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CES 2025 was the year of the smart glasses. AR / VR headsets were everywhere. Just when we thought we covered them all – check out our coverage so far on the XREAL One Pro and Chamelo – we'd come across yet another new pair of smart glasses.
Each had their own draws and features, things like AR glasses that focused on projecting your computer monitor or smartphone screen and devices made for AI transcription and translation.
However, one thing became very clear after seeing all these smart glasses: The smart glass space finally figured out how to make smart glasses look like actual conventional glasses.
SEE ALSO: CES 2025: Evenflo's SensorySoothe smart car seat is a calming backseat baby raveGone are the bulky, thick frames of even just last year. Smart glasses are finally sleek and inconspicuous. We've come a long way from even the geeky design of Google Glasses. The smart glasses of today look stylish.
On top of that, these new smart glasses are focusing on more practical use cases.
Two great examples of this were the Even Realities G1 and Halliday smart glasses. Both of these products focus on practical AI features like transcription and translation built into AR functionality, even though the way they pull it off are very different.
Halliday smart glasses feature lensless display option See that little green dot on the frame, right above the lens on the right? That's the Halliday smart glasses' screen. Credit: MashableHalliday, for example, has created a new type of AR smart glasses that doesn't project the augmented reality imagery from the lenses.
SEE ALSO: The Solos AirGo Vision smart glasses give you access to ChatGPT whenever you need itIn fact, you can just pop out the lenses completely and go lensless and the AR functionality will still work. Halliday pulls this off by embedding a little circular screen into the frame, right above the right lens. That way, the user can just wear the glasses as normal and just take a glance over at the screen when they need to utilize the AI transcription or translation features in the screen.
A look through the Halliday smart glasses screen. Credit: MashableWhile the Halliday certainly has some issues – I personally struggled with going cross-eyed every time my right eye tried to glance up at the screen – the company has managed to pack all this AR AI smart glasses functionality into a pretty everyday looking pair of glasses.
Even Realities G1 is conventional in look only You'd never know that the Even Realities G1 were smart glasses by the looks of them. Credit: MashableThe Even Realities G1 may even look more like an ordinary pair of everyday glasses than even the Halliday. Unlike the Halliday, the G1 takes a more conventional smart glasses route with the AR functionality built into the lenses. Both devices were comfortable to wear but the G1 was much more comfortable to use as there was no tiny screen to focus on. The AI translations and transcriptions just naturally appear imposed over the real-world as you view through your glasses.
A look through the lens of the Even Realities G1. Credit: MashableOne other interesting aspect of both the Even Realities G1 and the Halliday are that there is no camera on these smart glasses. This very much helps both products to look less like a tech gadget and more like conventional eyewear.
Mashable's Matt Binder wears the Even Realities G1 Credit: MashableIt'll be interesting to see what the smart glass space looks like at, say, next year's CES. But it feels like the direction that AR glasses are going in are very much towards Even Realities G1 or Halliday's way of doing things.
FREE ITEM: As of Jan. 9, Target Circle 360 members can score a selected free item. This offer ends on Jan. 18.
Opens in a new window Credit: Target Target Circle 360: Free Item for Members Shop NowThere's truly nothing better than free gifts, and Target's here to provide a wonderful little treat for its Target Circle 360 members to kickstart the new year. Until Jan. 18, Target Circle 360 members can take advantage of one free gift from their deal page selection, which includes a wide variety of sparkling waters from Good & Gather and a few other items to consider.
If you're hosting a Super Bowl party or just prepping to have guests over for a little hangout, the selection of sparkling waters from Good & Gather are sure to be a hit with your guests. From tasty flavors like pomegranate dragon fruit to cherry cola, there's a little something for everyone. There are even a couple of Good & Gather fruit snacks available to choose from.
SEE ALSO: Get a $15 Target gift card just for stocking up on essentialsOutside of food and drinks you can also have a look through a variety of first aid essentials, which includes everything from bandages to an all-purpose first aid kit, and there's even an affordable set of earbuds available. Whichever item you go for, the discount will be applied at checkout.
If you're a Target Circle 360 member, don't miss out on your free item today.
That's not all Target has up its sleeve right now for Circle members, though. Regular Target Circle members can score a $15 gift card when you spend $50 or more on qualifying household essentials. And outside of Target, there's even more to enjoy right now, with discounts on everything from Fire TVs to Apple Watches.
The No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the No. 6 Penn State Nittany Lions will face off in the semi finals of the College Football Playoff (CFP). The Orange Bowl will take place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Thursday, January 9, 2025.
Notre Dame is 13-1 overall and coming off back-to-back wins in the CFP. The Fighting Irish had an affirming 27-17 win over the Indiana Hoosiers in the first round. Notre Dame followed it up with a 23-10 victory over the Georgia Bulldogs. The elimination of the Bulldogs leaves the Texas Longhorns as the only SEC team left in the CFP, which was controversial after a non-targeting call in the team's victory over Arizona State. Texas will face Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl on Friday.
Penn State is 13-2 overall, and also coming off back-to-back wins in the CFP. The Nittany Lions defeated the SMU Mustangs, then the Boise State Broncos. The Lions won both games by at least 17 points, but still considered less impressive victories than say Notre Dame's win over Georgia.
SEE ALSO: How to watch college football without cableBoth ESPN's matchup analytics and the betting odds are favoring Notre Dame.
Notre Dame vs. Penn State football kickoff time and networkThe Notre Dame vs. Penn State football game is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT start on ESPN on Thursday, Jan. 9.
Sean McDonough is expected to do the play-by-play. Greg McElroy is expected to join him in the booth.
