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On Dec. 27, 2024, NASA's Juno spacecraft swooped by the volcanic world Io. It witnessed a giant eruption.

As the space agency's basketball court-sized craft orbits Jupiter, it swings near the gas giant's intriguing moons, which allowed Juno to observe "a massive hot spot" near Io's south pole. Juno's JIRAM instrument, which can detect heat, observed a number of closely spaced hot spots, pointing to a giant eruption of lava from a vast underground chamber.

"The data supports that this is the most intense volcanic eruption ever recorded on Io," Alessandro Mura, a Juno scientist from the National Institute for Astrophysics in Rome, said in a statement.

SEE ALSO: Scientists discover a super-Earth. Something about it is strange.

But that's not all. Io, a realm about the size of Earth's moon but blanketed in hundreds of active volcanoes, is no normal place.

"This is the most powerful volcanic event ever recorded on the most volcanic world in our solar system — so that’s really saying something," said Scott Bolton, who leads the Juno mission.

This newly found volcanic feature covers an area of some 40,000 square miles, or 100,000 square kilometers. That smashes the previous record-holder, a feature called Loki Patera — considered the most active and persistent hot spot on Io — that hosts a lava lake spanning some 7,700 square miles (20,000 square kilometers).

The hot spot, which NASA notes is bigger than Lake Superior, is visible below.

The massive hot spot on Io viewed to the right of the moon's south pole. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / SwRI / ASI / INAF / JIRAM Surface changes seen in the location of the detected hot spot between April 9, 2024, and Dec. 27, 2024. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / SwRI / MSSS / Image processing by Jason Perry

Io is blanketed in erupting volcanoes because it's relentlessly locked in a tug-of-war between nearby objects, including the colossal Jupiter. "Not only is the biggest planet in the solar system forever pulling at it gravitationally, but so are Io’s Galilean siblings — Europa and the biggest moon in the solar system, Ganymede," NASA explained in a statement. "The result is that Io is continuously stretched and squeezed, actions linked to the creation of the lava seen erupting from its many volcanoes."

NASA's recent flybys of Io, however, have revealed that it likely doesn't contain a global magma ocean beneath its surface, as determined by new observations of the moon's gravity. Instead, each of Io's 400 or so volcanoes may harbor their own chamber of magma.

And NASA intends to further investigate this new site of prodigious volcanism. Juno will again fly by Io on March 3. Its cameras will be tuned to this compelling region of the moon, located some 484 million miles beyond Earth.

DeepSeek, this week's hit AI app out of China, won't replace teachers in the classroom anytime soon. As with any of its American rivals, the hallucination problem is still strong with this one.

But make no mistake, it is a teacher. With its significantly cheaper price, and a model that is comparable on benchmark tests to its smartest rivals, DeepSeek is already taking Silicon Valley giants to school.

No matter where Nvidia stock ends up after its current rollercoaster ride, the AI landscape beneath it has been permanently altered by DeepSeek. The wisest tech firms are the ones who will make adjustments while they still can.

Here are five main lessons that the rise of DeepSeek has already taught us.

American exceptionalism isn't a thing ...

Here was perhaps the biggest blind spot in Silicon Valley: Just because American companies have traditionally been at the head of the class when it comes to tech innovation, it was generally assumed that things would always stay that way.

SEE ALSO: What DeepSeek knows about you — and why it matters

China was a manufacturing powerhouse, and software engineers are increasingly in high demand there, but America has the design know-how and the entrepreneurial spirit that will win out every time, so no major changes are needed. Right?

Maybe someone in the U.S. AI industry should have asked someone in the U.S. auto industry how this complacent attitude to nimble overseas competitors worked out for them.

The U.S. may still have the world's largest GDP, but China's is still growing faster, and has been since 2020. The U.S. may be the investment capital of the world, but it seems Chinese hedge funds — like the one that bankrolled DeepSeek — can be just as disruptive.

DeepSeek "certainly isn't the end of the story of U.S. exceptionalism," one analyst told Yahoo Finance's Morning Brief on Monday. Perhaps not, but it could well be the beginning of the end. No American tech giant that hopes to survive the 21st century can afford to act like America is the greatest country on Earth just because it's America.

American protectionism shouldn't be a thing either.

The second lesson is also the result of misguided patriotism. DeepSeek is the kind of foreign leap forward that the U.S. government has been trying to avoid for years, no matter which president was in charge. The CHIPS act pushed by the Biden administration sought to keep powerful processor technology from companies like Nvidia out of Chinese hands; Chinese companies had built a massive stockpile of them already.

SEE ALSO: Meet Alibaba's Qwen 2.5, an AI model claiming to beat both DeepSeek and OpenAI's ChatGPT

Here's the thing about protectionism: most economists and tech experts have been telling us for years that it just doesn't work. If anything, the protectionist attitude of CHIPS seems to have woken a sleeping giant in China's homegrown AI infrastructure development; DeepSeek needed to work on fewer and less elaborate chipsets. Necessity is the mother of invention, no matter the country. Chinese companies have been looking for every edge possible — including making AI models open source, a key advantage to DeepSeek.

American companies can't even control how their own products are used abroad. Early versions of DeepSeek were reportedly built using Llama, the open-source Large Language Model created by Mark Zuckerberg's Meta. The internet, and all the information sharing it represents, keep on flattening the playing field for business. American tech giants don't exactly get an exemption for having built out the internet in the first place.

Building bigger isn't better.

Why did the sudden appearance of DeepSeek cause the stock market to hammer Nvidia? Because Nvidia chips are the centerpiece of a data center surge planned, at great environmental cost, by just about all the major tech companies (except Apple).

The main reason for this surge was to slake the thirst of increasingly popular AI models for processing power (not to mention literal thirst for a still unknown amount of water).

But the big surprise of DeepSeek is that it is, as they say in Silicon Valley, hella efficient. This suggest that there are still major innovations to be found on the software side, not the data center hardware side. LLMs can learn to work smarter, not harder.

This increases the likelihood that in the future, every company might get away with using its own homebrew AI model. Or even that open-source AI models might eventually get small enough to fit on a smartphone. (In which case: Nice one, Apple.)

