Feed aggregator

Every foldable iPhone and iPad rumor weve heard so far

Mashable - Tue, 12/31/2024 - 14:30

Apple is apparently working on some foldable devices. Let's talk about it.

Rumors have been snowballing around the internet for months (if not years) about Apple joining the foldable fray that companies like Samsung have found success in over the past few years. There have been so many rumors and so much idle speculation on top of those that it would be impossible to cover everything in one article, but the latest and most credible reports point to two foldable devices coming out of Cupertino: a new iPhone and a new iPad.

SEE ALSO: Samsung's foldable lineup for 2025 revealed in new software

Without wasting any more time, let's dig in. Here is what we know about Apple's potential first foldables.

Foldable iPhone: What we know

We've been hearing about a foldable iPhone since as far back as 2021 at least, but more recent rounds of reporting have painted a clearer picture of what to expect from this device, and when we might be able to expect it.

Back in February, The Information reported that Apple was working on a clamshell-style foldable iPhone. If you're not familiar with the terminology, that would make it more akin to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series of phones, which fold up into a very small form factor and unfold into roughly the size and shape of a regular smartphone. This is distinct from the Galaxy Z Fold form factor, which is roughly the size and shape of a regular smartphone when folded, and more akin to a small tablet when unfolded.

A more recent round of reporting from the Wall Street Journal in December corroborated this, suggesting the new device's display size would exceed that of the iPhone 16 Pro Max when unfolded. According to this report, this device could actually launch as early as 2026, but that's far from a guarantee at this stage. As always with unannounced concept devices, there is always a distinct possibility that it never comes out at all.

Still, where there's smoke, there tends to be fire. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman (who is known to be correct about Apple more often than not) also said in his Power On newsletter in December that a foldable iPhone could launch in 2026. If two different major outlets are hearing roughly the same things about this device, there may be more to this than just rumor-mongering.

Unfortunately, there isn't much else to say definitively about the foldable iPhone yet. If these reports are to be believed, we may be nearly two years away from even seeing the device, much less holding it in our hands. Pertinent details like design, price, battery life, and special software features will have to wait until then.

Foldable iPad: What we know

The good news about the foldable iPad is that both the aforementioned Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg reports featured information on it, too, instead of just the foldable iPhone. The bad news is that we don't know much more about the iPad than we do about the iPhone.

The WSJ's report indicated that Apple is working on a larger device that is "intended to serve as a laptop." The display, when unfolded, would be roughly 19-inches in size, which is bigger than the biggest MacBook displays by between four and five inches. This roughly lines up with earlier reporting by Korean outlet The Elec, which said in 2022 that Apple was working on a 20-inch foldable display for use in either a laptop or a tablet.

But is it a MacBook or an iPad? We don't know for sure. WSJ's reporting suggested it would be closer to a laptop, but Gurman's newsletter said it would be more like a big iPad and would likely run on iPadOS instead of macOS. The difference there is sizable, as iPadOS and macOS don't have the same feature set and aren't compatible with entirely the same apps.

It'll be a while before we know, regardless. Gurman suggested this bigger device would launch in 2028, well after the launch of the supposed foldable iPhone. All of these reports also suggest technical hurdles that need to be cleared, such as making sure these devices are as thin as possible and can lay flat when unfolded. If the rumors are to be believed, Apple has plenty of time to sort those kinks out before these products see the light of day.

Witness! Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is now streaming for a much wider audience

Mashable - Tue, 12/31/2024 - 13:56

UPDATE: Dec. 31, 2024, 1:56 p.m. EST This article has been updated with new details about "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" coming to Netlix, as well as the best Netflix deals.

How to watch 'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga' at a glance: BEST OVERALL DEAL Max (With Ads) annual subscription $99.99 per year (save 16%) Get Deal BEST WITH NO ADS Max Ad-Free annual subscription $169.99/year (save 16%) Get Deal BEST FOR CRICKET CUSTOMERS Max (With Ads) Free for Cricket customers on the $60/month unlimited plan (save $9.99/month) Get Deal BEST FOR STUDENTS Max Student $4.99 per month for 12 months (save 50%) Get Deal BEST NETFLIX DEAL FOR VERIZON INTERNET CUSTOMERS Netflix and Max (with ads) Free for 12 months with select Verizon Home Internet plans (save $120) Get Deal BEST NETFLIX DEAL FOR VERIZON WIRELESS CUSTOMERS Netflix and Max with ads $10/month through Verizon myPlan (save $6.98/month) Get Deal BEST NETFLIX DEAL FOR T-MOBILE CUSTOMERS Netflix Standard with ads Free with most T-Mobile Go5G plans (save $6.99/month) Get Deal BEST NON-STREAMING OPTION Rent 'Furiosa' on Prime Video $3.99 Get Deal

Prequels are tough to get right, but George Miller's return to the Mad Max wasteland in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga nailed it. The trailer alone is a thrill ride, so you can only imagine the action packed into the 2-hour and 28-minute flick. We've already dubbed it one of the top five films of 2024 (so far).

Furiosa debuted in theaters in late May, made its way to digital on-demand services just a month later, then officially started streaming on Max as of Aug. 16. Now, four months later, it's becoming available to a much wider audience by making its Netflix debut.

Here's everything you need to know about how to watch Furiosa at home, including the best streaming deals for both Max and Netflix.

What is Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga about?

