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Here's a holiday gift from Elon Musk to X's most loyal customers: The cost of your subscription is going up by nearly 40 percent.

According to a new page on X's Help Center titled Premium+ Price Adjustment, the X Premium+ subscription will now cost $22 per month in the U.S., up from the previous $16 monthly fee. Annual subscription costs to X Premium+ are also rising, from $168 to $229 per year.

The move from Musk's social media platform was announced over the weekend and officially went into effect on Dec. 21 for new subscribers. 

Current subscribers will not receive any grandfathered rates. Current Premium+ subscribers received a notification that their current subscription will be moved to the new $22 per month pricing model after Jan. 20. Any renewal charges before then will still go through at the old rate.

Users outside the U.S. will also be hit with price increase, with costs even higher than the U.S. rates in some countries. For example, subscribers in Canada will see prices go from $20 to $26. In Australia, the Premium+ price will jump from $26 to $35. And, as TechCrunch points out, some countries such as Nigeria will see even bigger jumps in cost where the Premium+ price will leap from roughly less than $5 to a whopping $22.

It should be noted that these rates are for subscriptions made directly through X's website. X charges extra to cover costs when signing up through a mobile device and purchasing through a third-party marketplace like Apple's App Store.

What is X Premium+ and why is X raising its price?

X Premium+ was already the highest-priced tier out of all of X's subscription offerings.

Most users are likely familiar with X Premium, formerly known as Twitter Blue. The base Premium plan, which will still cost $8 per month, provides users with some additional features such as the verified blue checkmark, reduced ads on their feed, access to X's AI chatbot Grok, and the ability to apply for the creator monetization program.

After the controversial X Premium rollout, the company also launched additional subscription tiers such as a cheaper Basic plan, which will remain at $3 per month. This tier includes some Premium functionality such as the edit button, bookmark folders, user prioritization in replies, and the ability to post longer text and video content.

The X Premium+ plan was another new subscription tier rolled out by Musk. According to X, this plan includes zero ads throughout the platform, although the company says "occasional promoted content may appear." X Premium+ also provides users with the platform's article feature, access to X's new trends tool called Radar, priority support from X, and higher limits of use for Grok AI.

"Increased pricing allows us to invest more into making Premium+ better and better over time," reads X's update.

Musk's company also attributed the change to its new creator monetization model. Previously, X's payouts to users that are part of their monetization program were based on ad views. X now pays creators based on views of their content, regardless of ad impressions.

As previously reported, X's advertiser-based revenue has taken a big hit since Musk acquired then-Twitter in late 2022. Due to many big advertisers fleeing the platform, the company has switched gears in an attempt to move towards a revenue model more dependent on paying subscribers.

Samsung is set to debut a new, AI-powered refrigerator at CES 2025.

The tech company announced the plans in a press release, weeks ahead of the annual, major tech conference in Las Vegas. Samsung said the new fridges will use what it's calling AI Hybrid Cooling technology. Basically, the AI-powered tools will work to anticipate temperatures changes — when unloading groceries, for instance — and keep the refrigerator properly cooled.

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

Wrote Samsung:

"The AI Hybrid Cooling technology combines a highly efficient compressor with a Peltier module, which is a semiconductor device that achieves cooling by harnessing the temperature change arising from the flow of electric current. The introduction of the Peltier module enables the refrigerator to function like a hybrid car, by using two power sources together only when needed to efficiently cool the inside of the fridge."

The end goal is a more efficient fridge that keeps food fresher for longer.

"Since refrigerators run 24/7, we placed a strong emphasis on developing a cooling system that meaningfully enhances energy efficiency for users," said Jeong Seung Moon, head of the R&D team for digital appliances business at Samsung, in the press release.

So it's not exactly a fridge with a ChatGPT assistant, but rather — at least, according to Samsung — a fridge that should keep food fresher while using less energy.

Apple's push for smart home devices might include a smart doorbell.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is working on a doorbell with facial recognition technology that would wirelessly connect to a deadbolt lock and unlock the door for its residents, like Face ID for iPhone.

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Reports of a smart doorbell comes after Apple's rumored plans to launch a smart home hub and security camera to compete with Amazon Ring and Google Nest. After cancelling its plans for developing some kind of car, and the lukewarm response to Apple Vision Pro, Gurman says Apple is refocusing its efforts on smart home devices that integrate with its existing product ecosystem.

