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OpenAI announces o3 and o3 mini reasoning models

Mashable - Fri, 12/20/2024 - 13:55

OpenAI just announced o3 and o3 mini, its next-gen reasoning models.

In the livestream, SVP of Research Mark Chen showed o3's performance on certain benchmarks, compared to o1, like competition math (96.7 percent) and PhD-level science (87.7 percent). OpenAI and the ARC Prize competition also shared how o3 scored 76 percent on the ARC-AGI benchmark, which includes novel unpublished datasets. The ARC-AGI benchmark is designed to test ability to learn new and distinct skills on the fly with every new task.

Tweet may have been deleted

The announcement caps the 12 Days of OpenAI marathon, which debuted something new everyday. Over the past 12 business days, OpenAI has launched its AI video generator Sora, vision with Advanced Voice Mode, in addition to a slew of products and features designed to make ChatGPT more seamless to use in work and daily life.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI now lets you call ChatGPT on your phone

The o3 mini model is designed to be a cost-efficient model that balances performance. It has three different effort levels and cap adapt its amount of reasoning time based on the difficulty of the problem. "An incredible cost-to-performance gain," said CEO Sam Altman.

So, o3 and o3 mini have achieved amazing intelligence breakthroughs according to OpenAI. But they're not ready to be released to the public yet. But OpenAI is granting early access to o3 and o3 mini for safety testing starting today. Applications to join the model testing program are accepted on a rolling basis and close on Jan. 10.

Kindle Rewards is offering double points for one day only — heres how it works

Mashable - Fri, 12/20/2024 - 12:44

We couldn't think of a better way to spend the holiday season than curled up by the fire with a good book. Well, ebook, that is. You could go with a classic hardcover, but then you wouldn't be able to take advantage of double Kindle Rewards points on your purchase, would you?

That's right, for one day only (although they've done this already recently), Amazon is offering double Kindle Rewards points when you pick up any Kindle books. Rather than the usual three, you'll now get six points for every dollar spent on Kindle books and one point for print books. For every 300 points you accrue, you'll get $3 towards your next Kindle book purchase. Prime and non-Prime Amazon customers are eligible to participate in Kindle Rewards, so you've really got nothing to lose.

SEE ALSO: I’ve tried every Kindle and the Paperwhite is the only one you need

So, get yourself signed up before the offer ends at 2:59 am ET on Dec. 21. And while you're at it, check out some of our favorite Kindle book deals this week to get you started on earning your Kindle Rewards points.

Best Kindle book deals this week:

Get this 77-inch LG TV for $800 less at Best Buy

Mashable - Fri, 12/20/2024 - 12:38

SAVE $800: As of Dec. 20, you can get an LG 77-inch Class C3 Series OLED TV (2023) for $1,499.99 at Best Buy. That's $800 off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 77-inch Class C3 Series OLED TV (2023) $1,499.99 at Best Buy
$2,299.99 Save $800.00 Get Deal

I don’t really know anyone who needs a 77-inch TV, but if you want one, you can get a pretty good deal on one at Best Buy right now.

As of Dec. 20, you can get the LG 77-inch Class C3 Series OLED evo 4K UHD Smart webOS TV (2023) for $1,499.99, down from $2,299.99. That’s a hefty $800 discount and an almost irresistible price for a premium OLED TV of this size. It also comes with three months of Apple TV+ and 30 days of FurboTV.

SEE ALSO: The best time to buy a TV: A guide to the times of year that you'll find the best TV deals

This model has an α9 AI Processor Gen6, made exclusively for LG OLED. It also has a Brightness Booster, so you can watch anything from the big game to your favorite movies in vibrant colors (even in the brightest rooms). Plus, with the webOS 23, LG ThinQ AI, and Magic Remote, you can find whatever you want in seconds.

With hundreds of LG channels and Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support, this TV is great for the living room or home theater. It also has NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium, and VRR for a smooth, stutter-free gaming experience.

Capture your best moments with $120 off the DJI Action 2 camera

Mashable - Fri, 12/20/2024 - 12:19

SAVE $120: As of Dec. 20, get the DJI Action 2 for $159 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $279. That's a discount of 43%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon DJI Action 2 Camera $159.00 at Amazon
$279.00 Save $120.00 Get Deal

Thinking about getting out into the world and doing some fun things in the new year? Maybe your resolution is to get up off the couch and try some new sports or physical activities. If you want to document all that while you're getting into it, you need a great action camera. And there's one on sale right now thanks to Amazon that can be your constant companion. Not only is it affordable, but it's also more than capable of capturing all those action-packed moments.

As of Dec. 20, you can get the DJI Action 2 Camera for just $159, down from its usual price of $279. That's $120 off and a discount of 43%.