A prequel to 2015's Mad Max: Fury Road, Furiosa centers around Imperator Furiosa (played first by Charlize Theron, now by Anya Taylor-Joy). As a child, she grew up in the Green Place, an idyllic refuge where she was safe from the wasteland horrors of the desert. However, after she's kidnapped from this refuge and taken into the horde of the warlord Dementus (Chris Hemsworth), she spends her whole life trying to get back home.

"Much of the aforementioned plot can be gleaned from the trailers — that Furiosa is a prequel means she will inevitably end up the Immortan's right hand, his 'Imperator' — but the movie's bygone conclusions never rob it of its ferocity. Instead, Miller enters into a sadistic game of expectations by playing with narrative point of view," Mashable film critic Siddhant Adlakha writes in his review.

Take a peek at the extremely shiny and chrome trailer:

Is Furiosa worth watching?

Furiosa earned a spot on our list of the best movies of 2024, and other critics agree. On Rotten Tomatoes, Miller's epic prequel has a "certified fresh" 90 percent critic rating and 89 percent audience rating. It may not have done well at the box office, pulling in a measly $26 million domestically on its opening weekend, but box office numbers aren't everything.

As Mashable's reviewer put it, "Furiosa is a magnificent, pulse-pounding achievement unlike anything you'll see this year."

Read our full review of Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.

How to watch Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga at home Anya Taylor-Joy as Furiosa. Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Just a month after Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga made its theatrical debut, it became available to watch at home via video-on-demand sites like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home (aka Vudu). You can now purchase the film for your digital collection or rent it for 30 days. Just keep in mind that once you start watching a rental, you'll have just 48 hours to finish it before you lose access. If you'd rather stream Furiosa, keep reading to learn more.

As of June 25, you can purchase and rent the film at the following retailers:

Is Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga streaming?

Furiosa made its streaming debut on Max on Aug. 16, 2024. Max is the streaming home of Warner Bros. Pictures, so Furiosa will join Mad Max: Fury Road as well as other recent theatrical releases from Warner Bros. You can sign up for a Max subscription for as low as $9.99 per month, but there are also some ways you can save some money on your plan.

Not a Max subscriber and can't fathom signing up for yet another streaming service? As of Dec. 31, Netflix has now added Furiosa to its streaming catalog, alongside a few other major Warner Bros. titles from 2024.

Check out the best Max streaming deals and Netflix streaming deals below.

Best Max streaming deal for most people: Save 16% on Max with ads annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max (with ads) yearly subscription $99.99 per year (save 16%) Watch Now

If you don't mind ad interruptions in your content, Max subscriptions start at just $9.99 per month. You could easily sign up for a single month to watch Furiosa, then cancel before you're charged for another. However, if you stick around for the long haul, you can save some money. An annual plan with ads goes for $99.99 per year, which breaks down to only $8.33 per month. That's 16% (or $1.66 per month) cheaper than paying for a monthly subscription. The only real downside is that you have to splurge on a full year upfront.

Best Max deal with no ads: Save 16% on a Max Ad-Free annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max (No Ads) annual subscription $169.99 per year (save 16%) Watch Now

If ads are the bane of your existence, there are two ad-free tiers to choose from: Max Ad-Free and Max Ultimate Ad-Free. The basic Max Ad-Free tier will run you $16.99 per month, while Max Ultimate goes for $20.99 per month. If you choose a yearly plan instead, it'll only cost you $169.99 per year (about $14.17 per month) or $209.99 per year (about $17.50 per month). That's a total savings of 16% on either plan.

Note: Both tiers offer an ad-free viewing experience, but the Ultimate tier takes things a step further with 4K Ultra HD video quality and Dolby Atmos immersive audio.

Best Max deal for Cricket customers: Free Max with ads for customers on the $60/month unlimited plan Opens in a new window Credit: Cricket / Max Max (with ads) Free for Cricket customers on the $60/month plan Watch Now

Cricket Wireless customers on the $60 per month unlimited plan can sign up for Max with ads for free — that's a $99.99 per year value. Just head over to the Max app or navigate to Max.com on a browser, choose Cricket as your provider, and enter your credentials to log in. Then you'll be able to watch whatever you want at whatever time — including Furiosa. Check out the terms and conditions on Cricket's website to learn more. If you're hoping to watch Furiosa for free, this is your only option.

Best Max deal for students: Save 50% on Max with ads monthly for one year Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max Student $4.99 per month for 12 months Get Deal

If you're a college student, you're in luck. A new Max deal allows you to score 50% off an ad-supported monthly subscription for 12 months. That drops the price down to just $4.99 per month. You'll have to verify your student status with UNiDAYS, which will give you a unique discount code. Then head back over to Max and redeem your code to stream for half price.

Best Netflix deal for Verizon Home Internet customers: Get Netflix and Max with ads for free for one year Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix Netflix and Max (with ads) Free for 12 months with select Verizon Home Internet plans Get Deal

Verizon is giving an entire year of Netflix and Max (with ads) to those who sign up for select Verizon Home Internet plans, including 5G Home Plus, LTE Home Plus, Fios 1 Gig, or Fios 2 Gig plans. You must enroll in the perk within 60 days after your VHI purchase or by no later than March 2, 2025 (whichever comes first), then register the perks directly with Netflix and Max within 90 days of enrollment. Once the year is up, the Netflix and Max bundle will resume its normal price of $10 per month unless canceled. Read more about terms and conditions on the promo page by selecting "Details" next to the Special Offer.

