Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.
Released in August 2025, the Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.
Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move onto the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.
If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity for how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.
The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible – and common – for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.
Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:
Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.
Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.
Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.
Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.
Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.
If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.
Equal (2): Everything in this purple space must be equal to 2. The answer is 0-2, placed vertically; 2-6, placed vertically.
Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 4-6, placed vertically.
Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 4-6, placed horizontally; 6-3, placed vertically.
Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 2-6, placed vertically.
Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 1-3, placed horizontally.
Equal (3): Everything in this green space must be equal to 3. The answer is 1-3, placed horizontally; 6-3, placed vertically.
Equal (1): Everything in this purple space must be equal to 1. The answer is 1-3, placed horizontally; 1-4, placed vertically.
Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 1-3, placed horizontally; 0-4, placed horizontally.
Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 0-4, placed horizontally.
Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 0-0, placed vertically.
Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 1-4, placed vertically.
Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 0-1, placed vertically; 4-3, placed horizontally.
Greater Than (7): Everything in this space must be greater than 7. The answer is 5-5, placed horizontally; 4-3, placed horizontally.
Number (12): Everything in this purple space must add up to 12. The answer is 3-3, placed horizontally; 6-5, placed vertically.
Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 6-4, placed horizontally.
Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-2, placed vertically.
Number (12): Everything in this light blue space must add up to 12. The answer is 6-4, placed horizontally; 4-0, placed vertically; 4-3, placed vertically.
Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically.
Equal (2): Everything in this green space must be equal to 2. The answer is 4-2, placed vertically; 2-3, placed horizontally.
Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 2-3, placed horizontally; 3-0, placed horizontally; 1-5, placed horizontally.
Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 1-5, placed horizontally; 1-2, placed vertically.
Number (0): Everything in this yellow space must add up to 0. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically.
Number (0): Everything in this purple space must add up to 0. The answer is 4-0, placed vertically; 3-0, placed horizontally.
Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically; 1-6, placed horizontally.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 24, 2025Connections is a New York Times word game that's all about finding the "common threads between words." How to solve the puzzle.
The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you love to eat.
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.
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.
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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.
Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Currency
Green: To nibble
Blue: Marine life
Purple: Melodic sounds
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Slang for money
Green: Masticate
Blue: Fish
Purple: Ways to vocalize musically plus a letter
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 #927 is...
Slang for money: BACON, BREAD, CHEESE, PAPER
Masticate: BITE, CHAMP, CHEW, MUNCH
Fish: CHAR, POLLOCK, SOLE, TANG
Ways to vocalize musically plus a letter: HUMP, RAPT, SINGE, WHISTLER
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? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.
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.
NYT Strands hints, answers for December 24, 2025The NYT Strands hints and answers you need to make the most of your puzzling experience.
Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you prioritize comfort.
Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, 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.
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.
The words are related to relaxation.
These words describe comfort.
Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.
Today's spangram is Snug as a Bug
Comfy
Warm
Soft
Homey
Snug as a Bug
Cozy
Pleasant
Relaxing
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.
Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 24, 2025Here's the answer for "Wordle" #1648 on December 24 as well as a few hints, tips, and clues to help you solve it yourself.
Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you love to sew.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What a roll of thread sits on.
The letter O appears twice.
Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.
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...
SPOOL
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.
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.
iPhone storage full? Check your System Data.iPhone's "System Data" can take up a lot of space on your smartphone. Here's what we know.
"iPhone Storage Full."
It's a dreaded notification that some iPhone users have come to experience. It happened to me at my most recent holiday gathering while taking family photos. It wasn't the first time, but it was certainly an inconvenient time.
Like most people who receive the storage full prompt, I immediately went to Settings, followed by General, then the iPhone Storage option in order to see what was taking up 256GB of space. Sure, I snap a lot of photos and there are dozens of apps on my phone that I no longer use that could be taking up much needed storage space. I hoped that if I found what was taking up so much space, I might be able to delete it and clear up some storage.
But, no. It wasn't photos, or apps, or files, or documents that were filling up my iPhone this time. It was "System Data." Eighty whole gigs of my iPhone, roughly one-third of its entire 256GB of storage, were being taken up by "System Data."
When I looked online, I found posts and threads on social media where other iPhone users shared their own System Data storage issues. One Reddit user had their System Data taking up as much as 128GB of their 256GB iPhone!
And worst of all, there's nothing we could do about it.
When clicking on System Data, the very last thing on the iPhone Storage settings page where all your apps and their file sizes are listed, iOS provides a very general explanation of what System Data is.
"System Data includes caches, logs and other resources currently in use by the system," it reads. "This value will fluctuate according to system needs."
To be clear, this isn't the drive space that the operating system needs. That's listed completely independently under iPhone storage. The same with data connected to each individual app. That's rolled into the size of each app. This is some vague other thing. I reached out to Apple for more information.
"System Data encompasses caches, logs, and other resources currently in use by the system," Apple said. "This also includes temporary files that have a short lifecycle and are actively being used by iOS to keep the iPhone running smoothly."
You'll find that System Data fluctuates wildly. That 80GB of System Data on my iPhone that I mentioned earlier? It was down to 50GB the next morning.
"The size of System Data is managed by the system," Apple said. "When the temporary files are no longer needed, the system cleans them up automatically, so changes to the size of System Data are expected."
