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TL;DR: Unblock TikTok by hiding your digital location. The best VPN for unblocking TikTok is ExpressVPN.

The Jan. 19 deadline for the potential TikTok ban is fast approaching. It's still not clear whether or not the TikTok ban will actually come into effect, but if it does, you better be prepared.

If you're looking for the best way to unblock TikTok for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock TikTok for free

VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location. That means you can change your digital location to somewhere that supports the use of TikTok, meaning you can retain access to your favourite app from anywhere in the world.

Follow these simple steps to unblock TikTok:

1. Sign up for a 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 a location that supports access to TikTok

4. Visit TikTok

5. Use the app from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer generous money-back guarantees. Using these money-back guarantees is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does mean you can temporarily unblock TikTok and then recover your investment at a later date.

If you want to retain permanent access to TikTok from an unsupported location, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for TikTok is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for TikTok?

There are a number of VPNs that can reliably unblock TikTok, but ExpressVPN is probably the best:

• 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

• 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 discounted plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Unblock TikTok from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Australia vs. India for free on 7Plus. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Australia secured an emphatic 10-wicket victory over India in the 2nd Test to level the series at 1-1. And now, all eyes are on the Gabba as both sides look to gain an advantage in this electric contest.

If you want to watch Australia vs. India (3rd Test) for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Australia vs. India (3rd Test)?

The 3rd Test between Australia and India takes place from Dec. 14 to Dec. 18 (in Australia). This Test match takes place at the Gabba.

The full schedule for India's five-Test tour of Australia is as follows:

• Australia vs. India (1st Test) — Nov. 22 to Nov. 26

• Australia vs. India (2nd Test) — Dec. 6 to Dec. 10

• Australia vs. India (3rd Test) — Dec. 14 to Dec. 18

• Australia vs. India (4th Test) — Dec. 25 to Dec. 30

• Australia vs. India (5th Test) — Jan. 2 to Jan. 7

The good news for fans is that every Test match in this series is available to live stream for free.

How to watch Australia vs. India for free

Australia vs. India (3rd Test) is available to live stream for free on 7Plus in Australia.

If you're abroad for this Test series, you might need to use a VPN to unblock 7Plus. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can access free live streams of Australia vs. India from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of Australia vs. India 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 Australia

4. Visit 7Plus

5. Stream Australia vs. India for free from anywhere in the world

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 most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Australia vs. India (3rd Test) without committing with your cash. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream this Test series before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to your favorite streaming platforms from anywhere in the world, you will need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for 7Plus?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live cricket on 7Plus, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

• 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 also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Australia vs. India (3rd Test) for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream New Zealand vs. England for free on TVNZ+. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

England have looked really impressive in their Test match series against New Zealand. England beat New Zealand by 323 runs to win the second Test and series, which was somewhat surprising after a disappointing defeat against Pakistan in their last outing.

New Zealand were coming off a 3-0 win against India, so expectations were high for the home side. The Black Caps might have lost the series, but they can still end on a high.

If you want to watch New Zealand vs. England (3rd Test) for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is New Zealand vs. England (3rd Test)?

The 3rd Test between New Zealand and England takes place from Dec. 14 to Dec. 18 (in New Zealand). This Test match takes place at Seddon Park.

The final Test match in this series is available to live stream for free.

How to watch New Zealand vs. England for free

New Zealand vs. England (3rd Test) is available to live stream for free on TVNZ+ in New Zealand.

If you're abroad for this Test series, you might need to use a VPN to unblock TVNZ+. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in New Zealand, meaning you can access free live streams of New Zealand vs. England from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of New Zealand vs. England 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 New Zealand

4. Visit TVNZ+

5. Stream New Zealand vs. England for free from anywhere in the world

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 most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch New Zealand vs. England (3rd Test) without committing with your cash. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream this Test series before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for TVNZ+?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live cricket on TVNZ+, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including New Zealand

• 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 also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream New Zealand vs. England (3rd Test) for free with ExpressVPN.

