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How to watch Pegula vs. Putintseva online for free

Mashable - 12 hours 58 min ago

TL;DR: Live stream Pegula vs. Putintseva in the 2025 Adelaide International for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Australian Open is right around the corner, but the Adelaide International hasn't yet reached its conclusion. Pegula and Putintseva are set to battle it out for a spot in the final, with all eyes on the Memorial Drive Tennis Centre.

If you want to watch Pegula vs. Putintseva in the 2025 Adelaide International for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Pegula vs. Putintseva for free

The 2025 Adelaide International is available to live stream for free on 9Now, including Pegula vs. Putintseva.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025 Adelaide International 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 9Now

  5. Watch the 2025 Adelaide International 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 leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Pegula vs. Putintseva without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Adelaide International and Australian Open (also on 9Now for free) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on 9Now, 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 always 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 plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Pegula vs. Putintseva in the 2025 Adelaide International for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Kecmanovic vs. Korda online for free

Mashable - 12 hours 58 min ago

TL;DR: Live stream Kecmanovic vs. Korda in the 2025 Adelaide International for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Australian Open is almost here, but the Adelaide International is still the centre of the tennis world. Kecmanovic and Korda are competing for a place in the final, in what promises to be an electric game between two talented players.

If you want to watch Kecmanovic vs. Korda in the 2025 Adelaide International for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Kecmanovic vs. Korda for free

The 2025 Adelaide International is available to live stream for free on 9Now, including Kecmanovic vs. Korda.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025 Adelaide International 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 9Now

  5. Watch the 2025 Adelaide International 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 leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Kecmanovic vs. Korda without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Adelaide International and Australian Open (also on 9Now for free) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on 9Now, 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 always 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 plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Kecmanovic vs. Korda in the 2025 Adelaide International for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Ohio State vs. Texas online

Mashable - 12 hours 58 min ago
Wondering how to watch college football this season? Here are your best options: Best for live sports YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get Deal Best for affordability Sling TV Blue Plan $20 for the first month, then $40/month (save $20 ) Get Deal BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV Pro plan 7-day free trial, then $59.99/month for 1 month (Save $20) Get Deal

The No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes and the No. 5 Texas Longhorns will face off in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff (CFP). The matchup will take place at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Friday, January 10, and is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT.

Ohio State is 12-2 overall and coming off back-to-back CFP wins. First, the Buckeyes had a commanding 42-17 win over the Tennessee Vols in the first round, followed by a second commanding 41-21 win over the Oregon Ducks.

Texas is 13-2 and also coming off back-to-back wins over the Clemson Tigers and Arizona State Sun Devils. The Longhorns win over the Sun Devils was much closer, going to double overtime after a controversial non-targeting call that could have given the Sun Devils a chance to win the game before overtime. The Longhorns are the last SEC team left in the CFP bracket, another point of contention for fans of the major conference who have so far hated the new 12-team playoff format.

SEE ALSO: How to watch college football without cable

ESPN's matchup analytics and the betting odds are split on this one. The matchup analytics are just slightly favoring the Texas Longhorns, while the betting odds have the Buckeyes as the favorite.

Ohio State vs. Texas football kickoff time and network

The Ohio State vs. Oregon football game is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT start on ESPN on Friday, Jan. 10.

Chris Fowler is expected to do the play-by-play. Kirk Herbstreit is expected to join him in the booth, while Holly Rowe will report from the sidelines.

Best streaming services for Ohio State vs. Texas football game

You 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 Ohio State vs. Texas 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 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 channels: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling 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, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV 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. 

How to live stream the Dallas Mavericks in 2025

Mashable - 12 hours 58 min ago

The Dallas Mavericks are members of the Western Conference in the NBA. The franchise was founded in 1980. The team has won four division titles and made six Western Conference Finals appearances. The Mavs won their first and only NBA Championship in 2011 against the Miami Heat.

The team dons a number of jerseys in royal blue, silver, black, white, and navy blue. They have two mascots: a horse named Champ and superhero-like figure named MavsMan.

How to live stream the Dallas Mavericks

You need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. The NBA does have its own streaming service, the NBA League Pass, which is $16.99 per month. However, you can also stream NBA TV through most providers, including YouTube TV, Sling TV, and Fubo.

These are the best services for live streaming the Dallas Mavericks this season:

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV Fubo TV 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 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.

Where do the Dallas Mavericks play?

The Mavericks play at the American Airlines Center (AAC) in Dallas, which they share with the NHL's Dallas Stars. It's in the heart of Victory Park, an entertainment district in downtown Dallas. Construction on American Airlines Center started in 1999. The arena opened its doors in 2001. It cost $420 million to build.

As a basketball arena, AAC seats 20,000 people.

Who is the head coach for the Mavericks?

The head coach of the Dallas Mavericks is Jason Kidd.