Tweet may have been deleted

The company reportedly believes its advantage in the well-established market is Apple's commitment to privacy, so users might trust their devices over devices like Ring, which has had some controversial privacy breaches in the past. Apple's smart home devices might store its data in iCloud which have the added benefit of boosting revenue with data storage subscriptions.

For the smart doorbell, Apple might make it compatible with third party locking systems with its preexisting Apple HomeKit support, or partner with a specific smart lock manufacturer.

Apple is reportedly already deep into the development stages of its smart doorbell, but wouldn't launch it until after the smart home hub, which isn't expected until 2026.

Best Buy is not letting up on last-minute holiday sales just because Christmas Eve is basically here. In fact, one could argue it's going even harder than some other stores: On top of a 48-hour Flash Sale, Dec. 23 is packed with a handful of Best Buy Drops of the day when the norm is a measly one Drop per day. Two are digital gift cards (Uber and Nintendo) if you're in a gifting situation where you can't simply tell the recipient that their gift will be late.

If you haven't taken advantage of Best Buy Drops savings yet, you'll definitely want to get familiar with this shopping hack for the new year. The "Drops" tab at the top right corner of the Best Buy mobile app is home to a running list of items that Best Buy is dropping that week. "Dropping" often means dropping in price to record-low sale prices that compete with (or beat) Amazon price history, though Drops could also be exclusive releases of items that weren't previously out. Drops are known for featuring high-profile items that garner search interest throughout the year, from Samsung TVs to Roombas to Apple products to the Shark FlexStyle.

SEE ALSO: 15+ eco-friendly gifts that someone would actually use

As the title insinuates, Drops are timed. The tab shows a preview of which items are coming on which day that week so that shoppers can be ready to hit "add to cart" when each item goes live, typically at 11 a.m. ET on its assigned day. Once a Drop goes live, the app continuously updates a status bar with the percentage of inventory that has been claimed. Once inventory for a certain Drop is gone, it's gone.

The Drop schedule for special multi-Drop days is a little less set, though. Dec. 23 saw one Drop before 11 a.m. (which sold out already), one right at 11, with several slated at unspecified times after 11 a.m. (A countdown pops up next to each item when the Drop time is coming up within the half hour.) We'll update this list throughout the day on Dec. 23 as we learn pricing on the items up for grabs.

Dropped: 11 a.m. ET on Dec. 23 Opens in a new window Credit: Uber Uber $100 gift card (digital) $85.00 at Best Buy
$100.00 Save $15.00 Get Deal

There's really nothing like the feeling of opening your Uber app to remember that you have a free ride. Gift that feeling several times over with a $100 Uber gift card, on sale at Best Buy for $85. (This matches Best Buy's Black Friday deal on $100 gift cards.) The Drop features the digital version only, which is ideal as a last-minute gift, anyway — just enter your recipient's email address during checkout and the code will pop up for them to add to their Uber app.

Drops: TBA on Dec. 23 Opens in a new window Credit: SteelSeries SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL V2 gaming keyboard $149.99 at Best Buy
$189.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal

Looking to overhaul your PC gaming rig in 2025? A super customizable mechanical keyboard is a smart first step. The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL V2 features OmniPoint 2.0 adjustable actuation switches that allow you to tweak the actuation point for each key, offering what SteelSeries says is 11 times faster response and 10 times faster actuation than the traditional mechanical keyboard. The vibrant OLED backlight is customizable, too, changing colors to differentiate actions if you've assigned two to the same key.

Drops: TBA on Dec. 23 Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch6 (stainless steel, 47mm) at Best Buy
Get Deal

If you'd prefer your smartwatch look a little more, well, watch-like than an Apple Watch or Pixel Watch, the stainless steel version of the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 is pretty damn undetectable. But underneath that chic metal chassis lies a wealth of smarts that make the Galaxy Watch6 one of the absolute best Android smartwatches one can wear. Enjoy intricate fitness and sleep tracking, blood pressure and EKG features (if you have a Samsung phone), more than a day of battery life on one charge, and Samsung's iconic rotating bezel.

Drops: TBA on Dec. 23 Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo eShop $50 gift card
Get Deal

A Nintendo gift card is a genius gift for someone who you know has a Switch, but past that, you'd have no idea what game to buy them. $50 to the Nintendo eShop could fully cover many Switch games or leave only $10 left over for the $59.99 ones. A code will be emailed to the recipient, which they can then redeem when logged into their Nintendo Account.

If we said breakups were hard, that would be an overstatement so strong it would be kind of insulting. But we will say that they’re complicated, and they’re varied – ranging from the "OK-I-guess" to the heartbreaking and messy.