Best streaming services for Notre Dame vs. Penn State football gameYou need to choose a streaming service to watch college football without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Notre Dame vs. Penn State football game on ESPN.
Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get DealYouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.
Most channels: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Orange Plan Get DealSling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.
Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Pro plan Get DealFuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period.
FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
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 Thursday, January 9, 2025:
AcrossThe translation of this English word is "sinister" in LatinThe answer is Left.
The answer is Cameo.
The answer is Oscar.
The answer is Deets.
The answer is Areso.
The answer is Laser.
The answer is Emcee.
The answer is Feats.
The answer is Torso.
The answer is Coda.
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 $100: As of Jan. 8, LG 65-inch C4 Series OLED evo 4K Smart TV is available for $1,699.99 at Best Buy, saving you $100 off its regular price of $1,799.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 65-inch C4 Series OLED evo 4K Smart TV $1,699.99 at Best BuyIf you're thinking about upgrading your home entertainment setup, LG 65-inch C4 Series OLED EVO is a serious contender. This TV is perfect for movie lovers and gamers who want premium features, stunning visuals, and immersive sound. At $1,699.99 at Best Buy, it's not the deepest discount, but for what this TV delivers, it's absolutely worth it.
The first thing that sets this TV apart is its OLED EVO technology, powered by over 8.3 million self-lit pixels. That means you get perfect blacks, rich contrast, and vibrant colors that almost jump off the screen. The α9 Gen7 AI Processor furthers this, optimizing picture and sound in real-time so everything you watch looks and sounds incredible.
SEE ALSO: 9 new gadgets from CES 2025 that you can actually buy right nowFor movie nights, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos deliver a cinematic experience right in your living room. The visuals are sharp, bright, and lifelike, while the sound feels like it's wrapping around you. And if you're a film purist, FILMMAKER MODE ensures you watch movies exactly as the director intended.
Gamers are in for a treat, too. This TV is built for ultimate gaming with NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium, and VRR. The low input lag and smooth motion make it perfect for competitive gaming. At the same time, the Brightness Booster ensures every detail pops, even in fast-paced action.
The C4's design is another highlight. Its nearly invisible bezel makes the screen the star of the show, blending seamlessly into your space. When you're not watching, it can display art or personal photos, turning your TV into a statement piece.
Let's not forget the smart features. webOS 24 keeps everything organized and intuitive, while LG Channels offers 300+ free channels for endless entertainment. Plus, webOS Re: New guarantees up to five years of software updates, so this TV stays future-ready.
At $1,699.99, this TV is a powerhouse for anyone who loves premium picture quality, immersive sound, and advanced gaming features. This deal is worth grabbing if you're looking for a versatile TV that does it all. Trust me, it's an upgrade you won't regret.
SAVE OVER 90%: As of Jan. 9, Audible is offering three months of Audible Premium Plus for $0.99 per month. A subscription normally costs $14.95 per month, so you're saving $41.88 on list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Audible Audible Premium Plus (3-Month Subscription) $2.97 at AudibleAudible's best deal from over the holidays has been extended into 2025 as a nice little treat for audiobook lovers. If you've been hoping to start out the new year by catching up on some of last year's best novels, or just want to dig into some classics, there's no better time than now to do it.
For a limited time, Audible's offering a deal to new customers on its Audible Premium Plus membership. For your first three months, it'll only cost $0.99 per month before returning to its standard monthly price of $14.95 per month. With that standard monthly price in mind, this offer saves you a whopping $41.88 on list price. Audible Premium Plus is worth it, too.
SEE ALSO: CES 2025: The Eufy E20 is a robot and stick vacuum all in oneWith this membership you'll earn one credit a month to spend on any title you wish, from beloved classics to the latest bestsellers, and gain access to exclusive sales. Audible also features an excellent selection of Audible Originals led by some very famous faces and a selection of podcasts to listen to when you want a break from the books.
This offer won't stick around for long, though. Audible's website states that it ends on Jan. 21, so act fast to sign up.
If you're looking for even more book-related deals, Amazon's also offering a nice discount right now on its new Kindle Scribe. And if you're wondering what books to start out with, have a look at our breakdown of the 15 best fiction books of 2024, according to BookTok.
Save $170: As of Jan. 8, LG 43-inch UT70 Series 4K Smart TV is available for $229.99 at Best Buy, saving you $170 off its regular price of $399.99. Starting in February, Xbox Game Pass Cloud Gaming will be available on LG TVs, making it a great choice for gamers.
Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 48-inch B4 Series OLED 4K Smart TV $229.99 at Best BuyLG 43-inch UT70 Series 4K Smart TV is a fantastic option for smaller spaces or secondary setups if you ask me. At $229.99 from Best Buy, this deal saves you $170 while delivering premium 4K visuals, powerful gaming features, and plenty of streaming options. And with Xbox Game Pass Cloud Gaming rolling out on LG TVs next month, it’s an even smarter investment for gamers.
This TV delivers 4K UHD resolution, enhanced by the α5 AI Processor Gen7, which automatically adjusts brightness, sound, and picture detail for an optimized viewing experience. For movie buffs, FILMMAKER MODE ensures content is presented exactly how the creators intended. At the same time, HDR10 Pro adds vibrant color and rich contrast for lifelike visuals.
SEE ALSO: 9 new gadgets from CES 2025 that you can actually buy right nowGame Optimizer bypasses the usual slog of setting up a TV for gaming with straightforward optimisation options to get the best quality image for your console or PC gaming rig. GeForce NOW lets you stream games directly to the TV, which means PC gaming without forking out for a decent setup. With Xbox Game Pass Cloud Gaming arriving in February, you can stream top titles like Avowed and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 without needing a console too. You’ll need a compatible controller and a solid internet connection to access a library of hundreds of games. I've seen the best results on 900MB + internet speeds, more is more in this case.