In other words, U.S. AI companies assumed the answer was to build the tech equivalent of SUVs. China just built an electric motorbike that can go as fast as an SUV. And on these metaphorical roads, the lightest vehicle wins.

AI marketing means next to nothing.

Poor OpenAI. With much of its tech leadership quitting, the company doubled down on marketing; witness the slick "12 days of OpenAI" production, where Sora and a lot of incremental product tweaks were given a friendly, fun, multi-day online keynote sheen by Sam Altman and friends. At the holidays! Who doesn't love holidays? Who doesn't want their product in the marketplace for the holidays?

And which brainbox would be dumb enough to launch their hot new product at the dead end of January, with absolutely zilch in the way of marketing beyond a weird-looking dolphin logo? DeepSeek, that's who.

The app arrived with little fanfare during the inauguration; days later came its surprise benchmark results as reported by researchers. This made for eye-opening headlines, which in turn sent curious users to their respective app stores, which drove the stock market wild, which created more stories. That's the mysterious force called buzz, and DeepSeek has it like no product we've seen since ChatGPT in 2022.

At time of writing, DeepSeek leads both the Google Play chart and the App Store, as it has all week. In the latter, it has pushed ChatGPT and Google Gemini into silver and bronze medal positions respectively. The 1,400 reviews on the App Store are led by one where the user has given DeepSeek four stars out of five, calling the model "mind-blowing" but docking it one star because "it would be really helpful if it had a landscape mode."

In other words, we're already at the "this is so great I'm annoyed it isn't perfect in its first iteration" stage of DeepSeek fandom. There is no such thing as brand loyalty in AI consumer world. The level playing field of app stores reward the app that is the least hassle (including the hassle of paying for it) while performing at a level comparable to the industry leader.

We might distrust DeepSeek for its terms and conditions, but it's not like we trusted ChatGPT in the first place. In both cases, we're mesmerized by the way the thing itself can answer most of our questions. The wrapper matters little. And if that's the AI landscape going forward, what use is American-style marketing?

Superstar CEOs are getting in the way.

You might also ask: What use is treating Silicon Valley CEOs like rock stars, or vengeful gods, if DeepSeek was brought into existence by one of the most obscure, self-effacing guys on the face of the planet?

In the U.S., tech leaders have to work really hard not to get high on their own supply of hype. They see themselves on magazine covers constantly; they get really respectfully interviewed on amped-up business news shows. Readers and viewers tend to assume they have all the answers. Biographers encourage this view.

The myth of the Steve Jobs-like tech celebrity genius is everywhere; just don't look too closely at the details.

SEE ALSO: Genius or manchild? Reconsidering Steve Jobs after his daughter's book

But DeepSeek just shone a spotlight on this myth. While it was quietly gathering steam in the past week, what was U.S. AI leadership doing? Making empty announcements and bickering like children.

Trump and OpenAI's Project Stargate is still unclear about what it is, exactly, and where its supposed $500 million funding is coming from. The administration needed someone who looked like they knew what they were doing with AI, so they called in Sam Altman. But that upset fellow mercurial celebrity Elon Musk, who started feuding with Altman on social media.

Great job counteracting DeepSeek, guys, no notes. But seriously, if the little dolphin-logo app can help end the era where Silicon Valley followed the pronouncements of the latest cults of personality, that may be its hardest and best lesson of all.

Every way to watch 'Babygirl' at home: WATCH NOW Buy or rent 'Babygirl' on Prime Video $24.99 to buy, $19.99 to rent Get Deal WATCH NOW Buy or rent 'Babygirl' at Apple TV+ $24.99 to buy, $19.99 to rent Get Deal WATCH LATER Max (With Ads) annual subscription $99.99 per year (save 16%) Get Deal WATCH LATER Max Ad-Free annual subscription $169.99/year (save 16%) Get Deal WATCH LATER Max (With Ads) for Cricket customers Free for Cricket customers on the $60/month unlimited plan (save $9.99/month) Get Deal WATCH LATER Max Student $4.99 per month for 12 months (save 50%) Get Deal WATCH LATER Disney+, Hulu, and Max $16.99 per month (with ads), $29.99 per month (no ads) (save up to 38%) Get Deal

2024 was the year sex returned to cinema. There was the neo-noir thriller Love Lies Bleeding, the mega-viral love-triangle drama Challengers, the sex-worker-centered Cinderella story Anora, and finally — just hitting theaters with a week left in the year — Nicole Kidman and A24's Babygirl. And they might've saved the best for last. As Mashable Film Editor Kristy Puchko puts it, "Amid stiff competition, [Kidman] delivers one of the sexiest, most thrilling films of the year."

The Oscars may have snubbed the movie, but Kidman's performance earned her the Volpi Cup for Best Actress award at the Venice Film Festival. Now, just a little over a month after its theatrical debut, Babygirl is officially available to watch at home. We're still unsure when it will make its streaming debut, but you can now rent or purchase the film at digital retailers as of Jan. 28, 2025. Here's everything you need to know to watch Babygirl at home.

What is Babygirl about?

In Babygirl, Nicole Kidman stars as Romy, a powerful CEO trying to balance a demanding professional life with her personal life, which includes a loving husband (Antonio Banderas) and two teenage daughters (Vaughan Reilly and nepo baby Esther McGregor). When cocky intern Samuel (Triangle of Sadness' Harris Dickinson) starts inappropriately flirting with her, she's both shocked and aroused. What follows is a lusty affair exploring dominance and submission that threatens to break her entire world apart.

Get a sneak peek at the erotic thriller in the official trailer:

Is Babygirl worth watching?

Interestingly, while critics have been loving Dutch writer/director Halina Reijn's latest flick, audiences are a bit more conflicted. Babygirl currently holds a 77 percent critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but just a 48 percent audience rating. This is likely to change now that the film is available to a wider audience, but the conflicting numbers are definitely curious.

Puchko raved about the erotic thriller in her review out of TIFF. She wrote, "Altogether, the cast makes Babygirl a stunner, landing silly moments as well as sexy ones. Emotionally naked, unapologetically provocative, and defiantly playful, Reijn's film joyfully explores the complicated ties that bind. Amid stiff competition, she delivers one of the sexiest, most thrilling films of the year."

