Feed aggregator

The creators of a new test called “Humanity’s Last Exam” argue we may soon lose the ability to create tests hard enough for A.I. models.

As a space rock slammed into the walkway in front of a Canadian couple's house, it screeched like a sheet of ice shattering. 

Joe Velaidum and Laura Kelly, who live on Prince Edward Island, caught a meteorite hitting their property on their doorbell camera. Some say this could be the first video recording of a meteorite that also captured its audio.

Thanks to doorbell cameras, people have become the unwitting voyeurs of some strange affairs: a delivery man hurling a fragile package, a prowling bobcat with glowing eyes, a criminal suspect moseying down the street. They pale in comparison to this, Velaidum told Mashable. The meteorite is one of only 69 known to have struck Canada, according to The Meteoritical Society, which maintains the most comprehensive data set. 

"What are the chances that this meteorite traveled hundreds of millions of kilometers, just bangs around in space, ends up in our atmosphere, ends up in this tiny little community on this tiny little island in the Atlantic Ocean, and then onto our doorstep," Velaidum said. "The odds of this happening are just so astronomical." 

SEE ALSO: What does a meteorite taste like? Someone found out and bottled it. About 95 grams of rubble were recovered from the meteorite strike on Prince Edward Island in Canada. Credit: University of Alberta Meteorite Collection

NASA estimates about 48.5 tons of billions-of-years-old meteor material rain down on Earth daily, but much of it vaporizes in the atmosphere or plunges into water, which covers over 70 percent of the planet. People have discovered over 82,000 confirmed meteorites. The vast majority are bits of asteroids from the main belt, but about one percent hail from Mars and the moon.

On July 25, 2024, Velaidum and Kelly prepared their dogs for a walk. As they were about to leave, Velaidum stopped to pick up a leash, then headed out. When they returned, they were shocked to find light gray dust and black stones scattered in a star shape on the path.

The force of a meteorite left a nearly one-inch divot in a brick. Credit: University of Alberta Meteorite Collection

The couple began sweeping up the mess, wondering if something had perhaps rolled off the roof. Whatever it was, it left a nearly one-inch gouge in the brick.

Kelly's parents, who live close, came over and said they had heard a loud sound. It was her father who first suggested the crash might have been a meteorite. That's when Kelly reviewed their doorbell camera footage to see if it had recorded the event. Sure enough, they saw a rock drop from the sky. 

Watch the right side of the screen at the four-second mark. Video courtesy of Laura Kelly and Joe Velaidum

That's when they reached out to the University of Alberta's Meteorite Reporting System. Chris Herd, the curator of the university's collection, looked at photos of the debris. Usually the reports he receives are invalid, he said, estimating that about "99.9 percent" of the rocks are from Earth. 

"That's a rough guess. It could be more than that," he said, laughing.

But what he noticed in the rubble was a telltale fusion crust, a thin glassy layer that forms on meteors as their surface melts from air friction. Still, geologists would need to collect samples and bring them into a lab for a full workup. 

"The odds of this happening are just so astronomical." 

Once the pair realized they might truly have an extraterrestrial rock on their hands, they worked harder to scavenge as much of the debris as possible. Kelly's father assisted with a strong magnet. When all was said and done, they had recovered about 95 grams' worth, roughly the weight of 17 U.S. quarters.

"I think at one point they said they were actually using a vacuum cleaner on the lawn to try to get stuff up, and then running a magnet through the dust bag to try to get the material," Herd said. 

The meteorite landed in Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island, a province of Canada. Credit: EyesWideOpen / Getty Images

Coincidentally, Herd already had a vacation on the books for a trip to Prince Edward Island just two weeks later, so he and his family made a detour to the house. Though all space rocks on Earth are rare, he classified the meteorite as a so-called ordinary chondrite, the most common kind of stony meteorite, composed mostly of silicate minerals, with some metal content. 

