Dell Pro Max, each representing a different use case: everyday tasks, business, or demanding apps, respectively.

Within each category, individual variants are further differentiated by three subcategories representing varying degrees of configurability. There will be starter-level base models, mid-range Plus models for "scalable performance," and high-end Premium models for "the ultimate in mobility and design," according to a Dell press release.

Credit: Dell

This rework marks a major shakeup for Dell's PC naming schema, which has used the Inspiron, XPS, Latitude, and Precision monikers since the 1990s. In consolidating its branding, Dell hopes to make it easier for consumers to figure out which device will best match their needs, streamlining the oft-complicated experience of buying a PC.

The decision follows on the heels of an April 2024 consumer survey in which 74 percent of participants said they scrapped a purchase "simply because they felt overwhelmed," the release states.

The new Dell extended universe will launch with a slew of laptops in the first half of 2025. The Mashable team hasn't tried any of them yet — Dell didn't have a booth at CES — but we'll get our hands on demo units soon.

Dell: 'Play, school, and work' The new Dell Plus 14 (left) and Plus 16 2-in-1 will launch next month. Credit: Dell

Geared toward everyday multitasking, a Dell PC is the machine the average user will buy. The base Dell and Dell Plus tiers can be thought of as the spiritual successors to the cheap, entry-level Inspiron and Inspiron Plus series, respectively, while the Dell Premium tier pulls from the advanced features and stylish looks of the now-defunct XPS family.

The first wave of Dell devices stars four Plus-tier Copilot+ PCs with Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors, including two hybrid laptops with 360-degree hinges: the Dell 14 Plus ($1,099+), the Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1 ($999+), the Dell 16 Plus ($1,149+), and the Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 ($999+). Dell says they have a thin new design and a battery life that's up to 39 percent better than some of its Inspiron series laptops with previous-gen Core Ultra Series 1 CPUs. All four of them begin shipping on Feb. 18.

Later this year, Dell will flesh out this category with more variants powered by AMD and Qualcomm Snapdragon X series CPUs. Additional models in the base and Premium tiers are also slated to join the ranks.

Dell Pro: 'Professional-grade productivity' If you didn't know better, you might think these were Apple MacBooks. (They're actually the new Premium tier Dell Pro laptops.) Credit: Dell

Dell Pro PCs are posited as the company's new flagship machines and unofficially succeed its Latitude line of business computers. Thin and light, they opt for classy over clunky without sacrificing durability: Dell says one 13-inch model withstood three times as much wear and tear as an HP EliteBook 640 G11 in internal testing. They also come with modular USB-C ports that can be replaced if damaged — a first for a business laptop.

The first Dell Pro releases span all three tiers. Helming the upper slot are the Dell Pro 13 Premium and Dell Pro 14 Premium, the slimmest and lightest options in the Pro family.

At a starting weight of just 2.36 pounds, they're a third of a pound lighter than the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air. They're also the quietest business laptops Dell has ever made thanks to a new dual-fan thermal design.

The Dell Pro Premium models boast Core Ultra Series 2 processors that supposedly offer 36 better multithread performance, 82 percent better graphics rendering performance, and 3.5 times faster AI performance than a Latitude laptop.

On the battery life front, Dell says they last up to 21.5 hours per charge. The Dell Pro 14 Premium tacks on a tandem OLED display — another commercial laptop first — which will probably bring that number down a bit. Both models sport an 8MP webcam with HDR.

The Dell Pro 13 Premium and Dell Pro 14 Premium are available starting Jan. 6.

The Dell Pro Plus family is all about options. Credit: Dell

The initial Dell Pro portfolio also includes the Dell Pro Plus 13, 14, and 16, which are billed as "the world's most scalable mainstream business laptop[s]."

They come in chamshell and convertible styles; with different USB, HDMI, and Thunderbolt port options (plus WiFi 7 and 5G); and with Core Ultra Series 2 or AMD processors. Models with Intel Core Ultra 200V CPUs will be available first on Jan. 6 for the Dell Pro Plus 14 and 16, then on Feb. 25 for the Dell Pro Plus 13. The AMD variants are due sometime within the next six months.