Babygirl even made the top 10 in our list of the best movies of 2024. We expected it to be a contender this awards season, but were surprised to see it snubbed in all Oscar categories.

Read our full review of Babygirl.

How to watch Babygirl at home Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson in 'Babygirl' pool scene Credit: A24

Thankfully, A24 didn't tease us for long. Just a little over a month after the sexually charged thriller made its theatrical debut, it became available to watch at home via video-on-demand platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home (Vudu). You can either purchase the film for your digital collection or rent it for 30 days. If you'd rather stream Babygirl instead, scroll on to learn more.

You can purchase and rent the film at the following retailers as of Jan. 28:

• Prime Video — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99

• Apple TV — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99

• Fandango at Home (Vudu) — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99

• Google Play — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99

Note: Renting a film gives you 30 days to watch and just 48 hours to finish once you begin.

Opens in a new window Credit: Prime Video Rent or buy 'Babygirl' at Prime Video $19.99 or $24.99 Watch Now Is Babygirl streaming?

There's no official streaming date yet for Babygirl, but as an A24 film, we know it will eventually make its streaming debut on Max alongside other recent A24 theatrical hits like Civil War and MaXXXine, thanks to a multi-year output deal. If you want to be prepared for when the film does eventually land on the streamer — or want to catch up on previous A24 films — you can sign up for a Max subscription ahead of time. Subscriptions start at $9.99 per month, but there are a few ways to save money on your plan.

Check out the best Max streaming deals below.

The best Max streaming dealsBest 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

The cheapest Max subscription is $9.99 per month, but only if you don't mind a few ads here and there. You can wait until Babygirl starts streaming and sign up for a single month of service, then cancel before you're charged for another. Or, you could stick around for the long haul and save some money on your subscription. An annual plan with ads will cost you $99.99 per year, which breaks down to just $8.33 per month. Of course, you'll have to pay upfront, but that'll keep 16% in your pocket as opposed to a monthly plan.

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

Similarly, you can save an extra 16% by committing to a yearly plan of the Max ad-free tiers. If ads are a total deal breaker for you, you have two tiers to choose from: Max Ad-Free and Max Ultimate Ad-Free. The basic ad-free tier costs either $16.99 per month or $169.99 per year (about $14.17 per month), while the Ultimate tier costs either $20.99 per month or $209.99 per year (about $17.50 per month).

Note: Both tiers offer an ad-free viewing experience, but the Ultimate tier comes 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

If you have a Cricket wireless plan, you may be able to access Max for free. Cricket customers on the $60 per month unlimited plan get a free Max with ads subscription. That's a $99.99 per year value for zero dollars. Just head over to the Max app, choose Cricket as your provider, then enter your Cricket credentials to log in. Boom — you're free to watch whatever you want, whenever you want — including Babygirl once it's released.

Check out the terms and conditions on Cricket's website to learn more. If you want to watch Babygirl for free, this will be your only option (once it's released on Max).

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

College students can get an entire year of Max with ads for just $4.99 per month instead of $9.99. That's 50% in savings. You'll just have to verify your student status with UNiDAYS to retrieve the unique discount code that will drop the price.

Best bundle deal: Get Max, Disney+, and Hulu for up to 38% off Opens in a new window Credit: Disney / Hulu / Max Disney+, Hulu, and Max $16.99 per month (with ads), $29.99 per month (no ads) Get Deal

It won't be your cheapest option for watching Babygirl, but you can get a lot of bang for your buck if you opt for a streaming bundle deal — especially if you already subscribe to Hulu or Disney+. For only $16.99 per month (reg. $25.97), you can sign up for Max, Hulu, and Disney+ with ads or $29.99 per month (reg. $48.97) without ads. That's up to 38% in savings for access to three full streaming libraries.

TL;DR: Ditch the bulk of AirTags and get the KeySmart SmartCard that fits in your wallet and works with Apple’s Find My app while it's just $29.97 (reg. $39.99) with free shipping through Jan. 31.

Opens in a new window Credit: KeySmart KeySmart SmartCard $29.97
$39.99 Save $10.02 Thinnest Card Tracker & Works with Apple Find My Get Deal

Tired of misplacing your wallet or ID and wishing for a sleeker solution than the AirTag? Meet the KeySmart SmartCard — the slimmest tracker on the market that combines style, durability, and tracking technology.

At less than 2mm thick, it’s designed to fit snugly into your wallet, luggage, or anywhere AirTags just won’t fit. It also has a range of 200 feet. And with free shipping, it’s yours for only $29.97 — if you act fast and purchase by Jan. 31 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

This tracking device is a game-changer for the organized (and not-so-organized) among us. The KeySmart SmartCard works flawlessly with Apple’s Find My network, giving you access to a global network to track your essentials.

Misplaced your wallet at a coffee shop? Play a sound to locate it nearby, or check its last known location on a map. Forget your card somewhere? You’ll get a notification before you even realize it’s missing.

But it’s not just smart — it’s tough. Thanks to an IPX8 waterproof rating, the SmartCard can handle outdoor adventures and accidental spills alike. It lasts up to five months on a single charge and recharges wirelessly with any Qi-enabled charger (goodbye disposable batteries). Whether you’re a traveler, commuter, outdoor enthusiast, or someone who wants peace of mind, the KeySmart SmartCard is worth a closer look.