Then there are friendship breakups. Less talked about, but perhaps the most complicated. So, how do you manage the delicate dynamics of a friendship breakup? Speaking to those who’ve been on the friendship breakup frontlines and experts in how to handle them, Mashable has a guide to working it all out. 

How do I know the friendship is over?

Friendship breakups often don’t come with the clear markers that romantic breakups do, which can leave lingering feelings of ambiguity. That ambiguity can lead to all kinds of stress, including not feeling sure if a friendship has even properly ended. 

That was the case for 26-year-old Elizabeth, a nursing student (who, like the other case studies interviewed in this piece, is only sharing her first name for privacy). "My best friend of six years just stopped making plans or responding to my ideas for days out. One day I realized we must not be close friends anymore."

SEE ALSO: Can you ever cut all ties after a breakup in the digital age?

According to relationship coach Michelle Shahbazyan, it’s unfortunately common for friendships to end without you really realising. It’s not always intended to be as cruel and unfair as it feels. We simply don’t have the same cultural scripts for navigating or ending friendships as we do romantic relationships, so a lot of us would rather say nothing at all. Sometimes, we also don’t even realise that we want to end the relationship.

She explains that key signs a friendship might be ending include "repeated feelings of tension, unequal effort in maintaining the relationship, or a lack of mutual respect." When unresolved conflicts or life changes make your friendship feel draining rather than uplifting, it might be time to step back.

How do you properly break up with a friend?

For Elizabeth, stepping back looked "something a bit like ghosting." 

"I’m not proud of the way it went and I’m sure she’s not either but it was like we made an invisible, unspoken decision to call it. Neither of us confronted the other. I didn’t ask why she stopped messaging as much or turning up to things. I didn’t tell her it was over. We just stopped talking," she explains.  

"It was heartbreaking," Elizabeth adds. "But I also still have lots of friends I love." Dr. Kimberly Horn, a relationship therapist specialising in friendship and the author of Friends Matter, For Life, points out that many friendships are not designed to last forever: "Most don’t. They often serve a specific time and place in life, with 30 percent of closest friends still intact after seven years." Recognising these signs early can help you prepare for the transition and avoid unnecessary hurt.

Elizabeth isn’t the only one who’s called off a friendship without letting the person know. 34-year-old Natasha, a sales assistant, tells Mashable, "My best friend of six years kind of broke up with me without letting me know. She stopped returning calls, she never wanted to meet up. It was like my best friend was quiet-quitting me. Even when I called her out and was like ‘You’re ignoring me. Do you not want to be friends anymore?’ I got nothing," she tells Mashable. 

Ending a friendship is rarely easy, but doing it with empathy and respect can minimise the emotional fallout. Shahbazyan advises, "Choose a private, calm setting to share your feelings, avoid blaming language, and express gratitude for the positive moments you’ve shared." This approach not only maintains mutual dignity but also sets a foundation for healing.

You should handle a friendship breakup similarly to a romantic one. Sure, you’re less likely to be discussing sex or child custody or home arrangements (unless those happened to apply to your friendship) but you still need to be gentle. Discuss why the breakup needs to happen, why you can no longer be friends. what you’d like to do from here (do you want to remain civil or cut off all contact completely?)

What about potential awkward encounters?

Discussing where you want to go next as part of the friendship breakup is pretty important, because if you have mutual friends, that will complicate the matter. 

"Mutual friends can feel caught in the middle, leading to discomfort or divided loyalties," says Shahbazyan. If you do have them, she recommends avoiding gossip or pressuring others to take sides. Instead, focus on respecting everyone’s autonomy and maintaining other relationships independently. 

Horn echoes this, adding that it’s important not to feel like your friendships have to exist in a group setting if that was the dynamic previously. If your other friends are genuinely good, you should be able to transfer the relationship to a one-on-one style. "Shared spaces like group chats or mutual friends can make it harder to create distance [with the former friend you’ve parted ways with]. If the group chat feels overwhelming, it’s okay to leave. You can always reach out to mutual friends individually," she explains. 

SEE ALSO: The only dating apps worth downloading in December 2024

This is a friendship breakup after all, though, and it’s important to stay realistic. If you saw this person a lot before, you are likely going to see them again. At mutual friends’ birthday parties, down the pub, at school reunions, etc. So, prepare for that. 

Whether it’s a party with mutual friends or a chance run-in on the street, preparing for these moments can help reduce anxiety. Shahbazyan suggests setting boundaries and deciding in advance how much interaction you’re comfortable with. "Staying composed and kind can help you maintain your peace," she advises.