This camera has a special magnetic design that lets you add accessories by snapping them on and off. It's small and compact as well, and you can add a magnetic lanyard or headband to wear it on your head or around your neck to capture everything that's going on around you.

It records in 4K at 120fps and has an ultra-wide FOV to make sure it doesn't miss a detail either, with an AI editor that can automatically compile your best moments while adding music and transitions. It's also waterproof and dustproof, so you can take it into water up to 10 meters to make sure you get all your best moments even when you're splashing around.

If you're ready to add a capable action camera to your arsenal or just want to start getting out there more and sharing it with the world, this is a deal you should hop on quickly, lest it go away just as fast.

Need last minute Christmas toys? Macys One Day Sale has you covered

Mashable - Fri, 12/20/2024 - 12:17

Dec. 20th, save up to 60% on last minute toy deals like the Discovery Marble Run at Macy's One Day Sale.

The best toy deals at Macy's One Day Sale The best toy deal for builders Discovery #MINDBLOWN Glow Roll Marble Run Light-Up Construction Set $19.99 (Save $60) Get Deal The best toy deal for plush lovers Geoffrey's Toy Box 22" LED Light-Up Plush Bear $19.99 ($40) Get Deal The best gift for siblings Sharper Image Two Player Laser Tag Set $27.99 ($42) Get Deal

Sometimes we drag our heels on that final push before the holidays. If you need one final gift to complete the list (or 10), the Macy's One Day Sale is right on time. Shop now to find great toys for up to 75% off that will still arrive before Christmas.

Whether it's a robotic RC T-Rex you can control with with a remote, a two-player laser tag set, or a customizable marble run, Macy's has plenty of exciting toys that are showing surprisingly generous discounts.

The best toy deal for builders Opens in a new window Credit: Discovery Discovery #MINDBLOWN Glow Roll Marble Run Light-Up Construction Set $19.99 at Macy's
$79.99 Save $60.00 Get Deal Why we like it:

Kids love to build. The Discovery Marble Run is an endlessly customizable roller coaster for their marble collection. Set it up to launch marbles into the air, shoot them through chutes, and jump them from one part of the set to the next. At 75% off, this marble building set is only $19.99. Don't miss out.

SEE ALSO: There's still time to score last-minute gifts at Amazon — here are our top picks The best toy deal for plush lovers Opens in a new window Credit: Geoffrey's Toy Box Geoffrey's Toy Box 22" LED Light-Up Plush Bear $19.99 at Macy's
$59.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Why we like it:

Umm... this bear is big. It's also anything but ferocious, with an interstellar, cosmic fur pattern in pink, yellow, and blue that lights up. The Geoffrey's Toy Box Light-Up Plus Bear is 22 inches tall — prime hugging dimensions for a kid. On sale for just $19.99, it's currently 67% off and arrives before Christmas.

The best gift for siblings Opens in a new window Credit: Sharper Image Sharper Image Two Player Laser Tag Set $27.99 at Macy's
$69.99 Save $42.00 Get Deal Why we like it:

When you want to encourage group play, an interactive game set is a great gift. The Sharper Image Two Player Laser Tag Set equips kids with the gear they need for home-brewed laser tag games. The set is complete with two laser blasters and two chest targets that light up and keep score.

Other Macy's One Day Sale toy deals we love

The 13-inch M2 iPad Air beats its Black Friday price as a Best Buy Drop

Mashable - Fri, 12/20/2024 - 12:08

SAVE $140: The Dec. 20 Best Buy Drop of the day is the 13-inch M2 iPad Air (WiFi, 128GB). Usually $799, the newest Air is on sale for $659 (compared to $699 on Black Friday) as long as you go through the Best Buy mobile app.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple 13-inch iPad Air (M2, WiFi, 128GB) $659.00 at Best Buy
$799.00 Save $140.00 Get Deal

The Best Buy Drop for Dec. 20 proves what the big deal about Best Buy Drops is. When else would you casually see an Apple product beat its own Black Friday price less than a month after Black Friday?

As long as inventory's still there when you see this on Dec. 20, you can snag the 13-inch iPad Air with M2 chip (WiFi, 128GB) for $659 through the Best Buy app. You'll be saving an extra $40 over anyone who bought this iPad on sale during Black Friday and Cyber Week, when it was only $100 off at $699. (That sale price lingered at Best Buy through Dec. 20, when the Drop shaved an extra $40 off.)