We're stating the obvious but it's worth reiterating: Running is hard. Like, really hard. Unless you're one of those freakish individuals who can just get up and run a half marathon. Otherwise, the idea of hauling oneself off the sofa is effort enough. Never mind pounding the pavement for a few kilometres or more.

That's why it's worth spending some money on something that makes running as easygoing and bearable as possible. Take running watches, for example. These helpful devices are built to optimise and personalise your training, which will improve performance and set you racing towards those ever-increasing PB goals.

Sounds helpful, right? Absolutely. If you're determined to get out there, you might as well make it easy on yourself. Plus, you'll be able to measure how quickly you were running before you passed out — if that's what it comes to, anyway. To get you started, here’s what you need to know about running watches.

What can a running watch do?

Smartwatches and fitness trackers are stacked with so many features, it’s sometimes hard to know what’s what. Also, relatively few fitness watches are only running watches — they are usually equipped for multi-sport activities — so you need choose a watch that includes features best suited for running.

These will include basic data, such as your step count, calorie burn, and distance travelled. Also, a GPS that tells you where you’re going and helps to track runs. More advanced watches will measure heart rate and other bio-metrics, while even analysing elevation, speed, and much more. A solid battery life is an advantage, especially if you’re doing — or working towards — long distances.

What is a GPS watch?

Not every fitness watch has GPS. But for even mid-level runners, GPS is essential. GPS stands for Global Positioning System and uses satellites to track your position and movements with impressive accuracy. In running terms, this means you can track routes without having to map yourself, and also measure key metrics such as pace, distance, and time.

Some watches combine other features, such as an accelerator, to work out your speed and the length of your stride and keep the GPS map accuracy even if you go through a tunnel and out of satellite range.

What stats do running watches track?

As well as all the basics from your run — distance, time, and speed — decent running watches use sensors to measure all kinds of biometric data. This will include calories burned, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and BMI (body mass index). Some can even isolate and report on the kind of energy your body uses while running. These are usually tracked in a fitness app that syncs with your watch and smart device.

Do running watches track other workouts?

Yes, absolutely. It’s unusual to find a watch that’s specific to just running. Most do the very basics — swimming, strength, and cardio exercises — but you’ll find many of the watches on this list have different sport modes built in. Some watches are geared towards triathlon training, and you’ll find others are better for specific types of running — particularly long-distance and endurance running.

How much does a running watch cost?

As with everything, it depends on the kind of specs you want. If a basic, no-frills model suits you, you can get a watch for under £100. But expect to spend a few hundred pounds for a mid-range model. For the very best, prepare to spend £500 or more. It depends on the kind of runner you are. Are you a casual jogger looking to break the 5K? Then a budget or mid-range model will likely suffice. Or are you a serious marathon runner who’s clocking dozens of miles per week? In that case, something more specialist is in order.

What is the best running watch?

It not only depends on the kind of runner you are but the specific goals you’re running towards. But we have attempted to answer this question by tracking down the best options from some of the top brands. Whether you're just starting or training to be an elite runner, there's something on this list for you.

These are the best running watches for 2024.

We finally know what the next game from the makers of The Last of Us and Uncharted looks like.

It's called Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet and it's coming to PlayStation 5. It's a third-person sci-fi adventure with extremely lush visuals, a cool aesthetic that's at least somewhat inspired by stuff like Cowboy Bebop, and 1980s pop music. There isn't much else to say about it just yet because the Game Awards trailer didn't show much, but you play as a cool-looking lady with some kind of laser sword.

Maybe this one will get a hit TV show, too.