What do we do about social media?

As we know all too well from romantic breakups, social media adds a layer of complication to relationship ending, since social media keeps everyone we know within arm’s reach. 

"I often find myself staring at all of [my former friend’s] Instagram stories," Natasha says. "I’ll start replaying them because I recognise a place or a person’s arm and I’m like ‘oh she’s at the pub is she — that’s my pub! And then I’m just annoyed with myself."

Online encounters can be as tricky as in-person ones. Horn notes that mutual friends’ posts or group chats can stir up unresolved emotions. "Focus on the relationships that truly matter to you," she suggests, and don’t hesitate to leave a group chat or adjust your settings if it feels too overwhelming.

Horn adds, "Social media makes it hard to move on because it keeps the other person constantly in your view." Seeing posts of your former friend, or worse, them with a "replacement friend," can intensify feelings of sadness or jealousy.

When it comes to unfriending, muting, or blocking, the choice depends on your needs. Horn advises, "Muting can give you the space you need without cutting ties, while blocking is a good choice if the breakup was toxic or seeing their updates feels overwhelming. Unfriending or unfollowing might be the middle ground for a clean break." Prioritising your mental health is key, so choose the option that creates the distance you need to heal.

SEE ALSO: What are the rules for blocking someone after a breakup? How to move forward from a friendship breakup 

Friendship breakups can leave you feeling lonely or uncertain, so it's important to allow yourself time to mourn the loss. It might take a while, which is to be expected. Be patient with yourself and give yourself a break. "Reflecting on the lessons learned can foster growth and healing," says Shahbazyan.

Horn notes that reframing our thinking is important for moving forward too. Our societal thinking around relationships ending — romantic or otherwise — is that they’re failures. We’re told to hold on to everyone in our lives and that letting someone slip is some kind of personal error. But Horn says, "Letting go [of a friendship] isn’t a failure. Some relationships served a purpose at one point, but not now." And that’s okay. By focusing on friendships that do bring value to your life, you can carry on through life with peace of mind.

To build healthy friendships in the future, both Shahbazyan and Horn say it’s important to prioritise genuine connections and open communication. Shahbazyan says, "Invest time in building genuine connections by prioritising quality over quantity. Maintain clear and open communication, set healthy boundaries, and nurture relationships through consistent, meaningful interactions" which definitely seems like a good place to start.  

Breaking up with a friend is not easy. And it never will be (sorry). But with clear communication, a thoughtful approach and care all-round, you can navigate the process with minimal damage. 

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Dec. 23: OUR TOP PICK Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K $21.99 (save $28 with on-page code 4KHOLIDAYUP) Get Deal BEST TABLET DEAL Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet $54.99 (save $45) Get Deal BEST HEADPHONES DEAL Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones $278 (save $121.99) Get Deal BEST MONITOR DEAL Samsung 43-inch M70D smart monitor $349 (save $150.99) Get Deal BEST HOME SECURITY DEAL Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera $64.99 (save $64.99) Get Deal

Whether you're looking for last-minute gifts that will arrive by Christmas or you've finished your shopping and want to reward yourself with a little something, we've gathered all the best deals at Amazon on Dec. 23. There's plenty of excellent discounts on gadgets from Samsung, Sony, and Amazon itself.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. Don't see anything that sparks your interest? No worries; we'll be making all new picks tomorrow. Plus, many of the deals we featured on Friday, Dec. 20 are still live — like this 4-pack of AirTags down to its best-ever price from Black Friday.

Our top pick: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K $21.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $28.00 with on-page coupon code 4KHOLIDAYUP Get Deal

Looking for a last-minute stocking stuffer? Not only will the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K arrive before Christmas, but it's also down to its best-ever price from Black Friday when you use the on-page coupon code 4KHOLIDAYUP at checkout. That drops the $49.99 price tag all the way down to $21.99 — 56% in savings. Only $2 more than the typical Fire TV Stick HD, the 4K version is better in every way. Like the name suggests, it offers support for cinematic 4K Ultra HD, as well as support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, and WiFi 6. Plus, it now lets you play Xbox games without a console.

Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet $54.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $45.00 Get Deal

The new Fire HD 8 quietly joined the Fire tablet lineup in October and has seen plenty of discounts since. As of Dec. 23, it's back down to its Black Friday price of $54.99 (reg. $99.99), which saves you 45%. Compared to its predecessor from 2022, the latest model packs 50 percent more RAM for enhanced performance (3GB instead of 2GB), a better camera (5MP vs. 2MP), new generative AI-powered features, and a more affordable price. It also didn't fix what wasn't broken; it packs the same display, storage options, and battery life as its predecessor.

Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones $278.00 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $121.99 Get Deal

We just featured the Sony WH-1000XM5s as the Amazon deal of the day on Friday, Dec. 20, but they deserve a spot on today's list as well, as they just dropped another $1.99 in price. We're major fans of these headphones — and we've tested a lot. The WH-1000XM5s feature impeccable sound quality, great noise cancellation, customizable sound, 30-hour battery life, crisp call clarity, voice assistant support, cozy ear cushions, and a convenient ambient mode for tuning into your surroundings. It's no wonder that our Deputy Reviews Editor Miller Kern gave them a nearly perfect rating and a Mashable Choice award.

Samsung 43-inch M70D smart monitor Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 43-inch M70D smart monitor $349.00 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $150.99 Get Deal

The 43-inch M7 smart monitor from Samsung offers the best of both worlds — a large, clear monitor for your work setup and a decent-size smart TV for streaming. If you don't have room for both in your space, it makes for a solid alternative. It can be operated via mouse and keyboard or remote and Samsung's smart TV platform and Gaming Hub are built in. So there's no need for adapters and dongles or confusing setups. Switching between work and entertainment is a breeze. It's usually $499.99, but you can slash 30% off as of Dec. 23 and pick it up for just $349, which matches its record-low. Just note that it won't arrive until after Christmas.

Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight camera Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera $64.99 at Amazon
$129.98 Save $64.99 Get Deal

Shine a spotlight on the things that go bump in the night — or just brighten up the path for delivery drivers — with the Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera. It features 700 lumens of motion-triggered illumination and crisp HD footage, no matter the time of day. With two-way audio, you'll be able to speak to people or pets and get a heads up if the noises you hear are worth worrying about. A Blink subscription plan can unlock even more features, like enhanced motion detection and cloud sharing. It's usually $130, but it's down to only $64.99 at Amazon as of Dec. 23. That's 50% in savings and matches its all-time low. Check your location to see if it'll arrive in time for Christmas.

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

Dec. 23rd, Best Buy's 48-Hour Flash Sale is offering doorbuster deals of up to 50% and above on tech products from brands like Apple, Dyson, and JBL.

The best deals from Best Buy's 48-Hour Sale Best Bluetooth speaker deal JBL Xtreme3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker $199.99 (Save $130) Get Deal Best Apple deal Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) $379.99 (Save $170) Get Deal Best TV deal LG 43” UT70 Series UHD Smart webOS TV $199.99 (Save $200) Get Deal

You might think that all the great December sales lead up to Christmas, but Best Buy’s 48-Hour Flash Sale is almost right on top of it. These doorbusters are some of the best savings you’ll find right now.

The Best Buy 48-Hour Flash Sale features huge price drops on tech like the JBL Xtreme3 Bluetooth speaker, Apple headphones, and a sweet LG TV.

Here are the deals of Best Buy's 48-Hour Flash Sale that impressed us most:

Best Bluetooth speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Xtreme3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker $199.99 at Best Buy
$329.99 Save $130.00 Get Deal Why we like it:

The JBL Xtreme3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is a turbocharged mobile speaker. The Xtreme3 keeps the same pill shaped design and dual subwoofers that JBL fans know and love, but adds considerable size and brawn.

At 100 watts, this speaker gets loud, and will even pair with other JBLs for those who want even more sound, empowering all speakers to play in unison. Weatherproof and simple to pair, this is your go to speaker for the out-of-doors.

Right now the JBL Xtreme3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is on sale at Best Buy's 48-Hour Flash Sale for $199.99 for a savings of $130.

SEE ALSO: This is your last chance to get a PlayStation VR2 before Christmas (and it's at its Black Friday price) The best Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) $379.99 at Best Buy
$549.99 Save $170.00 Get Deal Why we like it:

Some of the flashiest headphones around are getting a much-needed price cut. Apple AirPods Max offer excellent sound and impeccable noise cancellation. We loved a lot of things about these headphones, but we balked at the price. However, for $170 off, Apple's high end headphones start to look pretty darn palatable.

With batteries that go and go and gorgeous aesthetics, these headphones are deeply classy. Take advantage of Best Buy's 48-Hour Flash Sale and get Apple AirPods Max for $379.99, saving 31%.