SEE ALSO: Apple iPad Air 2024 (13-inch) review: More space for the 'I use it as a laptop' folks

The 2024 iPad Air is much more of an iPad Pro competitor than it was years ago. In fact, unless you're a hardcore designer who needs the ultimate efficiency and graphics, it's hard to think of someone who wouldn't find the Air to be the best fit for them. With Apple's M2 chip fueling every move, the Air makes a better laptop replacement than nearly any other tablet — in Mashable's testing, it dished out the same processing power as a MacBook Air with the same chip. The 13-inch version also simply feels like more of a legit laptop screen than the 11-inch version.

Despite pumping out more juice than previous Airs, the 2024 model can still squeeze out 13 hours of battery life on one charge. It's not the 16 hours clocked by the M4 iPad Pro, but when the difference in price is several hundred dollars, you may not care.

Snag a four-pack of AirTags for $69.99 at Best Buy and Amazon

Mashable - Fri, 12/20/2024 - 12:04

SAVE $29.01: As of Dec. 20, you can get a four-pack of AirTags for just $69.99 at Best Buy and Amazon. That's a savings of $29.01.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag (4-Pack) $69.99 at Best Buy
$99.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal

AppleAir tags are super handy, especially if you’re a frequent flyer or forget where you've left your keys, wallet, or other valuables. These tiny gadgets attach to whatever you need to keep tabs on, and the Find My app on your iPhone can locate them within seconds.

SEE ALSO: 50 last-minute gifts that will actually arrive on time

Right now, you can get a four-pack for just $69.99 at Best Buy and Amazon. That’s a savings of $29.01 and a great reason to stock up.

Apple AirTags are compatible with most iPhone models and iPads. Once you’ve paired them with a device, you can use the Find My app to track their location — it’ll even play a little tune to help you find the tag. The replaceable battery lasts about one year, and they’re IP67 dust and water-resistant. And, if you’re worried about privacy, Apple says the location data and history aren’t stored on the AirTag itself.

Sabrina Carpenters Tiny Desk Concert is short n sweet

Mashable - Fri, 12/20/2024 - 12:02

Sabrina Carpenter had a lot to celebrate in 2024.

SEE ALSO: Sabrina Carpenter's 'Espresso' is the internet's Song of the Summer

Her hit single "Espresso" was Spotify's most-streamed song of the year, and she picked up six nominations for the 2025 Grammys thanks to her album Short n' Sweet.

To cap off her breakout year, the "Please Please Please" and "Taste" singer dropped by NPR's Tiny Desk Concert series to perform a number of songs from Short n' Sweet. Jam along above.

Google is tracking your digital fingerprints again

Mashable - Fri, 12/20/2024 - 11:58

Google is tracking your online behavior in the name of advertising, reintroducing a data collection process that ingests all of your online signals (from IP address to complex browser information) and pinpoints unique users or devices, also known as "digital fingerprinting."

The company's updated platform program policies include relaxed restrictions on advertisers and personalized ad targeting across a range of devices, an outcome of a larger "advertising ecosystem shift" and the advancement of privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs) like on-device processing and trusted execution environments, in the words of the company.

A departure from its longstanding pledge to user choice and privacy, Google argues these technologies offer enough protection for users while also creating “new ways for brands to manage and activate their data safely and securely." The new feature will be available to advertisers beginning Feb. 16, 2025.

SEE ALSO: Supposed expert reviews of Google Gemini outputs are coming from non-experts

"With new innovations like PETs to mitigate risks, we see an opportunity to set a high privacy bar on the use of data like IP. We can do this by applying privacy-preserving protections that help businesses reach their customers across these new platforms without the need to re-identify them," writes Google. "And because we’re looking to encourage responsible data use as the new standard across the web, we’ll also partner with the broader ads industry and help make PETs more accessible."

In July, Google announced it was backtracking on a decision to kill third-party cookies, instead putting the role of privacy watchdog in the hands of users by adding personalized privacy options to a new product known as the Privacy Sandbox.

Contrary to other data collection tools like cookies, digital fingerprinting is difficult to spot, and thus even harder for even privacy-conscious users to erase or block. On Dec. 19, the UK's Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) — a data protection and privacy regulator — labeled Google "irresponsible" for the policy change, saying the shift to fingerprinting is an unfair means of tracking users, reducing choice and control over their personal information. The watchdog also warned that the move could encourage riskier advertiser behavior.

"Google itself has previously said that fingerprinting does not meet users’ expectations for privacy, as users cannot easily consent to it as they would cookies. This in turn means they cannot control how their information is collected. To quote Google’s own position on fingerprinting from 2019: 'We think this subverts user choice and is wrong,'" wrote ICO executive director of regulatory risk Stephen Almond.

The ICO warned that it will intervene if Google cannot demonstrate existing legal requirements for such tech, including options to secure freely-given consent, ensure fair processing, and uphold the right to erasure: "Businesses should not consider fingerprinting a simple solution to the loss of third-party cookies and other cross-site tracking signals."