Kidd is widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards of all time. He was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in 1994. Kidd played for the Phoenix Suns, the New Jersey Nets, before returning to the Mavs, where he won his first NBA championship. Kidd then played for the New York Knicks before retiring in 2013. He immediately began his coaching career with the Brooklyn Nets. He has also coached for the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers, before coming back to the Mavs.

Kidd is a 10-time NBA All-Star and a two-time gold medal winner in the Olympics with the U.S. national team in 2000 and 2008. He played college basketball for the California Golden Bears, who retired his No. 5 jersey in 2004.

Who is on the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024-25 season?

The Dallas Mavericks roster includes several big names, including Slovenian star Luka Doncic and veteran Kyrie Irving. The 2023-24 season saw a big improvement from then-rookie Derek Lively II. In the offseason, the Mavs were part of a six team sign-and-trade that allowed them to sign Golden State Warriors-alum Klay Thompson. It was the league's first six-team trade. Thompson signed a three-year deal for $50 million.

How did the Mavs perform in 2023?

In the 2023-24 season, the Mavs finished with a 50-32 record overall. Dallas ended the regular season in fifth place in the Western Conference. They had a 25-16 record at home, and a 25-16 record on the road.

The Mavericks defeated the Los Angeles Clippers in six games in the West First Round. They defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder in six games in the Western Conference semifinals. Dallas then defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games in the Western Conference Finals. Ultimately, the Mavs lost to the Boston Celtics in five games in the 2024 NBA Finals.

How to watch New Zealand vs. Sri Lanka 3rd ODI online for free

Mashable - 12 hours 58 min ago

TL;DR: Live stream New Zealand vs. Sri Lanka 3rd ODI for free on TVNZ+. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

New Zealand are looking to bounce back after a disappointing defeat against England at the end of 2024. The Test side were coming into that series riding high after beating India, so they would have been expected to offer up a much tougher challenge to the visitors.

But that's all in the past. The Black Caps are looking to secure a ODI series win over Sri Lanka to kickstart the new year.

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

When is New Zealand vs. Sri Lanka (3rd ODI)?

The 3rd ODI between New Zealand and Sri Lanka takes place on Jan. 11. This ODI takes place at Eden Park.

How to watch New Zealand vs. Sri Lanka for free

New Zealand vs. Sri Lanka (3rd ODI) is available to live stream for free on TVNZ+.

TVNZ+ is geo-restricted to New Zealand, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in New Zealand, meaning you can access a free live stream of New Zealand vs. Sri Lanka from anywhere in the world.

Live stream New Zealand vs. Sri Lanka 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. Sri Lanka 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. Sri Lanka (3rd ODI) 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. Sri Lanka (3rd ODI) for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Aston Villa vs. West Ham United online for free

Mashable - 12 hours 58 min ago

TL;DR: Live stream Aston Villa vs. West Ham United in the FA Cup for free on ITVX. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The FA Cup third round includes some really interesting matchups, like Aston Villa vs. West Ham United. This battle between two Premier League sides is arguably the biggest game of the round of fixtures. It's certainly not an easy one to call, with only six points separating these teams in the league.

If you want to watch Aston Villa vs. West Ham United in the FA Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Aston Villa vs. West Ham United?

Aston Villa vs. West Ham United in the FA Cup starts at 8 p.m. GMT on Jan. 10. This fixture takes place at Villa Park.

How to watch Aston Villa vs. West Ham United for free

Aston Villa vs. West Ham United in the FA Cup is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX from anywhere in the world.

Access a free live stream of Aston Villa vs. West Ham United 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 UK

  4. Visit ITVX

  5. Live stream Aston Villa vs. West Ham United 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 Aston Villa vs. West Ham United without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream this game before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

  • 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.

Stream Aston Villa vs. West Ham United in the FA Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

The best dating site alternatives to porn

Mashable - Thu, 01/09/2025 - 23:55

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

If you like porn but want to make things a bit more interactive, these are some popular dating sites that will help you achieve that. There’s a little something for everyone, whether you’re looking to explore your kinky fantasies, make a lasting romantic connection, search for senior love, hook up, or want to keep things safely socially distanced and just chat.

And if free videos with easy-to-search categories like Pornhub offers are what do it for you, there’s options out there for you. While these sites are by no means perfect and some of them are pretty raunchy, here's the scoop on what you're getting yourself into.

What do you need to know about dating on NSFW sites?

Keep in mind that “dating” on NSFW sites like Grindr and GetItOn is about as subtle as the names of the platforms: Users are there to find a connection for a night, a threesome, or an ongoing sex buddy situation — not a long-term partner.

Also, sites like this don’t operate without mutual consent and boundary-setting (and respecting). When you’re building out your profile, be specific and honest about what you’re looking for and wanting so you can find people who genuinely match up with you and your interests or fetishes.

Should you use a NSFW site for dating?

If you’re looking for no-strings-attached sex, or just a sexting or Skype-sexing buddy for the evening, NSFW sites can be ideal for getting your needs met and getting straight to the point. “Dating” here is a very loose term — think of these as sites and apps for hooking up.

