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Anora, winner of the Palme d'Or at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, is flooding award nomination lists this season. And we couldn't be more thrilled. A Cinderella story that doesn't quite go the way you'd expect, Anora is our favorite film of the year. It's already secured nominations for Best Picture at the Critics Choice Awards and Golden Globes, and we wouldn't be surprised if it nabbed the Oscar nomination as well.
As of Dec. 17, it's gracing the small screen for all to see. Here's everything you need to know to watch Anora at home.
What is Anora about?Mikey Madison stars as sex worker Anora — call her Ani — whose professional relationship with her young Russian client Ivan (Mark Eydelshtyen), the son of an oligarch, quickly turns into a wedding in Vegas. Ivan's wealthy parents aren't thrilled with the news and they make a visit to Brooklyn, alongside their cronies, to try to put an end to the marriage. It's up to Ani to fight for what she wants. "To borrow from another 2024 cinematic sex worker — she will not accept a life she does not deserve," Mashable film editor Kristy Puchko summarizes.
Check out the official trailer for a sneak peek:
Is Anora worth watching?Not only do we think Anora is one of indie writer/director Sean Baker's best films yet, but we also think it's the best movie of 2024. "Anora is magnificently alive. Madison is its shining star, her charisma absolute as she wields a Brooklyn accent like a whip to dazzle with or wreak havoc as she sees fit," Mashable's Kristy Puchko writes in her review, adding that it's "as bold as it is brilliant." Other critics largely agree, with the film earning a glowing 96 percent critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 90 percent audience rating.
It's nominated in the major categories at both the Critics Choice Awards and Golden Globes, so it wouldn't be a stretch to say it's an Oscar contender. Get ahead of the hype and watch it before awards season really kicks off — we can't recommend it enough.
Check out our full review of Anora.
How to watch Anora at home Credit: NEONIf you skipped the big screen, you're in luck. Anora is now officially available to watch at home as of Dec. 17. You can purchase it for your digital collection through on demand retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV. It will also be available to rent at a later date. If you'd rather wait and stream the film, keep reading for more information.
Here are some of the platforms where you can purchase the film online:
Prime Video — $19.99
Apple TV — $19.99
Fandango at Home (Vudu) — $19.99
YouTube — $19.99
Google Play — $19.99
There's no official streaming date yet for Anora, but since the indie film distributor Neon has a deal with Hulu, we expect the film to make its streaming debut on the service sometime early next year. Based on the release schedule of previous Neon hits like Cuckoo and Immaculate, we expect that Anora will likely hit Hulu in March — but we'll keep you updated as soon as we know for sure.
You can set yourself up for success by signing up for Hulu ahead of time. It's surprisingly one of the most generous streamers for newbies, as it offers a free 30-day trial. Subscriptions start at $9.99 per month, but we've also rounded up a few different ways you can save on your subscription below.
The best Hulu streaming dealsBest Hulu deal for most people: Hulu annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu (with ads) annual subscription $99.99 per year (save 16%) Get DealInstead of paying $9.99 per month for Hulu (with ads), which adds up to $119.88 in a year, you can opt for an annual subscription and save 16%. A yearly subscription, paid up front, costs just $99.99, which drops the monthly fee down to just $8.33 per month. It's the best way to keep more money in your pocket in the long run.
Best bundle deal: Get Hulu and Disney+ for 37% off Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu / Disney+ Duo Basic bundle: Hulu and Disney+ with ads $10.99 per month (save 45%) Get DealWant the most bang for your buck? Opt for a bundle plan. You can sign up for the Disney Duo Basic bundle and get both Disney+ and Hulu (with ads) for $10.99 per month. That's just $1 more than paying for Hulu alone, or a savings of 45%. If you're a sports fan, you can also throw ESPN+ into the mix for only $16.99 per month total. That's 47% in savings on all three services.
Best for students: Hulu Student Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu Student $1.99 per month (save 80%) Get DealStudents looking to stream Anora and other Neon hits can sign up for Hulu for only $1.99 per month. That's 80% off the usual cost of a Hulu with ads plan. The only requirement is that you can verify your college email address using SheerID.
Best for T-Mobile users: Hulu (with ads) included for one year for Go5G Next customers Opens in a new window Credit: T-Mobile / Hulu Hulu (with ads) Free for select T-Mobile customers Get DealOne of the best ways to get free streaming services, including Hulu, is to switch your phone plan to T-Mobile's Go5G Next plan. Customers on this plan can enjoy Hulu with ads for free (as well as Netflix and Apple TV+). If you're already on the Go5G Next plan, just head over to the T-Mobile promo page and choose "redeem now" to claim your offer. You'll have to enter your T-Mobile number and account details in order to sign up for Hulu.
Note: After your initial 12-month promotional period, you'll also have to take action in order to keep your subscription alive.
Writer/director Barry Jenkins has proved himself as a passionate filmmaker through such gorgeous, human dramas as the San Francisco-set love story Medicine for Melancholy, the Best Picture-winning coming-of-age tale Moonlight, and the poignant adaptation of James Baldwin's If Beale Street Could Talk. So, if anyone could course-correct Disney away from the dead-eyed CGI remake of 2019's The Lion King, it'd be Jenkins, right?
Mufasa: The Lion King might be the greatest challenge the filmmaker has ever faced. Gone are the gorgeous human faces from which his sophisticated lens captured emotions big and fragile. The dialogue here is not penned by him or translated from a celebrated playwright, but comes from Jeffrey D. Nathanson, whose credits include Speed 2: Cruise Control, Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull, and the "live-action" Lion King. The vibrant colors and enthralling animation style of the 1994 Disney animated classic have been chucked in favor of a more photorealistic look, draining Jenkins' previously bold palette. And because this is a prequel, there are requisites of plot and aesthetic that inherently confine the filmmaker's creativity.