The Steam Winter Sale is here — check out some of the best deals

Mashable - Fri, 12/20/2024 - 11:55

It's the most wonderful time of the year: The Steam Winter Sale (not to be confused with the second most wonderful time of the year, which is the Steam Summer Sale).

Running from Dec. 19 to Jan. 2, the sale features deep savings on tons of games, from popular titles to hidden gems that may have flown under your radar. Steam's big sale events don't come around all that often, so if you own a gaming PC or Steam Deck and you're looking to stock up on new stuff to play, now is the best time to do that.

SEE ALSO: Alienware m16 R2 review: The best RTX 4070 gaming laptop

There are too many deals to list fully, but we've gathered up some of the best discounts we could find from what's on offer. Check out our favorite deals from the Steam Winter Sale 2024, and go to Steam's website for even more.

Best Steam Winter Sale deals

Who is the Hawk Tuah girl, and what does it mean?

Mashable - Fri, 12/20/2024 - 11:47

Hawk Tuah Girl became a breakout internet star over the summer, and her viral origin story is all too common in the digital age. It started with one of those man-on-the-street interviews designed to go viral. The questions were sexual in nature, and that, combined with the setting (a.k.a. the party scene in Nashville), was a recipe for success.

In case you somehow, some way missed it, Hawk Tuah Girl — real name Haliey Welch — first surfaced in a Tim & Dee TV video. She was asked, "What's one move in bed that makes a man go crazy every time?"

In a Southern accent, she answers, with enthusiasm and in a ridiculous way: "Aw, you gotta give 'em that 'hawk TUAH' and spit on that thang! You get me?" She says this while miming, well, spitting on that...thang...in the form of a microphone angled toward her.

This clip, in turn, went wildly viral on TikTok with videos featuring the moment, reacting to it, or updating folks on it, gaining millions and millions of views. Of course, not everything was peachy for Welch upon her newfound fame. It's not always a smooth process becoming a viral star. As the internet is wont to do, people began digging and starting random rumors.

SEE ALSO: 'Hawk Tuah' girl Haliey Welch has disappeared from public view after crypto rug pull

Chief among them? That Welch was a teacher and fired for the viral clip. That started with a parody account that fooled people online. Now, months later, the world knows quite a bit about the real Welch. And against all odds, she has become something of a household name.

And while Welch initially seemed a bit hesitant to cash in on the viral moment, she quickly reversed that course — perhaps to a fault. Welch began by selling merchandise, which is a pretty foolproof way to pull in money as an influencer. She's worked with a local Tennessee company called Fathead Threads to sell merchandise capitalizing on all the Hawk Tuah virality. Among the items: a "Hawk Tuah 2024" trucker hat, graphic tees, and New Jersey-Boardwalk-esque shirts making crude Hawk Tuah jokes.

Soon enough Welch expanded into another space lucrative for influencers: podcasting. Her pod, aptly named Talk Tuah, actually did pretty well on the charts and on YouTube. But then what was once a feel good story — turning a potentially embarrassing moment into a well-paying career — went south.

SEE ALSO: Haliey Welch releases first statement after going MIA following 'Hawk Tuah' crypto crash

As Mashable's Matt Binder covered in detail, this month Welch launched a crypto memecoin called $HAWK, which rocketed in value before plummeting, perhaps leaving her fans in a financial hole. She, and the team behind the coin, have been accused of a rug pull, which is effectively ballooning a coin's value in an effort to cash out at other folks' expense. It didn't help that Welch logged-off a public Spaces stream on X about $Hawk in a frankly cartoonish manner. She's not surfaced in public since that moment on Dec. 5.

Tweet may have been deleted

The lesson seems that as quickly as the internet can build you up, it can bring you down — though it stands to reason Welch's bank account still has far more zeroes than it did that night of the fateful interview.

Get an Apple Watch Ultra 2 for $80 less at Best Buy

Mashable - Fri, 12/20/2024 - 11:45

SAVE $80: As of Dec. 20, you can score an Apple Watch Ultra 2 for $719 at Best Buy. That's $80 off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Ultra 2 (49mm, GPS+Cellular) $719.00 at Bes Buy
$799.00 Save $80.00 Get Deal

If you’ve been waiting to get your hands on the Apple Watch Ultra 2, now’s your chance to snag one for less at Best Buy.

As of Dec. 20, you can get an Apple Watch Ultra 2 for $719 at Best Buy. That’s $80 less than the usual $799 price tag. Sure, it’s still a little pricey, but definitely worth it for what you’re getting. (You can also save up to $250 by trading in an old device.)