SEE ALSO: The best dating sites and apps for women

Users on these apps tend to be fairly direct — don’t expect a dinner invitation before you get asked over to their flat. If that’s not your cup of tea and you need a little more of the getting-to-know-someone before jumping into bed with them, these might not be the right sites for you.

What precautions should you take when using a NSFW dating site?

If you’re on a site where you need to share personal information or choose a username, be careful about the information you’re giving out — and about what kind of information it is. Things like credit card numbers are vulnerable to hackers, and using your real name on platforms like these can compromise your safety if you happen to stumble upon the wrong sort of people on the sites.

Always choose a username that doesn’t have a relationship to your first name, and be careful about the personal information you share (like where you live, etc.).

What else is important to know when using a NSFW dating site?

Besides not giving away any personal information, especially for things like anonymous encounters on cam or sexting sites, know the risks when it comes to sending nude or partially nude photos containing identifying details like your face or tattoos. While it’s against the law in many places to circulate private sexual images, that doesn’t stop people from doing it.

What is the best NSFW dating site?

There are plenty of raunchy dating sites out there that should suit just about everyone, but we get that you probably don't want to spend all day perusing the options (or maybe you do). To help you find the best NSFW dating site for you, we have lined up a standout selection.

We've tried to find something for every type of dater, with popular sites like AdultFriendFinder and GetItOn making the cut. You just need to pick a favourite.

These are the best dating site alternatives to Pornhub in 2025.

How to watch Paul vs. Auger Aliassime online for free

Mashable - Thu, 01/09/2025 - 23:00

TL;DR: Live stream Paul vs. Auger Aliassime in the 2025 Adelaide International for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Australian Open is about to serve up some scintillating tennis, but the Adelaide International is still in the spotlight. The first Grand Slam of the season is obviously top priority for the best players in the world, but Paul and Auger Aliassime will still be desperate to claim a tournament win in preparation for the main event.

If you want to watch Paul vs. Auger Aliassime in the 2025 Adelaide International for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Paul vs. Auger Aliassime for free

The 2025 Adelaide International is available to live stream for free on 9Now, including Paul vs. Auger Aliassime.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025 Adelaide International 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 9Now

  5. Watch the 2025 Adelaide International 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 leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Paul vs. Auger Aliassime without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Adelaide International and Australian Open (also on 9Now for free) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on 9Now, 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 always 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 plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Paul vs. Auger Aliassime in the 2025 Adelaide International for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Keys vs. Samsonova online for free

Mashable - Thu, 01/09/2025 - 22:00

TL;DR: Live stream Keys vs. Samsonova in the 2025 Adelaide International for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Australian Open starts in a matter of days, but the Adelaide International hasn't yet reached its conclusion. The first Grand Slam of the season is obviously the priority for most of the best players around the world, but try telling that to Keys and Samsonova. They've got the small matter of a semi-final clash to get through first.

If you want to watch Keys vs. Samsonova in the 2025 Adelaide International for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Keys vs. Samsonova for free

The 2025 Adelaide International is available to live stream for free on 9Now, including Keys vs. Samsonova.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025 Adelaide International 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 9Now

  5. Watch the 2025 Adelaide International 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 leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Keys vs. Samsonova without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Adelaide International and Australian Open (also on 9Now for free) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on 9Now, 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 always 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 plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Keys vs. Samsonova in the 2025 Adelaide International for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Wordle today: Answer, hints for January 10, 2025

Mashable - Thu, 01/09/2025 - 22:00

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 January 10 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 January 10, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

You have to do this before you can walk.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

No letters appear twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter C.

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...

CRAWL.

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 January 10

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.

NYT Strands hints, answers for January 10

Mashable - Thu, 01/09/2025 - 22:00

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 January 10 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 10 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: They're inseparable

These words are things got together.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are things you always find together, like peanut butter and jelly.

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 Together.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for January 10
  • Soap

  • Water

  • Milk

  • Cereal

  • Rhythm

  • Blues

  • Arts

  • Craft

  • Together

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.

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 10, 2025

Mashable - Thu, 01/09/2025 - 21:00

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games 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 January 10 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Need

  • Green: Letting up

  • Blue: Mixology

  • Purple: Brain teaser elements

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: Be contingent (on)

  • Green: "Calm down"

  • Blue: Ingredients in an old fashioned

  • Purple: Featured in the Monty Hall problem

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 #579 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Be contingent (on): DEPEND, HINGE, RELY, REST

  • "Calm down": CHILL, EASY, ENOUGH, RELAX

  • Ingredients in an old fashioned: BITTERS, ORANGE, RYE, SUGAR

  • Featured in the Monty Hall problem: CAR, DOOR, GOAT, HOST

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 January 10

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.

Protect your digital life: Key strategies for online safety

Mashable - Thu, 01/09/2025 - 17:17

We all know how ingrained the internet has become in day-to-day life. However, as the world becomes more connected, online threats grow more and more sophisticated. This means protecting your personal and financial data is more critical than ever, but also more complicated than ever.