SEE ALSO: The 25 best movies of 2024, and where to watch themSo, has Jenkins overcome all this to make a film worthy of his reputation? No, but he makes a noble effort.
Mufasa: The Lion King is a bunch of origin stories no one asked for. Credit: DisneyHave you ever wondered how Mufasa met Rafiki? How Zazu's morning reports came about? Where Rafiki got his signature walking stick or why Pride Rock looks like it does? No. Oh, well, this just got awkward. Yes, the main thrust of Mufasa: The Lion King is the backstory of how Mufasa came to be the King of the Pride Lands. But that doesn't stop this prequel from ham-fistedly shoving in additional lore to an eye-roll-worthy degree. The same attitude is taken with crudely wedging in popular characters — or at least cute and comedic ones — that have nothing to do with Mufasa's origins for some easy fan fodder.
As such, Mufasa begins with an adult Simba (Donald Glover) leaving his cub Kiara (Blue Ivy Carter) with babysitters Timon and Pumbaa (Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen), who swiftly cede storytelling duties to Rafiki (John Kani). From there, things get very Princess Bride, in that the story the mystic mandrill tells will be interrupted for Kiara to ask clarifying questions or for Timon and Pumbaa to deliver fart jokes or inexplicable pop culture references, including an allusion to The Lion King on Broadway. (Timon is furious he's a puppet in it.)
Credit: DisneyAmid these oft-irksome interruptions, the story of a young Mufasa takes shape both slowly and too swiftly. The Shakespearean gravitas of the original Lion King is lost amid the ruthlessly realistic animal faces that look mostly accurate aside from their mouths twisting to deliver lines like "I've always wanted a brother!"
The broad strokes of the plot are these: After a flash flood washes Mufasa far away from his homeland, he's rescued by a young, British-sounding prince/cub named Taka. After a rousing musical number, they decide they will be brothers (no matter what Taka's royal and xenophobic father says about "strays"). But when a pride of white-furred lions led by the fearsome Kiros (Mads Mikkelsen, because of course Mads Mikkelsen), a now-adolescent Mufasa (Rebel Ridge's Aaron Pierre) flees with Taka (Chevalier's Kelvin Harrison Jr.) to preserve the royal bloodline, heading for the mythical lands of Milele. Along the way, the pair will meet several familiar Lion King characters, before revealing the most telegraphed plot twist in all Disney history.
Mufasa: The Lion King brings together an astounding cast and Lin Manuel-Miranda as lyricist. Credit: DisneyTo Jenkins' credit, his cast is full of phenomenal talent. Pierre won praise earlier this year for his grounded and gritty action-hero turn in the hard-hitting thriller Rebel Ridge. Harrison Jr. has awed in critically heralded dramas like Luce and Waves, Joe Wright's adaptation of Cyrano, and the achingly underseen but moving biopic Chevalier. Also in the mix voicing lions are Emmy winner Thandiwe Newton (Westworld), BAFTA winner Lennie James (Save Me), Anika Noni Rose (aka the voice of Princess Tiana in The Princess and the Frog), Keith David (Dr. Facilier in The Princess and the Frog), and Folake Olowofoyeku (Bob Hearts Abishola). Plus, from 2019's The Lion King, Jenkins inherited Glover, Rogen, Eichner, Kani, and Beyoncé as Nala, who shares a brief scene with her real-life daughter Blue Ivy Carter, playing Kiara.
Collectively, this ensemble brings gravitas, emotions, and life into these characters. And new songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton, Moana, Encanto) deliver some welcomed joy amid the grim plotline of conquest, jealousy, and death. However, the songs here don't compare to Miranda's best, nor Elton John and Tim Rice's work in the original Lion King. Instead, much like the Miranda-less Moana 2, they feel like pale imitations of the original.
"I Always Wanted a Brother," sung as a duet of young Taka and young Mufasa, running about the other species of their terrain, echoes the youthful enthusiasm and naïveté of "I Just Can't Wait to Be King." Elsewhere, Mikkelsen delivers surly commitment and snarling cheek with the threatening "Bye Bye," but can't compare to Jeremy Irons' grandiose (and more cleverly written) "Be Prepared," an all-time best of Disney villain songs. The best of the soundtrack is "Tell Me It's You," sung by Aaron Pierre and Tiffany Boone, who voices Sarabi. "Can You Feel The Love Tonight," is undoubtedly hard to live up to, but actually hearing the lions at the song's center sing of their love is undeniably impactful, the hesitancy of their confessions of love playing out in a rushing, winsome song. But there's one big enemy to creativity that this could-have-been epic collaboration of talents can't overcome.
Mufasa: The Lion King is dragged down by the "live-action" aesthetic. Credit: DisneyI can't get past it, not in 2019 and not now. The decision to make a "live-action" Lion King binds the filmmaker to an animation style that bleeds away so much of the expressiveness that makes this medium a place for the impossible. Imagination is drowned in place of photorealism, which brings nothing interesting or exciting to these films. This pursuit of naturalism robs Jenkins of the freedom to play with color, as he did so memorably and movingly in Moonlight and If Beale Street Could Talk. Here, aside from splotches of occasional flowers, his lions live in a world of neutral colors. And perhaps it's a world gorgeously rendered, but the constantly moving "camera" won't allow you to linger on anything.
The shots in Mufasa: The Lion King are short and always moving. Watching the film on 3D IMAX, I realized I couldn't focus my eyes on anything, not because of the glasses, or some projection issue, but because nothing stayed consistently in frame for more than five or seven seconds. The eyes of the lion, the arc of a distinctive tree, the feathers of a soaring bird. I tried again and again to focus my eyes and take in natural wonders Disney has clearly spent plenty on recreating, but the constant prowling of the camera makes taking in such elements impossible to savor.