The best TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 43” UT70 Series UHD Smart webOS TV $199.99 at Best Buy
$399.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal Why we like it:

This smart, ultra-HD 43" TV could be a huge upgrade. Right now, the LG 43” UT70 Series UHD Smart webOS TV is available for only $199, saving $200 at Best Buy's 48-Hour Flash Sale.

Direct lit LEDs display display high level contrast and HDR content. 4K scaling ensures that all content looks good on this high definition screen, whether you're watching a brand new Hollywood flick, or a Seinfeld rerun.

If you're looking for a modern smart TV don't miss getting 50% off on this contemporary LG dazzler.

More deals from the Best Buy 48-Hour Flash Sale

• Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M4 Pro chip 24GB Memory 512GB SSD — $1,699.00 $1,999.00 (save $300)

• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 256GB — $849.99 $1,299.99 (save $350)

• HP AMD Ryzen 5 - 8GB Memory - 512GB SSD — $299.99 $579.99 (save $280)

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-the-Ear Headphones — $299.00 $429.00 (save $130)

Tyler Perry and Kerry Washington tell the lesser-known story of The Six Triple Eight, the 855 Black women who served in World War II, and why it was important to them to bring this story to life.

The Six Triple Eight premieres on Netflix Dec. 20.

SAVE 55%: As of Dec. 23, you can save up to 55% on select Echo devices. Shop the Echo Dot, Echo Spot, or Echo Pop and have it delivered before Christmas.

Best Echo deals as of Dec. 23: Best deal overall Echo Spot $44.99 (save $35) Get Deal Best runner-up deal Echo Dot $22.99 (save $27 ) Get Deal Best budget pick Echo Pop $17.99 (save $22) Get Deal

With Christmas just two days away, it’s hard to believe anything would ship in time to sneak under the tree, but Amazon’s working hard to get everyone their holiday tech gifts before the big day.

As of Dec. 23, you can snag an Echo device for up to 55% off and still get it delivered before December 25th.

Here are our top picks for the best Echo deals you can get right now:

Best deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Spot $44.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The all-new Amazon Echo Spot (newest model) is just $44.99 right now, down from $79.99. That’s the lowest price we’ve seen this model go for, according to CamelCamelCamel’s price tracking data, and $35 off the regular price.

The Amazon Echo Spot features a smart alarm clock that displays the time, weather, song titles, and more. You can customize the clock face, set routines, control other smart home devices (as long as they’re compatible), and listen to your favorite music, news, and podcasts.

Best runner-up deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Dot $22.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $27.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Amazon Echo Dot (2022) is also on sale for $22.99, down from $49.99 — another all-time low price.

This new and improved version of the Echo Dot has an upgraded speaker and eero built-in to boost your WiFi coverage. It's the perfect size for smaller rooms or putting on your nightstand. But, if you want something a little bigger, the Amazon Echo (4th gen) is also down to $54.99 from $99.99.

Best budget deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Pop $17.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $22.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you thought you couldn’t get an Echo device for under $20, Amazon’s selling the Echo Pop for $17.99. That’s $22 off the list price and the lowest price this model’s ever been.

The Echo Pop is smaller than most Echo devices, but the sound quality is still great for its size. Plus, you can do everything the more expensive Echos can, like voice control smart home devices, set timers and alarms, check the weather, play music, and more.

SAVE $169.01: The Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) are on sale for $379.99 at Best Buy as of Dec. 23. That's 30% off their $549 MSRP and a match of their record-low Cyber Monday price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) $379.99 at Best Buy
$549.00 Save $169.01 Available in silver, space gray, and green Get Deal

It's the most wonderful time for your ears: Best Buy has revived one of the best AirPods deals of 2024 right before the holidays.

As of Dec. 23, the Apple AirPods Max with Lightning charging are on sale for $379.99 as part of a 48-Hour Flash Sale there. That's a match of their all-time low from Cyber Monday (and a 30% discount on their usual sticker price of $549), which Best Buy has only offered one other time since as a limited-time weekend doorbuster in mid-December.

This current deal applies to all five colorways, but only three of them were still in stock at the time of writing: silver, space gray, and green. On the plus side, those three variants were available for same-day pickup and next-day delivery in certain locations; you can enter your zip code on the AirPods Max's product page to see if they're on tap near you before you head to checkout.