Here are some key strategies to help you stay secure and maintain your peace of mind online:

Use strong, unique passwords for every account

Passwords are the first line of defence against unauthorised access to your accounts. Yet, many users still reuse simple passwords across multiple platforms, making them easy targets for hackers. To enhance your security, create strong, unique passwords for every account – combining letters, numbers and special characters. Using a password manager to securely store and generate complex passwords ensures that you never need to rely on memory or repetition. Password managers can be bought as standalone subscriptions, but are also normally included security suites such as Bitdefender Premium Security and Bitdefender Ultimate Security.

Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication (MGA) and two-factor authentication (2FA) add an additional layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second form of verification beyond just a password. This could be a one-time code sent to your phone, a biometric scan, or an app-based authenticator. With MFA or 2FA enabled, even if your password is compromised, unauthorised access is nearly impossible without the secondary credential. Lean more about enabling MFA here.

Be aware of phishing attempts

Phishing is a common online threat where scammers trick users into providing sensitive information by posing as legitimate entities. These scams often appear as emails, text messages or even fake websites. To counter this threat, educate yourself in identifying phishing scams, and use detection tools like Bitdefender’s Scam Copilot, which identifies and blocks scams in your email, browser, messages and other apps. Scam Copilot is included in Bitdefender’s Premium and Ultimate security suites.

Keep your software updated

Outdated software makes you a prime target for cybercriminals looking to exploit vulnerabilities. Whether it’s your operating system, browser, apps and even antivirus software, keeping everything up to date ensures that you benefit from the latest security patches and features. Most software platforms offer automatic updates – make sure this is enabled to stay protected without the hassle of manual checks.

Use comprehensive security software

Investing in reliable security software is one of the best ways to safeguard your devices. At the bare minimum, you should get a no-frills antivirus like Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, which will keep you protected against malware, spyware and ransomware. Meanwhile, security suites like Bitdefender Premium Security and Bitdefender Ultimate Security bundle in many other useful tools, such as Scam Copilot scam detection, unlimited VPN, password manager and more. Read more about security suites here.

Practice safe browsing habits

Cybercriminals often exploit risky online behaviour to gain access to sensitive information. Avoid clicking on suspicious links, downloading files from unverified sources, or visiting unsecured websites. While the presence of the HTTPS padlock in the browser no longer indicate that the website is safe to visit, it's still a good indicator that the data you are about to enter will not be intercepted as it goes to its destination. Never submit sensitive information on sites that do not offer HTTPS connections. You should also limit the amount of personal information you share online to minimise your exposure to potential attacks.

Educate yourself and stay informed

At the end of the day, online safety begins with you. Stay informed about the latest online threats. Since you’re reading this article, you already know that PCMag is a great place to start. Cybersecurity providers also share information about the threats they are up against, such as on this Bitdefender blog. Knowledge is power, and by educating yourself, you can proactively defend against potential risks.

Stay safe out there!

How to check the air quality near you amid the Los Angeles wildfires

Mashable - Thu, 01/09/2025 - 16:58

The Southern California wildfires continue to rage on, devastating areas around Los Angeles, including the Pacific Palisades, Hurst, and Pasadena.

Over 180,000 people have had to evacuate their homes, and over 2,000 buildings have been destroyed. The fires, which are widespread and windy, have yet to be contained and have been stretching the limits of firefighting resources. However, according to the Los Angeles Times, California Governor Gavin Newsom has recruited more firefighters and resources, and President Biden has supplied federal support with air tankers from the U.S. Forest Service. 

SEE ALSO: You can track the Los Angeles wildfires with a free app

Meanwhile, those living in the area are undoubtedly affected by the air pollution caused by wildfire smoke. According to AirNow, which is run by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Park Service, NASA, Centers for Disease Control, and other federal agencies, the air quality index (AQI) in the Los Angeles area is listed as "Unhealthy" measuring at 188 PM2.5. The site's recommendation for this AQI level is to minimize outdoor activity, especially if you have symptoms or belong to a sensitive group.

AirNow is a great resource for checking the AQI index, but it's not the only one. Below, we've compiled some of the best sites and apps for checking air quality.

The Weather app for iPhone users

Did you know that Apple's native Weather app provides air quality information? If you open a location and scroll past the weekly forecast, you'll find the air quality index. If you click on the widget, you'll get more granular information about pollutant details and any pertinent health information.

The World Air Quality Index Project

The World Air Quality Index Project is a collaboration of environmental agencies worldwide. Its site compiles air quality data from 50,000 monitoring stations in 132 countries to provide real-time AQI stats worldwide. However, you can also visit specific areas monitored by local stations and get detailed current and historical information from each device. 

AirNow

AirNow is a collaborative effort of federal agencies that provides air quality data across the U.S. The site also has up-to-date information about the wildfires, resources, data, and interactive maps to help users learn more about particular areas and how they might be affected. There's also a free AirNow mobile app.