Perhaps Jenkins and director of photography James Laxton (Moonlight! If Beale Street Could Talk!) were looking to recreate the sense of a lion on the move, constantly swerving the camera to take things in. Or maybe they were keeping things moving to hide the seams of a world that strives for realism and falls short of the awe evoked by actual nature? Either way, it's disappointing. Mufasa: The Lion King is not the eyesore of its predecessor. The sparkling clear eyes of cub Kiara alone prove that point. But neither is it the awe-inspiring vision of the 1994 original.
Faced with the fan service expectations demanded of sequels and the soul-crushingly uninspired "live-action" animation style, Jenkins strove to break through with radiant human talent, swelling song numbers, and a physical point-of-view that perhaps allows the audience to feel part of the pride. But his swipes at originality are swallowed by so much IP. In the end, Mufasa: The Lion King is periodically entertaining but falls far short of reaching the heights of the original.
Apple's Home app is about to get more handy.
At least, that's according to the first developer beta for iOS 18.3. Per Aaron Perris on X (via 9to5Mac) Apple launched the first beta for the next iOS build this week, which notably features support for robot vacuums in the Home app. In case you don't know, that's Apple's all-in-one mobile app for controlling supported smart home devices, whether they were made by Apple or come from an authorized third-party.
SEE ALSO: Apple is finally getting serious about foldable devices, reports sayIf this does indeed come to pass when iOS 18.3 theoretically launches early next year, expect to be able to control and monitor your robot vacuum from an iPhone. Apple says you will be able to control its power and cleaning functions through the app, as well as give requests via Siri. There's no real info about which robot vacuums will be included, though. It should be noted that Apple doesn't currently make one of its own, so all the supported options will have to be third-party devices.
But at least you'll potentially be able to control the one you have from the same app that you use to control all your other smart home devices soon.
SAVE $40: Snag the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids for just $149.99 ahead of Christmas. That saves $40 for 21% off.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids $149.99 at AmazonWith the holidays creeping up, it's time to kick things into high gear and find last minute gifts guaranteed to arrive in time for Christmas. If you're buying for a kid in your life, and stumped on the hot ticket items, look to the Kindle Paperwhite Kids. It's no secret that Kindles are our favorite e-readers, and if you're purchasing for a kid, the Paperwhite Kids is the best option.
Compared to the standard Kindle Paperwhite, the Paperwhite Kids is heftier, weighing 11.6 oz compared to the Paperwhite's 7.4 oz. The extra weight gives it a sturdier build that can stand up to the antics of a kids rough and tumble lifestyle. It's ad-free, so no ads or games will distract young readers from their books.
It comes with built-in parental controls so you can monitor what your kiddo is reading. However, the Kindle Paperwhite Kids comes with six months of Amazon Kids+ that provides access to a library of age-appropriate books.
Ahead of the holidays, you can find the Kindle Paperwhite Kids for just $149.99, saving $40 for 21% off. And the best news? It will arrive in time for Christmas.
SAVE $17: As of Dec. 17, get Super Mario Bros. Wonder for Nintendo Switch for just $42.99 at Woot, down from its usual price of $59.99. That's a discount of 28%.
Opens in a new window Credit: Woot 'Super Mario Bros. Wonder' $42.99 at Woot'Tis the season to buy and play more video games. Whether you're planning on gifting a console to someone this year or you want to stock up on some new games as a gift to yourself, saving money is never a bad idea. You can get one of the Nintendo Switch's best Mario games right now at a great price at Woot.
As of Dec. 17, you can get Super Mario Bros. Wonder for Nintendo Switch for just $42.99, down from its usual price of $59.99. That's $17 off, or a discount of 28%. This price is for the physical copy of the game, not a digital code, so you'll have to wait for it to be shipped to you.
SEE ALSO: Looking for a solid gaming TV deal? The LG B4 55-inch OLED TV is $400 off.This Mario adventure is one of the most exciting games to be added to the long list of platformers starring everyone's favorite plumber. You'll explore the Flower Kingdom in this outing, all while collecting Wonder Flowers that give Mario and friends exciting and unique abilities. They might bring pipes to life, send enemies charging through stages, or make things, well, trippy. You'll have to see it to believe it, really.
You don't have to play as just Mario, though. The whole crew's along for the ride, including Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, and others. And this time around, there's also a new power-up to use, like the Elephant Fruit. It's exactly what you probably think it is: it transforms Mario and the gang into elephants for some unique puzzles involving trunks, water, and other elephant-like shenanigans.
It's a blast, especially with other people. If you haven't yet tried it out, or just want to add a new Switch game to your collection, it's worth the entry price – and it also makes a great last-minute gift for the gamers in your life.
T-Mobile is starting to roll out Starlink access for satellite connectivity in dead zones.
On Monday, the telecom company shared that it has opened registration for a Starlink beta program. All T-Mobile customers can register to join the beta program and test out the satellite messaging feature. But spaces are limited, and T-Mobile is prioritizing first responder individuals and organizations, said the announcement.
SEE ALSO: T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon were all tested for speed. Which one won?The T-Mobile Starlink beta program comes a month after the satellite-to-phone service received approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The regulatory framework for providing satellite coverage involved making sure it didn't interfere with networks provided by cell towers. But the FCC is fully on board with a space solution to supplement earthly coverage areas. "The FCC is actively promoting competition in the space economy by supporting more partnerships between terrestrial mobile carriers and satellite operators to deliver on a single network future that will put an end to mobile dead zones," said FCC Chairperson Jessica Rosenworcel.
Previously, the FCC granted Starlink "special temporary authority" to provide a free trial of emergency satellite texting to T-Mobile users impacted by Hurricane Helene and Milton.