According to Apple, System Data is basically what iOS decides it needs to store pertaining to apps and other processes that are currently running or being used. But, what if a user wants to remove those temporary files immediately to open up space. Is there anything a user can do?
"iOS is designed to monitor and optimize storage usage, removing as many temporary files and caches as possible to free up space as needed without any required action from the user," Apple said. "This automatic management takes into consideration the amount of available storage and helps ensure iPhone maintains optimal performance while preserving storage space. There isn’t a need for users to do this manually."
So, in short, no. There's nothing iPhone users can manually do to clear up unnecessary System Data when storage space is needed. iOS decides when and what to clean up. One Redditor on the previously mentioned Reddit thread even shared how their iPhone's 167GB of System Data suddenly dropped down to 4GB on its own.
However, based on what Apple says and my own experience, this is what I'd recommend:
As soon as you notice your System Data is getting out of control, close all your unused apps out completely. To do this, simply swipe starting from the bottom of the screen and go upwards. All of your open app windows should appear stacked one behind the other. Swipe those windows up to completely close out the app. The System Data won't clear up immediately. Again, Apple says users can't control this. However, closing those apps did appear to move the process along as those temporary files are no longer needed once the apps are closed.
Hopefully, one day, Apple will allow users to force iOS to clear up System Data. But, until then, this is the best iPhone users can do.
Treat your pup with 50% off your first box from The Farmers DogTreat your pup to human-grade, fresh food. Get your first order for half off.
SAVE 50%: Get your first box of dog food from The Farmer's Dog for half off.
Pet owners often treat their animals as if they were their children — the term "pet parent" exists for a reason. If you fall in that boat, you've probably heard about The Farmer's Dog. The brand creates healthy meals for dogs that are fit for humans. Genuinely, they use human-grade meats and veggies that are gently cooked to maintain nutrients.
To get started, you'll work through a brief questionnaire about your dog(s) to create your personalized plan with portions to meet your dog's nutritional and caloric needs. The Farmer's Dog boasts on-staff vets and on-staff board-certified nutritionists, so you know your dog's food is being handled with care.
If you've been thinking about giving The Farmer's Dog a try, now is a great time to do it. You can save 50% on your first box.
Level up your listening with $39 off the Apple AirPods Pro 3As of Dec. 23, get $39 off a pair of Apple AirPods Pro 3 earbuds.
SAVE $39.01: As of Dec. 23, get the Apple AirPods Pro 3 for $209.99 at Amazon, down from their usual price of $249. That's a discount of 16%.
Looking for a new pair of earbuds for yourself or to gift someone else? You can't go wrong with AirPods, especially if you're already using devices that are part of the iOS ecosystem. And you can save a significant amount on the latest model right now, if you hurry over to Amazon.
As of Dec. 23, get the Apple AirPods Pro 3 for $209.99 at Amazon, down from their usual price of $249. That's $39 off and a discount of 16%.
These Mashable Choice Award-winning earbuds boast "outstanding ANC, excellent battery life, and intuitive connectivity and controls", according to Mashable reviewer Adam Doud. They're smaller than their predecessors, the AirPods Pro 2, and better in njust about every way.
They feature improved audio, better active noise cancellation with transparency mode, simple connectivity to your iOS device, and an even sound profile that you can tweak to your liking. Plus, with their included charging case, you can juice them back up to full capacity when their lengthy battery life has been depleted.
They're just about perfect in every way for iOS users, and If you're looking for a better pair than what you have, you won't want to miss out on this deal. It's well worth locking yours in at this discount so you can listen to your favorite songs with the quality they deserve.
How to watch The Smashing Machine: Dwayne Johnsons Mark Kerr biopic is now streamingIs "The Smashing Machine" streaming yet? Find out how to watch Dwayne Johnson's Mark Kerr biopic.
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is ready for a change of pace. Known for his larger-than-life personality and smoldering action-comedy performances, The Smashing Machine sees him take on a heavier, more dramatic role as MMA fighter Mark Kerr.
It world premiered at the 2025 Venice International Film Festival, then played at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, where Mashable's film editor, Kristy Puchko, reviewed the film. It earned mostly positive reviews, with tons of praise for Johnson's performance. The movie also stars Emily Blunt as Kerr's partner Dawn, Ryan Bader as UFC champion Mark Coleman, and Oleksandr Usyk as MMA fighter Igor Vovchanchyn.
If you missed it in theaters, you can now watch The Smashing Machine at home. Here's what you need to know to tune in — including where it's streaming and when.
Written and directed by Benny Safdie (Uncut Gems), The Smashing Machine tells the true story of MMA fighter Mark Kerr (Johnson) during the early days of the UFC in the '90s. It's set across several years, ushering audiences to Japan for the Pride FC competition and back to the U.S. for training. It dives into his personal struggles and tumultuous romantic relationship with Dawn Staples (Blunt) as he strives to be the best in the ring.
Get a glimpse at Johnson's transformation in the official trailer:
The Smashing Machine may not have been a knockout at the box office, but Johnson's transformation into Mark Kerr and his performance alone make it worth watching. The film took home the Silver Lion during the Venice International Film Festival and has racked up a 70 percent critic rating and 75 percent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Mashable's own reviewer writes, "In the end, Johnson gives a career-defining performance that should well prove he can handle meatier, even artier fare. Blunt gives her all in a thankless role, and Safdie, in his feature-length directorial debut without his brother/Uncut Gems co-helmer Josh Safdie, takes some big swings. It's a shame he didn't have a sharper eye on what was hitting, and what was leaving his audience needing more."