Meteorites have long been divided into two basic categories: the "falls" and the "finds." If any part of the event leading to the landing was witnessed, either by people or their equipment, it is labeled a fall. The rest are finds, according to The Meteoritical Society. In a 2015 paper, the society said falls were extremely rare, accounting for only 410 meteorites in its bulletin since its inception in 1957, compared to tens of thousands of finds. 

Whether this particular meteorite, officially named Charlottetown this month for where it landed, is the first fall captured with audio and video, is not known. The Meteoritical Society doesn't keep those kinds of records, said Guy Consolmagno, the organization's president. 

The Charlottetown meteorite left a star-shaped splatter of dust and a divot in a brick walkway. Credit: University of Alberta Meteorite Collection

But what is clear to Herd is the research value of the specimen and its recording. The video documented the timing of the meteorite's arrival, down to the second. That information, coupled with fireball observations, could help determine the parent meteoroid's orbit and potentially where it came from. The frames of the video could also be analyzed for angle and speed. There may even be something to learn about the meteorite's physical properties from the acoustics, he said. Herd plans to do more studies. 

Velaidum, a professor of religious studies at the University of Prince Edward Island, said the experience has changed him. After looking through the doorbell videos, he realized when he had stopped to move a dog leash, he was standing where the meteorite struck just minutes later. He has spent the past few months wondering if it could have killed him. 

"I do teach a course on the meaning of life, where we talk about how grand and big the universe is in comparison to how small human life is," he said. "That was all just sort of an academic exercise before this had happened."

TL;DR: Live stream Washington Wizards vs. LA Clippers in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.

The Washington Wizards head to Intuit Dome to face the LA Clippers in a non-conference matchup. The Wizards are 6-36, which puts them in last place in the Eastern Conference. The Clippers are 24-18, which puts them in fifth place in the Western Conference.

The Wizards have lost 11 consecutive games. The team's last win came against the Chicago Bulls on Jan. 1. The Clippers have won four of their last five games, but are coming off a loss to the Chicago Bulls.

When is Washington Wizards vs. LA Clippers?

Washington Wizards vs. LA Clippers in the NBA starts at 10:30 p.m. ET on Jan. 23. This game takes place at Intuit Dome in L.A.

How to watch Washington Wizards vs. LA Clippers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to watch Wizards vs. Clippers from anywhere in the world

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

Live stream Washington Wizards vs. LA Clippers for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming app

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

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

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Washington Wizards vs. LA Clippers in the NBA with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.

The Boston Celtics head to crypto.com Arena to face the Los Angeles Lakers in a non-conference matchup. The Celtics are 30-13, which puts them in second place in the Eastern Conference. The Lakers are 23-18, which puts them in sixth place in the Western Conference.

The Celtics have lost three of their last five games, and are coming off a loss to the LA Clippers. The Lakers have won three of their last five games, and are coming off a loss to the Washington Wizards.

When is Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers?

Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA starts at 10 p.m. ET on Jan. 23. This game takes place at crypto.com Arena in L.A.

This game will air on TNT and TruTV, and will stream on Max.

How to watch Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Live stream Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming app

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

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

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Chicago Bulls vs. Golden State Warriors in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.

The Chicago Bulls head to Chase Center to face the Golden State Warriors in a non-conference matchup. The Bulls are 19-25, which puts them in 10th place in the Eastern Conference. The Warriors are 21-22, which puts them in 11th place in the Western Conference.

The Bulls have lost four of their last five games, but are coming off a win over the LA Clippers. The Warriors have lost three of their last five games, and are coming off back-to-back losses to the Sacramento Kings and Boston Celtics.

When is Chicago Bulls vs. Golden State Warriors?

Chicago Bulls vs. Golden State Warriors in the NBA starts at 10 p.m. ET on Jan. 23. This game takes place at Chase Center in San Francisco.