On the streaming side, LG’s webOS platform makes browsing apps and content intuitive. At the same time, LG Channels add over 300 free channels to explore. Plus, webOS Re: New guarantees up to five years of software updates, keeping the TV ready for whatever comes next.
At $229.99 at Best Buy, this 43-inch LG TV is a solid choice for bedrooms, offices, or any small space. Add the upcoming Game Pass Cloud Gaming functionality, and this TV is made for gaming and streaming enthusiasts. Don’t miss this deal — it’s too good to last.
Save $100: As of Jan. 8, the LG 48-inch B4 Series OLED 4K Smart TV is available for $699.99 at Best Buy, saving you $100 off its regular price of $799.99. Plus, Xbox Game Pass Cloud Gaming arrives on LG TVs in February, making this a gamer’s dream.
Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 48-inch B4 Series OLED 4K Smart TV $699.99 at Best BuyIf you ask me, the LG 48-inch B4 Series OLED 4K Smart TV is a solid mix of premium visuals, gaming features, and cutting-edge streaming options. At $699.99 at Best Buy, you’re saving $100, and with Xbox Game Pass Cloud Gaming coming to LG TVs in February, this TV is only getting better.
Let’s start with why OLED stands out. The 8.3 million self-lit pixels provide perfect blacks, vibrant colors, and unbeatable contrast, making everything from dark cinematic scenes to bright outdoor shots look phenomenal. The Alpha 8 AI Processor enhances everything in real-time, ensuring crisp visuals and immersive sound, no matter what you’re watching.
SEE ALSO: 9 new gadgets from CES 2025 that you can actually buy right nowAs a gamer, I think this TV is a hidden gem. It’s loaded with NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium, and VRR to ensure smooth, lag-free gameplay. The Game Optimizer and Dashboard give you quick access to settings, while the four HDMI 2.1 inputs let you hook up all your consoles and gaming peripherals.
Here’s the kicker: starting in February, Xbox Game Pass Cloud Gaming will be available directly on LG TVs. Without a console, you can stream hundreds of Game Pass titles, like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Avowed. All you need is a controller and your TV.
Movie nights are just as thrilling. With Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and FILMMAKER MODE, you get true-to-life visuals and rich, immersive sound that bring the theater experience to your living room. The TV’s webOS 24 interface is fast and user-friendly, with features like Quick Cards to organize apps and 300+ free LG Channels for endless streaming options. Plus, webOS Re: New ensures up to five years of software updates, so this TV is future-proof.
At $699.99 from Best Buy, this deal is perfect for gamers, movie lovers, and anyone looking for a premium TV without breaking the bank. With Game Pass Cloud Gaming arriving soon, it’s a no-brainer for Xbox fans. Snag it before the price goes back up.
The Los Angeles wildfires continue to rage, with over 100,000 residents forced to evacuate, at least five dead, and 2000 structures damaged or destroyed. Appearing on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Jamie Lee Curtis started the interview with an emotional speech about her Pacific Palisades home, an area that has been devastated by the fire.
"As you know, where I live is on fire right now. Literally the entire city of the Pacific Palisades is burning. I flew here last night, I was on a plane, started getting texts, and it's ****ing gnarly you guys, it's just a catastrophe," says Curtis in the clip. "This is literally where I live. Everything. The market I shop in, the schools my kids go to, friends – many, many, many, many, many friends now – have lost their homes. So it is a really awful situation. I am obviously going to go home first thing tomorrow and be with my family and try to help my friends. But just so I can tell you, if you know anybody on the West Coast, or not — the American Red Cross, support them, they will come in and help people. Do anything you can."
A State of Emergency has been declared in California as a result of the wildfires, with President Biden approving a Major Disaster declaration. AirBnb, meanwhile, is offering emergency temporary housing for those affected.
Save $70: As of Jan. 8, the Samsung 65-inch DU7200 Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV is available for $399.99 at Best Buy, saving you $70 off its regular price of $469.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-inch DU7200 Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV $399.99 at Best BuyBudget and savings in the same sentence? I'm a big fan of pocket-friendly TVs that do it all, so naturally, the Samsung 65-inch DU7200 Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV is a solid deal for gamers and streamers, and it doesn't break the bank. At $399.99 at Best Buy, this deal knocks $70 off its usual price, giving you top-tier picture quality and smart features for a steal.
First off, let's talk about that Crystal UHD 4K resolution. Samsung's Crystal Processor 4K ensures everything you watch looks sharp and vibrant. With PurColor technology, you'll see a richer spectrum of colors that bring every scene to life, from lush landscapes to vibrant sunsets.
SEE ALSO: 9 new gadgets from CES 2025 that you can actually buy right nowThe TV also features 4K Upscaling, which makes even lower-resolution content look sharper and more detailed. Add HDR into the mix, and you're looking at a screen that delivers enhanced contrast and vivid details, even in the darkest scenes. It's like upgrading all your content to 4K without lifting a finger.
Sports and gaming fans will appreciate Motion Xcelerator, which smooths out motion and reduces lag, making fast-paced scenes buttery smooth. Regarding sound, Q-Symphony pairs the TV speakers with a compatible Samsung soundbar for a more immersive audio experience.
Powered by Tizen OS, this TV is loaded with streaming options. You can do everything at your fingertips, from binge-watching on Netflix to browsing free live channels with Samsung TV Plus. Whether you're working out, gaming, or streaming your favorite show, the Tizen platform keeps everything running smoothly.
At $399.99 from Best Buy, this 65-inch TV is a no-brainer for anyone looking to upgrade their setup without spending a fortune. It's perfect for streaming, sports, or adding a beautiful screen to your living room. Grab this deal while it's still available because it won't last long at this price.