Check out Mashable's full review of The Smashing Machine.
A24 has officially announced a streaming date for The Smashing Machine. You can tune in at home by purchasing or renting via digital video-on-demand as of Nov. 4, 2025 or streaming as of Jan. 23, 2026. We've broken down the details below.
As of Nov. 4, The Smashing Machine is available to purchase or rent on digital video-on-demand platforms. You can buy the movie for your digital library or rent it for 30 days. If you choose to rent, just note that although you'll have 30 days to watch, you'll only have 48 hours to finish watching once you begin.
You can purchase and rent the film at the following retailers:
Prime Video — buy for $19.99, rent for $5.99
Apple TV — buy for $19.99, rent for $5.99
Fandango at Home (Vudu) — buy for $19.99, rent for $5.99
YouTube — buy for $19.99, rent starting at $4.99
Google Play — buy for $19.99, rent starting at $4.99
A24 has a multi-year output deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, so new A24 theatrical releases exclusively stream on HBO Max before anywhere else.
Based on the theater-to-streaming trajectory of other recently released A24 movies — like Sorry, Baby, Materialists, and Bring Her Back — we estimated that The Smashing Machine would hit HBO Max sometime in February or March 2026. We're happy to report that A24 is blessing us a bit early (likely due to awards season). You can stream The Smashing Machine on HBO Max as of Jan. 23, 2026.
HBO Max subscriptions start at $10.99 per month (thanks to a recent price hike), but there are some ways to save some money on your plan. Check out the best HBO Max streaming deals below.
The HBO Max Basic plan with ads typically costs $10.99 per month, but if you pay for an entire year upfront, that price drops down to just $9.17. With the annual plan, you'll pay $109.99, which saves you about 16% compared to paying each month.
If you'd rather go ad-free, the annual HBO Max Standard or Premium plans will also save you about 16% over the monthly plans. The Standard tier costs either $18.49 per month or $184.99 per year (about $15.42 per month), while the Premium tier costs either $22.99 per month or $229.99 per year (about $19.17 per month). Both tiers offer ad-free viewing, but the Premium tier also features 4K Ultra HD video quality, Dolby Atmos immersive audio, and the ability to download more offline content.
The only current way to get HBO Max for free is to switch your phone plan to Cricket's $60 per month Supreme Unlimited plan. It includes HBO Max Basic with ads for free — a $10.99 per month value. When you open up the HBO Max app or website, you'll just select Cricket as your provider and use your credentials to log in.
College students can watch The Smashing Machine when it hits streaming by signing up for an entire year of HBO Max with ads for half price. Just verify your student status through UNiDAYS and retrieve the unique discount code to drop the price from $10.99 to $5.49 per month.
For the most bang for your buck, check out the Disney+ bundle deal that includes Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max for just $19.99 per month with ads. That lineup of streamers would usually cost you $34.97 per month if you paid separately for each, so you'll keep an extra $15 in your pocket monthly. If you prefer an ad-free experience, the bundle will run you $32.99 per month as opposed to $56.47. That's up to 41% in savings for access to all three streaming libraries.
UPDATE: Dec. 23, 2025, 11:16 a.m. This article has been updated to include the official streaming release details for "The Smashing Machine" on HBO Max.
How to get your grocery costs downGrocery costs are up, so shoppers need to get more savvy.
Grocery prices continue to rise for many Americans. Federal food assistance programs are pleading their case with a hostile administration. Food banks across the country are trying to keep up.
Households, caught in the crosshairs of political and economic decisions by federal leaders, are trying to cut costs where they can and still feed themselves and their families balanced, whole meals.
How do they do that? Some strategic decision making, online deal hunting, and, as always, help from their communities.
While the cost of groceries has increased across the board — soaring more than 29 percent since 2020 — prices and access still vary based on a shopper's location. States and counties may see their own price disparities, while households that shop in-person versus through delivery services are seeing a widening gap on receipts. Areas that have been left without major grocers, often referred to as food deserts, have long faced inflated prices, only set to worsen.
Meanwhile, advocates like New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani are pushing for more publicly-funded grocers, expanding on nonprofit co-ops and military store models that could counter the profit-driven price setting in corporate grocery chains.
Until then, shoppers are navigating what's near them, so knowing which grocery stores offer consistently low prices is a good place to start.
According to shoppers, your best bets among mainstream grocers are Walmart, Aldi, Lidl, Grocery Outlet, WinCo, and Trader Joe's — most offer a majority of privately labeled products. If you can manage wholesalers, like Costco, head there to compare unit prices (and often get them lower).
A tip: Try to check prices against those of your local mom-and-pop grocer or, if you're fortunate enough to live near one, your local farm. They may be better than the big markets.
It never hurts to scour the pages of your local newspaper for the best grocery deals, but many of those old school circulars have moved online.
Once you find which store you can rely on, check out if they have any online or app-exclusive bargains. Aldi and Kroger stores, for example, post weekly digital deals.