Soon, T-Mobile customers will be able to have this kind of broad access all the time. T-Mobile and Starlink coverage aims to provide connectivity to over half a million square miles of remote areas that can't be access otherwise. "T-Mobile Starlink is the first major low-earth orbit constellation in the world paired with terrestrial cellular spectrum, making the phone in your pocket work in areas of the U.S. that have never, and probably never will, have ground based coverage," said Mike Katz, president of Marketing, Strategy and Products.
The beta program will initially support just texting, but voice and data will eventually be a part of future service.
Dec. 19th, Hydro Flask water bottles are on sale for up to 50% off from retailers like Amazon, REI, and Hydro Flask.
A great water bottle is all-year round. Hydro Flask might have hydro right in the name, but these famous water bottles and tumblers are for far more than a icy draught of water on a hot July day. With thick insulation, they’ll keep your water drinkable in freezing weather or warm. Additionally, many are well-suited for hot beverages. The initiated grab their Hydro Flask whenever they leave home.
Hydro Flask water bottles make great gifts, and right now many of the most popular models are on sale, making them great picks for last minute gifts. Shop now to find Hyrdo Flask water bottles and tumblers up to 50% off at retailers like Amazon, Hydro Flask, REI, and more.
Best Hydro Flask tumbler deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hydro Flask Hydro Flask Travel Tumbler $17.39 at AmazonTumblers are ever-popular. The Hydro Flask Travel Tumbler is built for days on the road. Chocked with insulation, it keeps beverages cold all day long and fits in drink holders, so it can ride out with you on the way to school and remain sippable for the drive home.
The 32 ounce Travel Tumbler is 50% off at Amazon. Order now and get this iconic tumbler for just $17.39.
SEE ALSO: Best Buy's Last Minute Savings event is bringing deals on everything from Bose headphones to KitchenAid stand mixers Best Hydro Flask deal for hot or cold Opens in a new window Credit: Hydro Flask Hydro Flask National Park Foundation 32 Ounce Wide Mouth - Zion $22.48 at Hydro FlaskKeep your coffee hot, your iced tea cold, and the preservation of America's natural spaces a topic of conversation with the National Park Foundation 32 Ounce Wide Mouth Hydro Flask water bottle. Printed with an image of Zion national park in orange, blue, and cream, this special edition water bottle honors American heritage.
This wide-mouth, screw top water bottle holds 32 ounces of liquid and is insulated for hot or cold beverages. At 50% off it's a great present for an outdoor enthusiast. If Zion doesn't call to your heart, this special edition parks water bottle is also available with other national parks graphics including Yellowstone.
If you want a water bottle that's made for straw-sipping but will never leak, then Hydro Flask's Flex Straw Cap water bottle is a perfect choice. With 24 ounces of carrying room, this water bottle totes big drinks. Vacuum sealed, it will keep drinks cold or hot — however, the straw is designed for cold drinks rather than warm so you might want to screw off the lid and skip the straw for hot coffee.
The Hydro Flask 24 Ounce Stainless Steel Standard Mouth Water Bottle with Flex Straw Cap is available for 50% off at Amazon. Order now and gift it for the holidays.
Hydro Flask Wide-Mouth Vacuum Water Bottle With Flex Straw Cap 32 Ounce — $32.93 $44.95 (save $12.02)
40 Ounce Travel Tumbler - Sugar Crush Limited Edition — $29.96 $39.95 (save $9.99)
Hydro Flask 32 Ounce Wide Mouth Flex Straw Water Bottle — $31.49 $44.99 (save $13.50)
Hydro Flask 2pc Coffee Mug Set Trillium — $34.99 $49.99 ($15.00)
If you're a last-minute holiday shopper (guilty), you'll be happy to know there are still tons of deals at Amazon just waiting around for you to add to your cart. Sure, they're not quite at Black Friday level, but they're still definitely worth grabbing. Brands like Kindle, Fitbit, HP, and Amazon Echo are still offering discounts up to 43% as of Dec. 17 — and we've rounded up the best ones.
Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If none of these are your cup of tea, be sure to take a peek at our selections from Dec. 16 as well. Most of those deals are still live, including nearly half-price Beats Studio Buds.
Our top pick: Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus $199.99 at AmazonThe Amazon Fire TV Soundbar debuted last year as a budget-friendly way to upgrade your home theater experience. The Soundbar Plus, which just debuted last month, takes your setup to brand-new heights. Unlike the classic Fire TV Soundbar, the Soundbar Plus has a built-in subwoofer and offers Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and DTS TruVolume support. In other words, its all-in-one design makes for truly immersive audio. It packs three full-range speakers, three tweeters, and two woofers to pump out sound in every direction. If you already have a Fire TV or a Fire TV Stick, it's a perfect companion. You can even use the same remote to control both. As of Dec. 17, it's on sale for the first time ever. Snag it for just $199.99 instead of $249.99 ahead of the holidays.
Amazon Echo Show 8 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Show 8 $84.99 at AmazonThe latest Echo Show 8, released last year, improves all of the things we already loved about its predecessor. It packs a centered 13MP front camera for clearer calls, spatial audio for more enjoyable listening, and a dynamic interface that adjust based on your distance to the device. And like the previous generation, it can still be used as a central hub for everything from controlling your security cameras and lights to making video calls and streaming your favorite shows. As of Dec. 17, you can scoop it up for just $84.99 instead of $149.99. That's 43% in savings and just $5 shy of its best-ever price from Black Friday.