How to watch Chicago Bulls vs. Golden State Warriors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to watch Bulls vs. Warriors from anywhere in the world

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

Live stream Chicago Bulls vs. Golden State Warriors for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming app

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

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

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Chicago Bulls vs. Golden State Warriors in the NBA with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.

The Dallas Mavericks head to Paycom Center to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in a Western Conference matchup. The Mavs are 23-21, which puts them in ninth place. The Thunder are 36-7, which puts them at the top of the Western Conference.

The Mavs have lost four of their last five games, and are coming off back-to-back losses to the Minnesota Timberwolves and Charlotte Hornets. The Thunder have won four of their last five games, and are coming off back-to-back wins over the Utah Jazz and Brooklyn Nets.

These two teams faced off earlier this month. The Thunder won that matchup 118-104.

When is Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder?

Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA starts at 8 p.m. ET on Jan. 23. This game takes place at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.

How to watch Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to watch Mavs vs. Thunder from anywhere in the world

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

Live stream Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming app

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

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

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA with ExpressVPN.

The Catalan city of Barcelona, home to Sagrada Família, is now partially powered by its own Metro underground trains, thanks to a system called regenerative braking.

When an electric vehicle is slowed, the excess kinetic energy released when pressing the brake is harvested, transformed into electricity via a generator, and then stored for future use. Larger vehicles produce more kinetic power, and have the capacity to store more excess energy. The technology is increasingly used in electric cars, but when it comes to trains, it has actually been around for decades.

Enter Barcelona's MetroCharge project, which uses brake energy from the underground trains to power those same vehicles, as well as stations and their escalators, ventilation, and lighting systems. Any excess energy is pumped up to ground level and used to power local EV charging stations.

The system, which also includes solar panels, covers the energy needs of 28 of Barcelona’s 163 subway stations, saving six percent of the total energy spent by the Metro.

The MetroCharge project cost some €7.3 million ($7.6 million), which the city expects to recover within a few of years through energy savings and revenue.

SAVE $27.50: As of Jan. 23, grab Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Kindsuit case for $27.49 at Best Buy. That’s half off its usual price of $54.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Kindsuit Case $27.49 at Best Buy
$54.99 Save $27.50 Get Deal

Let’s face it: when you’re rocking a phone as premium as the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, the last thing you want to do is stick it in a clunky, uninspired case. Enter the Kindsuit case — Samsung’s top-tier option that’s as stylish as it is functional. And thanks to Best Buy’s latest deal, it’s just $27.49 (down from $54.99), making it a no-brainer for anyone who wants their phone to look as sharp as it performs.

The Kindsuit case is all about balancing sophistication and protection. Its sleek black exterior adds an air of understated elegance, while the soft, microfiber-lined interior works overtime to keep your phone’s stunning glass back scratch-free. The durable build shields your device from daily wear and tear without adding unnecessary bulk, making it perfect for those who like their protection minimalist but effective.

SEE ALSO: Where to preorder Samsung's new Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra smartphones

This case isn’t just about looks — it’s designed to complement every aspect of your Galaxy S25 Ultra. With its slim profile, it won’t take away from the phone’s impressive design, and it still fits like a glove, ensuring all buttons, ports, and the embedded S Pen remain fully accessible. Go mad snapping photos with the Ultra’s game-changing 200MP camera or diving into its AI-powered productivity tools; the Kindsuit Case ensures you can do it all in style.

At $27.49, you’re getting a premium case at a mid-range price. If you’ve already invested in the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s cutting-edge tech. In that case, protecting it with an equally refined case only makes sense. This deal won’t last forever, so if you’ve been eyeing a case that delivers both form and function, now’s the time to snag it.

The company built a cheaper, competitive chatbot with fewer high-end computer chips than U.S. behemoths like Google and OpenAI, showing the limits of chip export control.

Meta, precursing a wave of new "free speech" policies across its platforms, is disbanding its disinformation-spotting fact checking program. According to a new report, the program was already failing to do its intended job.