Best Netflix deal for Verizon Wireless customers: Save $6.98/month through Verizon myPlan Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix Netflix and Max $10/month through Verizon myPlan (save $6.98/month) Get Deal

If you're a Verizon customer with myPlan, you can add the Netflix and Max bundle to your account for just $10 per month (reg. $16.98 per month). That essentially gets you Netflix with ads for free. You'll need an Unlimited Welcome, Unlimited Plus, or Unlimited Ultimate plan to be eligible (learn more on the Verizon support page). Once you enroll in the promotion, you'll have to head over to Netflix and Max separately to setup your accounts.

Best Netflix deal for T-Mobile customers: Get Netflix Standard for free with most Go5G plans Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix Netflix Standard (with ads) Free with most T-Mobile Go5G plans Get Deal

If you're not a T-Mobile customer, this deal alone is a good reason to switch. Not only do select customers get Netflix Standard with ads for free (reg. $6.99 per month), but also Hulu with ads and Apple TV+. It's probably the best streaming lineup offered by any mobile provider. Here are the details:

You need to have two or more lines of any type of Go5G or Magenta plan or at least one line of Go5G Next, Go5G Plus, or Magenta MAX to secure Netflix with ads for free. You'll have to manually activate your subscription by logging into My T-Mobile and selecting "Manage add-ons". Once there, choose "add Netflix" in the Services section and you'll be prompted to either create a new Netflix account or sign in to your existing one. T-Mobile will be in charge of paying Netflix for you. Just note that if you already have a Netflix account, it may take a few billing cycles to transfer your bill over to T-Mobile. Learn more about the terms and FAQs on the promo page.

Get a leg up on tax time with 30% off TurboTax Deluxe 2024 at Amazon

Mashable - Tue, 12/31/2024 - 13:04

SAVE $24: As of Dec. 31, get a copy of TurboTax Deluxe 2024 for just $55.99, down from its usual price of $79.99. That's a discount of 30%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon TurboTax Deluxe 2024 $55.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $24.00 Get Deal

It's just about 2025, and that means a few things: resolutions, parties, and taxes. Yep, they're right around the corner, as much as you might want to think about literally anything else. While the deadline day is still months away, you might want to be proactive this year and grab the software you need to take care of your taxes. No one wants to do their taxes, but if you can do it much cheaper than usual, then you'll definitely want to take advantage of this deal – that is, if you don't qualify for free tax filing online.

As of Dec. 31, you can get TurboTax Deluxe 2024 at Amazon for just $55.99. That's $24 off its normal price of $79.99 and a discount of 30%. This copy works on both Windows and Mac computers, and it's a digital purchase, so you're essentially buying a license. That means you can go ahead and download it right away.

This version of TurboTax comes with both federal and state forms, and it comes with 5 federal e-files and 1 state file via download. You'll have to purchase state e-file separately, but with the extra money you're saving you should be able to grab an e-file to even things out. You also get live tax advice, a slew of help with deductions and credits, and the ability to import last year's tax information from TurboTax and other kinds of tax software.

If you're ready to go ahead and tackle your taxes like a little early bird, this is a great deal – but you'll want to snap it up quickly, because it'll likely disappear after the new year begins.

The best cheap laptops: 6 models under $1,000 that we tested and approved

Mashable - Tue, 12/31/2024 - 13:01

When it comes to shopping for the best cheap laptops, you can do a lot with $1,000. (Heck, even $500 cuts some mustard nowadays.) But you'll probably have to make some compromises along the way to stay below that price point.

That doesn't mean you have to settle for a total clunker that doesn't tick any of the boxes on your must-have specs list. It just means you have to shop a little smarter than someone with unlimited funds.

That's where we come in. The Mashable team is constantly reviewing new laptops with different operating systems and use cases, and we recommend several affordable machines that meet most, if not all of our performance and build quality standards.

Our top picks

As of December 2024, we believe the best cheap MacBook is the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air powered by the previous-generation M2 chip. It's speedy enough for most people, lasts all day, has an excellent keyboard, and starts at $999 (though it's often on sale for well under $900). What's more, it recently got a welcome bump to 16GB of base RAM.

Among Windows PCs, the Lenovo Yoga 7i 14 (Gen 9) is currently the best laptop under $1,000 that we've tried. It has a peppy processor and a good battery life, it doubles as a tablet, and it starts at $899.99.

If you're really into Microsoft machines, look into the Surface Laptop Go 3. The company's current cheapest offering is a super portable notebook with a chic look and a clicky keyboard — though I'd encourage shoppers to find it on sale, given its older CPU. It otherwise starts at $799.99.

SEE ALSO: The best laptops we tested in 2024: Did Apple's latest MacBook make the cut?

The best cheap Chromebook is the $499 HP Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch, with its big, vibrant display and competent everyday performance. It also supports some useful AI features and multimedia editing apps.

Cheap gaming laptops don't get much better than the Acer Nitro V 15, which combines a cool design with cool Triple-A performance for $999 as tested. (The base model is only $749.) We also recommend the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE as an even cheaper "cheap gaming laptop" pick: It streams high-end titles well, comes with a really nice 120Hz display, and retails for only $649.

Other cheap laptops on our radar

We currently have the Asus Chromebook Plus CX34 in hand for testing (specifically, the 2023 model with a 12th-generation Intel processor priced at $399.99). If it feels like a better value than HP's Chromebook Plus 15.6-inch, it could be a new "best cheap Chromebook" contender.

We'll also test the Asus Vivobook S 14, a new Copilot+ PC with a Lunar Lake CPU and an OLED display, as well as the latest Framework Laptop 13, a repairable laptop that seems like a solid long-term value. We were big fans of an older version.