There are also general apps that share coupons, deals, and low-cost to free food in your area. One of the most popular is Flipp, a digital circular offering that also has its own app and which lets you connect your loyalty accounts all in one place.
Before placing orders online, though, check to make sure you're not being charged extra money, like Walmart's reinstated basket fee. (And if you're privacy minded, signing up for a grocery store account may not be the best idea.)
Another option is Flashfood, which hooks up local shoppers with nearby deals, online ordering, and pickup. General coupon sites like Slickdeals (as well as its app) and Coupons.com often include deals from large retail and grocery stores, like Walmart and H-E-B.
For cheap prepared food and surplus check out sites like Too Good To Go, which connects users with surprise bags of food, prepared meals, and more from local restaurants and grocers.
There's also apps like Lemontree that focus on getting entirely free produce and pantry items, hot meals, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) money into the hands of those in need. Lemontree is available only in select cities, mostly on the East Coast.
There's a vast community of deal hunters and creators sharing grocery hacks online that are worth checking out, too. Many of them congregate on subreddits like r/budgetfood (77,000 weekly visitors) and r/frugal (1 million weekly visitors), and share strategies on how to meal plan and shop in more cost effective ways.
Rebecca Chobat, the creator behind the viral account Dollar Tree Dinners, has been posting extremely low cost meals and grocery hauls for years, and now shares her ideas with more than 3.5 million followers. Other TikTok accounts like Nicole Svenson, @itsmekatevee, and @at.home.cook share budget dinners and grocery hauls. There's also budget-friendly YouTube channels, like Frugal Fit Mom and Julia Pacheco.
If you are in need, do not hesitate to ask for help. Federal food assistance benefits like SNAP, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and the The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) work alongside a network of national food banks to fill gaps where your weekly grocery budget can't stretch.
To find food banks in your area, check out hunger nonprofit Feeding America's online search tool or call 866-3-HUNGRY (866-348-6479).
The powerful M5 iPad Pro 11-inch is $100 off at Amazon and it arrives before ChristmasThe 11-inch M5 iPad Pro is on sale at Amazon for $899, down from the list price of $999. That's a 10% discount.
SAVE $100: The 11-inch M5 iPad Pro is on sale at Amazon for $899, down from the list price of $999. That's a 10% discount that matches the lowest Amazon has ever offered.
Need a last-minute gift that'll earn you the title of superstar gift giver? We're cutting it close now to get gifts delivered on time for Christmas, but you're not totally out of luck at Amazon. If you're shopping for a generous gift for someone who could use a tablet, check out this Apple deal.
As of Dec. 23, the 11-inch M5 Apple iPad Pro (WiFi, 256GB) is on sale at Amazon for $899, marked down from the standard price of $999. That's a savings of $100 from a 10% discount. Today's sale matches the lowest we've seen at Amazon.
On Mashable's list of the best iPads, the iPad Pro with M5 chip earns the spot as the best option for professionals. In part, that's thanks to the powerful M5 chip, but we also love the battery life and super thin, portable design. Mashable Shopping Reporter Samantha Mangino wrote, "Professionals planning on using an iPad as their tablet should go for the new iPad Pro". "This 2025 release is loaded with Apple's fastest processing power thanks to the M5 processor, giving it way more power than the average user really needs. Graphic designers can store all of their creative work on the device, which has up to 2TB of storage."
Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth said, "It's the kind of gadget that makes you feel like you're living in the future," in his full review of the Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M5). He pointed out extra impressive stats like the ability to reach up to 1,600 nits peak brightness with HDR content and the ultra-light design.
Before this deal disappears or delivery times push beyond Christmas, secure the powerful 11-inch M5 Apple iPad Pro (WiFi, 256GB) is on sale at Amazon for $899. Get the wrapping paper ready and you'll be in great shape for top-tier gifting this year.
What time do stores close on Christmas eve: Shopping hours for Walmart, Target, moreTrying to squeeze in some last minute holiday shopping? Shop until the very last minute on Christmas Eve. Check out the store hours for Target, Walmart, and more.
As we get into the final hours of Christmas shopping, don't stress about how long your list is. There's still time to get holiday shopping done. While it may be too late to place an online order (unless you're shopping on Amazon,) but you can always shop in store. Most retailers will be open on Christmas Eve, which falls on Wednesday, Dec. 24 in 2025. However, these retailers will have truncated hours.
Generally, retailers will close on Christmas Day, Thursday, Dec. 25, so Christmas Eve is your last chance to stock up on groceries and gifts. So whether you're scrambling to pick up AirPods for mom or just ran out of wrapping paper, here's where and when you can shop on Christmas Eve.
Apple: Apple Stores will open by 9 am local time and close by 6 pm on Christmas Eve. Store hours vary locally so check local hours.
Best Buy: Best Buy stores open from 8 am to 7 pm local time.
Costco: Costco stores open from 10 am to 5 pm local time.
The Home Depot: Home Depot stores open at regular hours but will close early at 5 pm local time. Check local store hours.
Lowe's: Lowe's stores will open at 6 am and close by 6 pm local time. Some stores will close by 5 pm, check local store hours.
Macy's: Macy's stores will open from 8 am to 7 pm local time.
Target: Target stores open from 7 am to 8 pm local time.