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 13 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 13 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: One for the Swifties

These words are related to Taylor Swift

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are easily recognized by fans of Taylor Swift.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is AlbumTitle.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for December 13

• Folklore

• Fearless

• Midnights

• Evermore

• Lover

• AlbumTitle

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for December 13 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Used in snow

• Green: Worn by athletes

• Blue: Team representatives

• Purple: Sounds broadcasters might make

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Skiing equipment

• Green: Logos of athletic brands

• Blue: NBA mascots

• Purple: Sports onomatopoeias

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #81 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Skiiing equipment - BOOTS, GOGGLES, POLES, SKIS

• Logos of athletic brands - SWOOSH, PUMA, JUMPMAN, THREE STRIPES

• NBA mascots - BENNY, BURNIE, CHUCK, RUMBLE

• Sports onomatopoeias - BLOOP, CLANK, DOINK, SWISH

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for December 13 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Mythical beings

• Green: Common sections in an email client

• Blue: Citrus-based fizzy drinks

• Purple: Sounds like an animal

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Fantasy Creatures

• Green: Email Folders

• Blue: Citrus Sodas

• Purple: Animal Homophones

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #551 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Fantasy Creatures: DRAGON, GIANT, PIXIE, TROLL

• Email Folders: DRAFTS, SENT, SPAM, TRASH

• Citrus Sodas: CRUSH, SPRITE, SQUIRT, STARRY

• Animal Homophones: BORE, LINKS, PHISH, TOWED

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 13

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for December 13 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for December 13 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Participants in sanctioned fist fights.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter B.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

BOXER.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 13

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

Fighting game old-heads are freaking out right now, and for good reason.

Virtua Fighter, one of the most beloved and also most presumed-dead fighting game series, is back. A new, currently untitled entry in the series was announced at The Game Awards 2024, courtesy of longtime series publisher SEGA and new lead development studio Ryo Ga Gotoku, of the Like a Dragon/Yakuza series.

In other words, the people who make the coolest games about beating dudes up are making a new game about beating dudes up. Sounds great.

The move follows Meta’s donation of the same amount to the fund earlier this week.

Borderlands is back, and you won't be surprised to learn it has plenty of guns and attitude.

That's the rub from the Borderlands 4 reveal trailer aired at The Game Awards, anyway. It has new characters, locations, guns, and enemies, which are all the things you would want from a new Borderlands game. The classic art style returns, too, so Borderlands fans shouldn't be disappointed.

Let's just hope it clears the movie.

Elden Ring was a very popular game, so naturally, they're making another one.

It isn't Elden Ring 2, though. Geoff Keighley took to the stage at The Game Awards 2024 to announce something slightly unexpected: A co-op action game set in the Elden Ring universe. Called Elden Ring: Nightreign and developed by From Software, it looks like it might be a cross between Elden Ring and Monster Hunter, with players teaming up to take down horrifying boss monsters.

Whatever it is, it probably just became the single most anticipated game for millions of people.

Every year's edition of The Game Awards, which seems to be a lot more about trailers than awards, gives us at least one really striking-looking original game to look forward to. It's usually buried in between trailers for updates to mobile games, but it's always there.

This year, that game might be Split Fiction. Developed by Hazelight Studios and headed up by Josef Fares (known for using colorful language at previous Game Awards shows) Split Fiction is the spiritual follow-up to 2021 Game of the Year recipient It Takes Two. That means it's a really wacky and inventive adventure about rival fiction novelists meant specifically to be played by two people together cooperatively. I didn't get the impression that single-player is even an option, nor would it make sense for it to be one.

Anyway, I got to sit down and play about 45 minutes of Split Fiction with Fares himself before the big reveal at The Game Awards. While it remains to be seen if any of its big ideas will work when the game releases in early March, I can at least confirm that Split Fiction makes a hell of a first impression.

SEE ALSO: The 10 best video games you may have missed in 2024 Split Fiction hands-on preview: You got sci-fi in my fantasy Regardless of which aesthetic it's using at any given time, 'Split Fiction' looks very nice. Credit: Hazelight/EA

To understand what, exactly, Split Fiction is, you need to understand the premise. The problem is that I didn't fully grasp it in my brief time with the game, but I'll do my best to explain.

Two female novelists named Zoe and Mio (Fares was quick to mention these are his daughter's names) have, through seemingly nefarious means, been trapped inside a virtual simulation of their work together by an evil publishing company that wants to steal their stories. One of them is a sci-fi writer and the other is a fantasy novelist. The bulk of the gameplay seems like it will take place in either a fantasy or sci-fi world, depending on the level, with the idea being that these two women who don't like each other (or each other's work) very much need to work together creatively to get out of the simulation.