Mashable staff will be keeping a close eye out for further contenders while we walk around the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January. While most of the laptops announced at the huge tech trade show are typically premium picks with innovative features, we might see some next-gen budget options from brands like Acer, Asus, and Lenovo.

Read on for Mashable's in-depth guide to the best cheap laptops of 2024. FYI: We've listed the pricing and specs of our testing units, which may not apply to each laptop's base model.

13+ fitness tracker deals to kickstart your health resolutions for 2025

Mashable - Tue, 12/31/2024 - 12:49
The best fitness tracker deals to kick off your 2025 goals: BEST OVERALL Fitbit Inspire 3 $69.95 (save $30) Get Deal BEST SMARTWATCH DEAL Apple Watch Series 10 $329 (save $70) Get Deal BEST FOR KIDS Garmin vivofit jr. 3 $69.99 (save $20) Get Deal

A new year is upon us, which means it's the perfect time to kickstart a new routine. Whether you're looking to get healthier, stress less, sleep better, or run your first 5K in 2025, it starts with setting the right intention and having the right gear. In this case, a fitness tracker is a great companion for all of the above.

Prep for a healthier year ahead, physically and mentally, by snagging yourself a fitness tracker while they're on sale. We've rounded up a few of the best deals we could find to help you pick the right one.

Best fitness tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Inspire 3 $69.95 at Google
$99.95 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Through Jan. 11, the Google store has the best deal on the Fitbit Inspire 3. It's regularly $99.95, but you can save 30% and get it for only $69.95 instead. That's $10 cheaper than Amazon and Best Buy and matches the fitness tracker's best price ever. We're big fans of the Inspire 3's intuitive design, impressive app suite, workout insights, and slim and sleek build. Hence, why we named it a Mashable Choice award winner. "For anyone new to fitness or any dedicated gym rat, the Fitbit Inspire 3 gets you more than you pay for," our reviewer noted.

Check out Mashable's full review of the Fitbit Inspire 3.

Best smartwatch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm, GPS) $329.00 at Amazon
$399.00 Save $70.00 Get Deal Why we like it

When it comes to smartwatches that can also track your fitness goals, the Apple Watch is always at the top of our lists. The Series 10, compared to its predecessors, packs a thinner and lighter design, a larger display with a built-in speaker, faster charging (which was a major selling point for our reviewer), and new health and fitness features (sleep apnea alerts, depth sensing, etc.). It dropped to its best price ever ($329) during Cyber Week, then jumped back up to its typical sale price of $359. As of Dec. 31, however, it's back down to its record-low of $329 for the 42mm, GPS version and $359 for the 46mm, GPS version. That's up to 18% in savings.

Check out Mashable's full review of the Apple Watch Series 10.

Best for kids Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin vivofit jr. 3 $69.99 at Amazon
$89.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Help your little ones kickstart a year of movement with the Garmin vivofit jr. 3, a kid-friendly fitness tracker that offers fun rewards via a parent-controlled app. It's designed to get kids excited about moving their bodies with interactive experiences that allow them to embark on a world tour and discover new places. Parents can use the app to assign tasks, schedule alerts and alarms, and reward kids for good behavior. And the best part is the battery lasts up to a year, so you don't have to worry about constantly throwing it on the charger. Snag it for only $69.99 at Amazon as of Dec. 31. That's 22% in savings.

More fitness tracker and smartwatch deals

Party smart this NYE and get $10 off your Lyft ride home

Mashable - Tue, 12/31/2024 - 11:55

SAVE $10: Lyft is offering $10 off with code COUNTDOWN. Don't miss out on this limited-time deal — preload the code in the Lyft app now!

Opens in a new window Credit: Lyft $10 off use code COUNTDOWN Get Deal

In case you haven’t looked at the calendar lately (who has?), tonight is New Year’s Eve, one of the biggest party nights of the year. Whether you’re planning on a boozy celebration with friends or a more low-key gathering, Lyft wants to make sure you get home safely with a $10 discount on your ride.

SEE ALSO: See 2024 New Year’s Eve fireworks, 2025 countdown livestreams around the world

That’s right: You can get $10 off your Lyft ride tonight by using the promo code COUNTDOWN. But you’d better act fast: Supplies are limited; once the codes are gone, they're gone.

Go ahead and download the Lyft app (if you haven’t already) and preload the code so you're all set when it's time to get home. You should be able to do this in the “Rewards” tab.

New iOS 18 features we expect in 2025

Mashable - Tue, 12/31/2024 - 11:41

The new year is upon us, and there's an obvious next question: What iOS 18 features will we get in 2025? OK, maybe that's only something an Apple-obsessed person would wonder — but we're here for you.

Of course, details are a bit scarce, but we have an idea of what to expect to be added to the iOS that first dropped in 2024. Here's the rundown.

Priority notifications

Many new iOS features will rely on Apple Intelligence, and a new version of iOS 18 will be able to use AI to filter your notifications by priority, MacRumors noted. Priority notifications are exactly what they sound like: You'll see the important stuff first, and less urgent matters will be pushed down.

Siri upgrades

You'll be able to do a lot more with Siri in 2025. Apple has promised features such as contextual knowledge — it'll be able to reference past messages, calendar events, and other personal details — as well as the ability to tell what is happening on your screen, 9to5 Mac noted.

SEE ALSO: Apple's iOS 18.2 arrives: Here's 4 new features to be excited about More app control

Siri will also be able to control more apps with updates to iOS18. Notably, Siri will able to control more third-party apps and have precise control of Apple apps in 2025, Bloomberg reported. That outlet noted that means you'll be able to ask Siri to edit and send a photo to a friend, for instance.