REI: REI stores open from 9 am to 6 pm local time.
Walmart: Walmart stores open from 6 am to 6 pm local time.
Most retailers will be closed on Christmas Day. However, some pharmacies including CVS and Walgreens will remain open. 24 hour locations of both CVS and Walgreens will remain open on Christmas Day.
Otherwise, CVS locations will open from 10 am to 8 pm local time on Christmas Day. Check store hours before shopping. Walgreens locations will open from 8 am to 5 pm but like CVS, not all locations will be open so verify hours before shopping.
The Cyber Monday Kindle Unlimited deal is back: get 3 months for 99 centsGet three months of Kindle Unlimited for only 99 cents and save nearly $35 on loads of books.
SAVE $34.98: As of Dec. 23, new and returning subscribers can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for only 99 cents. Typically $11.99 per month, that saves you nearly $35 across three months.
One of our favorite hidden gems on Cyber Monday was the Kindle Unlimited 99-cent deal. While that deal should technically be long gone, it actually just reappeared as a rebranded holiday deal. If you missed out during Cyber Week, you have been granted another chance.
As of Dec. 23, new and returning subscribers can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for only 99 cents. Usually $11.99 per month ($35.97 total for three months), that's $34.98 in savings — the next-best thing to free.
Kindle Unlimited unlocks instant access to a library full of millions of books across every genre you can imagine. And unlike the beloved Libby app, these books require no wait times. From bestsellers like Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros and The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides to recent books-turned-movies like Regretting You by Colleen Hoover and The Housemaid by Freida McFadden to subscription to magazines like People or Time, the Kindle Unlimited library is brimming with excellent reads. You can borrow up to 20 books at a time (magazines don't count toward your borrowing limit) and you don't even need a Kindle device to access Kindle Unlimited (although we suggest grabbing one while they're on sale!). You can just download the app onto any device and read at your own leisure — your laptop, smartphone, iPad, or web browser.
After the three-month promotional period, your subscription will automatically renew at full price ($11.99 per month), so be sure to set a remind to cancel if you want to avoid that charge. I personally think it's worth the monthly fee if you want to read a lot of brand new releases, as there is no wait time like Libby. If you don't mind waiting, I'd cancel before your three-month period is up.
Anaconda review: Jack Black and Paul Rudd deliver a surprising comedy — but its a bad surprisePaul Rudd and Jack Black star in Kevin Etten and Tom Gormican's remake of "Anaconda." Review.
When the trailer for Anaconda hit, I was giddy. At a glance, this seemed like a sublime elevator pitch: Two childhood best friends reunite to reboot the 1997 Jennifer Lopez/Ice Cube creature feature Anaconda. With Jack Black and Paul Rudd as the aforementioned besties, the promise of hilarious hijinks seemed sky-high. The zany trailer gave a taste of comedic chaos the filmmakers had in store, like a bumbling amateur film crew crossing paths with a real — and really monstrous — anaconda. It seemed like a perfectly wrapped gift for comedy lovers, just in time for Christmas.
I'm sorry to Grinch the vibe. But this Anaconda is not what we wished for.
Written by Kevin Etten and Tom Gormican, and directed by the latter, this haphazard reboot gets tripped up in clumsy attempts at cleverness. Far from keeping it simple and stupid, the screenplay wedges in a thriller subplot that's far from thrilling, and gives the female characters all the depth of a shot glass.
The male characters don't fare much better. Anaconda's hapless heroes natter on about what makes a great movie in passionate debates, so we know Etten and Gormican can talk the talk — but they can't walk the walk.
Maybe you aren't coming to a 2025 action-comedy looking for a "spiritual sequel" to Michel Gondry's 2008, Jack-Black-fronted buddy comedy about two VHS rental store employees who dedicatedly make "sweded" versions of blockbuster films. But frankly, the premise and Black's casting had me hoping for this unconventional vibe: a celebration of determined filmmakers, doing their damndest with whatever they have at their disposal, turning junk into art. Instead, Gormican offers an action-comedy that's overstuffed with intrigue and underwhelming in-jokes.
Black stars as Doug McCallister, a lifelong Buffalo resident who once dreamed of moviemaking but now makes wedding videos for a living. ("It's a B, B+ life!") Meanwhile, his childhood best friend, Ronald "Griff" Griffen Jr., chased his dreams of movie stardom all the way to Los Angeles, only to wind up a struggling thespian whose greatest success is four guest appearances on S.W.A.T. But what if they could make their dream come true by rebooting Anaconda in the Brazilian Amazon?
Their childhood buddies, Kenny (a daffy Steve Zahn) and Claire (a woefully underused Thandiwe Newton), join them on this quest, employing a slippery snake handler (Selton Mello) and a curious riverboat captain (Daniela Melchior) to shoot their Anaconda with a live snake. Things go dangerously awry when they bumble into the territory of an enormous and aggressive anaconda. But while they're dealing with all of this, there's also a macho band of men chasing down their "badass" riverboat captain for reasons unknown — and ultimately reasons not all that interesting.
This is set up as a movie about friendship and the love of making movies with your friends. However, the amount of the film that actually features Doug and his friends making a movie is shockingly small. Where there could have been a DIY charm to seeing the footage, Gormican is solidly uninterested in showing the crew at work, offering one lazy montage of a successful shoot day.