It's on sale for just $29.97 (with free shipping) through Jan. 31 at 11:59 p.m. PT, so don't wait to get your KeySmart SmartCard.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC — a one-time purchase for $119.97 (reg. $149) through February 2, no subscription required.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC: One-Time Purchase $119.97 at Mashable Shop
$149.99 Save $30.02 Get Deal What you can expect from your one-time purchase of Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC:

• Includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote for essential productivity

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Boost your productivity with a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC, now $119.97 until Feb. 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT — no monthly fees, just essential tools you can count on.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Create innovative diagrams and more with lifetime access to Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional for $19.97 through Feb. 2.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional: Lifetime License for Windows $19.97 at Mashable Shop
$249.99 Save $230.02 Get Deal What you'll get with your lifetime license to Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional for Windows:

• Craft flowcharts, org charts, floor plans, and more with dozens of templates and 250,000+ customizable shapes

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• Meet industry standards like BPMN 2.0, UML 2.5, and IEEE for polished, compliant visuals

• Draw and annotate diagrams naturally with a pen or touch-enabled device

• No subscription fees — just a lifetime license for one PC

Make sense of your data with a lifetime license to Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional on sale for $19.97 until Feb. 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Explore total darkness with 4K night-vision digital binoculars on sale for $84.97 through Feb. 23.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mesay 4K Night Vision Digital Binoculars with 8x Digital Zoom $84.97 at Mashable Shop
$169.99 Save $85.02 Get Deal

Ever wondered what you’re missing once the sun sets? These 4K night-vision digital binoculars make it possible to see the world in stunning detail — no matter how dark it gets. Perfect for wildlife observation, evening hikes, stargazing, and more, they deliver cutting-edge technology for every nocturnal explorer.

Until Feb. 23, take advantage of this 50% price reduction and get them for just $84.97 (reg. $169).

With 8X digital zoom and a 24mm objective aperture, these binoculars give you a sharp, wide view of your surroundings. The 850nm infrared illumination features seven adjustable brightness levels, allowing you to see up to 1,315 feet away in complete darkness. From subtle movements in the distance to intricate details nearby, nothing will escape your sight.

Capture and record your discoveries in crystal-clear 4K video or high-resolution 36MP photos. The large 4.5-inch TFT LCD screen ensures you can view your captures with ease and even share them instantly with others.

Built to last, these binoculars come with an IP54 water- and dust-resistant rating, a rechargeable 4000mAh lithium battery for up to five hours of continuous use, and a convenient 32GB memory card. Whether you’re exploring the outdoors or documenting nighttime adventures, you’ll have everything you need in one compact, portable device.

Illuminate your adventures with these 4K night-vision digital binoculars for $84.97 through Feb. 23.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

If you're ready to stop lugging around your hardcovers and paperbacks and ready to put your whole library in your pocket, it's time to get a Kindle. The e-reader market has grown wildly over the past few years, and I'm not saying BookTok is to blame, but I'm not not saying that.

All over the internet, you'll find TikTok users enthusiastically singing the praises of Amazon's e-readers and their hacks for finding discounted Kindle books through events like Stuff Your Kindle Day. You can even buy remote page-turners so you don't even need to hold your Kindle while reading. And in this case, I'm not afraid to go with the crowd: the best Kindles give you a whole new way to read. They're lightweight, easy to use, and compatible with Libby, so you can still support your local library (and get free books, of course).

Shopping events like Prime Day and Black Friday are the best times to buy a Kindle. Historically, we've seen great deals on Kindles pop up during these events, so if you don't need a Kindle urgently, wait for the next Prime Day. However, we're deal-hunting every day at Mashable, so keep an eye on our coverage for surprise Kindle deals.

SEE ALSO: I've read 34 books this year and these are my favorite e-readers The new generation of Kindle e-readers

A lot has changed since the Kindle first debuted in 2007. While it was released just a few months after the first iPhone, the Amazon Kindle has received fewer updates. As of 2025, we're on the 12th generation of Kindle updates; the latest arrived in October 2024. I recently got my hands on Amazon's latest models to see what they offer.

Kindle's first color e-reader arrived in late 2024, and I've yet to get my hands on it, but I'm eager to see how it compares — especially with the Kobo Libra Colour. Plus, as of Dec. 4, 2024, the redesigned Kindle Scribe is now available for the scribblers, and it has four times the storage as the past model.

The new Kindle Colorsoft is available to purchase as of Oct. 30, 2024. Credit: Amazon What's the best Kindle to buy in 2025?

If you're concerned about buying the newest tech, that's not an issue. As of December 2024, there are six updated Kindle models for sale, as well as older editions still in stock. The Kindle Scribe was the latest to get a revamp, and we'll update this guide when we get a chance to test the new model.

Can't decide between the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite? We put them head-to-head.. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Before you choose a Kindle, you need to ask one question first: Do you want it to be waterproof? If you prefer reading near a body of water — whether in the bath, by the pool, or at the beach — that immediately narrows down your options. Among the Kindles, your waterproof options are the Kindle Paperwhite, Paperwhite Signature Edition, Colorsoft Signature Edition, and Paperwhite Kids.

Beyond whether or not you need a waterproof device, here are a few other features to consider:

• Display size: The smallest Kindle has a 6-inch display, while the largest has a 10.2-inch display.

• Storage capacity: Kindles range from 16GB to 32GB of storage capacity.

• Battery life: The new Kindles generally have outstanding batteries. On the low end, they last up to six weeks per charge, while others last up to 12 weeks.

• Writing capability: The Kindle Scribe is the only model that allows you to write with the included stylus. 

The latest Kindles all boast a maximum brightness of 94 nits and a 300 ppi, high-resolution display with zero glare, so you can enjoy sharp text and images at any viewing angle. Kindles are also equipped with WiFi connectivity, allowing you to download all the reading material you could ever want. Plus, you can listen to audiobooks on Audible via the built-in Bluetooth connection.

Not to mention, out of all the e-readers I've tested, Kindles have the best compatibility with Libby. I love the digital platform because I can read for free and support my local library. Some other e-readers require you to download your library e-book to a computer and then upload it to an e-reader, but with Kindles, your e-books are sent straight to your device with a click.

Featured Video For You Kindle Paperwhite vs. Kobo Clara Colour: Which one is better?

In another year of outrageous cinema, 10 films made the cut in the Academy's eyes to earn spots on the Best Picture Oscar nominations list. We found narrowing the best movies of the year down to only 10 to be downright impossible, opting instead for a top 25 list, so it comes as no surprise that there are plenty of snubs this year (zero nominations for Challengers? Seriously?).

Even though we're a little disappointed a few of our favorites didn't make the list, the ones that managed to nab the nomination are certainly worth a watch.

SEE ALSO: 2025 Oscar nominations: See the full list

If you'd like to get up to date on the best films of the year (at least by the Academy's standards), we've rounded up how you can watch all 10. Queue 'em up for a movie marathon that's sure to be phenomenal. We'll update the details as more of the films make their way from the theater to the small screen.