New emoji

Hey, it's not the biggest thing in the world but you will get new emoji in 2025. We at Mashable reported on the emoji up for approval in 2025, but some of the new emoji approved in 2024 will actually roll out in 2025. A harp, a leafless tree, and a shovel were in the batch that were approved in 2024.

Want a new hobby in 2025? These sewing machine deals make it easy to start

Mashable - Tue, 12/31/2024 - 11:27

SAVE $90+: As of Dec. 31, you can get up to $90 off select sewing machine models. Shop Brother, Singer, and more.

Best sewing machine deals as of Dec. 31: Best deal overall Brother LX3817 17-Stitch Portable Full-Size Sewing Machine $88 (save $12 ) Get Deal Best runner-up SINGER M3500 Lightweight and Portable Sewing Machine with Accessory Kit $145.83 (save $34.16) Get Deal Best for quilting Brother CP100X Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine $199.99 (save $30 ) Get Deal

If you’ve been stuck on finding a new hobby for the new year, why not pick up sewing? It’s a creative outlet and a practical skill that can save you money in the long run (and prevent outfit malfunctions). And right now, there are plenty of sewing machine deals to help you get started without spending a fortune.

Here are the best sewing machine deals we could find as of Dec. 31:

Best sewing machine deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Brother Brother LX3817 17-Stitch Portable Full-Size Sewing Machine $88.00 at Walmart
$100.00 Save $12.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you’re new to sewing, I recommend buying the Brother LX3817 17-Stitch Portable Full-Size Sewing Machine. I have this exact model, and it’s lasted me years with no issues. It’s easy to use, lightweight, and has a wide range of stitch options for a very reasonable price.

You can get it for $88 at Walmart (I bought mine at Walmart, too) right now.

Best runner-up deal Opens in a new window Credit: SINGER SINGER M3500 Lightweight and Portable Sewing Machine with Accessory Kit $145.83 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $34.16 Get Deal Why we like it

The SINGER M3500 Lightweight and Portable Sewing Machine with Accessory Kit is another great option, especially if the Brother machine sells out. It’s on sale at Amazon for $145.83, which is a little pricier than the model above but still a solid deal for a machine that retails for $219.99 on the SINGER website.

This machine has 110 stitch applications and comes with everything you need to get started (except fabric, of course). You’ll get a full set of accessories like needles, thread, and a seam ripper. The one-step buttonhole feature is also super handy.

Best sewing machine deal for quilting Opens in a new window Credit: Brother Brother CP100X Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine $199.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Brother CP100X Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine is ideal for more advanced sewers who want to get into quilting. This model features 100 built-in stitches, a wide table, a fixed needle bar, and eight auto-size buttonholes. You’ll also get 10 sewing feet, a quilting guide, and a protective hard case to keep everything safe.

This machine is on sale at Amazon for $199.99, down from $229.99.

Amazon deal of the day: Get an Apple Watch Series 10 for its Black Friday price

Mashable - Tue, 12/31/2024 - 11:14
Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Dec. 31: OUR TOP PICK Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm) $329 (save $70) Get Deal BEST EARBUDS DEAL Amazon Echo Buds $24.99 (save $25) Get Deal BEST DIY DEAL Cricut Hat Press $79 (save $70) Get Deal BEST SOFTWARE DEAL TurboTax Deluxe 2024 Tax Software $55.99 (save $24) Get Deal BEST KIDS DEAL Amazon Echo Pop Kids $22.99 (save $27) Get Deal

The last day of 2024 seems like a perfect reason to splurge on some goodies for yourself. And thanks to Amazon's daily deals, there are plenty of great gadgets on sale. From Apple to Cricut to Echo, there's a little something for everyone — even those who want to jumpstart their 2025 taxes.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. Don't see anything that lights you up? Check out our selections from yesterday, Dec. 30. Many of those deals are still live, like a $50 discount on the Fitbit Versa 4.

Our top pick: Apple Watch Series 10 Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm) $329.00 at Amazon
$399.00 Save $70.00 Get Deal

If you're looking to hit the ground running in 2025, an Apple Watch makes a great companion. The Series 10 hit its best price ever during Cyber Week and post-holiday madness, it's back at that same price. Snag the 42mm, GPS version for just $329 instead of $399 or the 46mm, GPS version for just $359 instead of $429. That's 18% in savings. Compared to previous iterations, the Series 10 features a thinner and lighter build, a larger display with a built-in speaker, faster charging (one of the biggest selling points for our reviewer), and new health and fitness features like sleep apnea alerts, water temperature, and depth sensing. We wish there were bigger upgrades, but all in all, it still holds up as one of our favorite smartwatches and fitness trackers.

Check out Mashable's full review of the Apple Watch Series 10.

Amazon Echo Buds Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Buds $24.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal

The budget-friendly Echo Buds from 2023 completely overhauled the design of the previous version. They're very simple earbuds, but they hold their own — especially at sub-$50 price point. They don't offer noise cancellation or have the most comfortable fit on the market, but they sound great, last up to 20 hours, are simple to use, and seamlessly pair with your other Alexa gadgets. As Mashable reviewer SaVanna Shoemaker noted, "For the price, the Echo Buds are a solid pair of wireless earbuds." Snag 'em while they're still sitting at their record-low of $24.99. That's 50% in savings.

Check out our full review of the Amazon Echo Buds.