Rounding out the current Dell Pro laptop lineup are the Dell Pro 14 and Dell Pro 16, two base tier models. They come equipped with low-power displays that can help stretch their battery lives further. Core Ultra Series 2 configurations will be available by March or April, and AMD versions some before July.

Dell Pro Max: 'Maximum performance' They really do look like MacBooks, though. (These are the Dell Pro Max 14 and Dell Pro Max 16.) Credit: Dell

Dell's new Pro Max machines cram more power into the sleek-but-durable design of the Dell Pro family. They usurp the company's Precision series of desktop computers, targeting professionals who need high-octane PCs capable of handling intense tasks — think video rendering and AI inferencing.

The first Pro Max models out of the gate will be the Dell Pro Max 14 and Dell Pro Max 16, which have Core Ultra Series 2 and AMD Ryzen or Threadripper CPU options.

The 16-inch model is configurable with a QHD+ touschreen display and up to Nvidia RTX 2000-series graphics. Stay tuned for their Intel launch in March or April and their AMD debut in the first half of 2025.

Users aren't particularly happy with Apple's Enhanced Visual Search opt-in.

Enhanced Visual Search is a tool Apple uses to match users' photos with landmarks and points of interest. The feature is similar to Visual Look Up and is intended to make it easier for users to find specific photos at specific locations or with specific landmarks in them. It is automatically enabled on Apple Photos on iPhones using iOS 18 and Macs using macOS Sequoia.

Users don't appear too concerned with Enhanced Visual Search, which has some robust privacy features, including homomorphic encryption. Instead, it can be frustrating for some privacy-focused users when new tools are automatically turned on, fueling the ever-present conversation about the importance of requiring opt-in consent.

SEE ALSO: Apple Intelligence already needs more iPhone storage space than it used to

"Opt-in by default to make sure every clueless user will never take the steps to shut it down. Typical shitty corpo movement, so common that I'll use it as a reminder to check all my privacy options in every service," one user wrote on Reddit in a post that received more than 1,600 upvotes.

According to Apple's Photos & Privacy, some protections exist for users. For instance, Apple says it applies "homomorphic encryption and differential privacy and use[s] an OHTTP relay that hides IP address. This prevents Apple from learning about the information in your photos."

SEE ALSO: Apple to pay $95 million settlement for Siri listening to your private conversations

Another Reddit user wrote in the same post that Apple has taken fairly comprehensive steps to ensure privacy with this tool. However, the user says, "I disagree about having it turned on automatically, but most people already use the iCloud photo search thing, and this is a better and more private way of doing that."

Users who don't want Enhanced Visual Search can turn it off by navigating to Settings, clicking Apps, and scrolling down to Photos. At the bottom of that screen, you can toggle it on and off. On a Mac, open Photos, go to Settings, and click General to find the Enhanced Visual Search toggle.

In case there was any doubt, "put AI in everything" continues to be the tech world's rallying cry in 2025 — and Samsung and LG are here to prove it.

At CES 2025, Samsung and LG both announced Microsoft Copilot integration for their respective TV lineups, bringing generative AI to smart TVs for various tasks.

Long gone are the days when a TV was just a screen on which to watch stuff. Every year, our largest home screens are tricked out with more features like personalization and integration with other smart home devices. And AI hype has taken this to a new level — essentially making TVs more like keyboard-free computers.

SEE ALSO: CES 2025: LG’s viral battery-powered portable TV gets an AI upgrade

At CES Unveiled, a preview ahead of the massive consumer tech conference, Samsung shared Vision AI, a collection offeatures for its most advanced TV, the Neo QLED 8K QN990F.

Vision AI features include live translation, on-screen search, as well as an "AI mode" in the settings. Which will, according to Samsung, "adaptively optimize picture and sound" by "leveraging AI-based content recognition and TV area analysis for an optimal viewing experience in any setting." We look forward to finding out exactly what that means in practice.