SEE ALSO: For gym rats and picky audiophiles alike, these are the 7 best headphones of 2024

Apple's original over-ear headphones from 2020 sound great, look cool, offer "excellent" noice cancellation, and have a decently long battery life. That's according to former Mashable Tech Reporter Brenda Stolyar, who gave them a 4.2/5 in her review. She docked a few points for their hit-or-miss comfort, their weird missing power button, and (perhaps obviously) their costliness.

In 2024, we think you can get even better headphones for a way better price. But if you're an Apple loyalist, Best Buy's $170 discount definitely helps their case.

Like the two other times this deal has popped up, it only applies to the older Lightning version of the AirPods Max, not the newer USB-C variant. (Those are now $499.99 at Amazon and Best Buy.) But as I've mentioned before, anyone with an iPhone 15 or newer can purchase Apple's USB-C to Lightning Adapter for under $30.

SAVE OVER 90%: A three-month subscription to Audible is on sale for just $0.99 per month, down from the typical price of $14.95 per month. That's a total savings of $41.88.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Audible subscription $0.99 at Amazon
$14.95 Save $13.96 sale price extends to first three months Get Deal

Shopping for last-minute holiday gifts? While it may seem late in the game, there's still time to gift something thoughtful that'll be enjoyed for months to come. Especially great for dealing with chilly winter months, audiobooks are the perfect gift and there's currently a great deal from Amazon.

Until Dec. 31, the first three months of a Premium Plus Audible subscription are just $0.99 per month, down from the usual price of $14.95. This sale price will save you over 90% on the three-month deal, slashing $41.88 off the total price overall. After the initial three months, the plan will automatically revert to $14.95 per month, but you're free to cancel at anytime.

The Audible library is packed with audiobooks, podcasts, and Audible originals that will keep you happily entertained through the winter. If you haven't jumped on the audio bandwagon yet, consider how enjoyable it would be to listen to an audiobook while driving, working out, walking the dog, or folding laundry.

SEE ALSO: Snag a pair of these Sony headphones at a price that's cheaper than Black Friday

If you're not one for listening to books, the Audible collection has tons of podcasts, including exclusives. The Premium Plus membership also gives you a credit each month to purchase any title from the Audible premium selection for free. Additionally, Premium Plus members get exclusive deals and discounts.

If you're one to always be tuned into podcasts or audiobooks, take advantage of this Amazon deal that'll give you three months of Audible for just $2.97 in total. You'll be saving over 90% compared to the typical price of $14.95 per month, and it's the perfect way to get a taste of the service. Be sure to sign up by 11:59 p.m. PT on Dec. 31 to snag this Amazon deal.

The New York Times Games has finally introduced the Connections Archive — an exclusive feature for Games and All Access subscribers. Launched on October 8, the archive allows users to revisit and replay over 450 puzzles from the popular Connections game, which launched in June 2023.

Initially accessible on desktop and mobile web, the archive was rolled out to the NYT Games app on iOS and Android later that month. According to Jonathan Knight, head of Games at The New York Times, the archive was "one of the most requested features" from fans.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 23, 2024 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 23

Through the archive, subscribers gain access to all past Connections puzzles, can resume unfinished games, and track their performance history. Upon completing puzzles, users have the option to share their results and explore insights via the Connections Bot, a daily tool designed to offer personalized puzzle analysis.

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.

The United Kingdom may soon force social media firms to seek out and remove underage users from their platforms.

The UK's Office of Communications, more commonly known as Ofcom, has set out a plan to force tech companies to use facial recognition to ban social media users who are underage.

"The sort of thing that we might look to in that space is some of this facial age estimation technology that we see companies bringing in now, which we think is really pretty good at determining who is a child and who is an adult,"Jon Higham, Ofcom's head of online safety policy, told The Telegraph in an interview. "So we're going to be looking to drive out the use of that sort of content, so platforms can determine who's a child and who isn't, and then put in place extra protections for kids to stop them [from] seeing toxic content."

Ofcom told the Telegraph that up to 60 percent of eight to 11-year-olds have social media profiles, despite most major social platforms requiring users to be at least 13 years old. Lots of kids, as one might expect, lie about their age online.

"What we see is 22 percent of children are online with a profile which suggests they're an adult because at the moment all too many platforms basically let children self-certify how old they are," Higham told The Telegraph. "It doesn't take a genius to work out that children are going to lie about their age."

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Governments worldwide continually grapple with how to protect kids from the worst of the online world. In Australia, for instance, they've passed legislation banning anyone under 16 from using social media. Tech companies could be fined millions of dollars if they don't comply.