Shortly before CES 2025, LG announced a brand new 3-in-1 projector that also acts as a bluetooth speaker and mood light. These three features are packed into a device that looks like a small floor lamp.
So, naturally, while we were at this year's CES, we met up with LG to check out their new 3-in-1 projector, the PF600U.
Speaking with LG, the particular projector came about as LG explores their TV projector line in general. According to the company, their existing CineBeam line model of projectors proved to be rather popular with young people on the go even as the overall TV projector space faces uncertainty.
SEE ALSO: 12 new gadgets from CES 2025 that you can actually buy right nowLG's next step is the PF600U 3–in-1 "lifestyle projector." The round projector sits atop a stand that makes the whole device look like a living room lamp. And, the projector also is a lamp – a mood lamp that is, with a number of color settings that broadcasts on your wall to provide the proper lighting to set the stage for whatever you happen to be watching. Don't have any speakers handy? No problem as the projector also has bluetooth speakers built-in.
The picture quality was clear with FHD resolution and the audio was loud and clear. The projector can easily be tilted 110-degrees so the picture can be projected on the wall or ceiling depending on how you want to watch your movie or TV show. As the surface for your projection changes, an auto screen adjustment feature automatically sets the angle and aspect ratio of your picture to best match your viewing location.
LG doesn't have an exact launch date or price set yet. However, Mashable was told that we should expect the 3-in-1 projector to release in May or June of this year with a retail price somewhere just under $1,000.
CES 2025 is wrapping up, and as always, the show delivered a bold vision of what’s next in automotive tech. This year, the spotlight was on reimagining mobility — whether through modular flying vehicles or next-gen holographic displays. EVs and concept cars didn’t just push boundaries; they challenged us to rethink safety and how we interact with the cars of tomorrow.
After plenty of hands-on time with the latest vehicles and concept car tech, here are our top four picks (in no particular order).
SEE ALSO: Sony and Honda's collab EV AFEELA will cost an outrageous $89,900 AFEELA 1 Origin and Signature Credit: Mashable / Chance TownsendOne of the big highlights of CES was Sony-Honda’s highly anticipated AFEELA 1 EV. We finally got the scoop on its price, pre-order details, and even a hands-on walkthrough of its futuristic user experience.
But don’t rush to order one just yet. Sony Honda Mobility Group revealed two key details: 1) Pre-orders are currently exclusive to California residents, and 2) the AFEELA 1 starts at $89,900 — or $102,900 for the Signature model. That’s a steep price, especially when Chinese competitors such as Xpeng are producing EVs priced at a little over $16,000 — a cost over 6 times less than the AFEELA 1’s starting price.
Then again, there aren't any PS5 controllers or deodorized seats with those.
XPENG Aero HT Land Aircraft Carrier Credit: Jesse Orrall / CNETSpeaking of Xpeng, the Chinese-based company showed off its "Land Aircraft Carrier" — a bold step into the future of personal transportation and flying. This modular marvel combines a massive, six-wheeled electric vehicle with a stowed two-seater electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle for recreational escapes.
It isn't a "flying car" in the strictest sense, but the synergy between the road-ready "Mothership" and the airborne craft is compelling. With minimal controls and automated systems, Xpeng simplifies flying. While practical adoption may be years away, this $300,000 vision of freedom captivates with its ambition, offering a glimpse of a world where highways lead seamlessly to the skies.
Honda 0 Saloon and SUV prototypes Looks super cool, doesn't it? Credit: Mashable / Chance TownsendHonda’s 0 Prototype EV series continues to grab attention, especially the Saloon trim—a curious blend of Lamborghini flair and retro '80s dad-van vibes. Both the Saloon and SUV debuted at CES last year, but this time, Honda dropped more details: a 2026 release date and Level 3 autonomous driving.
That's a big promise, as it allows the vehicle to handle most driving tasks under specific conditions. It's also a leap ahead of the Level 2+ capabilities of the Sony-Honda AFEELA collab. While these features won’t be U.S.-ready at launch, it’s a bold step toward the software-defined mobility era Honda is eager to lead.
Hyundai Mobis' holographic windshield display It's a lot clearer in person. Credit: Emmett Smith / MashableHyundai Mobis kind of stole the show at CES 2025 with the debut of the world’s first full-windshield holographic display, seamlessly integrated into Kia’s EV9.
This revolutionary tech uses three projectors in the car to transform the windshield into a transparent screen, projecting navigation, driving data, and media directly onto the glass without physical displays. Developed with optical technology company ZEISS, the display uses advanced light diffraction for crystal-clear visuals, even in bright conditions.
While still in pre-development, Hyundai Mobis aims for a 2027 launch. However, it's currently unclear whether that'll just be for Hyundai-Kia cars, or if other manufacturers might also benefit from this tech in the future.
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.
A great lip sync on RuPaul's Drag Race can forever alter your perception of a song.
I can't listen to Crystal Waters' "100% Pure Love" without thinking of Denali's absolute annihilation of Kahmora Hall in Season 13. Hearing "Boss Bitch" by Doja Cat gives me flashbacks to Anetra leaping, Free Willy–style, over Marcia Marcia Marcia in Season 15. And Natalie Cole's "This Will Be" is now forever tied to Season 4's DiDa Ritz killing the song in front of Cole herself.
SEE ALSO: 2025 TV preview: All the TV shows you need to know, and where to stream themCrucially, all these songs are bangers, so I'm happy to listen to them and think about the corresponding lip syncs at any given time. But what happens when a great lip sync gets a terrible song stuck in your head?