As part of Vision AI, Samsung partnered with Microsoft to provide Copilot's conversational AI capabilities for personalized content recommendations.

Similarly, LG applied AI to its OLED evo lineup with adaptive audio and visual settings. The company has also packed AI into almost every aspect of the TV experience with AI Voice ID for recognizing personalized profiles, AI Search for finding content, and an AI chatbot for troubleshooting issues.

All of these features are accessible via what LG is calling an AI remote.

LG says its Microsoft Copilot integration "further streamlines the process, allowing users to efficiently find and organize complex information using contextual cues." Again, it's unclear what exactly this looks like since Copilot features weren't part of LG's demo.

New Samsung and LG TVs will be on display throughout CES from Jan. 7-10, where Mashable is providing on-the-ground coverage of the latest consumer tech innovations.

GET $250 OFF: Dec. 6th, the Peloton Tread is currently on sale for 8% off. Get it now for $2,745 and save $250.

Opens in a new window Credit: Peloton Peloton Tread $2,745.00 at Amazon
$2,995.00 Save $250.00 Get Deal

It's time to kick those New Years resolutions into gear. If winter weather is keeping you inside when you're supposed to be running, the Peloton Tread could change your routine.

Get the Peloton Tread for $2,745 now from Amazon and save 8% or $250.

SEE ALSO: Is the Peloton App worth it if you don't own the bike? We tested it to find out.

The Peloton Tread isn't just a treadmill, it's an immersive exercise suite. With a screen built-in, the device gives you full access to on demand live exercise classes, as well as tons of recorded content. Access costs $44 per month for your household.

Adjust incline and speed with simple knob controls on the treadmill, or let the instructor control the difficulty while you follow their cues.

The screen gives you control over settings like speed and incline, loads content, and tracks your progress. Pair it with fitness gear like a heart rate monitor or Apple Watch to map your progress through multi-dimensional metrics. Use it to show you when you've met your goals, and map where you want to be.

The Peloton Tread is currently on sale for $2,745 at Amazon. Get it now and save 8%, getting you $250 off.

With a smaller footprint, the Peloton Tread is built to be apartment compatible.

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Jan. 6: OUR TOP PICK Kindle Scribe (16GB) $324.99 (save $75) Get Deal BEST FITNESS TRACKER DEAL Garmin Forerunner 745 $249.99 (save $150) Get Deal BEST APPLE DEAL Apple AirTags (4-pack) $69.99 (save $29.01) Get Deal BEST KITCHEN DEAL Vitamix Propel Series 750 Blender $449.95 (save $180) Get Deal BEST CAMERA DEAL GoPro Hero 13 + accessory bundle $299.99 (save $150) Get Deal

Sorting through the chaos that is Amazon's daily deals page requires patience and precision. Not every so-called "deal" is worth your money. Fortunately, we've done the hard part for you and highlighted a few of the best deals we think are worth checking out on Jan. 6. From Apple to Kindle to Vitamix, major brand discounts are starting the week off strong.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. Don't see anything you like? Check back every day this week for all new selections.

Our top pick: Kindle Scribe Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle Scribe (16GB) $324.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $75.00 Get Deal

The redesigned Kindle Scribe launched in December with a flush-front display with uniform white borders, an upgraded Premium Pen, and built-in AI notebook tools. Like its predecessor, it's made to bridge the gap between traditional and digital reading by allowing you to markup what you're reading as if you're writing on paper. We haven't had a chance to test out the new e-reader, but our pals at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) had the honor and noted that they "like its large and bright display, the included Premium Pen, and the natural feel of taking notes on the textured glass." However, they felt the improvements weren't big enough for the price increase over the previous model. Fortunately, it just got its first big discount, making that price a bit more palatable. Slash 19% off as of Jan. 6 and grab the 16GB model for $324.99 instead of $399.99.