SEE ALSO: Apple Watch Ultra 1 vs. Ultra 2: We'll make this simple

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 (49mm, GPS+Cellular) with a titanium case and black ocean band is built for sports, adventure, and outdoor excursions. It has a rugged and durable exterior and is water resistant up to 100 meters, so you can take it diving with you.

With the freedom of cellular, you can leave your phone at home and still stay connected. Take calls, send messages, stream music, and more right from your wrist. It also has features for cyclists, hikers, and swimmers, including offline maps, elevation tracking, and automatic stroke detection. And with the new Action button, you can customize one-touch access to your favorite apps and workouts.

Amazon deal of the day: Record-low price alert on the fabulous Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones

Mashable - Fri, 12/20/2024 - 11:43
Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Dec. 20: OUR TOP PICK Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones $279.99 (save $120) Get Deal BEST STREAMING DEVICE DEAL Roku Streambar SE $69 (save $30.99) Get Deal BEST TABLET DEAL Amazon Fire HD 10 $74.99 (save $65) Get Deal BEST SPEAKER DEAL Ultimate Ears Wonderboom Play $47.49 (save $42.50) Get Deal BEST BLUETOOTH TRACKER DEAL Apple AirTags (4-pack) $69.99 (save $29.01) Get Deal

Last-minute shoppers have been rewarded with some of the best deals of the season. Seriously — after sorting through Amazon's daily deals, we've found discounts on gadgets from Apple, Sony, Roku, and more that either match Black Friday or beat it. In other words: run, don't walk.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day on Dec. 20. Don't see anything that sparks your interest? Check out our selections from Dec. 18 and Dec. 19. Most of those deals are still live, including a Prime-exclusive 38% discount on the 55-inch Omni Fire TV and a coupon that drops the 10th generation Apple iPad down to a record-low.

Our top pick: Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-cancelling headphones $279.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $120.00 Get Deal

We've tested tons of headphones at Mashable and we're huge fans of the Sony WH-1000XM5s. With impeccable sound quality, great noise cancellation, and customizable sound, it's no surprise that our Deputy Reviews Editor Miller Kern gave them a nearly perfect rating and a Mashable Choice award. The WH-1000XM5s also pack 30 hours of battery life, crisp call clarity, voice assistant support, comfortable ear cushions, and an ambient mode that lets you tune into your surroundings in an instant (like when your flight attendant asks for your drink order). They're usually $399.99 and have been sitting at their sale price of $299.99 for a couple weeks now. However, as of Dec. 20, they dropped to a new record-low of $279.99. All you last-minute shoppers have been rewarded with a 30% discount.

Apple AirTag 4-pack Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTags (4-pack) $69.99 at Amazon
$99.00 Save $29.01 Get Deal

Record-low price alert: the four-pack of Apple AirTags just dropped back down to its best price ever from Black Friday. These babies are a must-have for iPhone users who travel a lot — or those who just tend to lose things often. As long as there's an Apple device nearby with Find My turned on, you'll be able to keep track of whatever you attach your AirTag to, from your suitcase and backpack to your keys and laptop case. You'll be able to see where you are in proximity to your stuff with a pretty impressive accuracy of just a few feet. Save 29% and snag a pack for only $69.99 at Amazon as of Dec. 20.

Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 10 $74.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $65.00 Get Deal

The Amazon Fire HD 10 is still hanging out at its best-ever Black Friday price of $74.99 if you need a last-minute gift idea. That's 46% in savings. It's not the fanciest tablet on the market, but the no-frills design is ideal for browsing the web, watching new shows, answering emails, or even reading on the go. Mashable reviewer SaVanna Shoemaker says it's "lighter and faster than its predecessors, with a long battery life and vivid picture that makes it great for on-the-go entertainment."

Check out our full review of the Amazon Fire HD 10.

Roku Streambar SE Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku Streambar SE $69.00 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $30.99 Get Deal

If multitasking gadgets are your bread and butter, then you'll love the Roku Streambar SE. It's part soundbar and part Roku streaming device, meaning it can boost the sound while you stream all of your favorite shows, movies, and events. It can also automatically adjust the volume to make voices clearer and commercials quieter. Win-win. Usually $99.99, it's on sale at Amazon for just $69 as of Dec. 20. That's 31% in savings.

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom Play Opens in a new window Credit: Ultimate Ears Ultimate Ears Wonderboom Play $47.49 at Amazon
$89.99 Save $42.50 Get Deal

The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 is our favorite sub-$100 Bluetooth speaker — and just last week we featured it as our Amazon deal of the day at $59.99. If you're looking for a similar speaker, but want to spend less than $50, check out its nearly identical sibling, the Wonderboom Play. Built with twin dimensions, the Play can also fit in the palm of your hand and pump out truly impressive sound. It has a slightly shorter battery life (10 hours vs. 14 hours), no podcast mode (which we weren't particularly fans of anyway), and directional sound versus 360-degree sound. However, it's price definitely makes up for it. Regularly $89.99, the Wonderboom Play is on sale at Amazon for just $47.49. That's 47% in savings.