Anora

Anora, winner of the Palme d'Or at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and Mashable's favorite film of the year, is a Cinderella story that doesn't quite go the way you'd expect. "Anora is magnificently alive," Mashable's reviewer writes, adding that it's "as bold as it is brilliant." It's no surprise to us that not only did it nab a Best Picture nomination at the 2025 Oscars, but also five more nominations, including Best Director, Best Lead Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing.

What's it about?

"In a star-making turn, Mikey Madison (Scream 5) stars as a sex worker whose professional relationship with a young Russian client swiftly swings into a quickie wedding in Vegas. But [Sean] Baker, who's made a career out of compelling films centered on the rich inner lives of sex workers, isn't offering a sloppy retread of Pretty Woman. When cronies come banging on the mansion door, it's up to Anora to fight for the future she wants." — Kristy Puchko, Film Editor

Read Mashable's review of Anora.

How to watch it: Buy or rent on digital Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Prime Video Buy or rent "Anora" on digital $19.99 to purchase, $9.99 to rent Watch Now

Still in select theaters across the country, Anora is available to rent or purchase at online retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV+ as of Dec. 17. It will eventually be streaming on Hulu, though no date has been specified quite yet.

The Brutalist

"A towering paean to the American dream," as our reviewer wrote, The Brutalist clocked in at number 17 on our list of the best films of 2024. Directed by Brady Corbet, it's also one of the most prominently featured films this awards season, with 10 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. It already nabbed the Golden Globe for the Best Picture - Drama category, and despite igniting fresh conversation around the use of AI, it's a favorite to take home the Academy Award as well.

What's it about?

"The film, arresting from its first frames, spends three-and-a-half engrossing hours on the tale of László Tóth (Adrien Brody), a fictitious Jewish Hungarian architect and survivor of the Holocaust, whose arrival in America yields both rigorous struggle and tempting opportunity. It embodies the kind of American epics no longer really made by Hollywood studios. All the while, the film also explores the fraught corners of post-World War II Jewish identity in the West." — Siddhant Adlakha, Film Critic

Read Mashable's review of The Brutalist.

How to watch it: See it in theaters Opens in a new window Credit: Fandango See "The Brutalist" in theaters Watch Now

Currently, the only way you can watch The Brutalist is by heading to the theater. There's no official digital or streaming release date, but we'll update this list once the date is released. As an A24 film, we do expect it to eventually make its way to Max alongside other A24 theatrical releases.

A Complete Unknown

It's hard to get excited over yet another biopic, but the reviews of A Complete Unknown — which sees Timothée Chalamet embrace his inner Bob Dylan — have been surprisingly positive. Not only has the Dylan biopic nabbed a nomination for Best Picture, but also Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Costume Design, and Best Sound. James Mangold is also nominated for Best Director, Chalamet for Best Lead Actor, and Edward Norton and Monica Barbaro for their supporting roles.

What's it about?

A Complete Unknown follows Bob Dylan's (Chalamet) rise to fame in the early '60s, charting his beginnings as a folk singer in the New York music scene. "But once Dylan hits his groove, the film launches forward several years to 1965, when he's an established megastar whose emerging interest in electric guitar threatens to outrage his fanbase at the Newport Folk Festival, and his early allies." — KP

Read Mashable's review of A Complete Unknown.

How to watch it: See it in theaters Opens in a new window Credit: Fandango See "A Complete Unknown" in theaters Watch Now

Released on Christmas Day, A Complete Unknown is still floating around in theaters and has yet to make its digital debut. We'll keep you updated on when you can purchase or rent the film online. It will eventually make its way to Hulu, alongside other Searchlight Pictures films, but the official streaming date is currently unknown.

Conclave

Directed by Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front) and set amid the halls of the Vatican, the psychological thriller Conclave made our list of the best movies of 2024. Two-time Oscar nominee Ralph Fiennes leads a star-studded cast, which includes Stanley Tucci as Cardinal Bellini, John Lithgow as Cardinal Tremblay, Sergio Castellitto as Cardinal Tedesco, and Isabella Rossellini as Sister Agnes. It's no surprise to us that the Vatican-set tale earned a nod for Best Picture at this year's Oscars. It also scored nominations for Lead Actor, Supporting Actress, Adapted Screenplay, Costume Design, Original Score, Film Editing, and Production Design.

What's it about?

"In the sacred halls of the Vatican, the Catholic church's most revered leaders gather together for a series of secret votes to determine who among them will be God's representative on Earth. And as dean of the conclave, Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Fiennes) is tasked not only with keeping things running smoothly but also sussing out what skeletons lie in the closets of the contenders." — KP

Read Mashable's review of Conclave.

How to watch: Stream it on Peacock Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Stream "Conclave" on Peacock Starting at $7.99 per month Watch Now

As a Focus Features film, Conclave made its streaming debut on Peacock back in December. A Peacock Premium subscription will run you $7.99 per month with ads or $13.99 per month without ads. Of course, you can also rent or purchase the film at digital retailers like Prime Video for as low as $5.99.

Dune: Part Two

A pop culture phenomenon, Dune: Part Two dominated the box office in 2024 with over $714 million globally. The Denis Villeneuve-directed film — which brings back Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, and Stellan Skarsgård and adds Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Christopher Walken, and Léa Seydoux — "swings bigger and often hits harder, soaring beyond even the epic highs of its predecessor," according to Mashable's Belen Edwards. It cracked the top 10 of our favorite films list of 2024 and has earned five Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.

What's it about?

"Dune: Part Two continues the story of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), who finds himself among the planet Arrakis' indigenous Fremen. There he becomes entangled in the impossible position of hoping to avenge the Harkonnens' attack on his house, while also trying to avoid a future in which he unleashes holy war upon the universe." — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Read Mashable's review of Dune: Part Two.

How to watch it: Stream it on Max or Netflix Opens in a new window Credit: Max Stream "Dune: Part Two" on Max starting at $9.99 per month Watch Now Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix Stream "Dune: Part Two" on Netflix starting at $7.99 per month Watch Now

The second installment of the sci-fi franchise started streaming on Max in May of 2024, alongside Dune: Part One. Max subscriptions start at $9.99 per month with ads. As of January 2025, Part Two is also available to stream on Netflix. Subscriptions start at just $7.99 per month with ads. You can also rent or purchase the film on Prime Video and other digital retailers for as low as $3.99.