The name of the game in Split Fiction is variety. Every single level appears to have some kind of unique, bespoke co-op mechanic that probably only lasts for 10 to 15 minutes, and that you won't see anywhere else in the game. Here are just a few examples that Fares showed me in the very quick demo I got to play:

• A level where Zoe and Mio do competitive snowboarding down a mountain, complete with a reasonably deep trick and scoring system

• A level where Zoe and Mio hatch, raise, and ultimately ride on two dragons who grow as the level progresses

• A level where Zoe and Mio play as two pigs, one of whom can extend vertically like a Slinky toy, while the other farts rainbows in order to clear horizontal gaps

Oh yeah, there's a level where you shapeshift into weird monsters, too. Credit: Hazelight/EA

The most important part is that everything I got to play was fun. Split Fiction's base third-person platforming mechanics are solid and snappy on their own, but once the more goofy mechanics come into play, things get pretty neat. The snowboarding level was a decent enough approximation of SSX, while the pig level was a neat little optional distraction that Fares assured me lasts like 10 minutes. Speaking of optional distractions, Split Fiction seems like it will be full of hidden levels that are set in other stories these two characters have written. The pig level was one of these, but another one turned the game into a hand-drawn-in-pencil side-scroller for a while.

Hazelight's previous work in making unique co-op games shone through in the short demo I played, as well. It's not just that these mechanics are fun and two players get to do them together; in many cases, each player is given a different ability or role, so coordination is key. Sometimes one player will have to alter gravity to walk along the ceiling, cutting down platforms for the other. You know, stuff like that.

I can't say whether or not Split Fiction will live up to the excellent first impression it makes when the full game launches on March 5. But between a bunch of really fun co-op shenanigans I saw in just a brief demo, and the fact that there isn't a very annoying, omnipresent narrator like It Takes Two, Split Fiction is lining up to be one of the more interesting games of early 2025.

Hey folks, they're making a new The Witcher game. Yes, you play as Ciri. Remain calm.

CD Projekt Red announced its first new game since Cyberpunk 2077 at The Game Awards 2024. The lengthy trailer for The Witcher IV doesn't show any gameplay, but it does confirm something incredibly important: Ciri, not Geralt of Rivia, is the protagonist this time around. Geralt's voice is heard briefly at the end of the trailer, but he is not seen at any point. This is a Ciri adventure, which is what lots of folks (me) wanted after The Witcher 3.

Hopefully it launches in a better state than Cyberpunk.

One of the first reveals at the 2024 Game Awards will probably wind up sucking thousands of hours out of countless players.

At least, that's what Slay the Spire has done over the last few years, so it's reasonable to expect Slay the Spire 2 to do the same. It looks to add to the already-versatile card-based gameplay of the original with new cards, items, and other wild variables to consider as you try to, well, slay the spire.

The best part is you don't have to wait long. Slay the Spire 2 will launch in early access in 2025.

Still aiming to become a global leader in AI, the United States announced it will be moving forward on initiatives to incorporate generative AI into the inner workings of the Department of Defense (DoD)— just as AI's creators pitch their offerings to major defense contractors.

Announced today, the office will be moving ahead with a new $100 million AI Rapid Capabilities Cell "focused on accelerating DoD adoption of next-generation artificial intelligence," including generative AI. It will be led by the department's Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) and Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). The announcement comes as a result of Task Force Lima, a Department of Defense generative AI task force established in 2023 to "assess, synchronize, and employ generative AI capabilities" in the DoD.

SEE ALSO: Rising use of generative AI by police is a threat to Americans' civil liberties, ACLU warns

"DIU's role is bringing the very best commercial tech to bear to meet critical warfighter problems with the focus, speed, and scale required to meet the strategic imperative," said DIU Director Doug Beck. "The result will help us scale the tech faster and more reliably, and will also help change the way the Department thinks about software development and delivery tempo for the future." The department's AI applications will include "decision support, operational planning, logistics, weapons development and testing, uncrewed and autonomous systems, intelligence activities, information operations, and cyber operations," as well as administrative purposes.  