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

Looking for a last-minute gift idea? MasterClass memberships are 50% off through December 25

Mashable - Fri, 12/20/2024 - 11:27

SAVE 50%: As of Dec. 20, you can score 50% off a MasterClass membership.

Opens in a new window Credit: MasterClass MasterClass Membership Get 50% off through Dec. 25 Get Deal

There’s still time to find the perfect gift this holiday season, especially if you’re looking for something that’s digital and instantly giftable.

As of Dec. 20, you can get a Standard, Plus, or Premium MasterClass membership for 50% off through Dec. 25. That’s $5 for the Standard plan, $8 for the Plus plan, and $10 for the Premium plan.

SEE ALSO: Ready to become a YouTuber? Take this 12-course masterclass first.

MasterClass is an online education platform where you can learn just about anything from some of the world's most renowned experts, like Martha Stewart, Margaret Atwood, and even Ru Paul. With more than 200 classes across various topics like cooking, writing, leadership, and even gardening, MasterClass memberships make great last-minute gifts for nearly anyone on your list, especially the intellectually curious folks who are always eager to learn something new.

A Standard MasterClass membership gets you access to the full catalog of classes, which you can view on a single device, but there isn’t an offline option with the Standard plan. For $3 more, the Plus plan allows you to watch on up to two devices at the same time and provides offline access so you can download classes to watch later.

The Premium plan is another $2 more and lets you watch on up to six devices simultaneously, which might be useful for families or if you want to share your account with friends, in addition to offline access.

Bluesky cybersquatting problem addressed in latest update

Mashable - Fri, 12/20/2024 - 11:27

A new Bluesky update aims to tamp down on the cybersquatting and fake account problem that has plagued the app.

In an update rolled out on Thursday evening, users who have verified their account by using a domain name automatically reserve their default username to prevent impersonators from taking it.

SEE ALSO: I've barely used Bluesky, and the engagement already feels more real

📢 App Version 1.96 is rolling out now (1/6) In this release: a notifications Mentions tab, reserving your default username when you verify your account with a domain, and other improvements!

[image or embed]

— Bluesky (@bsky.app) December 19, 2024 at 4:54 PM

Bluesky is having a moment as a alternative for those who feel like X has become toxic. Since the U.S. election, millions have migrated to Bluesky in search of a better online experience and meaningful engagement instead of right-wing trolls. Currently, Bluesky has over 25 million users, amassing 5 million of those users in less than a month.

But in the midst of meteoric growth, Bluesky has seen a rampant increase in fake accounts. Previously, there was nothing stopping scammers or trolls from taking the default username given to users when they first sign up, then switch to a verified domain name. Users are automatically given @[username].bsky.social when they make an account. But if they own a domain, they can change it to @[domainname.com] by providing the private domain registrar information given to all websites. So Wikipedia could change its handle from @wikipedia.bsky.social to @wikipedia.org, which effectively verifies Wikipedia's account. But scammers would have been able to take over the @wikipedia.bsky.social handle and impersonate the account.

Now, users that verify their account by linking their domain name get to automatically keep the default @username.bsky.social username. That doesn't stop cybersquatters from buying the rights to someone's domain name and using it for themselves on Bluesky, but that's beyond the app's control. But this will hopefully curtail some of the rampant impersonations and scams. Previously Bluesky shared its efforts to crack down on impersonators with a "more aggressive" policy on labeling parody accounts.

As part of the new update, Bluesky has also added a Mentions tab in Notifications to better keep up with replies and conversations and a new setting for prioritizing replies.

Hawk Tuah girl Haliey Welch resurfaces and is immediately roasted by the internet

Mashable - Fri, 12/20/2024 - 11:26

Haliey Welch, aka the "Hawk Tuah Girl," has resurfaced with a public statement after a controversy over her memecoin $HAWK.

In case you missed it, Welch disappeared from public view for weeks after it appeared the launch of her cryptocurrency was a rug-pull in which some her fans were left in a financial hole. Mashable's Matt Binder covered in detail the controversy and Welch's subsequent disappearance.

SEE ALSO: 'Hawk Tuah' girl Haliey Welch has disappeared from public view after crypto rug pull

But Welch finally resurfaced on Friday with a statement promising to help those who were financially affected.