Kindle Kids Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle Kids $109.99 at AmazonJust like the classic Kindle, but built with young readers in mind, the Kindle Kids is the most budget-friendly option for your little ones. While it doesn't offer the waterproof build and adjustable warm light like the Paperwhite Kids, it's still a solid pick for an e-reader. It features a six-inch, glare-free display with 300 ppi for sharp resolution, adjustable front light, dark mode to prevent eye strain, and one year of unlimited access to Amazon Kids+. This subscription would normally run you $4.99 per month and includes thousands of ad-free books and a Vocabulary Builder, where kids can look up definitions and learn new words. It's usually $129.99, but you can snag the new Kindle Kids for only $109.99 as of Dec. 17.
HP Sprocket 3x4 instant photo printer Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP Sprocket 3x4 instant smartphone photo printer $110.49 at AmazonWhether you're looking for a unique gift idea or a creative way to capture holiday memories, the HP Sprocket is a fun option. With a few taps on your phone, it pumps out 3-by-4-inch sticky-back photos you can customize with stickers, borders, filters, and other effects. No need to buy ink; this tiny printer uses zero-ink (Zink) technology on tear-resistant, waterproof, and blot-proof paper. It works with both iOS and Android devices, is extremely light and portable, and lets you print from your device's gallery as well as your Instagram, Facebook, and Google accounts. Our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) gave it four stars, writing that "the Sprocket 3x4 will land in your portable-printer Goldilocks zone."
It's usually $149.99, but as of Dec. 17, you can snag it for only $110.49. That's 26% in savings.
Fitbit Charge 6 Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Charge 6 $119.95 at AmazonOne of our readers' top purchases during Cyber Week, the Fitbit Charge 6 is back on sale in time for last-minute shoppers to snag. As far as fitness trackers go, it checks all the right boxes. It packs a seven-day battery life, 40+ exercise modes, heart rate, step, sleep, and stress tracking, making it a solid choice if you're looking to improve your health and habits. It also comes with six months of Fitbit Premium to help you really kickstart your fitness routine.
sAs of Dec. 17, it's just $119.95 instead of $159.95. That's 25% in savings. While that's not quite as cheap as it was on Black Friday, it certainly still beats paying full price.
None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.
SAVE $120: The Dec. 17 Best Buy Drop of the day is the Litter-Robot 4 Self-Cleaning Litter Box Core Accessories Bundle. Usually $799, the Litter-Robot 4 is now on sale for $679 ($120 in savings) as long as you go through the Best Buy mobile app.
Opens in a new window Credit: Whisker Whisker Litter-Robot 4 Self-Cleaning Litter Box Core Accessories Bundle $679.00 at Best BuyCat parents share countless universal experiences, but hosting around the holidays spotlights one in particular: the dread that your cat will poop in its litter box in the room right next to where all the people are standing.
If you've been considering switching to an automatic litter box for this exact reason, Best Buy has a last-minute holiday deal that should be your sign to make the investment. The Best Buy Drop of the day for Dec. 17 is the Litter-Robot 4 Self-Cleaning Litter Box Core Accessories Bundle for $679 — a savings of $120 that beats the $100 discount that Whisker litter box bundles were seeing during Black Friday.
Wait, what's Best Buy Drops? The "Drops" tab at the top of the Best Buy mobile app is a running list of items that Best Buy is dropping that week, which are often big name products getting a rare discount that likely won't be found elsewhere. (Past Drops have included the Shark FlexStyle, Samsung's The Frame, or the PS5 Slim Edition — and the M2 iPad Air is the Drop coming up on Dec. 20.) Here, shoppers can preview which items are coming on which day so that they're ready to hit "add to cart" when each deal goes live at 11 a.m. ET on its respective day. Once one goes live, a status bar keeps track of how much inventory is left for that item. This could last anywhere from a few seconds to a few hours, depending on popularity.
SEE ALSO: https://mashable.com/review/litter-robot-4-reviewHaving to move so quickly during the Drops rush can make the purchase feel impulsive, especially when the splurge is more than a few hundred dollars. But if you have the budget, I'm here to tell you that you won't regret your self-scooping litter box purchase. While I personally haven't tried a Litter-Robot specifically, I do live in a two-cat, two-automatic litter box household, and those litter boxes being able to scoop themselves has saved me so much time and stress. That's stress over the smell, which is kept at bay for a week or two at a time, and stress over planning when I'm going to be away from home. Whether it's a quick day trip or several days away, not having to beg my roommates to manually scoop or force my cats to live in their own filth has been such a game changer. And no, my cats aren't afraid of the automatic litter boxes at all.
My most similar litter box to the Litter-Robot 4 is the $699.99 Leo's Loo Too, which features the same spin and sift set up that separates clumped litter pieces into a waste drawer in the bottom. Your cat may or may not like the fact that the Litter-Robot's opening is much wider than that of Leo's Loo Too (some cats find the bigger hole intimidating). On the subject of entering and exiting the box, the mini ramp shown in many Litter-Robot photos would be a reason to go the Litter-Robot route if your cat has any type of mobility issues. It is sold separately for $65 at Litter-Robot, Target, Amazon, and more, but you can technically use the money you just saved with this Drop. (If your cats don't like the big egg-shaped design at all, I recommend the PetSafe ScoopFree.)
On top of the litter box itself, the Core Accessories a fence and litter trap mat to prevent litter tracking, 25 waste drawer liners (that you'll need to switch every week or so, depending on the number of cats using it). six OdorTrap packs, cleaning wipes, and a one-year warranty.
A green sea turtle, named Charlotte by rescuers, was struck by a boat back in 2008, in an accident which left him with with partial paralysis and “bubble butt syndrome" — an ailment where air trapped in the back of turtles’ shells makes their rears buoyant, impacting their ability to swim.
Charlotte was rescued by Connecticut's Mystic Aquarium, who collaborated with 3D printing companies Adia and Formlabs to develop a harness to help the turtle swim again. The team 3D-scanned Charlotte’s body and created a weight system that can be adjusted as air bubbles shift, tilting the turtle at different angles. The harness was completed in late 2024, using SLS 3D printers, some of the most accessible in the U.S., so that other aquariums can adopt the technology and print harnesses for more sea turtles.