That's been my plight ever since Drag Race's Season 17 premiere, which saw talent show winners Suzie Toot and Jewels Sparkles duking it out to Katy Perry's "Woman's World" — with Perry herself looking on as a guest judge.
There's no beating around the bush: "Woman's World" is not a good song. Meant to be Perry's big comeback single, it was a commercial and critical flop for a whole host of reasons. They vary from the silly — like laughable, surface-level feminist lyrics and a cringeworthy music video — to the serious — like the involvement of controversial music producer Dr. Luke, whom singer Kesha accused of sexual assault in 2014.
Given "Woman's World"s failure, it's hilarious that it pops up as a Drag Race lip-sync song — as the premiere lip sync, no less. (For reference, Season 16 secured Beyoncé's "Break My Soul" for its premiere, a song that doesn't even exist on the same material plane as "Woman's World.") It's doubly hilarious that, due to Drag Race's filming schedule, the premiere may have been shot before "Woman's World" was officially released in July 2024. If so, could any of the queens or judges have foreseen the drubbing Perry was about to receive? Oh, to be a fly on the wall the first time Jewels Sparkles and Suzie Toot listened to their lip-sync song.
SEE ALSO: Zero Waste Daniel is drag's sustainable fashion pioneerFor their parts, Suzie Toot and Jewels Sparkles do a great job with the material they were given. Jewels Sparkles turns out a high-energy dance number complete with splits, hairography, and perhaps one too many finger licks, all very reminiscent of her talent show. Suzie Toot also draws on her own toe-tapping talent show, embracing her love for tap dancers of the 1920s and '30s to deliver a uniquely hilarious — and instantly memorable — lip sync.
Suzie Toot nails the pacing on her number, starting out sweet and slow while Jewels Sparkles exhausts her bag of tricks. As Jewels Sparkles pulls out split after split, it's easy to think Suzie Toot's getting steamrolled. Fellow contestant Kori King even hits her with a "you in danger, girl" in a confessional.
Yet as the second verse of "Woman's World" starts, Suzie Toot takes control, gesturing to her foot and proceeding to tap out the lyrics to the song — a reference to her talent show's Morse Code rendering of the Gettysburg Address. It's the ideal elevation of a prior gag, enough to make RuPaul lose it and secure the win.
But Suzie's not done! As "Woman's World" jumps back into its chorus, she breaks out a perfectly timed Charleston — a refreshing dance style amid a Drag Race lip-sync landscape where big stunts often reign supreme. Watching Suzie Toot embrace her inner flapper made me screech and snap more than any of Jewels Sparkles' splits. It's such a perfect way to bring her drag persona to the lip-sync stage, and it scratches my brain in the same way Anetra's jump does. I'm still thinking about it, almost a week later. I'm a woman possessed, a woman attempting to do the Charleston in her kitchen to a notorious pop flop.
And frankly, that's a problem! Because when I think of Suzie Toot's big moment, I'm also thinking, "It's a woman's world, and you're lucky to be living in it" against my will. I do not want these lyrics in my head! I do not want Drag Race to Stockholm syndrome me into liking "Woman's World"! Someone, please save me from the horrors of "sexy, confident."
However, if this lip sync and its apparently permanent place in my memory have taught me anything, it's that Suzie Toot is powerful enough to (maybe) get me to like "Woman's World." That's a pretty incredible power to have! Because of that, I'm excited for more of Suzie Toot and her nine tapping toes. Here's hoping that if she lip syncs again, it'll be to a song I actually want stuck in my head. Maybe something by Carly Rae Jepsen?
RuPaul's Drag Race Season 17 airs Fridays at 8 p.m. ET on MTV.
We live in a world of health tracking, but that usually involves a range of different devices to keep tabs on metrics. Those who are super into health tracking might have a sleep-tracking device, a smart scale, a smartwatch, and more. But what if there were one device that could pull in all that data, analyze it, and help you actually make use of it? That's the goal behind the new Withings Omnia Smart Mirror, which is built to your health metrics, track trends, and even offer feedback using an AI voice assistant.
The mirror isn’t actually available — in fact, it’s just a concept for now. But the idea is still pretty cool, and I had a chance to see it at CES 2025.
A statement pieceThe Withings Omnia is far from understated. In fact, it’s huge – and unless you have a monster of a bathroom, you probably wouldn’t want it in its current iteration. That’s certainly not to say it’s ugly – on the contrary, it actually looks stunning. It’s built with a large glass panel, though that glass isn’t quite as light as a typical mirror, presumably to allow for the display tech built into it.
Credit: Christian de Looper for MashableThat big glass panel is connected to a large scale at the bottom, which offers similar functionality to some of the company’s higher-end smart scales.
SEE ALSO: CES 2025's most practical smart glasses are these tint-changing lensesThe display panel is bright and easy to read, and it’s actually pretty neat. The behind-glass display tech is nothing groundbreaking, but it’s still pretty neat to see writing and little widgets pop up on the screen when you step up to the mirror.
Tying things togetherFor the demo, before stepping on the mirror, I selected between three modes: sleep apnea, atrial fibrillation (Afib), and managing menopause. As someone who has had Afib and eventually had surgery for it, I chose the latter mode.
Credit: Christian de Looper for MashableAs a basic concept, the data that appeared on the screen when I stepped on the scale wasn’t unique to me – it was generic data that was simply used as part of the demo. That makes sense – you wouldn’t want the mirror exposing health information to everyone at CES, let alone the fact that for every demo, users would have to take off their shoes and socks so the scale could track things like body composition and heart health.
SEE ALSO: 12 new gadgets from CES 2025 that you can actually buy right nowThat base will measure things like your weight, body composition, heart rate, other heart-related metrics, and more. It can take an EKG (though a single EKG isn’t as useful as being able to take one any time you want with a watch). On top of that, it's built to pull in information from other health trackers that you use, including smartwatches and more advanced monitors.