"I take this situation extremely seriously and want to address my fans, the investors who have been affected, and the broader community," she wrote in a statement posted to X. "I am fully cooperating with and am committed to assisting the legal team representing the individuals impacted, as well as to help uncover the truth, hold the responsible parties accountable, and resolve this matter."

Tweet may have been deleted

The internet reacted with jokes, memes, and some anger. Even Dril jumped in with a joke.

Tweet may have been deleted

There were jokes about Welch's now-infamous comments about going to bed during a Spaces stream about the memecoin controversy.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

And there were more generic jokes and even some support for Welch, with some folks assuming people in the crypto space took advantage of her.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

So there you have it. Hawk Tuah Girl has spoken. And the internet has certainly responded.

Snag a pair of these Sony headphones at a price thats cheaper than Black Friday

Mashable - Fri, 12/20/2024 - 11:25

SAVE $121.99: As of Dec. 20, get a pair of Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones for jut $278 at Amazon, down from their usual price of $399.99. That's a discount of 30%.

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

It's down to the wire. The holidays are officially in full swing, and Christmas is next week. If you're still looking for a great gift option or you just want to splurge on something for yourself, now's the time to do it. Believe it or not, there are still deals popping up here and there, and there's one absolutely fantastic one you won't want to miss if you're looking for a pair of headphones. Our favorite noise-cancelling headphones are now officially cheaper than their Black Friday price, thanks to a deal from Amazon.

As of Dec. 20, you can get the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones for just $278 at Amazon. That's $121.99 off their normal price of $399.99 and a discount of 30%. This is their lowest price yet, and beats their Black Friday price by a solid $20.

Miller Kern, Mashable's Deputy Editor of Shopping and Reviews, helped name these headphones one of our favorite noise-cancelling options, with Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard praising them for their "balanced sound that lets your music shine."

You get 30 hours of playback with these cans, and they sport a lightweight frame that feels good on your head even through longer listening sessions. They're great for music or podcasts alike, and have a nice, premium feel that make them a good option for just about anyone. Now that they're more affordable than ever, it's a good time to snag a pair so you don't miss out.

Haliey Welch releases first statement after going MIA following Hawk Tuah crypto crash

Mashable - Fri, 12/20/2024 - 11:08

She's awake!

Viral internet star Haliey Welch has resurfaced for the first time in weeks, less than 24 hours after Mashable published a report on her disappearance following the failure of her "Hawk Tuah" branded memecoin $HAWK.

In a statement provided to Mashable and posted on her X account on Friday, Welch said she was looking to help her fans who experienced financial losses due to the failed $HAWK memecoin. Welch is urging anyone affected by the crypto crash to get in touch with the law firm that filed the lawsuit against $HAWK's creators on Thursday.

The last time the public heard from Welch was during an X Spaces audio stream on the night of Dec. 4, which went into the early morning the next day. During the stream, Welch and the cryptocurrency group behind the memecoin project attempted to explain to investors why $HAWK collapsed shortly after it launched earlier that day.

"Anywho, I'm gonna go to bed and I'll see you guys tomorrow," Welch said, interrupting a conversation on the stream before it ended. Since then, Welch has been MIA to the public for more than two weeks. Her popular weekly podcast, Talk Tuah, failed to release new episodes during that time as well. The most recent episode of the podcast was published on Dec. 3, just one day before the crypto launch.

Haliey Welch's first public statement on $HAWK's collapse

Based on Welch's statement, it appears the young viral star is alleging that she did not have an active role in the $HAWK memecoin project, aside from lending her brand and star power to the promotions for it.

Tweet may have been deleted

"I take this situation extremely seriously and want to address my fans, the investors who have been affected, and the broader community," reads Welch's statement. "I am fully cooperating with and am committed to assisting the legal team representing the individuals impacted, as well as to help uncover the truth, hold the responsible parties accountable, and resolve this matter. If you have experienced losses related to this, please contact Burwick Law using the link below: https://www.burwick.law/newclient."

Welch launched an official memecoin based on her viral "Hawk Tuah" catchphrase, $HAWK, on Dec. 4. As is the case with many celebrity and influencer backed cryptocurrency projects, $HAWK was rug pulled. This typically means that a few insiders who held the majority of the crypto tokens, likely via a pre-sale before the general public had access to the token, dumped their holdings shortly after the memecoin launched to the public. 

SEE ALSO: 'Hawk Tuah' girl Haliey Welch has disappeared from public view after crypto rug pull

For $HAWK, this meant that the coin's market cap fell by millions of dollars shortly after launching. Some of Welch's fans and investors in the crypto token claim to have lost thousands of dollars in just minutes.