Cricut Hat Press Opens in a new window Credit: Cricut Cricut Hat Smart Heat Press Machine $79.00 at Amazon
$149.00 Save $70.00 Get Deal

Looking to jumpstart a new hobby in 2025? The Cricut Hat Press could be a fun place to start, and it's on sale for only $79 as of Dec. 31. That's nearly 50% in savings and its best price ever. The smart heat press features a 5 x 3-inch curved, ceramic-coated heat plate that provides edge-to-edge heat and lets you tackle iron-on, infusible ink, and sublimation projects. With the included hat pressing form, you'll automatically have the ideal pressing surface. Choose from three heat settings, set time and temperature settings, and play around until you get the best results. The machine even includes three hats to get you started.

TurboTax Deluxe 2024 Tax Software Opens in a new window Credit: Intuit TurboTax Deluxe 2024 Tax Software $55.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $24.00 Get Deal

It's that time of year again, y'all. Sure, we're not even into 2025 yet, but it's time to start thinking about filing your taxes. If you plan on filing your own taxes, this deal on TurboTax Deluxe can help you save some money and stress. The Deluxe software is recommended for homeowners, those with high medical expenses, and those who make multiple charitable donations per year who need to file both federal and state returns. It includes five federal e-files and one state file via download, plus you'll even get live tax advice from experts as you prepare your return (with a fee). Not to mention, it's cheaper than filing online through TurboTax. Usually $79.99, the Deluxe software for Mac or PC is on sale for just $55.99 as of Dec 31. Get ahead of the game and save 30%.

Amazon Echo Pop Kids Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Pop Kids $22.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $27.00 Get Deal

The kid-centric version of the Echo Pop is a fun (and budget-friendly) way to introduce your kids to Alexa via age-appropriate content, stories, audiobooks, and music. Our friends over at PCMag (which is also owned by Ziff Davis) named it "Amazon's top smart speaker for children" and gave it the PCMag Editor's Choice badge of honor. It only comes in Disney-licensed designs — Disney princess or Marvel — but if you've got a kid who loves Disney, you're in luck. It's usually $49.99, but it's on sale for just $22.99. That's a savings of 54%, which is still its lowest price on record.

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

Try Amazon Pharmacy and get a free $15 Whole Foods gift card

Mashable - Tue, 12/31/2024 - 11:11

FREE $15 GIFT CARD: As of Dec. 31, get a free $15 Whole Foods gift card with your first Amazon Pharmacy order.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Get a $15 Whole Foods gift card with your first Amazon Pharmacy order Get Deal

Amazon has a variety of ways to help you get things done without ever leaving your home. One of the services it now offers is filling your prescriptions. That means you can grab all your incidental items and also get the medications that you need. Amazon Pharmacy is a great way to do this, and you can even save a little money when you decide to try it for the first time.

As of Dec. 31, you can get a $15 Whole Foods gift card with your first order. All you need to do is head to the promotional deal page and sign up for your Amazon Pharmacy account. Then place your first order for medications. After Amazon verifies all of your eligibility rules, you'll get an email with a gift card redemption code. The process can take up 7 to 14 days, so you'll have to be patient.

Amazon Pharmacy works in a way that lets you sign up and essentially forget about the rest of the process. Amazon will work with your insurance company as well as the pharmacy you already use to get your prescriptions and deliver them to you. Unlike a traditional pharmacy it's open 24/7 so you can get started whenever you want.

The idea is to save money with Prime member discounts, but you can likely use your own insurance to save more. But with the $15 Whole Foods gift card, you can get even more freebies. It's a good time to go ahead and sign up if you were on the fence about it, especially with the new year starting tomorrow. You'll be able to try something a little new and see how it works for you, so jump on it now and buy some yummy groceries later.

From "Ted Lasso" to "Severance", binge all of the hits on Apple TV+ for free Jan. 4 and 5

Mashable - Tue, 12/31/2024 - 10:44

STREAM FREE: Jan. 4 and 5, Apple TV+ is going subscription free. Catch up on the hit shows like Severance before its second season premieres on January 17.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple TV+ Stream free January 3 through 5. Watch Now

In the age of a thousand streaming services, we're pretty good at maximizing those free trials. Slyly signing up for the week, binging all the buzzy shows and movies, and then quickly cancelling before that recurring payment kicks in. However, once you've used that free trial, you're out of luck. But this weekend only, Apple TV+ is opening its gates and letting you watch totally free.

On Jan 4 and 5, watch Apple TV+'s full library of movies and TV without a subscription. And this is no free trial that you have to remember to cancel. Here's how to watch Apple TV+ for free this weekend.

How to stream Apple TV+ for free

To take advantage of Apple TV+'s weekend of free streaming, all you need is an Apple ID login. Starting January 4, log into Apple TV+ and gain access to the streamer's full catalog of content. You don't need to have an existing membership, and even if you've used your free trial, you can still watch for free this weekend.

The free streaming event lasts until Sunday, January 5. After that, you'll need to subscribe to Apple TV+ for $9.99 a month.

What to watch on Apple TV+

Founded in 2019, Apple TV+ shot to prominence in 2020 with its hit show Ted Lasso, which garnered major awards attention at the Emmys and Golden Globes during its three season run. Since its first TV success, Apple TV+ has captured film audiences too with CODA, which won Best Picture at the 94th Academy Awards.

Other favorites on the streaming service include Presumed Innocent, Shrinking, Slow Horses, Silo, and the eery workplace drama Severance that has fans eagerly waiting for its season two premiere on Jan. 17.