Under the Biden Administration, the U.S. endorsed the international Political Declaration on Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy, a best practices initiative to explore the development of AI's military capabilities — despite already using the technology in warfare applications. In a Nov. 2023 statement, the Department of Defense announced its intention to explore "the responsible military use of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems." AI watchdogs have warned of the accelerated use of AI in warfare and its global repercussions.

One month prior, the White House announced an extensive regulatory executive order outlining risk and safety standards for AI, cybersecurity provisions, and various guidelines that spanned the Department of Commerce, Homeland Security, and Energy. The administration announced even more AI initiatives soon after, including the creation of a United States AI Safety Institute (US AISI). This was later followed by a warning to Big Tech to curb the spread of synthetic, AI-generated content.

While it's uncertain whether President-elect Donald Trump will uphold the Biden administration's national and international AI commitments, the soon-to-be sworn in leader has already announced his pick for a position he's calling the "White House AI Czar." As for his picks for the country's defense leaders, Trump is rumored to be eyeing Palantir chief technology officer Shyam Shankir for a top spot in the Pentagon — Shankir is a proponent of the Department of Defense's rapid adoption of commercial tech, including AI.

"The DoD has an imperative to responsibly pursue the adoption of generative AI models while identifying proper protective measures and mitigating national security risks that may result from issues such as poorly managed training data," said DoD Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer Dr. Radha Plumb. "We must also consider the extent to which our adversaries will employ this technology and seek to disrupt our own use of AI-based solutions."

The increase is the latest for the streaming service, which debuted in 2017 at $35 a month. The company blamed “rising content costs.”

Since Nick Fury first broke into Tony Stark's cliffside mansion, comic books fans have been primed to expect bonus goods once the credits roll on the superhero movies. The MCU has unleashed jaw-dropping cameos, bizarre callbacks, and teases for future adventures, and Sony Pictures followed super suit.

At the end of Morbius, a cameo of Michael Keaton as Adrian "The Vulture" Toomes seemingly tied this movie to the MCU's Spider-Man: Homecoming, in which he was the Big Bad. More recently, the post-credits scene in Venom: The Last Dance revealed the fate of a character caught in the military-versus-symbiote crossfire — and set up a path to a could-be sequel.

However, what path forward might Kraven the Hunter tease when The Wrap is reporting Sony's closing up shop on Spider-Man spinoffs for now?

Does Kraven the Hunter have a post-credit scene?

Nope. At the film's New York premiere, critics, cast, and crew who stayed through the credits saw the long list of names of all the people who worked on J.C. Chandor's curious action movie. But there was not a post-credit scene with bonus goodies.

However, seeing the incredible amount of people power that went into Kraven the Hunter is its own reward, right?

Kraven the Hunter opens only in theaters Dec. 13.

Some 2.6 million Stanley mugs have been recalled after customers reported dangerous issues with the cup's construction.

If you're worried about your trendy, TikTok-must-have Stanley cup, however, you're likely OK. The recall is for the Stanley Switchback and Trigger Action travel mugs and not the big ol' Quencher tumblers you've likely seen all over social media.

SEE ALSO: What's so special about a Stanley? A guide to conspicuous consumption on TikTok.

The Switchback and Trigger Action mugs have an issue where the "lid threads can shrink when exposed to heat and torque, causing the lid to detach during use, posing a burn hazard," wrote the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in its recall announcement.

The CPSC said Stanley has received 91 reports worldwide of the lid detaching, which resulted in 38 burn injuries and 11 people requiring medical attention. The company is offering a free replacement lid to the affected consumers. You can see if your Stanley is part of the recall and request a replacement lid at the company's website.

Stanley previously had a PR kerfuffle when it was noted that some of its mugs contain small amounts of lead, but experts said it posed no threat at all to users — the lead was a part of insulation that's not exposed to consumers.

The new recall isn't ideal, but if you're affected it should be simple enough to get a new, better-working lid. And your Quencher is still fine to use on your next Target run.