Adia and New Balance are issuing a call for volunteers with experience in 3D printing, computational design, and materials science to help with future harnesses.
Google could soon add a feature that makes it super easy to learn about a file.
Rumors and reports online suggest that the tech giant could be working on a feature that'll let you attach a file then search within it, in order to then analyze the document.
SEE ALSO: Google Search AI Overviews at 6 months: Is the feature getting better?As spotted by Android Authority, this new, rumored tool from Google would let a user upload a file in the search bar with the familiar paperclip icon, then parse through that document. Users would be prompted to "ask anything about the file" via the regular Google search bar.
In effect, you could take any local file and comb through it via Google search, receiving answers with the help of AI. Of course you'd have to trust Google to keep your documents private and that its AI tools would spit out accurate responses.
The tool was spotted and posted on X and by Khushal Bherwani, an SEO analyst who frequently posts about this sort of thing of the social media site.
Tweet may have been deletedTo be clear, at the moment this is just a rumor and reports online. I was not able to access the tool, so perhaps this is just a test feature Google may never release to the public at large. But it could prove interesting should it ever become available to everyone.
SAVE $25 WHEN YOU SPEND $200: Thousands of outdoor and fitness products are included in this Amazon deal that'll save you $25 when you spend $200 or more on eligible items.
Best outdoor and fitness deals at Amazon Best camping deal Coleman Pack-Away Portable Camp Kitchen $85.68 at Amazon (save $29.31) Get Deal Best walking pad deal Lifepro Walking Pad Treadmill $271.99 at Amazon (save $68) Get Deal Best fitness deal Sunny Health & Fitness Under Desk Pedal Exerciser $188.08 at Amazon (save $81.91) Get DealIt might be the middle of December, but it's never a bad time to dream about upcoming camping trips. It's also the perfect time to invest in some indoor fitness equipment. With that in mind, it seems that Amazon knows us too well because the mega retailer has included thousands of outdoor and fitness products in a deal that'll save you $25 when you spend $200 or more.
Browse the options of Coleman camping gear to prep for the summer of 2025, or snag a walking pad to keep those steps up while we muddle through the chill of winter. There are also plenty of excellent gift options, like a 32-ounce Hydro Flask Travel Tumbler that's 50% off.
To cash in on this deal, shop before Dec. 22 at 11:59 pm PT, but if you're shopping for holiday gifts, it's best to shop ASAP so they'll arrive before Dec. 25.
Here are some of our top outdoor and fitness product recommendations that qualify for the sale.
Best camping deal Opens in a new window Credit: Coleman Coleman Pack-Away Portable Camp Kitchen $85.68 at AmazonThe Coleman Pack-Away Portable Camp Kitchen is one of the most useful pieces of equipment you can pack on a camping trip. Instead of struggling to find room on the picnic table or rearranging the campsite when it comes time to cook, have a dedicated and functional space with the Coleman Portable Camp Kitchen. Not only does it offer ample space for your camp stove or cooler, it includes a food prep area, utensil hooks, a mesh shelf for storage, and even a lantern holder.
The folding design that neatly fits into the included carrying case makes for a super convenient packing experience. Not only is it perfect for camping, it's great for tailgating and backyard parties.
More camping deals:Coleman Bottletop Propane Camping Stove — $29.79 $39.99 (save $10.20)
Coleman Multi-Purpose 190L LED Lantern — $31.99 $44.99 (save $13)
Therm-a-Rest Women's Trail Lite Sleeping Pad — $93.46 $114.95 (save $21.49)
Coleman Classic 3-Burner Propane Camping Stove — $199.99 $169.99 (save $50)
It's hard to keep the step count up while dealing with winter weather. Even if you don't mind the cold, it's often wet out, not to mention it's dark by the time work hours are over for the day. But the Lifepro Walking Pad Treadmill is a great way to keep fit while staying indoors during for the winter. Its compact design makes it ideal for using at home under your desk or in the living room.
The Lifepro walking pad's wheels make for easy transport between rooms in your home, and the included remote control makes starting, stopping, and adjusting the speed a breeze. Plus, the wooden colorway option give it a nicer visual appeal.
More walking pad and treadmill dealsUrevo Under Desk Treadmill — $119.99 $199.99 (save $80)
Acezoe 3-in-1 Portable Treadmill — $224.99 $259.99 (save $35)
Lifepro PawRunner Dog Treadmill — $339.99 $399.99 (save $60)
Cycling is one of those activities that's sadly just not that enjoyable in the cold rain. Instead, keep the cycling muscles in shape from the warmth and comfort of indoors thanks to the Sunny Health & Fitness Under Desk Pedal Exerciser. The super portable pedal exerciser means you can get some movement in while sitting at your desk or while catching up on movies over winter break.
The exerciser is also designed to be used for arm exercises, which makes this small but mighty machine a full-body workout.
More fitness dealsSunny Health & Fitness Row-N-Ride — $85.50 $129 (save $43.50)
Upreign Magnetic Rowing Machine — $167.99 $209.99 (save $42)
Sunny Health & Fitness Mini Fitness Trampoline — $199.99 $219.99 (save $20)
SAVE $39.96: As of Dec. 17, get a pair of Beats Studio Buds+ for $129.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 24%.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Beats Studio Buds+ $129.99 at AmazonTrying to find a last-minute gift that's perfect for just about anyone on your holiday list? Why not get a pair of earbuds? Anyone can appreciate music, or if they're more into podcasts, they can enjoy their favorite on the go with a great pair of buds. They can also be used for taking calls or jumping on calls or meetings at work. And there's a great brand that's on offer right now thanks to Amazon.