Air quality apps

A quick iOS or Android app store search will yield numerous results for well-reviewed air quality apps. Unlike government-funded sites, these apps are a bit more polished and provide more features and ways to personalize your preferences. For example, several apps, such as IQAirAir Matters, and the Plume Labs app, provide multi-day air quality forecasts, and Paku provides hyperlocal real-time AQI data. 

There are also apps specifically designed for tracking wildfires, such as Firesource and Watch Duty, which provide real-time data about fire perimeters, evacuation orders, wind conditions, and air quality. 

Tax season is here: All the details on IRS Free File

Mashable - Thu, 01/09/2025 - 15:40

The 2025 tax season is officially upon us.

The Internal Revenue Service will open access to its Free File preparation service starting Jan. 10, the federal agency announced in a news release.

Free File is a program that allows certain taxpayers to complete their return using guided tax software, free of charge.

SEE ALSO: Watch out for these common tax scams

Taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $84,000 or less in 2024 can use Free File. Those who qualify must start their return by selecting a Free File option from the IRS' website (taxpayers will not find the free service on the website of a tax preparer that has partnered with the IRS to participate in Free File; in 2025, those partners include TaxHawk, TaxSlayer, 1040Now and ezTaxReturn).

Though taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $84,000 or less can utilize Free File, the IRS noted that each partner has its own eligibility criteria based on age, state residency, and military status, among other factors. Some providers may also offer free preparation of state tax returns.

Once Free File is open for use, taxpayers can prepare their returns and hold them until the official IRS tax season begins later in January.

The IRS' Free File Fillable forms, which are electronic versions of common IRS paper forms, will be accessible to all starting Jan. 27 — taxpayers who don't qualify for Free File can use the fillable forms should they feel comfortable preparing their own taxes independently.

"Over the years, Free File has helped millions of taxpayers, providing a fast and simple way to file their returns," IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said in the agency's statement.

American Primeval review: Can Netflixs grimy Western mini-series best Yellowstone?

Mashable - Thu, 01/09/2025 - 15:11

American Primeval is decently entertaining as an action-drama, though it's quite fascinating in concept. The Netflix mini-series, created by Mark L. Smith and directed by Peter Berg, features an accomplished ensemble playing mostly familiar archetypes during a pre-Civil War struggle for the American West. However, it saps anything resembling wistfulness from its Hollywood Western roots, complicating its chances of cornering the post-Yellowstone market (alongside the latter's many spin-offs). What's left is the husk of a beloved genre, told in stark, chaotic hues seldom seen on-screen.  

The show's numerous subplots are connected by grisly happenstance, albeit not much else. It's a violent saga, even though its violence quickly plateaus. This goes for both its physical brutality, as well as the many cruel ideologies in its crosshairs, from white supremacy and religious fundamentalism to a general penchant for war. But that these are so nakedly on display, in a show this unapologetically grim, is a welcome surprise, from a setting and storytelling mode so otherwise steeped in nostalgia. Despite its threads unraveling in haphazard ways, the series is never boring, and never wanting for a good performance.

SEE ALSO: 2025 TV preview: All the TV shows you need to know, and where to stream them What is American Primeval about? Credit: Courtesy of Netflix © 2024

The story of American Primeval, which takes place in the winter of 1857, is based on real locations and events, albeit with necessary dramatizations. With a bounty on her head for an alleged murder, well-to-do mother Sara Rowell (Betty Gilpin) absconds from Philadelphia with her pre-teen son Devin (Preston Mota) to meet up with her husband out west. But upon arriving at Fort Bridger — a real fur trading outpost in Wyoming along the Oregon Trail — she learns that her guide has already left, leading her to desperately search for safe passage wherever she can find it.

The fort is not far from volatile conflicts between numerous factions. The Shoshone Tribe is one of several who have been driven from their native land by constant war. A ruthless Mormon militia patrols the territories near Utah, at the behest of the expansionist, extremist preacher Governor Brigham Young (a terrifying Kim Coates). Meanwhile, the conscientious U.S. Army Captain Edmund Dellinger (Lucas Neff) tries to keep the peace, but he's growing increasingly cynical about the possibility of coexistence (as we're frequently reminded, through his numerous diary entries narrated in voiceover).

The aforementioned groups only account for about half the series' characters, all of whom are set up bit-by-bit through very direct exposition. Additionally, there's the lone gunman from whom Sara seeks help, the lonely and brooding Isaac (Taylor Kitsch), who shares an intimate history with the Shoshone. There are the bounty hunters on her trail, led by Virgil Cutter (Jai Courtney), a leader whose heartlessness clashes with his more empathetic protégé Lucas (Andrew P. Logan).

There are the various militiamen and Mormon leaders, and there are also Mormon civilians just trying to find their way unscathed. Some of the latter end up inadvertently attacked when traveling with a larger caravan, including newlywed Abish Pratt (Saura Lightfoot-Leon) and her husband Jacob (Dane DeHaan), whose increasingly bloody and disheveled appearance each episode is as ludicrously funny as Homer Simpson hitting infinite rocks and tree branches. And of course, there's Jim Bridger himself, the founder of the aforementioned fort, played with smarm and panache by the ever-delightful Shea Whigham.