Published by misinformation watchdog NewsGuard, the analysis found that only 14 percent of sampled posts with Russian, Chinese, and Iranian disinformation narratives were flagged as false by Meta. "The vast majority of posts advancing foreign disinformation narratives spread without carrying any of the fact-checking labels used by Meta: False, Altered, Partly False, Missing Context, or Satire," the organization claims.

The research was conducted across Meta platforms, using 457 identified posts that advanced 30 different false claims.

SEE ALSO: Office of Gun Violence Prevention website goes dark under Trump

One of several reasons for this discrepancy, according to NewsGuard, is that Meta's algorithm fails to spot differences in language, such as rephrasing or paraphrasing, once a post is deemed as misinformation. In 10 of 30 narratives examined by NewsGuard, "Meta labeled one or more of the posts advancing the narrative but left uncorrected dozens of other posts containing the same false claim with the same meaning, albeit with some different wording."

While some foreign-influenced disinformation claims were caught by Meta's program, other posts appeared to never have been fact-checked, at all. "Even with the fact-checking program, malign foreign actors still found ways to exploit Meta’s platforms, and the occasional successes of the fact-checking program — such as the labeling of the Russian disinformation claim targeting Germany’s upcoming elections — are now at risk of disappearing."

Meta did not respond to either NewsGuard's or Mashable's request for comment.

SEE ALSO: Meta ditches fact-checking for community notes ahead of second Trump term

The organization, and other digital rights organizations, have warned users of the platform's policy shift. "If Meta applies the same technology and rules for applying community notes to posts that it has used for fact checker-generated labels, the results are likely to be no more promising," NewsGuard wrote. "In fact, the results could be even weaker in terms of speed and coverage, because a community note requires a process in which a community of users first must be shown to have what Facebook has said has to be 'a range of perspectives.'"

On Jan. 21, Reuters reported that the company would also be exempting paid advertisements from its new Community Notes feature.

En route to land on the moon, a spacecraft snapped views of Earth eclipsing the sun.

The Blue Ghost lunar lander, built by the Texas-based company Firefly Aerospace for NASA, launched to space on Jan. 15, and is slated to attempt a challenging moon landing on March 2. Now in Earth's orbit, the robotic craft has opportunities to capture poignant solar system imagery.

"Witness Earth eclipsing the Sun from Blue Ghost's top deck — another incredible postcard moment on our trip to the Moon!" Firefly Aerospace recently posted online.

SEE ALSO: Stunning weather found on another world. It's never been seen before.

In the short clip below, a time-lapse shows the sun quickly eclipsed as Earth moves between our star and the spacecraft. Just a sliver, or crescent, of the sun is visible, before Earth departs the outer space scene.

Tweet may have been deleted

Blue Ghost will spend 25 days in Earth's orbit before embarking on a four-day journey to the moon, located around a quarter-million miles away.

The Blue Ghost spacecraft's trajectory to the moon. Credit: Firefly Aerospace

The 6.6-foot-tall craft, carrying a slew of moon-investigation instruments like a lunar regolith vacuum and analyzer, will try landing in Mare Crisium, a lava-covered basin on the moon's near side. Previously, the robotic Soviet mission Luna 24 landed in Mare Crisium in 1976, capturing lunar soil and then rocketing it back to Earth.

NASA intends to land astronauts on the moon in mid-2027, but has also employed a number of companies to deliver lunar research technology to the moon via the space agency's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative.

But landing on the moon, a world with virtually no atmosphere to slow spacecraft down, remains daunting. Although Chinese and Indian craft have had recent landing successes, the U.S. commercial spacecraft Odysseus sustained damage while landing awkwardly in 2024. The same year, a Japanese craft landed upside down, on its head.

In the coming months, we'll see how Blue Ghost fares during its ambitious descent.

TL;DR: Record, transcribe, and translate effortlessly with the Focais: Meet One Voice Recorder — on sale for $99.99 (reg. $149).