As soon as the enormous snake shows up, they all forget they're making a movie about the giant snake. As much as Doug and Griff claim to be horror fanatics, it seems they've never even heard of found footage, much less understood the rule that you never stop shooting!
What an absolutely bonkers choice Gormican makes here. You've got an actor whose comedic charisma is so intense that he's not only been the best part of movies like Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, The Holiday, and A Minecraft Movie (not to mention School of Rock, which he headlines), but also fronts a comedy-rock band known as Tenacious D. And you attempt to make him the level-headed guy, who's supposed to set up the punchlines for the zanier characters? It's not that Black can't manage that. It's that it's a waste of his dynamic energy and unparalleled comedic brilliance. Anaconda feels like it's constricting his potential.
He and Rudd, who has been a solid straight man in Role Models and I Love You Man, have an awkward chemistry. It's as if they're not sure who is supposed to hit the punchline, as the latter bops around like a Muppet. To his credit, Zahn thrives amid this chaos, as he's always been a character actor who can make the most of any situation. Here, he's that wildcard friend who insists he's "Buffalo sober," meaning he only drinks "wine, beer, and the light liquors." And Mello manages some silliness as the eccentric snake handler.
The rest of the cast, however, is so tangled in the convoluted plot that they have little opportunity to be funny or even amusing. Newton's role is so thinly written that Claire seems to exist only to be the object of Rudd's affections. Melchior's role is so dry and clichéd that she practically poses the whole of her screentime. That's infuriating, considering she's previously managed to be compelling in supporting roles in The Suicide Squad, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, and American Sweatshop. Yet Gormican gives her more screentime and less to do!
Look, the original Anaconda wasn't good. But it was fun. It understood what people wanted to see: famous people fighting a giant snake. This Anaconda has a setup that suggests Gormican knows what we want: Jack Black and Paul Rudd being goofy while making a silly snake movie. And yet, what we get is an overlong, convoluted action-comedy where neither the action nor the comedy is worthwhile.
It's the same issue I had with Gormican's The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, which starred Nicolas Cage as himself. It's just not weird enough. Gormican's premises promise something next-level bonkers, but fail in his execution, which feels weird only in how safe they are.
His Anaconda can't compete with the wildest films from either lead's oeuvre, whether that's Jack Black's Nacho Libre, Be Kind Rewind, or Tropic Thunder, or Rudd's Wet Hot American Summer, Anchorman, or The 40-Year-Old Virgin. This Anaconda could have been a sensationally funny movie that explored the grimy glory of indie moviemaking or the comical challenges of creating art with friends. Instead, it's a meandering mess that wastes the cast's star power and the audience's goodwill.
I entered the theater optimistic, like I did 28 years ago when I saw Anaconda on a double date. Did that date go well? Absolutely not. But did I have a blast watching that wild movie? I did. And I've had a soft spot for it ever since. So, I was excited to see what could be done with a cast of characters who shared that enthusiasm for lowbrow cinema and a love of making things for the joy of making them. But this Anaconda doesn't have the spirit I'd expected. It's glossy, sloppy, and slick with CGI snakes, but there is no soul.
Anaconda opens in theaters on Dec. 25.
Cuffing season is here! The best dating apps for serious relationships, reviewed.The best dating apps for people looking for a long-term relationship.
Gone are the days when people balk at you if you say you met your partner online. Dating apps have irrevocably changed the way we date — much like social media platforms have changed the way we interact with each other overall. With so many apps, from Bumble to eharmony, it can be challenging to determine which ones to invest in, especially if you're looking for that special someone.
According to 2023 findings from the Pew Research Center, one in ten partnered adults (married, living with a partner, or in a committed relationship) met their partner on a dating app or site. If you're a younger adult and/or LGBTQ, you're more likely to have met your significant other online: one in five adults under 30 and nearly one in four for LGBTQ adults.
The same study found that almost half (44 percent) of dating app users said a major reason for using them was to meet a long-term partner. So, if that's you, you're certainly not alone, despite what you might see people lament on TikTok.
The discourse on dating app culture can be unrelenting. Singles told Mashable earlier this year they'd rather meet a potential partner in person, but they're begrudgingly on the apps. Some, like Tinder, have seen their revenue decrease in recent quarters, while Hinge is growing. Even then, though, daters bemoan even the most popular of apps. After Zohran Mamdani's win for New York City mayor in November, for example, Hinge users complained that it was somehow "not the same app" where he had met his wife four years prior.
Despite the frustration over The Apps™, it's undeniable that if you want to date from the comfort and safety of your home, they're the way to do it. If you're, say, introverted or have difficulty approaching someone in person, an app does have its uses.
And consistently every year, the day with the most activity on dating apps is the first Sunday in January, now known as "Dating Sunday." It's right after New Year's Eve but well before Valentine's Day; it gives people who felt their singleness at the ball drop a chance to find a date for February 14. And if your New Year's resolution is to find something long-term, what better way than to use the apps on Dating Sunday?
Considering the variation in experiences on all the dating apps, it's difficult to quantify which ones are the "best." Some people find their spouses on Tinder, while others are disappointed that their matches are only looking for hookups.