Emilia Pérez

"Jacques Audiard's gaudy, star-studded Cannes winner is stirring and surprisingly philosophical," writes Adlakha. It stars Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz in a musical transgender modern cartel saga. While it didn't make our top films of 2024 list, it managed to score the most Oscar nominations of any film, including Best Picture, Director, Lead Actress, Supporting Actress, Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography, Original Score, Sound, Original Song (x2), Film Editing, International Feature Film, and Makeup and Hairstyling.

What's it about?

"Emilia Pérez centers on the intertwining stories of four women in Mexico. Chief among them is transgender cartel leader Emilia (Gascón), who asks lawyer Rita (Saldaña) to help her fake her own death so she can undergo gender-affirming surgery and live as her true self." — BE

Read Mashable's review of Emilia Pérez.

How to watch it: Stream it on Netflix Opens in a new window Credit: Netflix Stream "Emilia Pérez" on Netflix Starting at $7.99 per month Watch Now

Originally premiering at the Cannes Film Festival in June of 2024, Emilia Pérez made its streaming debut on Netflix back in November. The cheapest Netflix subscription will cost you $7.99 per month, but you'll have to endure some ads along the way. Don't want ads? The price jumps up to $17.99 per month instead.

I'm Still Here

In a surprise by the Academy, international feature I'm Still Here earned three Oscar nods, including Best Picture, after its star Fernanda Torres won the Golden Globe for her leading role. Based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s memoir of the same name, the Walter Salles-directed Brazilian drama has an impeccable 95 percent critic rating and 99 percent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It's the underdog of the Best Picture category.

What's it about?

I'm Still Here follows the heartbreaking real-life story of Eunice Paiva (Torres), whose husband Rubens disappears at the hands of the Brazilian military dictatorship in the early 1970s. The lonely and frightening battle to learn the truth and keep her family together transforms her into an activist, lawyer, and hero.

How to watch it: See it in theaters Opens in a new window Credit: Fandango See "I'm Still Here" in theaters Watch Now

I'm Still Here just made its theatrical debut on Jan. 17, 2025. That's currently the only way to watch the film, although we're expecting it to make its digital debut soon at retailers like Apple TV and Prime Video. Stay tuned.

Nickel Boys

Cracking the top three of our best films of the year list, Nickel Boys is an "exquisite, powerful adaptation" of Colson Whitehead's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name. As Adlakha writes in his review for Mashable, the moving film about a violent reform school in 1960s Florida is truly transformative. Thus, it is no surprise that it earned nominations for both Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay at this year's Oscars.

What's it about?

"The film, like the novel, follows 16-year-old Elwood Curtis (Ethan Herisse), a promising teen from Tallahassee who lives with his grandmother, Hattie (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor), and navigates the Jim Crow-era South. On his way to a technical college for advanced classes, the high schooler finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time, leading to false charges of theft and internment at the Nickel Academy, an isolated juvenile home on a sprawling estate that presents itself as a place of hard work and reform.

A young adherent of Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., Elwood's idealism quickly clashes with Nickel's harsh reality of segregation and corporal punishment. However, he also finds guidance and companionship in Turner (Brandon Wilson), a fellow student hailing from Houston whose more upbeat demeanor and slick survival tips exist in close proximity to his own fears of the school's ruthless staff." — SA

Read Mashable's review of Nickel Boys.

How to watch it: Stream it on MGM+ beginning Feb. 28 Opens in a new window Credit: MGM+ Watch "Nickel Boys" on MGM+ starting Feb. 28 7-day free trial, then $6.99 per month Watch Now

An Amazon MGM Studios film, Nickel Boys is currently only available to watch in theaters. However, it is expected to make its streaming debut on MGM+ on Feb. 28. That gives you just enough time to watch it before the Academy Awards air on March 2. MGM+ offers a free seven-day trial, then costs $6.99 per month for subscribers. However, if you wish to watch Nickel Boys before the end of February, it will also be available to rent or purchase on digital soon — stay tuned.

The Substance

French filmmaker Coralie Fargeat's The Substance earned spot number 15 on our list of the best movies of 2024, despite our divided staff. Part body horror romp and part Hollywood ageism satire, it stars Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid and is one of the most surprising hits of the year. Its gruesome imagery shocked and awed critics and managed to nab not only the Best Picture nomination at the Oscars but also four others — a big feat for a horror flick.

What's it about?

"Demi Moore stars as Elisabeth Sparkle, an actress whose star is fading as she ages, and heartless Hollywood execs (exemplified by a shellfish-chomping Quaid) hunger for young beauties and fresh blood. So when a miracle drug allows her to split her life with a perky younger model of herself (Drive-Away Dolls' Qualley), she leaps at the chance. But the brutal cost it takes is ugly." — KP

Read Mashable's review of The Substance.

How to watch it: Stream it on Mubi Opens in a new window Credit: Mubi Stream "The Substance' on Mubi starting at $14.99 per month Watch Now

The Substance made its streaming debut on Mubi on Oct. 31, 2024, which is no surprise considering it's a Mubi original film. A quality streaming service built for cinephiles, Mubi's library is brimming with the best of international cinema. Subscriptions start at $14.99 per month, but you will get a seven-day free trial to test things out. You can also opt to rent or purchase The Substance from digital retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV for as low as $5.99.

Wicked

What's there to say about Wicked that hasn't already been said? It may not have made our list of the best films of 2024, but it did manage to earn the respect and admiration of the Academy with 10 nominations (including Best Picture). Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande star as the green-skinned, magically gifted Elphaba and her pink-loving polar opposite bestie Glinda in the film adaptation of the classic 2003 Broadway musical starring Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. If the 95 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes is any indication, audiences are loving it, although our own film critic writes that it's "tainted by gray disillusionment, telegraphing the film's climactic reveals."

What's it about?

An adaptation of the Tony award-winning Broadway musical, which is an adaptation of Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, Wicked tells the backstory of the green-skinned, misunderstood Elphaba, aka the Wicked Witch of the West, as well as the popular and privileged Glinda the Good. The witches meet as students at Shiz University in the Land of Oz and embark on a journey from loathing to unexpectedly deep friendship. Part one of the two-part saga ultimately questions, "Are people born wicked? Or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?"