The show also features a number of Native characters who, although they're seldom allowed to leave the strict confines of plot function — American Primeval is an anti-Western in every way but this — still displays a beating humanity and ethos. There's the young, nonverbal Shoshone girl Two Moons (Shawnee Pourier), a runaway who hitches a ride with Sara and Devin, and there's also rogue Shoshone warrior Red Feather (Derek Hinkey), who forms his own tribe intent on trading blood for blood. If the latter sounds a whole lot like a central character in Kevin Costner's Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1, his appearance isn't the only time you'll be making that comparison.

If anything, the show plays like a morbid and cynical answer to Horizon, the film series that Costner left Yellowstone in order to make, and one that wrestles with the violence inherent to America's founding myths while still morosely holding on to a folkloric image of the nation's past. American Primeval has less trouble removing its rose-tinted glasses, even going as far as to deploy rearrangements of Woody Guthrie's famous folk song "This Land Is Your Land" to deeply ironic effect. However, it struggles just as much as Costner's film when it comes to switching between its numerous characters.

American Primeval is propulsive, but uneven. Credit: Matt Kennedy / Netflix

The show's structure and plot might mirror Costner's Western epic, but its closest aesthetic cousins are actually Alejandro González Iñárritu's own violent winter Western The Revenant (which Mark L. Smith also notably penned) and, in terms of frenetic editing, the Star Wars films of J.J. Abrams. That second comparison is, for the most part, complimentary. American Primeval charges forth with reckless abandon, leaving little room to consider the actual time and space between people spread across different parts of the landscape. That's not always a good thing, but it means each new plot development is always just around the corner, with characters always ready to stumble into each other's stories.

On the other hand, the lack of actual travel time or any sort of downtime for the characters, even across six hours, leaves little room for them to unravel and develop. Gilpin and Kitsch, for instance, are suitably austere, resulting in Jane Austen-esque romantic tensions, but who they are as people is established from minute one, and remains frozen in stasis throughout the story. The same is true for most characters except DeHaan's, who has the advantage of being changed by physical injury. No one is really affected or impacted, in human ways, by the show's many goings-on.

That said, those goings on are usually fun to watch, from gritty firefights in unbroken takes to vicious hand-to-hand combat in close quarters. Emmanuel Lubezki's Oscar–winning cinematography for The Revenant was clearly the prototype here, with short-lensed close-ups skewing space and enhancing the impact of everything from blood to spittle, all covered in snow. The first episode is wonderfully chaotic, with its quick cuts and askew Dutch angles throwing everything off-balance as civilians are engulfed by attacks. Unfortunately, this visual approach ends up somewhat indiscriminate across the series, even during mundane conversations.

The show's washed-out palette and permeating muck and grime paint America's infancy as a time of petty squabble without absolution — a counter-narrative to most of the country's mythology about itself. However, the show also builds in a kind of narrative backstop to prevent it from falling into total despair: the American dream is still, in a sense, alive, but it's relegated to the four walls of Fort Bridger.

The focused metaphors in American Primeval almost work. Credit: Matt Kennedy / Netflix

The fort, which appears early on in the series and becomes a frequent respite from the action, very much exists in the vein of cinema's lawless Old West, with its saloons, and shootings, and hangings. But it's also representative of an American ideal. It's the only place in the show where characters from all walks of life, and all backgrounds (white, Native, or otherwise) can congregate, take refuge from religious extremism, and have an actual shot at living.

It's also the center of a beautifully haunting climax that revels in the slow demise of said ideals, which makes for a pitch-perfect conclusion to the show — or would have, had the series chosen to end on this symbolic note. Instead, it returns to one of its many ongoing narratives so that Person A can wander into Story B and conclude Subplot C, most of which jog in place for multiple episodes.

While American Primeval occasionally wields its metaphors with skill, it is, for the most part, a banal and obvious show about the trickle-down effects of the past. For instance, Courtney's Cutter, when addressing Sara, all but turns to the camera in order to deliver the line, "Our current circumstances are a reflection of our past decisions." The problem with this sort of delivery — other than its thuddingly literal nature — is that this theme and every other one is established in the first episode and never transforms dramatically.

American Primeval may be forward-thinking in its premise, with its apparent deconstruction of national history and self-image. However, its execution ends up with little to say, beyond the broad strokes of people's selfishness causing pain and suffering. You learn this from the get-go, so you know exactly the kind of show you're getting into from there on out, but there's little left to learn. So, even its subversions of traditional Hollywood imagery and American mythmaking feel oddly familiar and comfortable by the end.

American Primeval is now streaming on Netflix.