That being said, if you're looking for something serious, your best bet is likely an app with a large user base, options for you to indicate what you're looking for in your bio, and filters to weed out who you really want to partner with. There are also apps whose branding is geared towards finding one's ultimate match — like eharmony and Match, both decades-old sites with reputations for helping users find their spouse. Hinge, Bumble, and Coffee Meets Bagel also have a reputation for more "serious" connections.
Depending on the type of relationship you're seeking, you may also benefit from a more niche app. Take one app on our list, SilverSingles, for people over 50. Sure, there are older adults on apps like Tinder and Bumble as well, but you may have more luck finding someone age-appropriate if you're in a space meant just for you.
Mashable has researched to pick out a few from the plethora of dating sites (and apps) out there. These options are available for both Android and Apple users, so the type of phone you have won't determine your options. In terms of monetary investment, you can use some of these for free (like Tinder and Bumble), while others are more pay-to-play. We've also included some "niche" options, like the aforementioned SilverSingles and Elite Singles, so you have more than the standard buffet of dating apps.
Here are the best dating apps for serious relationships:
Last-minute gifts on sale thatll arrive before Christmas: DoorDash gift cards, Fire Sticks, the Shark Glossi, moreScrambling for a gift that'll arrive by Dec. 25? We found Amazon deals from Keurig, Apple, Shark, and more with same-day delivery.
There are last-minute Christmas gifts bought, like, the week before, and then there are last-minute last-minute gifts bought in the wee 48 hours before the big day. If you're still scrambling on Dec. 23, you're not screwed. We found an impressive handful of solid last-minute gift deals at Amazon that can arrive by Christmas, either with same-day or next-day delivery.
If your giftee would appreciate a gift card more than any forced physical gift, our favorite last-minute gift card deal is easily the $100 DoorDash gift card on sale for $85. It has limited inventory, so grab it before the status bar hits 0% left.
There are also several options for tangible gift ideas with lightning fast delivery that would work for just about anyone. The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus with overnight shipping is on sale for $21.99 after a regular onsite discount and a few extra dollars shaved off with code HOL25FTV. (That's the slightly upscaled version of the Fire TV Stick 4K Select, one of Mashable's top-selling items on Black Friday, that wouldn't arrive until Dec. 27.)
Available with same-day delivery are the Keurig K-Mini Mate at a record-low price of $44.99, the Shark Glossi hair styling tool at its Black Friday price of $129.99, and an Apple AirTag for just $24 (another Black Friday best-seller).
FCC bans foreign drones, including DJI. What happens next.The U.S. just banned foreign drone makers like DJI. What happens to your DJI drone now?
Bah humbug. Just days before Christmas, the U.S. has effectively banned foreign drones, including the most popular drone maker, China-based DJI.
So, what happens next, especially if you already own a DJI drone or have a new one waiting to be unwrapped under the Christmas tree? Here's what we know.
On Monday, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) officially blacklisted foreign-made drones and components, which include DJI's drone products. The ban has been looming for a while now, and DJI, which accounts for a whopping 90 percent of the global drone market share, tried to fight it. The drone maker recently agreed to comply with audits in hopes of being removed from the FCC blacklist, but to no avail. DJI drones are now banned with all the others, on the blacklist.
The FCC instituted the ban in the name of national security, claiming foreign drones pose potential threats to the U.S.
"President Trump has been clear that his Administration will act to secure our airspace and unleash American drone dominance," Trump's appointed FCC chair, Brendan Carr, said in a statement.
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So, where does that leave U.S. consumers who own a DJI drone? These consumers also include many industries that have pushed back on the ban, as drones have become an important tool for everything from law enforcement to agriculture.
According to the FCC, those who already own drones will not be affected by the ban. Consumers in the U.S. can continue to own and operate their DJI drones or any other drones made by companies affected by the blacklist. Additionally, retailers can continue to sell drone models and products from blacklisted companies that have already been approved for sale.
In a statement, Carr said that the ban "does not disrupt the ongoing use or purchase of previously authorized drones, and with appropriate avenues for excluding drones that do not pose a risk."
DJI released its own statement on the ban, committing to continue serving the U.S. market under these new regulations while criticizing the process by which they were implemented.
"DJI is disappointed by the Federal Communications Commission’s action today to add foreign‑made drones to the Covered List," the company said. "While DJI was not singled out, no information has been released regarding what information was used by the Executive Branch in reaching its determination."
"DJI products are among the safest and most secure on the market, supported by years of reviews conducted by U.S. government agencies and independent third parties," DJI continued. "Concerns about DJI’s data security have not been grounded in evidence and instead reflect protectionism, contrary to the principles of an open market."
The drone maker also reiterated the FCC's claim that consumers who already own DJI drones will not be affected by the ban and can continue to operate their drones. DJI also expressed hope that its future products will be cleared by the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security for release in the U.S.
Catch em all with 10% off Pokémon Brilliant Diamond for SwitchAs of Dec. 23, get 10% off Pokémon Brilliant Diamond for Switch at Amazon.
SAVE $6: As of Dec. 23, get Pokémon Brilliant Diamond for $53.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $59.99. That's a discount of 10%.
Looking for a last-minute Nintendo Switch gift or just want to add to your collection? Amazon has your back with this deal on a great Pokémon remake for Nintendo Switch that can arrive as early as today if you hurry and pick yours up.