So if after your big 2024 holiday celebrations you're looking to kick off 2025 with a weekend on the couch, Apple TV+ is here to assist with hours of content to binge free.

Spend $50 on cleaning essentials and get $15 back in Amazon credits

Mashable - Tue, 12/31/2024 - 10:06

SAVE $15: As of Dec. 31, you can score a $15 Amazon credit when you spend $50 on select products, like paper towels and laundry detergent. Just fill your cart and use the promo code STOCKUPSAVE at checkout.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Spend $50 and get $15 Amazon credit Use promo code STOCKUPSAVE at checkout Get Deal

We're just 14 hours and some change away from the official start of the new year, and Amazon's using it as an opportunity to clear out some of its cleaning supplies inventory with a promotion that'll put a little extra cash in your pocket.

Right now, if you spend $50 or more on eligible everyday essentials from brands like Clorox, Lysol, Scrubbing Bubbles, and more, you'll get $15 back in the form of an Amazon credit. Just enter the code STOCKUPSAVE at checkout.

SEE ALSO: This $70 cleaning hack takes all of the elbow grease out of scrubbing

This is a limited-time offer, so you might want to take advantage of it sooner rather than later. The credit expires on June 30, 2025, and there are a few other things you should know:

  • Sold by Amazon only: Make sure the products are sold by Amazon.com or Amazon Digital Services LLC (look for "sold by Amazon.com" or "sold by Amazon Digital Services LLC" on the product detail page).

  • One per customer: This offer is limited to one per customer and account.

  • No returns: If any of the products related to this offer are returned, your refund will equal the amount you paid for the product, and you'll lose the promotional credit.

If you're planning on stocking up on household cleaning supplies or other essentials, this could be a nice little bonus to tack onto your purchase.

How to watch Los Angeles Clippers vs. San Antonio Spurs online

Mashable - Tue, 12/31/2024 - 09:24

TL;DR: Live stream Los Angeles Clippers vs. San Antonio Spurs in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.

The Los Angeles Clippers head to Frost Bank Center to face the San Antonio Spurs in a Western Conference matchup. The Clippers are in sixth place in the west, with an 18-13 record. The Spurs are in tenth place, with a 16-16 record.

The Clippers have won four of their last five games, including three consecutive wins over the New Orleans Pelicans, Golden State Warriors, and Memphis Grizzlies. The Spurs have won three of their last five games, and are coming off a win over the Brooklyn Nets.

When is Los Angeles Clippers vs. San Antonio Spurs?

Los Angeles Clippers vs. San Antonio Spurs in the NBA starts at 7 p.m. ET on Dec. 31. This game takes place at Frost Bank Center in Phoenix.

How to watch Los Angeles Clippers vs. San Antonio Spurs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Live stream Los Angeles Clippers vs. San Antonio Spurs for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Sign in to your favorite streaming app

  5. Watch Los Angeles Clippers vs. San Antonio Spurs 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 VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Los Angeles Clippers vs. San Antonio Spurs before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Los Angeles Clippers vs. San Antonio Spurs in the NBA with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Memphis Grizzlies vs. Phoenix Suns online to wrap up 2024

Mashable - Tue, 12/31/2024 - 09:23

TL;DR: Live stream Memphis Grizzlies vs. Phoenix Suns in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.

The Memphis Grizzlies head to Footprint Center to face the Phoenix Suns in a Western Conference matchup. The Grizzlies are in second place in the west with a 22-11 record. The Suns are not faring as well, in 11th place with a 15-16 record.

The Grizzlies have won four of their last five games, including back-to-back wins over the New Orleans Pelicans and Toronto Raptors. The Suns have lost four of their last five games, including back-to-back losses to the Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks.

When is Memphis Grizzlies vs. Phoenix Suns?

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Phoenix Suns in the NBA starts at 9 p.m. ET on Dec. 31. This game takes place at Footprint Center in Phoenix.

How to watch Memphis Grizzlies vs. Phoenix Suns

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to watch Grizzlies vs. Suns from anywhere in the world

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

Live stream Memphis Grizzlies vs. Phoenix Suns for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Sign in to your favorite streaming app

  5. Watch Memphis Grizzlies vs. Phoenix Suns 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 VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Memphis Grizzlies vs. Phoenix Suns before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Memphis Grizzlies vs. Phoenix Suns in the NBA with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Toronto Raptors vs. Boston Celtics online

Mashable - Tue, 12/31/2024 - 09:21

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

The Toronto Raptors head to TD Garden to face the Boston Celtics in an Atlantic division matchup. The Raptors are struggling with a 7-25 record, in second to last place in the Eastern conference. The Celtics are the opposite, with a 23-9 record, in second place.

The Raptors have lost a whopping ten straight games, including four consecutive road losses. The Celtics have lost three of their last give games, but are coming off a win over the Indiana Pacers.

When is Toronto Raptors vs. Boston Celtics?

Toronto Raptors vs. Boston Celtics in the NBA starts at 3 p.m. ET on Dec. 31. This game takes place at TD Garden in Boston.

This game will air on NBA TV.

How to watch Toronto Raptors vs. Boston Celtics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Live stream Toronto Raptors vs. Boston Celtics for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Sign in to your favorite streaming app

  5. Watch Toronto Raptors vs. Boston Celtics 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 VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Toronto Raptors vs. Boston Celtics before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Toronto Raptors vs. Boston Celtics in the NBA with ExpressVPN.

Volkswagen leak exposed location of 800,000 electric car drivers for months

Mashable - Tue, 12/31/2024 - 08:53

A data leak at Volkswagen software subsidiary Cariad exposed personal data, including location data, of hundreds of thousands of electric vehicle owners, according to a report from Der Spiegel.