The Dreame X50 Ultra robot vacuum just announced at CES is already on sale

Mashable - Thu, 01/09/2025 - 13:14

PRE-ORDER AND SAVE $390: Ahead of its Feb. 14 launch, the Dreame X50 Ultra robot vacuum announced at CES can already be pre-ordered. Doing so early also unlocks a $390 coupon, making it yours for $1,309.99 versus the $1,699.99 launch price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dreame Dreame X50 Ultra $1,309.99 at Dreame
$1,699.99 Save $390.00 Pre-Order Here

If you read "climbing robot vacuum" about the Dreame X50 Ultra and assumed that meant it's the first robot vacuum that can straight up go up stairs, you were kind of duped. But this doesn't mean that the Dreame X50 Ultra won't be one of the best robot vacuum values to come out of CES 2025.

Dreame still packed a ton of upgrades into the X50 Ultra that'll make it one of the most autonomous robot vacuums on the market, especially in its price range. Its debut price of $1,699.99 is... fine — the window between $1,399.99 and $1,799.99 is pretty habitual for the flagship robot vacuum from any main brand nowadays.

How to buy the Dreame X50 Ultra

However, the Dreame X50 Ultra becomes a real bang for your buck when you take advantage of its surprising preorder deal: Buying on Dreame's website before its official release on Valentine's Day unlocks a $390 coupon, making the X50 Ultra just $1,309.99. A three-year warranty plus an extra two years for free is also included in the early bird special.

You'll only have to put down $39 to claim yours, rather than coughing up the full amount up front.

SEE ALSO: 13 new gadgets from CES 2025 that you can actually buy right now, plus 1 coming soon

The swiftness of this timeline is extra fun considering that April is the earliest you'll be able to get your hands on Roborock's biggest CES announcement, the Saros Z70.

Is the Dreame X50 Ultra worth it if it can't actually go up stairs?

I'll give a more solid answer to this question after I test the X50 Ultra in my apartment, but in theory, yes.

Though its threshold scaling was a bit of a bust (only due to WiFi issues!) during the live demo at CES, the X50 Ultra's lifting wheels are still pretty groundbreaking (if they work). Dreame's ProLeap system boosts the robot vacuum fully off the ground at an angle, and not just the lift that'd be required to go over a thick carpet or something. The X50 Ultra is said to be able to scale thresholds up to 2.36 inches, including double layer ones (like doorways with sliding doors). This capacity would also be helpful in homes that have, say, a child safety or pet gate in a doorway.

I've personally experienced the benefits of a robot vacuum with hydraulics like this with the Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro 2-in-1. It uses similar legs to boost itself significantly higher over carpets than other robot vacuums I've tried to keep non-hard floors dry or cross from one floor type to another without dragging across the threshold. So I'm picturing that, but even more versatile with the Dreame X50 Ultra — plus significantly more powerful cleaning.

I think that the X50 Ultra's 20,000 Pa of suction power should be advertised just as heavily as the climbing thing. That's more powerful than any of Roborock's most powerful 2024 models, including the $1,599.99 ($1,299.99 on sale) Qrevo Curv. It's also just 2,000 Pa less powerful than the Roborock Saros Z70 also announced at CES, which will apparently cost around $2,000. That tenacious suction should bode well on pet hair in tandem with the duo-roller design underneath — two brushes that spin toward each other are typically much better at digging up and pinching hair than a single roller.

SEE ALSO: As a Dyson stan, I wouldn't tell anyone to buy the Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum

More meticulous mopping is another of the Z70's strong spots. I'm psyched that it can be added to the list of hybrid robot vacs that can actually scrub in corners, thanks to a spinning mopping pad that reaches out past the vac's diameter to scrub along walls or in corners. (The Roborock Qrevo Master was my favorite robot vacuum and mop combo from 2024 because of its ability to wipe up droplets and splatters along the edges of my kitchen floor.)

Of course, the Dreame X50 Ultra also has smart mapping that can clean specific rooms or zones on command, and small obstacle avoidance that keeps it from sucking up things like cords or socks. After cleaning, it empties its own dust bin and washes its own mopping pads — the usual for premium hybrids.

Sold yet? Make your move and pre-order the Dreame X50 Ultra by March 2 to get it for $1,309.99.

The Ultrahuman Ring Air now comes in 18K gold – for a steep price

Mashable - Thu, 01/09/2025 - 13:01

Smart rings are great, but they're typically not the finest pieces of jewelry in terms of the quality of metals and flashy designs. That, however, could be changing with the new Ultrahuman Rare line, which coats its current generation of Ring Air models in metals like platinum or 18-karat gold.

SEE ALSO: The best of CES 2025

Are there other differences between the rare line and the standard Ring Air? Apart from weight, no. The rings offer the same sensors and underlying technology, and while they're among some of the better smart rings out there, they're still gadgets that will eventually need to be replaced, unlike an actual 18-karat gold ring. I got to check out the new rings in person at CES 2025.

Bling, bling

At the Ultrahuman booth at CES 2025, I spoke to a representative who mentioned that they had customers asking for more premium rings that could be used in place of something like a wedding band or an engagement ring. It's a bit unclear if those customers were asking so that they could use the ring as an alternative to a wedding band completely or just as something they could use as a wedding band occasionally while keeping their actual wedding band at home.