Credit: Christian de Looper for MashableThat’s perhaps the most useful part of the concept – a way to tie together all your health data and offer recommendations based on it. There are other companies trying to do the same thing, but Withings goes a step further by offering to connect you to specialists if it finds anything in your health data.
SEE ALSO: We hopped into Xpeng Aero HT's 'flying car' at CESThere’s nothing about a mirror that requires that, though. In fact, if I had to bet, I would assume that if this central data concept does get released, it will be in the form of an update to the app rather than a hardware product since the same data can already be collected by current Withings scales and third-party trackers.
Still, I do like the concept of a central health station in your home – but maybe that health station needs to be digital rather than physical.
Sleep is perhaps one of the most important aspects of maintaining good physical and mental health, but we often don't pay enough attention to it. This has led to a host of sleep-tracking devices that can help us better understand our sleep and make changes to get better rest. However, a new pair of earbuds called the For Me Buds from Sleepwave could take that to the next level.
I had a chance to check out the earbuds for myself at CES 2025.
DesignThe experience of using the earbuds starts with their design. The earbuds are tiny, fitting snugly in your ears without causing much discomfort. That's important for sleep, as they won't get in the way of you falling asleep.
Credit: Christian de Looper for MashableTheir earbuds have tiny sensors that track your heart rate and brain wave activity. The heart rate monitor works just like the one built into your smartwatch. The brainwave tracking works through a PPG sensor that detects your pulse.
SleepingOnce you start a sleep-training session, the sensors will kick into gear and start tracking your heart rate and brain waves. The idea is they'll be able to detect how calm or stressed you are using that information to track your sleep. That's not the only thing that will happen, though. These are earbuds and not just health monitors. As they track your sleep, they'll play relaxing sounds in an effort to help you get to sleep quicker, all while noise cancellation is on to contribute to a quieter environment.
Credit: Christian de Looper for MashableI was only able to test the earbuds for a few minutes on the showroom floor at CES. I certainly didn't fall asleep at that time. That said, during my demo, it did seem as though the earbuds were tracking things like my heart rate reasonably accurately. I had my Apple Watch running the heart rate app at the same time, and while they weren't exactly the same, the two devices seemed to track a similar heart rate overall. I can't necessarily speak to the accuracy of the brainwave tech, though, as I had no device to compare it with.
SEE ALSO: Humanpods earbuds are Samantha from 'Her' but less dystopianAfter the sleeping session, which, of course, for me, wasn't a sleeping session at all, you'll get a rundown of the data collected in the app. It'll essentially show you your heart rate and brainwaves over time and give you an AI summary of what you can do to fall asleep quicker.
Sleeping better with earbuds?It's hard to imagine how brainwave tracking could truly improve sleep tracking more than the technology already built into devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers. That said, it may end up being useful.
SEE ALSO: 9 new gadgets from CES 2025 that you can actually buy right nowAfter all, brainwave tracking is used in certain medical tests, when combined with sleep, to detect certain forms of seizures and other issues. That said, it doesn’t seem like the company is working on any tech related to medical usage right now.
Robotic vacuums have their place, but they still sometimes miss things, essentially meaning that you'll still need a handheld vacuum that you can use for particularly large messes or other situations like cleaning your car. But what if all of these vacuums could be one? That’s the idea behind the new Eufy E20 – a so-called 3-in-1 vacuum that can not only be used as a robotic vacuum but also as a handheld stick vacuum or a smaller handheld vacuum.
I got to check out the E20 for myself at CES 2025.
Versatile designYou might wonder how you could possibly use one unit for all three of these different tasks, but it's a little more complicated than that. The E20 involves placing the handheld vacuum inside a robotic vacuum shell. So, for example, you could keep the handheld vacuum inside the robot for day-to-day use and then take it out when you need to use it in handheld mode.
As you would expect, that handheld vacuum contains the main vacuum motor and filters, which you would want to use in all three different modes. The robot vacuum also has a little spot for a small corner attachment, which you can take out to use as needed.
Credit: Christian de Looper for MashableOnce you place it inside the robotic vacuum shell, it will have access to lasers and a brush head, which it can use to clean your home autonomously.
The vacuum comes with various accessories that can be used in the different modes. Notably, while the robot includes space for a crevice tool, other accessories can be stored on an optional wall-mounted hanger, which is handy. And, of course, there's a docking station for the robot vacuum, which Eufy says has enough capacity for up to 75 days of cleaning.
SEE ALSO: CES 2025: Roborock's grabby new robot vacuum is a huge flexIt was very easy to move the parts from one mode to another, which has been pretty helpful. In my daily use, I would likely keep the vacuum in robo-vac mode and occasionally switch it to stick mode as needed.
Strong performanceSince all different modes rely on the same motor, you might expect them all to offer the same level of suction, but that's not quite the case. In robot vacuum mode, the E20 offers 8,000 Pa of suction power, but switch it over to stick mode, and you'll get a massive 30,000 Pa.
Credit: Christian de Looper for MashableOf course, the design has some limitations. The vacuum doesn't have a mop mode, though it does have a spinning brush that can clean some floors more deeply. Still, if you regularly rely on a mop, this might not be the robot vacuum for you.
The middle of all worldsThe E20 isn't going to be the most powerful robot vacuum, nor the best handheld vacuum, but it does have the significant advantage of allowing users not to have to buy different vacuums for different use cases. Again, some will want a robot vacuum that has a built-in mopping feature, but if this isn't important to you and you like the idea of an all-in-one device, then you might find the E20 to be perfect for your needs.