Read Mashable's review of Wicked.

How to watch it: Buy it on digital Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Prime Video Buy it on digital $19.99 to purchase Watch Now

As of Dec. 31, Wicked is available to rent or purchase from digital retailers like Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Fandango at Home for $19.99 or $29.99. respectively. As a Universal Pictures film, we expect that it will eventually make its streaming debut on Peacock, but no official streaming date has been announced.

SAVE $25: As of Jan. 30, get two $50 Uber gift cards at Costco for $74.99. This deal is only available for Costco members.

Opens in a new window Credit: Costco Two $50 Uber Gift Cards $74.99 at Costco
$100.00 Save $25.01 Get Deal

If you're a Costco member who also happens to use Uber, this deal was practically made for you — or someone you know, at the very least. For anyone who uses Uber often or wants to gift Uber access to friends or family for less, you'll want to head on over to the retailer to take advantage of this limited-time deal.

As of Jan. 30, you can get two $50 Uber gift cards for $74.99. That's $5 off their normal Costco member price of $79.99 (and $25 off their total value). These are digital gift cards and the limit is two per member. You must be a Costco member to take advantage of the deal.

Uber gift cards can be used as currency on the Uber app. All you need to do is apply the gift card and you can use it the same as cash to schedule and set up rides. You can also use the money on Uber Eats, so you can have food from all sorts of local restaurants delivered to your door.

With these gift cards, the funds won't expire, though as Costco notes, you may be required to add a secondary method of payment for some accounts. Otherwise, you just need to go to your Uber menu, hit the "Wallet" option, and use the "Add funds" button to redeem your card.

You'll want to jump on this deal quickly, because it's only here until Feb. 23 or while supplies last.

The European Union is considering banning video game console sales to Russia, aiming to prevent the army from using the controllers to fly drones in Ukraine. 

On Monday, the European Council renewed economic sanctions on Russia in response to its continued invasion of Ukraine, extending them for six months until the end of July. Russia significantly escalated the countries' ongoing conflict in 2022 when it launched a full-scale military assault on Ukraine. The invasion is currently still ongoing, with Russian president Vladimir Putin refusing to recognise Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

"We really need to keep up the economic pressure on Russia [to stop the war] while also giving military support to Ukraine," Kaja Kallas, Vice-President of the European Commission, said on Tuesday. "To strengthen Ukraine, so that the stronger they are on the battlefield, the stronger they are also behind the negotiation table."

SEE ALSO: EU faces legal action from Tesla, BMW over tariffs on Chinese-made EVs

Though some EU sanctions against Russia have been in place since the war began in 2014, they have multiplied significantly since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. They currently cover a wide range of areas, including restrictions on trade, energy, technology, transport, and even luxury goods.

Now, that list may soon be extended to video game consoles and controllers.

"We are really looking into all types of things that really help Russia to wage this war – to put them on the sanctions list," said Kallas. "Even elements like the consoles for the video games, because apparently these are the ones that they operate the drones with. So, really being creative."

It's unclear exactly how video game consoles themselves might be used to operate drones. Some reports have suggested that Russia's military has been reappropriating components from household electronics for use in weapons, though there is scant evidence that such practices are widespread.

However, video game controllers have long been used to operate electronics in non-recreational settings, steering everything from flying drones, to bomb disposal robots, to submarine masts. The ill-fated Titan submersible which imploded in 2023 was infamously controlled by a Logitech G F710 controller.

Even so, how much of an impact an EU ban on selling Russians video game consoles might have remains uncertain. Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo have already suspended sales in Russia since March 2022, cutting off the nation's supply of Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch consoles in response to the invasion of Ukraine. Logitech also exited the Russian market in August that same year.

As such, a ban will likely be of more immediate consequence to the third-party console vendors in the EU. It also seems more likely to send a message than significantly slow Russia's military efforts, as the country has increasingly relied upon China as a trade partner due to such long running and wide-ranging sanctions.

Last year, Putin ordered Russia's government to look into developing its own domestic video game consoles. Unfortunately for Russian gamers, reports indicate that the two machines currently in development are underwhelming in comparison to the current-gen consoles they're hoping to replace.

TL;DR: Check out this Dropbox alternative you can access for life. Get 10TB of Internxt Cloud Storage for £196.77 (reg. £2,408.75) when you use the code STORAGE at checkout.

Opens in a new window Credit: Internxt Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription: 10TB Plan £196.77 at the Mashable Shop
£2,408.75 Save £2,211.98 Use code 'STORAGE' Get Deal

If you're tired of getting emails from Dropbox and Google to purchase more storage and upgrade to an expensive monthly plan, you're not alone. Thankfully, one-time payments for a lifetime of service still exist in some corners of the internet.

Thanks to Internxt, you can get a whole 10TB of secure cloud storage space for life for one flat payment of £196.77. This deal is available through 2 February, just remember to use the discount code STORAGE when you checkout at the Mashable Shop.

Internxt is a private cloud service suite designed to protect your digital privacy. Providing complete security, uncompromising privacy, and honest transparency, all Internxt services are 100% open-source and end-to-end encrypted, which means only you have the ability to access your files. This offers peace of mind that your data is secure and private.

This storage solution allows you to store, share, and send files and photos on the cloud from any device and operating system. Whether you use Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS, Internxt has you covered with desktop and mobile apps, plus a web app for browsers.

Easily sync your files and photos on all platforms, even Linux. Access your files from the desktop app, web browser app, and iOS/Android app with an intuitive interface that makes cloud storage easy and user-friendly. Plus, this lifetime subscription includes updates.

Please note this deal is only available to new users and, after you make your purchase, the code you receive must be redeemed within 30 days.

Through 2 February, get this lifetime subscription to an Internxt Cloud Storage 10TB Plan on sale for £196.77, a 92% discount from the usual £2,408.75 price.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Live stream FCSB vs. Manchester United for free on ServusTV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Manchester United have been far from convincing in the Premier League, but they've done pretty well in the Europa League this season. They are still unbeaten, and are looking good to finish the group stage in the top eight spots of the standings.