SEE ALSO: World’s strictest social media law targets users under 16 in Australia

Keeping kids off social media is likely a good idea, as Mashable coverage of many, many surveys and studies has shown. It's a tough task, but it may prove worthwhile for the mental health of every kid with a WiFi connection.

SAVE $250: As of Dec. 23, the PlayStation VR2 is back down to its Black Friday price of $349.99 ($250 off). It'll be delivered before Christmas if you pick it up at Best Buy, and you'll also get a copy of Horizon Call of the Mountain.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony PlayStation VR2 + 'Horizon Call of the Mountain' bundle $349.99 at Best Buy
$599.99 Save $250.00 Get Deal

If you haven't ventured into the world of VR gaming yet, the holiday season is a perfect time to do just that. Why? Well, because they usually go on deep sale. Even if you missed Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it's still not too late to take advantage of some savings.

If you're one of those people who's scrambling to get a last-minute holiday gift (don't worry, we understand — 2024 was a weird one), you might want to consider picking up this PlayStation VR2 bundle. It's back down to the same price it was on Black Friday, and it'll get delivered before Christmas as long as you purchase from Best Buy. You'll also get a copy of Horizon Call of the Mountain, one of the very best PSVR2 games.

SEE ALSO: Gaming starter kit: All the gear you need to play like a real gamer

While the Meta Quest 3S is probably the more user-friendly option, the PlayStation VR2 is a great VR headset in its own right thanks to its catalog of games and simple setup. Yes, it is a tethered headset, but it plugs easily into your PlayStation 5 console instead of a PC tower and doesn't require anything else of you other than some guided calibration settings. The star of the show here is the gaming library, though. In addition to Horizon, you'll also be able to jump into killer titles like Gran Turismo 7, Resident Evil 4, Firewall Ultra, and more.

Grab your PSVR2 bundle at Best Buy today to save $250 and get it before Christmas. Just be fast!

Hallucinations, a bane of popular A.I. programs, turn out to be a boon for venturesome scientists eager to push back the frontiers of human knowledge.

The cast of A Complete Unknown—Timothée Chalamet, Elle Fanning, Monica Barbaro and Ed Norton—delve into the intricate process of portraying figures from Bob Dylan's orbit. From Dylan's input on the screenplay to the emotional weight of embodying Joan Baez and Pete Seeger, the actors share insights, challenges, and how Fanning approached Suze Rotolo’s sacred legacy.

A Complete Unknown opens only in theaters Dec. 25.

President-elect Donald Trump wants to keep TikTok — at least, right now he does.

At AmericaFest, hosted by Turning Point USA and Turning Point Action, on Sunday, Trump said he "did go on TikTok and we had a great response with billions of views." Trump has 14.7 million followers on the app. While his videos regularly have many millions of views, there doesn't appear to be any videos on his TikTok page with "billions of views." The video with the most views is the first he posted, with nearly 179 million views.

"They brought me a chart, and it was a record, and it was so beautiful to see, and as I looked at it, I said, 'Maybe we gotta keep this sucker around for a little while,'" he said, according to Reuters. This comes just after Trump met with TikTok's CEO and said he had a "warm spot" for the app.

SEE ALSO: When will TikTok be banned in the U.S.? And what can stop it from happening?

This is the newest approach Trump has taken on the platform, a significant change from his 2020 attempts to ban it.

It comes at a time in which a TikTok ban seems imminent. President Joe Biden signed a bill into law in April that would ban TikTok in the U.S. on Jan. 19 unless ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, divests from the app. A federal appeals court upheld Biden's law, and TikTok is begging the Supreme Court to take the case or at least let the new administration weigh in.

It's unclear what Trump will actually do to stop the ban on TikTok. He doesn't become president until the day after the ban goes into effect, and the president-elect can't make any legislative changes — no matter how badly he says he wants to "keep this sucker around."

President-elect Donald Trump is tapping the technology sector for key roles, and executives from the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz are featuring heavily.

Beast Games, MrBeast's new game show that has been at the centre of controversy after contestants accused production of creating unsafe filming conditions, is live on Prime Video — and now the YouTuber has shared the first 10 minutes.

In the footage above we see 1000 contestants entering a dark arena with the hope of winning the $5 million top prize — but it isn't long before the challenges start and the players begin to get whittled down.

Beast Games is streaming on Prime Video, with new episodes dropping each Thursday.

Even as Telegram faces legal scrutiny and grapples with billions in debt, it is set to be profitable for the first time as it tries cryptocurrencies, subscriptions and ads.