It's relatively inexpensive, too. The E20 is available for pre-order right now, starting at $499.99. This price includes a $50 discount for those who get it from the Eufy website. You'll be able to get it officially starting on February 10, both from Eufy itself and from retailers like Amazon, where it will cost $549.99.
Current-generation smart glasses are largely available in two different kinds.
Leading the pack on one side is Xreal, which is building smart glasses that connect to devices like your phone or laptop through a wire and can essentially act as a portable monitor.
The other kind of smart glasses, however, are perhaps a little more interesting. Smart glasses like the Meta Ray-Ban glasses have a speaker, microphone, and camera, and can use the camera to take pictures and see the world around you, or leverage AI to help you find information.
To date, Meta’s glasses have largely been the go-to for those who want this kind of more natural look. But new competitors are popping up – and Solos could have a winner on its hands. The new Solos AirGo Vision glasses boast visual recognition, language translation, and immediate access to an AI assistant powered by GPT-4o. I had to put them to the test while running around like a madman at CES 2025.
A natural designOf course, the key to any smart glasses experience seems to be a natural design, and that's something that these glasses achieve well. A natural design is partially why the likes of the Meta Ray-Ban have taken off while other smart glasses that try too hard to be futuristic offer too much technology to be natural.
Credit: Christian de LooperThat's not to say the glasses are completely natural, though. On the front, they have two camera lenses, which you'll be able to see, while the arms are a little bulkier than you would get on non-smart glasses. You don’t necessarily have to use the glasses with the cameras – the Solos AirGo3 glasses are the same as the AirGo Vision glasses but without the cameras, and you can use both, simply moving the arms of the glasses, which house many of the components, from one to another.
SEE ALSO: We hopped into Xpeng Aero HT's 'flying car' at CESBut, at least at a glance, those around you might not be able to immediately tell that you're wearing smart glasses until they take a closer look or until you take a photo and the white LED light flashes.
One thing I didn’t love about the design of the glasses is that you have to manually turn them on and off. You’ll remember to turn them on when you put them on and they don’t work. But after folding them up and putting them in my backpack, I couldn’t understand why the microphone on my phone wasn’t picking up my voice until I realized they were still connected. An automatic off when they fold up would be nice.
The glasses are designed to be worn in everyday life. Credit: Christian de LooperThe glasses offer a battery life of around 10 hours of continuous use, and they’re IP67 water-resistant, so you should be able to use them in the rain perfectly fine.
AI on tapOf course, the real advantage of these glasses has little to do with their design and much more to do with the features they offer.
Chief among those is the immediate and instant access to an AI voice assistant powered by ChatGPT. This voice assistant, of course, is highly customized and gets access to data, like your location and images from the cameras built into the glasses. What that means is that you can ask the assistant to find nearby restaurants or analyze things in front of you, like objects signs. While you might assume that this is a bit of a gimmick, it can come in handy for things like translating text.
The glasses are equipped with ChatGPT. Credit: Christian de LooperIn other words, it can be more helpful in day-to-day life than ChatGPT itself would be without access to that data.
That said, I'm not completely sure exactly how it analyzes data like your location. After asking how long it would take to get to another hotel in Vegas, from the one I'm staying at, I was told it would be about a 10-minute Uber ride or a 25-minute walk. Thirty minutes into walking, I found that I was only around halfway there, and I'm a pretty fast walker. Normally, I beat the estimates given by apps like Google maps and Apple Maps.
SEE ALSO: CES 2025's most practical smart glasses are these tint-changing lensesThere are some helpful ways to make the assistant more helpful in your day-to-day life, though. I really appreciated the ability to set its speech speed. Typically when I ask an AI assistant a question I just want the answer as soon as possible.
The Solos appThe experience of using Solo's app is perfectly fine. From the app, you'll be able to control different settings for both the glasses and your AI assistant, including the aforementioned ability to control how fast it talks. You'll also be able to set audio EQ modes, which is a nice touch.
The app also allows you to type to your digital or capture a photo to send to it. I like the fact that you can manually type to the assistant instead of just being able to talk to it through the glasses, as it makes for a more versatile experience. The design of the app takes some getting used to, but it's relatively well-designed overall, and most should be able to get used to it relatively quickly.
Privacy questionsUsing the glasses did make me a little concerned about privacy, though. Some of the data I can understand needing access to, especially for certain features. I don't love giving up my location, but if I want to be able to ask about nearby restaurants or how to get places, then it makes sense that I need to hand it over.
What doesn't make sense are the constant requests for full photo library access. Initially, I gave limited photo library access simply so that the app could store photos that I captured, but it consistently and annoyingly requested full access every time I opened the app. I never gave in. I wasn't going to hand it over to a company that I barely know. I suggest most do the same.
SEE ALSO: CES 2025: Hands-on with Sony-Honda's AFEELA 1 SignatureI did ask about the privacy of the photos captured by the glasses themselves. Company said that any photos sent to the cloud I deleted after 30 seconds however, the photos that you take manually will be stored on the phone.
Sub-par audioLike many other smart glasses models, these ones have speakers built into them. Of course, largely, this is used for the AI assistant to be able to talk to you after you make a request, but the glasses also like a basic Bluetooth device for listening to music and other audio.
The camera lens is quite visible on the Solos AirGo Vision smart glasses. Credit: Christian de LooperUnfortunately, the audio quality leaves a lot to be desired. The speakers are tinny, lack depth, and there’s little bass response to speak of, which is not all that surprising. The speakers built into smart glasses usually aren’t all that great. However, if you want a solid music experience you'll still want to use wireless earbuds.