Apple AirTags (4-pack) Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTags (4-pack) $69.99 at Amazon
$99.00 Save $29.01 Get Deal

We were sad when the four-pack of AirTags jumped back up to its $72.99 sale price, but fortunately, it didn't last too long. As of Jan. 6, the record-low $69.99 price is back at Amazon. That's 29% off the regular cost and essentially gets you more than one and a half for free (reg. $29 per AirTag). These Bluetooth trackers have been our favorite for iPhone users for quite some time. As long as there's an Apple device nearby, you'll be able to track whatever you attach your AirTag to — suitcase, backpack, keys, guitar case, purse, etc. — and see where you are in proximity to it. If you missed out on this best-ever AirTags pricing the first go, be sure to snag it while it's back around.

Garmin Forerunner 745 Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Forerunner 745 $249.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal

There's plenty of general-purpose fitness trackers on the market, but if you're looking for something a bit more running-focused, check out the Garmin Forerunner 745. It offers specialized running metrics like cadence, stride length, ground contact time, balance, and training status. Plus, it lets you tune into stats like VO2 max, training load, intensity minutes, body battery, and blood oxygen saturation to help you train when you're actually feeling your best. And like other Garmin smartwatches, it also has a truly impressive battery life (up to one week in smartwatch mode, six hours straight in GPS mode with music playing). Apple Watch, who? As of Jan. 6, it's on sale for only $249.99 instead of $399.99. That's a savings of 38% and its best price on record.

Vitamix Propel Series 750 Blender Opens in a new window Credit: Vitamix Vitamix Propel Series 750 Blender $449.95 at Amazon
$629.95 Save $180.00 Get Deal

It's no secret that Vitamix blenders and kitchen systems are expensive. That's why taking advantage of deals when you see them is key. As of Jan. 6, the Propel Series 750 is on sale for $449.95 at Amazon — that's a 29% price drop from its usual cost and about $50 shy of its lowest price on record. The Propel Series combines the powerful Vitamix performance with convenient preset blending programs — five to be exact, including smoothie, hot soup, frozen dessert, dips and spread, and self-cleaning. Of course, there are also variable speed control and pulse options to let you fine-tune your recipe textures. Currently, only the black model is down to $449.95. If you want another color, you'll have to pay close to full price.

GoPro Hero 13 Black Bundle Opens in a new window Credit: GoPro GoPro Hero 13 Black + accessory bundle $299.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal

The Go Pro Hero 13 Black is "way better than a $400 video camera has any right to be," according to our reviewer Tim Beck Werth. He gave the action camera a 4.7-star rating, crediting the fantastic motion stabilization, return of GPS geotagging, professional footage up to 5.3K, longer battery life, and impressive new lens mods, among other features. While it's not perfect (there are some problems with overheating in low-airflow conditions), it "absolutely justifies its $399.99 price tag." At the discounted price of $299.99 (33% in savings), it's practically a steal. Not to mention, this bundle includes the Handler, two Enduro batteries, two curved adhesive mounts, a 64GB SanDisk MicroSD card, and a carrying case.

Check out our full review of the GoPro Hero 13 Black.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.

SAVE $110: As of Jan. 6, you can get the roborock Q5 Pro robot vacuum and mop for $139.99 at Amazon. That's a 44% discount and a $110 price cut.

Opens in a new window Credit: roborock roborock Q5 Pro $139.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $110.00 Get Deal

If the new year has you in the mood to tidy up, Amazon’s hosting a winter sale with deals on everything you need to refresh your home, from cleaning essentials to smart home gadgets.

One of the best finds in the sale is the 44% discount on the roborock Q5 Pro robot vacuum and mop combo, bringing it back down to its all-time low price of $139.99.

SEE ALSO: CES 2025: Roborock's grabby new robot vacuum is a huge flex

The Roborock Q5 Pro isn't just a robot vacuum — it’s a robot vacuum mop combo that can handle everything from carpets ridden with pet hair to hardwood floors in need of a quick clean. With 5500 Pa stronger suction, a DuoRoller Brush, and PreciSense LiDAR Navigation with 3D mapping, the Q5 Pro is built to cover every inch of your home.