Opens in a new window Credit: Focais Focais: Meet One - Voice-Activated AI-Powered Recorder $99.99
$149.00 Save $49.01 Get Deal

Tired of scribbling notes during meetings, fumbling to record phone calls, or struggling to keep up in class? The Focais: Meet One is here to rescue you. This small, AI-powered recorder doesn’t just capture conversations — it translates, transcribes, and summarizes them, making it a game-changer for students, professionals, and anyone who needs to stay on top of important details.

For a limited time, you can get it on sale for 32% off for the reduced price of $99.99.

With support for over 120 languages, this recorder makes language barriers a thing of the past. Whether you’re navigating an international meeting or learning a new language, its real-time translation and transcription features let you focus on what’s being said without losing track. But the real magic lies in its conversation summarization tool. Instead of sifting through hours of audio, you’ll get concise, easy-to-review highlights that save time and effort.

This recorder is built for the modern multitasker. Lightweight and portable, it fits in your pocket or bag, ready to capture the next big meeting, lecture, or brainstorming session. With voice activation, you won’t miss a word — and its intuitive app integration makes reviewing your recordings a breeze.

Don’t let important details slip through the cracks. Get the Focais Meet One Voice-Activated AI-Powered Recorder for $99.99 today and transform the way you work, learn, and stay organized.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get 1TB of cloud storage for life with Koofr for $129.97 with coupon code KOOFR through Feb. 2.

Opens in a new window Credit: Koofr Koofr Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription (1TB) $129.97
$810.00 Save $680.03 with code KOOFR Get Deal

Ever feel like your digital life is scattered across too many platforms? Koofr’s 1TB lifetime cloud storage plan is here to simplify your storage needs with a one-time purchase. Whether you’re organizing work projects, keeping family photos safe, or decluttering your files, Koofr provides a secure and user-friendly solution for all your important stuff.

Through February 2, use promo code KOOFR to get 1TB of cloud storage for life for a one-time payment of $129.97.

Koofr doesn’t just store your files — it elevates your organization game. With its Duplicate Finder tool, you can free up space by identifying and removing redundant files effortlessly. And if you’ve got files stashed on platforms like Google Drive or Dropbox, Koofr connects with those, too, giving you seamless access to everything from one centralized app.

Privacy-conscious? Koofr has you covered. Unlike other cloud services, Koofr doesn’t track your activity. Your files are encrypted in transit and at rest, so your data stays your own. Plus, advanced file management features like custom renaming and link sharing make staying organized a breeze.

No recurring fees, no stress. This deal gives you 1TB of storage, which is enough for about 250,000 photos or 500 hours of HD video.

Secure your files and simplify your storage with a lifetime subscription to 1TB of Koofr Cloud Storage on sale for $129.97 when you enter promo code KOOFR at checkout — valid until Feb. 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Grab a refurbished 2019 MacBook Pro with a Touch Bar for $424.97 through Feb. 2 — perfect for work, creativity, and entertainment.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro (i5 2.4GHz, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $424.97
$1,499.00 Save $1,074.03 2019, 13.3-inch, Touchbar, Space Gray Get Deal

Looking for a discounted laptop that can keep up with your busy life? The refurbished 2019 Apple MacBook Pro is here to check all the boxes from productivity to entertainment, all in a sleek, lightweight design. And at just $424.97 through Feb. 2, this deal makes premium performance more accessible than ever.

The 13.3-inch Retina display brings your visuals to life with sharp resolution and True Tone technology, ensuring vibrant colors adjust to your environment. Whether you’re editing videos or diving into spreadsheets, the 2.4GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM keep things running smoothly. Plus, the 256GB SSD ensures quick boot times and seamless multitasking.

With four Thunderbolt 3 ports, you can easily connect external monitors, charge devices, and transfer data at lightning-fast speeds. The Touch Bar adds a customizable layer of convenience, while Touch ID offers secure logins and purchases with just a tap.