ConclusionsThe Solos AirGo Vision smart glasses are a compelling take on the overall smart glasses concept. That said, I'm not quite sure anyone, including Solos, has truly nailed the idea just. The ability to talk to an AI-powered digital assistant as needed is helpful, and the fact that the assistant has access to information like your location and a camera seriously enhances its usability. But I didn't love the subpar audio, and I'm not thrilled about how the glasses and the app handle private information.
Of course, it’s not like Meta is a home run in the area of privacy though. And, the Solos glasses come at a similar price. They’re available for $299, however it doesn’t seem like they’re available with the cameras from the website right now.
I'm a huge fan of the ecosystem of accessories that MagSafe is spawning. I'm also a huge fan of mobile game controllers like those offered by Backbone. I use them regularly when I'm on the go. Now, however, the two are combining in what could be the coolest MagSafe accessory to date. The OhSnap MCON is a gaming controller that snaps to the back of your phone with MagSafe, and is built to be portable enough to fit in your pocket.
The controller was actually first designed by 19-year-old Josh King, who documented the process on his YouTube channel and created a prototype using a 3D printer. King and OhSnap then combined forces to tweak the design a little and put the controller into production. And I have to say, I'm glad they did. The controller is awesome, and I had a chance to check it out in person at CES 2025.
Magnetic and refinedAs mentioned, the MCON, available in black or white, attaches to the back of an iPhone using MagSafe, so it’s easy to attach and detach it from your phone whenever you want to. When it's not in use, the controller simply looks like a rectangle on the back of your phone. None of the buttons or joysticks are visible, except for the rear triggers, which look understated anyway.
Two buttons on the back releases the keyboard, which slides into position. Credit: Christian de LooperGiven the fact that the controller attaches using MagSafe, you might expect it to only work with iPhones, but OhSnap has thought of that too.
The controller comes with a MagSafe adapter that's essentially a magnetic disk that you can attach to the back of your non-MagSafe phone. On top of that, it comes with two pucks that can attach to the controller itself to space it away from the camera module and ensure a good fit no matter what phone you're using and how big its camera is. Of course, instead of using the MagSafe adapter, you could also use a third-party case that adds magnetic compatibility to non-MagSafe phones.
SEE ALSO: CES 2025's most practical smart glasses are these tint-changing lensesWhen you want a game, however, you simply press two buttons on the back of the controller, and your phone will essentially slide up, revealing the buttons and joysticks you're used to.
It's a similar approach to the slide-out keyboards that used to be more common on business-focused smartphones. On top of your phone sliding up to reveal the buttons, you can also extend two grips that lock into place for a more ergonomic feel. Sure, the controller isn't going to feel as comfortable as something like the PlayStation 5's DualSense controller, but we wouldn't expect it to – and remember, the MCON is built for portability.
When closed, the phone and attachment both fit in the palm of your hand. Credit: Christian de LooperPerhaps the biggest downside to a controller like this is that instead of being powered through your phone's USB-C port, the controller connects through Bluetooth and has to be charged separately. That said, OhSnap is including a USB-C cable in the box, and it says that you can connect it to your phone through a wired connection instead of through Bluetooth, if you prefer.
SEE ALSO: We hopped into Xpeng Aero HT's 'flying car' at CESSo, does the OhSnap MCON achieve its goal of being a game controller you can have at the ready all the time? Well, yes and no.
It's definitely slimmer than any mobile controller I've tested before – and I've tested quite a few of them. However, I don't necessarily think you'd have it attached to your phone all the time on the off chance that you'd want to game remotely. Instead, it's probably more likely to be useful for situations in which you think you're likely to game when you're out and about, but left at home when you don't think you will.
That's still an important use case, though – it means you don't have to carry a controller in your backpack or bag when you might not necessarily want to take a backpack for quicker trips like taking the bus across town, for example.
Pro gamingThe OhSnap MCON may be built for portability, but it's also designed for a tactile and responsive gaming experience. That, however, is one area where the company is still refining a little. When I tested the controller at CES 2025, I actually found the buttons to be quite nice, with a clicky feel. The joysticks had a good feel too, and I could easily see myself gaming on the go with the controller. When I spoke to Josh King, the creator of the controller at CES, he noted that they're still ironing out the exact feel of the buttons ahead of the August ship date.
A side view of the attached accessory. Credit: Christian de LooperOf course, you shouldn't expect the same feel as a controller like the Sony DualSense controller for the PlayStation 5, but the extendable grips helped quite a bit. The grips helped make the controller feel a little more natural and gave a little more leverage for tapping the buttons on the main body of the controller.
The joysticks, in particular, seem to require a lot of effort in development. They are actually full-size Hall Effect joysticks, which will help make the controller more accurate and precise. They'll also ensure that the controller is less prone to issues like stick drift, which is common on compact controllers.
A very clicky gamepad. Credit: Christian de LooperAll in all, while the controller didn't necessarily feel as natural as a much bulkier and bigger controller, that's not the point of this one. I found that it felt very natural despite its small and compact size, and as I said, I could easily see myself gaming it on an airplane, a bus, or simply when I want to game in bed instead of on the couch.
The perfect gaming companionI've tested plenty of portable controllers, and this one could well be my favorite so far. That largely has to do with the convenience of being able to snap it on and off as needed, instead of trying to wedge the controller into a USB-C port as you have to do with controllers from the likes of Backbone and Razer.
The OhSnap MCON is currently undergoing Kickstarter funding, where it has already surpassed its goal of $25,000. If you're interested in one for yourself, you can pre-order it on its Kickstarter page, where you might be able to get a discount. After the Kickstarter process, the controller will go on sale for $149. It's expected to ship to backers in August 2025, so unfortunately, you'll have to wait a while to get one for yourself.
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.