Even though this robo vac doesn’t come with a self-empty base, its large dustbin and water tank (770 ml), 240-minute battery life, and 180-ml SnapMop system are major pluses. And, with the roborock app, you can schedule cleanings, adjust the suction power, and more from your smartphone.

The Internet of Things, or the vast networks of "smart objects" now powering most of our digitally connected lives, is a step closer to living in a single ecosystem.

Google Home, Apple's HomeKit, and Samsung's SmartThings are all now accepting a new smart home testing and compatibility certification that will enable a wider array of smart gadgets to connect to your home network, according to the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA). The CSA is a coalition of companies and technologists building toward universal open standards for smart devices and connected technology.

Amazon's Alexa-enabled smart home system has yet to opt-in.

SEE ALSO: CES 2025: Mashable's guide on what to expect

Consumer products certified with the Matter badge, as its called, can bypass individual testing and certification with each Big Tech ecosystem — the previous, oft-time consuming process — under the single standards body. Launched by the CSA in 2022, the Matter standard was designed to reimagine interoperability between smart devices on the path toward a universal connectivity standard. It harnesses multiple existing connection technologies (Thread, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and ethernet) to bring products together locally. Amazon, Apple, Google, Samsung, LG, and smart home companies, like Lutron, iRobot, Signify (Philips Hue), and Ikea, joined the Build with Matter initiative tasked with designing the system.

But the Matter certification and recertification process has been slow to move in the years since, and while all the major smart home providers signaled their support after the initial unveiling, none had fully phased out their individual testing requirements under the single process. According to the CSA, today's announcement hopes to simplify and streamline the future of it's universal certifications.

TLDR; Jan. 6th, 2025, our top VPNs including TunnelBear, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN are running deals up to 74% off.

The best VPN deals The biggest VPN price cut NordVPN Get 27 months for $2.99 Get Deal The best VPN deal in the long run TunnelBear Get 3 years for $3.33 per month Get Deal The best VPN deal for international internet ExpressVPN Get 28 months for $4.99 per month Get Deal

Online privacy is in in 2025. Interest in VPNs has surged of late due to increased online restrictions. Whatever you need it for (we won't ask questions) VPNs enable you to browse the web and leave no trace.

All our top VPNs are on sale right now. Shop now to get savings on VPNs up to 74% off.

The biggest VPN price cut Opens in a new window Credit: NordVPN NordVPN Get 27 months for $2.99 Get Deal Why we like it

We might have named NordVPN the best premium VPN, but this deal makes it extremely affordable. Full of customizable options, this suite is for people who are all in with VPN services.

Nab NordVPN's Basic Plan now and lock in a $2.99 monthly price for 27 months. The deal is for the 2-year plan, but when you buy now it adds on an extra three months in addition to the 74% price drop.

SEE ALSO: Break free from geo-restrictions with this easy-to-use VPN The best VPN deal in the long run Opens in a new window Credit: TunnelBear TunnelBear Get 3 years for $3.33 per month Get Deal Why we like it

TunnelBear is our top VPN pick for most people because it has what it takes for just the right price. That price just got even better with this VPN deal.

TunnelBear might not have cut its price quite as drastically as NordVPN did (by $.34 cents), but it runs longer. The VPN service will ask you to pay all at once: $120. That will get you three full years of coverage at $3.33. If you really use a VPN, this value is exceptional.

The best VPN deal for international internet Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN Get 28 months for $4.99 per month Get Deal Why we like it

ExpressVPN is our top pick for those who want to browse content from all over the world. With a server network in 105 countries, you can spoof an IP to access content from half a world away. If you're a frequent international traveler, or you're interested in streaming internationally, ExpressVPN is a great pick.

ExpressVPN is usually quite expensive. However, right now, the service is on sale for 61% off, offering 28 months for $4.99 per month.