Designed for life on the go, this MacBook Pro boasts up to 10 hours of battery life and weighs just 3 pounds, making it perfect for work-from-anywhere setups or binge-watching your favorite shows. Its grade “A” refurbished rating means it’s fully functional in near-mint condition, with minimal to no cosmetic signs of previous use, so you get premium quality at a fraction of the cost.

Act now to grab this powerful and stylish refurbished 2019 Apple MacBook Pro with a Touch Bar for just $424.97 — this deal is only available through Feb. 2.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get lifetime access to 1min.AI for $39.99 and enjoy writing tools, image editing, AI assistants, and more in one powerful platform.

Opens in a new window Credit: 1min.AI 1min.AI: Lifetime Subscription $39.99
$234.00 Save $194.01 Get Deal

Sometimes you just need one tool that does it all. Enter 1min.AI, your one-stop shop for everything from writing and editing to image processing and audio transcription.

Forget juggling a dozen apps — with lifetime access for just $39.99 (reg. $234), you get all the AI functionality you need under one roof.

With 1min.AI, professionals, students, and creatives can access a range of AI-powered features tailored to simplify workflows. Need a blog post? The writing assistant can whip one up in minutes. Stuck with repetitive design edits? Use the background remover, text-to-speech converter, or even upscale images to high-resolution. And for social media managers, generating comments or drafting posts has never been easier.

This subscription also provides unparalleled versatility with:

• Chat support from AI models like GPT-4, Claude, and Gemini Pro

• Comprehensive tools for creating and refining content

• Audio and video editing capabilities, including transcription and translation

Earn free credits daily, leave reviews for even more perks, or invite friends to stack up on rewards.

Whether you're managing SEO tasks, editing photos, or creating multilingual content, 1min.AI lets you ditch subscriptions and focus on results. Say goodbye to tool overload and hello to efficiency.

Simplify your content creation with a lifetime subscription to 1min.AI — grab it for $39.99 today.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

When you're on the hunt for the best laptop under $500, you need to be careful.

In the highly competitive laptop market, you get what you pay for. That means it can be very dangerous to buy a "cheap" laptop. Choose wrongly, and you'll be stuck with a slow, outdated computer that causes more problems than it solves. Mashable regularly tests the best affordable laptops overall, but if $500 is your upper limit, then you're going to be priced out of some popular budget laptops. But even then, we still highly recommend a handful of computers that will fit nicely into your budget.

The Samsung Chromebook 4 didn't make the cut. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable A quick guide to laptop pricing

You can buy a cheap Chromebook for as little as $100, while our favorite gaming laptop will set you back over $3,000. And in our guide to the best laptops in general, you'll find machines that span a wide spectrum of prices. With $500 to spend, you'll be priced out of Ultrabooks, MacBooks, and most gaming laptops.

Typically, laptops fall into one of the following categories:

• Chromebooks ($100 to $650): These computers have minimal storage and are designed to run mostly web applications. They're light, portable, and very affordable. Cloud-based gaming Chromebooks also offer an alternative to gaming laptops.

• Budget laptops ($250 to $750): Even the best budget laptops won't have the most impressive specs, but they should have enough RAM and storage for everyday use at school or work.

• MacBooks ($850 to $3,500): The cheapest MacBook worth buying (the M2 MacBook Air) will set you back $850 when it's on sale, while a fully specced-out MacBook Pro can cost as much as $3,500.

• Ultrabooks ($1,000 to $3,500): These high-end laptops have enough processing power to handle tasks like photo and video editing. They typically have a sleek and modern aesthetic, too. MacBooks also fall into this category.

SEE ALSO: The best gaming laptops for 2025, no matter your budget What are the best laptops under $500 in 2025?

Below, we've put together a detailed guide to the best budget laptops for under $500, including Chromebook picks. The right laptop will vary depending on your needs, but the Acer Aspire 5 is our overall top pick for our money. Check out all the contenders below.