As of December 17, get a pair of transparent Beats Studio Buds+ for just $129.99 at Amazon. That's $39.96 off their usual price of $169.96 and a discount of 24%.
These earbuds are a great alternative to Apple AirPods, given that Beats is part of the Apple ecosystem. And you can't deny how cool they look with their transparent design, a decision that obviously more tech companies should decide to undertake again like it's the 2000s.
But on the tech side, these earbuds sound fantastic, whether you use them listen to Charli XCX or you log in to a Zoom call with them. They offer active noise cancelling and transparency modes for a custom listening experience, so you can block out the world or let the things in that matter. You also get up to 36 hours of listening time per charge, which means you can go all day and night pumping out the jams or even talking on the phone.
For the price, you're getting a stellar pair of headphones. But given how close the holidays are, you'll probably want to pick them up now instead of later to lock this price in.
SAVE UP TO 89% ON KINDLE BOOKS: Shop deals on Kindle books up to 89% off. Get bestsellers like Project Hail Mary for just $2.99, saving 80%, or Erik Larson's The Devil in the White City for $1.99, saving 89%.
The best Kindle book deals Best fiction deal 'Project Hail Mary' by Andy Weir $2.99 at Amazon (Save $17.01) Get Deal Best non-fiction deal 'The Devil in the White City' by Erik Larson $1.99 at Amazon (Save $16) Get Deal Best fantasy deal 'The Throne of Glass' by Sarah J. Maas $2.99 at Amazon (Save $12.21) Get Deal Best romance deal 'Hook, Line, and Sinker' by Tessa Bailey $1.99 at Amazon (Save $14) Get Deal Best Kindle deal Amazon Kindle Paperwhite $134.99 at Amazon (Save $25) Get DealAmazon stunned us all when they put their 2024 line-up of Kindles on sale during Black Friday. Luckily, leading up to the holidays, the deals have stopped. Not only can you still find the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite on sale for $134.99, but Kindle e-books are severely discounted.
Find fiction and non-fiction alive on sale for as low as $1.99. Bestsellers like Andy Weir's Project Hail Mary and Erik Larson's The Devil in the White City are up to 89% off. Shop Kindle e-books and stuff your Kindle's library.
Best book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 'Project Hail Mary' by Andy Weir $2.99 at AmazonBestselling author of The Martian, Andy Weir, is sending you back to space with Project Hail Mary. In this story of survival, astronaut Ryland Grace wakes up to find both his crewmates dead as their ship hurtles through space. Now, he's the sole survivor on their mission to save earth and all of humanity.
This propulsive sci-fi novel is being adapted into a movie starring Ryan Gosling in 2026, so add a copy to your Kindle library now. It's on sale in the Kindle Store for $2.99, saving you $17.01 for 85% off.
More Kindle book dealsA Heart That Works by Rob Delaney — $1.99 $18 (save $16.01)
Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton — $2.99 $19 (save $16.01)
The Boys by Katie Hafner — $1.99 $18 (save $16.01)
The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson — $1.99 $17.99 (save $16)
Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver — $2.99 $19.99 (save $17)
Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey — $1.99 $15.99 (save $14)
How to Stop Time by Matt Haig — $2.99 $18 (save $15.01)
In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware — $2.99 $17.99 (save $15)
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson — $2.99 $17 (save $14.01)
The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman — $2.99 $18 (save $16.01)
Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood — $1.99 $17 (save $15.01)
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia — $2.99 $17 (save $14.01)
Only When It's Us by Chloe Liese — $1.99 $17 (save $15.01)
The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan (The Kane Chronicles book one) — $1.99 $15.99 (save $14)
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas —$2.99 $15.20 (save $12.21)
Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel — $2.99 $17 (save $14.01)
The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert — $1.99 $18 (save $16.01)
Splinters by Leslie Jamison — $3.99 $29 (save $25.01)
The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan (The Kane Chronicles book two) — $1.99 $15.99 (save $14)
West with Giraffes by Lydia Rutledge — $2.99 $4.99 (save $2.50)
World Travel by Anthony Bourdain — $1.99 $22 (save $20.01)
Master suspense-spinner Steven Soderbergh puts his spin on Mr. & Mrs. Smith in Black Bag, an espionage thriller about two married spies, who turn on one another.
SEE ALSO: 2025 movie preview: All the films you'll want to know aboutWritten by David Koepp, who's previously collaborated with Soderbergh on the haunted house horror story Presence and the hi-tech thriller Kimi, Black Bag stars Cate Blanchett (Disclaimer) and Michael Fassbender (Kneecap) as intelligence agents Kathryn and George Woodhouse. For the most part, they manage to keep their work — which they know could very well put them at odds — separate from their marriage. But when Kathryn is suspected of betraying England, George will have to decide what comes first: his love or his country?
Black Bag also stars Marisa Abela (Industry), Regé-Jean Page (Bridgerton), Tom Burke (Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga), Naomie Harris (Venom: Let There Be Carnage), and former Bond, James Bond: Pierce Brosnan.
The digital age was built on connection. We started by rekindling old connections, like how the now-defunct Friends Reunited blossomed as one of the first UK social media platforms, allowing users to connect with those they'd lost touch with.
But platforms like Friends Reunited aren't needed in 2024 because cutting ties and losing connection is harder than ever. (The site did shut down in 2016). Our Facebook accounts are littered with hundreds of past friends from various touchstones. Our Instagram profiles have become a digital diary, logging every "notable" moment. Our following and followers alike boast friends, colleagues, and people we had one chat with at a house party six years ago, now fated to see what we eat for lunch for the rest of eternity.