The leak was discovered by an unnamed whistleblower, who shared the vulnerability with the Chaos Computer Club (a European hacker association) and Der Spiegel. The outlet was then able to test that the leak is real by tracking the cars of German politicians Nadja Weippert and Markus Grübel, who agreed to have their data accessed by reporters.

SEE ALSO: CES 2025: 5 car trends we expect to see

The leak affected roughly 800,000 Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, and Skoda electric cars, but for roughly 460,000 of them, including Volkswagen's ID.3 and ID.4 models, the data was very detailed, and included locations where the car was switched on and off.

According to the report, accessing this data was fairly easy and did not require very complex hacking methods. The data was apparently stored in unprotected and unencrypted Amazon cloud storage.

Some of the people affected by the leak include German politicians, business leaders, and the Hamburg police.

Der Spiegel notified Cariad about the leak, which was subsequently patched. Fortunately, while the leak enabled basically anyone to track EV owners' locations for months, there is no evidence of anyone having done that. Cariad told Der Spiegel that EV owners don't need to take any steps to protect their data from prying eyes.

As for Volkswagen, the company claims that accessing the data was not as easy as it seemed, and that it required "a high level of expertise and a considerable investment of time."

SEE ALSO: Volkswagen makes huge bet on electric vehicles

Still, this is a major embarrassment for the German automaker, which has barely recovered from the 2015 Dieselgate scandal, in which it was discovered that the company programmed some of its diesel engines to show lower emissions during laboratory testing than they would have in normal use. The new data leak probably won't help Volkswagen's EV sales, which haven't been great in recent months.

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for December 31, 2024

Mashable - Tue, 12/31/2024 - 05:39

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, December 31, 2024:

AcrossDashboard device for filming, casually
  • The answer is Cam.

Dashboard device for rocking out
  • The answer is Radio.

Cozy slippers brand with a nut in its logo
  • The answer is Acorn.

"___ … two …"
  • The answer is Three.

Finale
  • The answer is End.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 31, 2024 DownComputer memory storage
  • The answer is Cache.

Bedeck
  • The answer is Adorn.

Stuck in deep mud
  • The answer is Mired.

Chinese zodiac animal
  • The answer is Rat.

"… ___ … happy new year!"
  • The answer is One.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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

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

Apples next Magic Mouse might come with voice control

Mashable - Tue, 12/31/2024 - 05:06

Apple is working on an overhauled Magic Mouse, and it might come with a few surprises.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman recently wrote that Apple is getting the new Magic Mouse ready with an updated design, including a new placement for the charging port. The port, which is currently located at the bottom of the mouse, has long incited laughter from Apple fans and haters alike due to its inconvenience. The new Magic Mouse could arrive in the next 12 to 18 months, said Gurman.

But now, a new report out of Korea by leaker known as yeux1122 claims that the new Mouse will also support voice commands. The report says the device will launch in 2026, roughly in line with Gurman's predictions.

Gurman chimed in on X, saying that voice control on the Magic Mouse "makes sense in light of AI." He said that the "big focus," however, is on "ergonomics and gestures," including a "relocated" USB-C charging port.

Tweet may have been deleted

"I'd expect a new keyboard too," wrote Gurman.

SEE ALSO: Apple pulls iPhone SE and iPhone 14 from stores in the EU

Take all of this with a grain of salt. The report from Korea might just be incorrectly translated original report from Gurman. It does make us wonder, however, what kind of new features will start making sense on traditional products such as mouse and keyboard in the AI era.

Home Beauty Device Trends

NYT Technology - Tue, 12/31/2024 - 05:00
As the science of skin care continues to expand, some of those advances have landed directly in consumers’ hands. Is that a good thing?

See 2024 New Year’s Eve fireworks, 2025 countdown livestreams around the world

Mashable - Tue, 12/31/2024 - 05:00

From Sydney's iconic harbor to Times Square’s digital ball drop, New Year’s Eve is a global celebration of light and very, very loud fireworks.

As we transition into 2025, the countdown is going digital like never before. Cities across the globe are preparing to light up the night, with live streams offering a front-row seat to the fireworks — letting you experience the dazzle of Dubai’s skyscrapers or Tokyo’s high-tech countdown from wherever you are.

Here’s your guide to a New Year's Eve virtual passport to help ring in 2025, one time zone at a time.

New Year's Eve fireworks live streams

Time zones can be confusing, but understanding them is key to tracking New Year’s Eve celebrations as they roll across the globe.

Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is the world’s standard time system and each location’s time zone is measured as an offset from UTC. For example, UTC+0 includes cities like London, meaning their clocks align exactly with UTC. Cities to the east, like Dubai (UTC+4), are ahead of UTC, celebrating earlier, while those to the west, like New York City (UTC-5), are behind, ringing in the New Year hours later.

Starting at UTC+14 in Kiritimati (a tiny island country in the Micronesia region of Oceania and the first to celebrate) and ending in Hawaii at UTC-10 (the last), this time zone progression lets us follow the global party as midnight strikes in each region. You can also find a global list of live cams on Earthcam.com.

UTC +12:00

UTC +11:00

UTC +9:00

UTC +8:00

UTC +7:00

UTC +5:30

UTC +4:00

UTC +2:00

UTC +1:00

UTC 0:00

UTC -3:00

UTC -5:00

UTC -10:00

Pages

Subscribe to Page Integrity, Inc. aggregator