UPDATE: Jan. 23, 2025, 5:00 a.m. EST New flagship robot vacuums from Roborock, Eufy, Dreame, and more were announced at CES 2025. I'm in the process of calling them in for at-home testing, and will update this guide accordingly.

The best self-emptying robot vacuums have one huge perk past the obvious act of vacuuming the floor for you. (Hint: It's in the name.)

When you outsource vacuuming to a robot, your floors get cleaned way more often, right? There's just one little downside to that extra attention that your floors are getting: More debris off the floor means a dust bin that fills up faster, and emptying a vacuum's dust bin by hand is arguably the worst part of the chore.

SEE ALSO: Top 3 best robot vacuums from CES 2025, from coolest to most practical

Hence, self-emptying robot vacuums were born. These vacs do your vacuuming and emptying for you for weeks (or even months) at a time, storing the debris collected on each trip in a larger compartment that's located in the charging dock. It's the obvious supplementary step for the full hands-off cleaning experience, and it's rare to see a robot vacuum from 2024 or 2025 that doesn't have automatic emptying. (That's why Dyson's move to skip self-emptying on its $1,199.99 robot vacuum was so bold it's comical.)

Are self-emptying robot vacuums worth it?

Not having to lift a finger when it comes to floor maintenance is well worth it for anyone who just doesn’t feel like wrestling an upright vacuum out of the closet every few days. And if you don't feel like manually vacuuming yourself, it's only natural that you'll also decide you don't feel like manually dumping your robot vac's dust bin into the trash can every day. If we're doing this whole automated thing, let's do it the right way.

Automatic emptying quickly proves its worth in households where the layer of pet fur would otherwise have you dumping the vacuum's tiny dust bin after just a few rooms. The best self-emptying robot vacuum cleaners let you off the hook for months at a time. (Most brands claim to have capacities averaging between six to eight weeks, but almost every self-emptying dock I've tested in my large apartment lasted much longer than that.) And when it actually is time to empty the bigger dust bin, most self-empty docks trap dust inside a disposable bag, meaning you won't have to see or touch the nasty stuff at all.

SEE ALSO: It wasn't hard to narrow down the best Shark robot vacuums to these top 3

For people with allergies, auto-emptying also spares you from inhaling the inevitable puff of dust that emerges when dumping a dustbin into the trash. Speaking of avoiding the grosser parts of the job, if you're specifically seeking a robot vacuum that mops, many self-emptying docks also take it upon themselves to wash and dry the dirty mopping pads after the job is done.

I've been testing the latest and greatest self-emptying robot vacuums released in 2024 against my old favorites from years prior. So far for 2025, these are the four self-emptiers to consider for your home.

(Note that each vacuum's retail price is listed by default, but that I've also noted the most common sale price each vacuum frequently drops to in "The Good" section. And yes, robot vacuum deals are common all throughout the year — not just during a shopping holiday like Black Friday.)

SAVE $15: As of Jan. 23, pick up the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra silicone case for $14.99 at Best Buy — 50% off its regular $29.99 price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Silicone Case $14.99 at Best Buy
$29.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal

Protection is a no-brainer when carrying around a powerhouse like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. But let’s be real — bulky, ugly cases are a hard pass. Enter the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra silicone case, a perfect mix of style, protection, and a touch of sophistication. Even better? It’s 50% off at Best Buy right now, dropping the price to just $14.99 (down from $29.99).

This case is all about keeping things sleek and simple. The smooth silicone exterior adds an understated elegance to your Galaxy S25 Ultra while offering a comfortable grip. No more worrying about slippery hands or minor mishaps — this case is grippy without feeling sticky. Inside, a soft microfiber lining provides an extra layer of protection, keeping your phone’s glass back pristine and scratch-free.

SEE ALSO: Where to preorder Samsung's new Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra smartphones

Let’s not forget why you’re protecting this phone in the first place. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is a tech beast with a stunning 6.9-inch AMOLED display, a groundbreaking 200MP camera setup, and enough AI features to make you question reality. With a $1,299 starting price, it’s worth safeguarding. The silicone case isn’t just a cover; it’s a wise investment ensuring your phone looks and feels premium.