But before the knockout rounds, Manchester United travel to Bucharest to play FCSB.

If you want to watch FCSB vs. Manchester United for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is FCSB vs. Manchester United?

FCSB vs. Manchester United kicks off at 8 p.m. GMT on Jan. 30. This fixture takes place at the National Arena.

How to watch FCSB vs. Manchester United for free

FCSB vs. Manchester United is available to live stream for free on ServusTV.

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

Unblock ServusTV 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 Austria

4. Visit ServusTV

5. Stream FCSB vs. Manchester United in the Europa League for free

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 they do tend to provide free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to ServusTV without committing with your cash. This is not a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to stream FCSB vs. Manchester United before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ServusTV?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on ServusTV, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Austria

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Stream FCSB vs. Manchester United for free with ExpressVPN.

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

One of the great things about this Bluetooth-connected world is that you can take your tunes anywhere: the beach, the pool, the garden, the park. Hell, even the shower. Just connect your smart device to a portable Bluetooth speaker and start streaming. But taking a speaker anywhere means you need extra protection. You need something waterproof to withstand the weather and the perils of poolside partying.

Indeed, a waterproof Bluetooth speaker gives you the freedom to go wherever you like and not worry about it getting soaked. Some portable outdoor speakers even float in the water. But there are dozens of different Bluetooth speakers out there. It's hard to pick one based on your budget and needs.

The good news is that we've done the work for you and researched the very best waterproof Bluetooth speakers. But here's some useful information before you take the plunge.

How do Bluetooth speakers work?

When you want to take your tunes outside, you don't want to worry about wires or an external power source. Fortunately, you don't have to with Bluetooth. Just wirelessly pair your smartphone with a speaker, then pull up your music-streaming app and hit play. Depending on the battery life of your speaker, you're set for easy, uninterrupted listening for hours and hours. Another advantage to Bluetooth speakers is that you can often hook up two or more together for a bigger stereo sound.

Is water-resistant and waterproof the same thing?

Not all waterproofing is created equal. Pay close attention to the device’s IP rating, which is the measurement of how waterproof — or merely water-resistant — it is. And if an IP rating isn’t clearly stated, move on to something more trustworthy. These ratings can be confusing, so we’ll explain everything below. The main thing to know is that water resistance is not the same as being waterproof — not even close.

What is a waterproof rating?

A water-resistant speaker will typically be rated IPX5 or lower, meaning it can certainly survive the odd splash or sprinkle. But if you're looking for a speaker to stand up to the elements (and accidents), look for ratings of IPX6 or IPX7. This means a device will survive a good soaking or even complete submersion, respectively.

However, if you're looking for a Bluetooth speaker that's truly outdoorsy and weatherproof, opt for an IP67 rating. The device will be able to withstand being submerged in a metre of water for up to 30 minutes, as well as being dustproof, dirtproof, and sandproof. You can confidently take your IP67 speaker to sandy beaches or dusty campsites without worrying about wet or windy conditions.

What is a good battery life for a Bluetooth speaker?

If you’re just heading out for the day, six to 12 hours would probably be just fine. But if you’re going away for a weekend, or you don’t want to worry about charging often — even when you’re at home — opt for a speaker that offers up to 24 hours of uninterrupted audio bliss.

Do Bluetooth speakers sound good?

Obviously, you want your waterproof speakers to sound good — that's literally why you're spending your hard-earned cash on them. Typically, the higher the price of the device, the more crisp the audio and more thumping the bass. However, we do like a few budget options that offer surprisingly impressive sound quality, so don't automatically think that you can't get something great if money is tight.

What is the best waterproof Bluetooth speaker?

To help you make a decision, we’re sharing our top picks for the best waterproof Bluetooth speakers around. We've lined up something for every occasion — and every budget — including devices from top brands like Ultimate Ears, JBL, and Bose.

These are the best waterproof Bluetooth speakers in 2025.

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

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

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

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

Tweet may have been deleted

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

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

Tweet may have been deleted

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for January 30 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: A certain je ne sais quoi

• Green: Food for the game

• Blue: Won't shut up

• Purple: Not exactly European capitals

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

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

• Yellow: Intangible Quality

• Green: Game Day Fare

• Blue: Keep Going on About, With "On"

• Purple: Starting with European Capitals

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #599 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Intangible Quality: AIR, AURA, HALO, VIBE

• Game Day Fare: BEER, DIP, PIZZA, WINGS

• Keep Going on About, With "On": DWELL, HARP, INSIST, LINGER

• Starting with European Capitals: BERNIE, PARISH, RIGATONI, ROMEO

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for January 30

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for January 30 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for January 30, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

An untrue statement.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The are no reoccurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter F.

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

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

FALSE.

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for January 30

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Games you might play while enjoying an adult beverage

• Green: Events related to track

• Blue: Sports with a court or table divider

• Purple: Hole-y

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

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

• Yellow: Bar games

• Green: Decathlon events

• Blue: Net sports

• Purple: Things with holes

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #129 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Bar games - DARTS, POOL, POP-A-SHOT, SHUFFLEBOARD

• Decathlon events - 100 METERS, LONG JUMP, POLE VAULT, SHOT PUT

• Net sports - BADMINTON, PING PONG, TENNIS, VOLLEYBALL

• Things with holes - BAD DEFENSE, BOWLING BALL, GOLF COURSE, WIFFLE BALL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for January 30 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 30 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Stopping by woods on a snowy evening

These words are parts of a poem by a famous author.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are imagery and descriptions from the poem with the same title as the theme.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is FrostPoem.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for January 30

• Sleep

• Dark

• Lovely

• Deep

• Shake

• Bells

• Lake

• Frozen

• FrostPoem

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

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

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

President Trump had sued Meta and other tech firms in 2021, arguing that he had been wrongfully censored by them. Meta also reported revenue and profit growth for the fourth quarter.

Unitree first announced its latest humanoid robot, the G1 back in May of 2024 and has recently released a video showing off some of its new capabilities in what they’re calling an “agile upgrade.” In the video released by Unitree, the G1 seems to navigate tougher inclines and jog over rougher terrain than in the past.