Welch's statement comes just one day after another statement from a cryptocurrency company that has ties to the failed memecoin project called OverHere. According to the group, the individual to blame for the failure of the launch was music producer and crypto promoter Alex Larson Schultz. Schultz, who also goes by the moniker Doc Hollywood, "controlled all token decisions, fees, treasury" according to OverHer

Welch allegedly received a sponsorship fee to promote the memecoin and brand it with her viral slogan. Sources close to Welch claim she did not have a role in the creation or development of the $HAWK project beyond that and that she was taken advantage of by the responsible parties in order to capitalize on her viral success.

And Talk Tuah fans, fear not. It appears that Welch is planning to continue her podcast as soon as she clears up what her involvement in $HAWK actually was.

Grafted trailer uncovers your next horror must-see

Mashable - Fri, 12/20/2024 - 11:00

Ready for a horror movie that's sure to make your skin crawl? Then brace yourself for Grafted. In her feature debut, New Zealand director Sasha Rainbow gifts us this gnarly tale of an ugly duckling who uses experimental science to become the swan of her dreams — and our nightmares.

Joyena Sun stars as Wei, a Chinese scholarship student who travels to New Zealand to pursue medical research at an illustrious university. However, while Wei has a brilliant brain, she's afflicted by insecurities over a facial birthmark. This makes her a target for her pretty, popular, and vicious cousin Angela (Jess Hong). But by burrowing into the skin-grafting research of her late father, Wei believes she can fix herself from the outside in. So begins a dark journey of jealousy and twisted self-discovery.

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

From the trailer above, you get a sense of Rainbow's splashy brand of body horror, along with the buzz Grafted picked up on the film festival circuit. Critics have been gagged, and soon it'll be your turn.

Grafted is coming to Shudder Jan. 24.

Shop last chance stocking stuffer deals that will still make Santas sleigh

Mashable - Fri, 12/20/2024 - 10:55

Nov. 20, these stocking stuffers from Amazon will still make it in time for Christmas, order now, get deal prices on great gifts like Burt's Bees holiday lip balm, and have something to grin about on Christmas morning.

The best stocking stuffers on Amazon you can still get The best stocking stuffer deal Burt's Bees Christmas Gifts $9.95 ($2.04) Get Deal The best chocolate stocking stuffer Tony's Chocolonely Dark Chocolate with Candy Cane Bar $5.20 Shop Now The best tech stocking stuffer deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (newest model) with AI-powered Fire TV Search $27.99 ($22) Get Deal

Whether you're working with classic felt stockings hung above a crackling fire, or dad's bulging hiking stocks taped below the apartment window, stockings are one of the most fun Christmas traditions.

Great stocking stuffers are usually low-lift gifts that make you feel good: Think Tony's Chocolonely chocolate, or some really special Christmassy lip balm. However, sometimes you find a deal so good that it makes a case for adding tech to the mix, for example, this Amazon Fire TV Stick deal.

Whatever your stocking stuffer style, we found stocking-worthy gifts from Amazon that Prime members can still get in time to hang from the mantle — most of them are even discounted! Just order quick! Most of these require a Prime Membership to make it in time for Christmas morning.

The best stocking stuffer deal Opens in a new window Credit: Burt's Bees Burt's Bees Christmas Gifts $9.95 at Amazon
$11.99 Save $2.04 Get Deal Why we like it:

Chapped lips are as much a part of the winter holidays as red berries and holly bushes. Thankfully, Burt's Bees has something to say about that.

With Christmassy flavors including peppermint and shortbread cookies, this four-pack is a great stocking stuffer in its own right. Families can split up the flavors to bless each stocking with a touch of something special. Order today to get Burt's Bees Christmas Gifts pack for 17% off and have it arrive before Christmas morning.

The best chocolate stocking stuffer Opens in a new window Credit: Tony's Chocolonely Tony's Chocolonely Dark Chocolate with Candy Cane Bar at Amazon
Shop Now Why we like it:

The secret's out: Tony's Chocolonely makes some of the tastiest, richest chocolate around. I still remember the first time I tried it.

This special edition Christmas dark chocolate bar has hidden chunks of candy cane within and a Christmas tree pressed right in its center. Order now and get the Tony's Chocolonely Dark Chocolate with Candy Cane Bar before Christmas.

SEE ALSO: Around 10,000 Amazon workers are striking just before Christmas The best tech stocking stuffer deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (newest model) with AI-powered Fire TV Search $27.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $22.00 Get Deal Why we like it:

This Amazon Fire TV Stick deal is so good it will make their stocking go up in flames (metaphorically). On sale for 44% off, this small Fire Stick and remote combo is just $27.99 and gets you access to a huge library of streaming services including movies, TV, and games.

Other great last minute stocking stuffers:

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