This silicone case is perfect for anyone who prefers a minimalist aesthetic. It’s slim enough to slide effortlessly into your pocket but durable enough to handle everyday bumps and scrapes. For $14.99, it’s hard to argue with the value. Are you a Galaxy loyalist or someone who just dropped serious cash on a cutting-edge smartphone? This is a deal worth snagging before it’s gone.

SAVE OVER $10: As of Jan. 23, grab the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra clear case for $12.49 at Best Buy — 50% off its regular price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Clear Case $12.50 at Best Buy
$24.99 Save $12.49 Get Deal

If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on the sleek new Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, the last thing you want is to cover it up with a bulky or boring case. That’s where the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra clear case comes in — now on sale at Best Buy for just $12.49. That's 50% off its original $24.99 price tag.

This case is all about simplicity and style. It’s completely transparent, so your phone’s striking design (and choice of colorway — icy blue, navy, mint, or silver shadow) shines through unimpeded. But don’t let its slim profile fool you; this case is as practical as it is minimalist. It’s durable enough to protect your Galaxy S25 Ultra from everyday scuffs, scratches, and minor bumps, ensuring your investment looks flawless.

SEE ALSO: Where to preorder Samsung's new Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra smartphones

The Galaxy S25 Ultra itself is a beast of a phone, featuring a jaw-dropping 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, a 200MP wide camera for ultra-crisp shots, and cutting-edge AI integration powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. When rocking an advanced device, you need a case that complements it without stealing the spotlight.

This clear case gets that balance just right — offering solid protection while keeping things lightweight and unobtrusive.

If you’ve been looking for a way to safeguard your phone without compromising its aesthetic, this clear case is the perfect match. Plus, with an easy snap-on design, it’s as convenient as it is chic.

At just $12.49, this deal is a no-brainer for S25 Ultra owners who want style and functionality without spending a fortune. But act fast — deals like this don’t last long!

SAVE OVER $10: As of Jan. 23, grab the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra anti-reflective screen film at Best Buy for $12.49, saving 50% off the usual $24.99 price tag.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Anti-Reflective Screen Film $12.50 at Best Buy
$24.99 Save $12.49 Get Deal

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is one of the most advanced smartphones ever. With a jaw-dropping 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display featuring a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate and vibrant, ProScaler-enhanced visuals, this phone's screen is a stunner. It's also the last thing you want scratched, smudged, or dulled by sunlight glare.

Enter the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra anti-reflective screen film, now available at Best Buy for just $12.49 — 50% off the usual price of $24.99.

SEE ALSO: Where to preorder Samsung's new Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra smartphones

This screen protector isn't just a basic cover. It's designed to maximize visibility by cutting down unwanted reflections, even in bright sunlight. That means you'll enjoy crystal-clear clarity while scrolling through social feeds poolside or watching an 8K video on your commute. While it fights glare, it's also a rigid little shield against everyday nuisances like dust and fingerprint smudges, keeping your phone looking and feeling fresh.

If you're wondering whether a screen protector is worth it for a phone as advanced as the Galaxy S25 Ultra, the answer is an unequivocal yes. This phone is packed with cutting-edge tech, from its 200MP wide camera and Snapdragon 8 Elite processor to its AI-powered features that promise to adapt to your needs over time. Why risk a scratched display detracting from all that? With the film's included installation kit — complete with an applicator, microfiber cloth, and dust removal stickers — you'll have it perfectly in place without the stress of bubbles or misalignment.

At just $12.49 at Best Buy, this anti-reflective film is an easy, affordable way to protect the screen that makes the Galaxy S25 Ultra stand out. Don't wait too long to snag this deal — whether you're an avid techie or want to keep your phone pristine, this simple upgrade pays off big.