SEE ALSO: What are the rules for blocking someone after a breakup?If a romantic or platonic relationship broke down even thirty years ago, you wouldn't be tethered by "following" them, or their friends and family. You wouldn't be at risk of seeing their face pop up on your TikTok FYP or their professional achievements on LinkedIn. You'd be at risk of running into them in a bar you frequent, at stores you both liked. Life updates would come via gossip, or when bumping into them, as many '90s sitcoms would make you believe happened daily. (Think of Carrie Bradshaw escaping New York only to bump into Big and his new wife, Natasha, with no idea he was even on the continent.) Such experiences feel impossible now, relics of another lifetime.
Is it possible to cut all ties when you break up today? Relationship experts believe that we can control our levels of connection to a certain degree, but whether we should stay tethered is still up for debate.
Spotting your ex on a dating appA mental checklist can form when a relationship ends: unfollow (if breakup is unamicable), delete photos, decide custody of streaming services, and check that DoorDash is set to your address. When you're ready, sign up for dating apps, as many people rely on them now. A few swipes in and there they are: your ex, also playing the field. Seeing your ex on dating apps can be difficult, and there are many ways to deal with it and attempt to avoid it.
Some dating apps have built-in ways to avoid those you may not wish to see. Hinge has a Block Contacts feature, allowing users to block people by giving the app access to their contact list, or manually inputting a contact. "Traditional" blocking is also available, preventing the user from seeing or being seen by anyone they wish to avoid.
Tinder similarly has a Block Contacts feature, too. Whilst Bumble does not, you can contact the support team to block those who have not currently matched. Both apps also offer blocking for accounts viewed or matched with. "Incognito" modes, allowing swiping without being seen by others, also exist within Tinder and Bumble.
Dr Jess Carbino, a former sociologist for Tinder and Bumble, hosted many focus groups with app users, finding that for some individuals "seeing their ex on the apps was often very painful" and for others, "seeing an ex on an app would be a source of anger if they believed that their ex did not portray themselves in a manner they thought was consistent with their reality of their ex."
Relationship experts who work at dating apps have yet to reach a consensus on tackling this issue, with each situation requiring a tailored response.
"Often, the best thing one can do to move on is to cut off all ties (at least in the beginning), but just because you may still come across their photos or dating profiles, it doesn't mean you need to engage with it," Dr Betsy Chung, relationship expert at RAW dating app, says.
Though seeing your ex "might help some people ease into the idea of seeing their ex as just another person in their network," says Katie Dissanayake, co-founder and CEO of dating app After, she recognises that "it can reopen wounds and make moving on much harder."
According to Shan Boodram, Bumble's sex and relationships expert, a recent Bumble survey found that 49 percent of Gen Z and millennial respondents would not stay in contact with their ex after a breakup, and nearly 40 percent get rid of all love letters, gifts, clothes, and photos immediately to help them move on. This includes removing any digital footprints of an ex if they see fit, and blocking or muting if needed.
"The best choice is the one that aligns with your boundaries and emotional needs," Boodram believes.
People from our lives can pop up in unexpected manners, exes or otherwise, whether we fall into the aforementioned 49 percent or not.
Exes reaching out on social mediaMultiple daters Mashable spoke to noted their digital footprint is tied to their business and professional life, making it difficult to cut communication channels. One source discussed blocking their website from access in the country in which their ex resided, recognising that a VPN could still render that effort moot. The digital era has provided new platforms and methods for harassment, with extensive advice available online to help those dealing with cyber-stalking from exes and otherwise.
Vanessa, 41, based in Illinois, has had "exes and ex-friends reach out to me on my Facebook business page after blocking them on all my personal pages." But even one-time flings have reached out, too: "A guy I made out with once dropped into my Facebook DMs after 9 years of not talking to him asking to buy me a coffee so we could 'bury the hatchet.'"
Sebastian, 27, based in Mexico City, is experiencing monitoring from an ex via Instagram stories. "This ex always sees my Instagram stories, she doesn't follow me anymore and I don't follow her. Unfortunately, my 16-year-old dog passed away last October and I uploaded a post and a story, she casually 'answered it' like, 'Oh, I don't know why this appeared on my timeline but I'm so sorry for your loss.' Of course, I take kindly the words but it is weird cause I know for a fact she always sees my stories cause I see her profile on my views," he says.
SEE ALSO: Why social media algorithms hurt after a breakupA pet was also a way for an anonymous source's ex to keep contact. The woman, who chose to be anonymous for privacy reasons, managed an Instagram account for her ex-girlfriend's pet when in a relationship. Years later, however, the ex began to attempt reconnection via DMs to said account, creating a source of distress.
"Thankfully, since then she hasn't contacted me again, but I don't doubt she's watching me and will at some point attempt contact again, although hopefully she's finally realized that trail is cold," she says. "The sad part is I miss the pet, and wish we could be friends so I could see them, but I've accepted that for my own mental health, that will never happen."
The positive side of social media post-breakupIt's not all bad, as online communities can help process breakups. Reddit's r/BreakUps has over 360,000 members as of publication, and whilst momentum has slowed (as of writing, the "hot" post of the day only has around 300 upvotes), there is still a community of support guiding, advising, and discussing breakups with others and taking back control.
"Ultimately, while the permanence of a digital footprint complicates breakups, it also challenges us to approach endings with empathy and self-awareness. A breakup in the digital age is less about erasing a person from your life and more about redefining their presence in it," says Leah Levi, sex and dating expert at the dating app Flure.
We may be too early in the digital age to conclusively if we can ever cut all ties in breakups, but we do have a modicum of control over our navigation and attitude, with recognition of the tools available to us, digital or not. It's down to us to cut the ties we can, messy or not, but none of it will remain foolproof. With the dating scene constantly changing and growing, what comes next is anyone's guess.
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