The platinum version of the Ultrahuman Rare Ring Air. Credit: Christian de Loop

Regardless, the rings certainly look flashy in real life. However, I'm not exactly sure if they look that much flashier than the faux gold or gold-plated smart rings offered by some companies. Its color selection includes a rose gold-like Desert Rose, a platinum Desert Snow, and a gold Dune. In the Dune and Desert Rose variants, you’ll get 18-karat gold, while the Desert Snow version offers PT950 platinum. 

Of course, the use of precious metals dramatically changes the price. While the Ultrahuman Ring Air typically costs $350, the 18-karat gold version costs £1,800 – equivalent to around $2,250, which isn't cheap. Thankfully, they come with a lifetime membership to UltraHuman X, an extended warranty subscription, and access to UltraHuman's PowerPlugs feature, available on the UltraHuman platform. However, those features won't necessarily offset the cost that much. Thankfully, these models also have more premium packaging and a fancier charging dock.

The tech

As mentioned, the underlying tech of the Ultrahuman Ring Air Rare is the same as that of the standard Ultrahuman Ring Air. That's certainly not a bad thing — the Ultrahuman Ring Air is a high-end smart ring that measures heart rate, skin temperature, variability, sleep, cycle tracking, and more. It also works with a relatively well-designed app and can help you track your stress, which would be useful for me at CES.

One (Ultrahuman normal version) ring to rule them all. Credit: Christian de Loop

The sleep-tracking technology seems relatively helpful overall. It can leverage your heart rate variability and sleep efficiency to recommend ways to improve your sleep throughout the day. It also offers all of these features without a subscription to access the actual tech — the aforementioned Ultrahuman X subscription is for the warranty.

But it's still a gadget that will probably need replacing. Unlike a typical piece of jewelry, like a good old-fashioned ring, a smart ring generally has a life cycle of a few years before the technology gets so much better that you'll want to upgrade or the battery in your current one gets so bad that you'll need to buy a new one. In other words, most should probably avoid spending the cash on an actual gold one and stick to fake gold paint if they want the look.

Jason Statham hunts human traffickers in action-packed A Working Man trailer

Mashable - Thu, 01/09/2025 - 12:55

Jason Statham clocks in for some brutal fights in the action-packed trailer for A Working Man.

SEE ALSO: 2025 movie preview: All the films you'll want to know about

Directed by David Ayer (The Beekeeper, Suicide Squad) and based on Chuck Dixon's book Levon's Trade, A Working Man stars Statham as Levon Cade, a former black ops agent-turned-construction worker. But when the daughter (Arianna Rivas) of his beloved boss (Michael Peña) goes missing, Levon will have to break out his old military skills in order to rescue her from human traffickers and corrupt government officials. Ayer co-wrote A Working Man's screenplay with Sylvester Stallone.

A Working Man's first trailer is full of Statham kicking ass with construction equipment, including walloping some opponents with a pick axe and a bucket. We also get a sneak peek of David Harbour (Stranger Things) as one of Levon's former army friends and his current "weapon sommelier." Cue the gunfights and beatdowns.

A Working Man hits theaters March 28.

This LED smart light panel uses AI to turn your room into a canvas

Mashable - Thu, 01/09/2025 - 12:46

Smart lights are cool, but they should be a little more personal. While you can change things like the brightness and color of smart lights, what if you could change them to offer an image completely unique to your preferences? That’s the idea behind Govee’s newest smart lights, which, yes, use AI to create images using LED pixel lights.

The new device is called the Gaming Pixel Light. It consists of a series of LED lights that can be illuminated in different colors, creating pixel art as they do so. The light will even accompany the art with 8-bit music, making for a more retro experience.

SEE ALSO: The best of CES 2025 AI art

So, what's AI about it? Well, the light connects to an app that lets you use natural language to tell the light what image you want displayed. You could tell it to show a picture of a dog, or, in my infinite creativity, I looked at my camera and asked it to make a camera. It's not the most perfect image ever, but it's a neat idea that makes for a customizable experience you can change.

Credit: Christian de Looper

The app worked relatively quickly and seemed to understand my input easily. When I asked it to create an image of a camera, it created the image on the app for my approval before sending it to the device itself. You’ll talk with a chatbot to create the image, prompting it to create what you want.

A light panel design

The design of the Gaming Pixel Light is essentially a light panel similar in size to a picture frame. And, of course, there's only so much actual light you can get from something that size, and it remains to be seen if it's something you would want to use to light up your room. That said, it's a neat way to add more personality to your space. Having seen it in person, I can safely say it gets relatively bright.

Credit: Christian de Looper

It's a bit gimmicky, but that doesn’t make it any less cool. It can also become more versatile than just showing AI art directed by you. It can also show little animations and data from various sources, including the price of Bitcoin.

Coming soon

The Govee Gaming Pixel Light will be available in May or June. It is available in two sizes at two price points: $99.99 and $129.99.

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