As of Dec. 23, get Pokémon Brilliant Diamond for $53.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $59.99. That's $6 off and a discount of 10%.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and its companioin game Shining Pearl are remakes of the 2006 Nintendo DS entries Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. They take place in the Sinnoh region and come with a wide variety of then-new Pokémon to capture. These remakes take a different approach to the games, however, with special chibi art and a host of improvements to the originals as well as new content.
These remakes were looked upon fondly when they first debuted, and they're still very much worth adding to your collection, especially if you fancy yourself a big fan of the monster-collecting franchise. You don't need both entries to enjoy the game to the fullest, but keep in mind each game does have its own Legendary monster, with Dialga in Diamond and Palkia in Pearl.
This is a particularly fun Pokémon entry for Switch, so make sure you get it while it's still hot, as the clock is ticking down to the holidays fast.
The Soundcore Sleep A20 earbuds are a major 40% off at Amazon and some lucky shoppers will get delivery before ChristmasThe Soundcore Sleep A20 earbuds are on sale at Amazon for $107.99, down from the list price of $179.99. That's a 40% discount.
SAVE $72: The Soundcore Sleep A20 earbuds are on sale at Amazon for $107.99, down from the list price of $179.99. That's a 40% discount that matches the record low at Amazon.
A thoughtful gift that someone will use everyday is hard to come up with. Mashable's gift guides can help, but we have a special recommendation for that someone who is always struggling to get quality sleep. If that's someone on your Christmas shopping list, check out this thoughtful gift that's on sale at Amazon.
As of Dec. 23, the Soundcore Sleep A20 earbuds are on sale at Amazon for $107.99, marked down from the list price of $179.99. That's a savings of $72 thanks to the 40% discount. This sale price matches the rarely-seen record low at Amazon. Depending on the delivery address, these might arrive in time for Christmas.
Whether it's a partner snoring, the cat running around, or the neighbor's party, noise is a big sleep disruptor. Putting on a fan or a white noise machine helps some people, but you have another option in sleep earbuds. The Soundcore Sleep A20 earbuds are designed to be comfortable enough to wear all night long, even for side sleepers.
Mashable Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard tested out sleep earbuds and found the Soundcore Sleep A20 to be the best option for most people. The earbuds let you stream your own audio or sleep sounds from the Soundcore app. They also track sleep data and come with six different earbud tips.
Soundcore mentions the Sleep A20 earbuds get about 80 hours of playtime before they'll need to recharge, which means you'll have to recharge about once per week, depending on how much you sleep. And don't worry about sleeping through an alarm — you can set that to play on the earbuds.
While they're back at a record-low price, snatch up the Soundcore Sleep A20 earbuds. Gift them to a loved one who could use some better sleep or buy them for yourself as motivation to get better rest in 2026.
Sonys awesome budget-friendly WH-CH520 headphones are only $38 right nowThe budget-friendly Sony WH-CH520 headphones are on sale for only $38, nearly 50% off their list price.
SAVE $31.99: As of Dec. 23, the Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones are on sale for just $38 at Amazon. That's 46% off their current list price of $69.99 and only $5 shy of their best price ever.
They may be the most basic headphones in Sony's lineup, but the WH-CH520s are still pretty great — especially when they're on sale.
As of Dec. 23, the Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones are down to just $38 from $69.99. That's 46% in savings and only $5 shy of their best price ever on record.
At under $40, these aren't going to match the depth of sound of Sony's WH-1000XM6 headphones, but they're still more impressive than their price tag lets on. As our reviewer noted, the WH-CH520s "surpass expectations by delivering broad connectivity, energetic sound, and longer playtimes than most luxury models."
Standout features include up to 50 hours of battery life, a three-minute fast-charge option, multipoint connectivity, customizable EQ, hands-free calling, and a lightweight design. You can even make your own sound profiles in the app to match the genre you're listening to.
If you don't need all the fancy bells and whistles that come with top-of-the-line headphones, you can save a bunch of money by opting for a more basic pair like the Sony WH-CH520s. As Mashable reviewer Alex Bracetti said, "They are arguably the best headphones under $100, easily the best headphones under $50, and a must-own for budget-conscious shoppers who want affordable Sony cans at a ridiculously low price."
The good news is every color option is currently down to just $38. The bad news is they won't arrive before Christmas.
Is Doctor Doom going after all the super babies in Avengers: Doomsday?Between "Fantastic Four: First Steps" end-credits scene and the "Avengers: Doomsday" trailer, it seems like Doctor Doom is going after kids.
There's still just under a year left before Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters. But based on the film's first teaser, as well as the mid-credits scene of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, it seems like Marvel is already hinting at Doctor Doom's (Robert Downey Jr.) nefarious plans. Forget Infinity Stones, the MCU's next Big Bad is collecting super babies.
Exhibit A: the very first time we see Doctor Doom in the MCU. His introduction comes during one of the post-credits scenes in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, in which he appears in the Fantastic Four's apartments and approaches Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) and Reed Richards' (Pedro Pascal) child Franklin. By this point, the film has already established that Franklin is a being of immense power, so could Doctor Doom be trying to steal him away from his loving parents to use him for his own plans?
Let's move onto Exhibit B: the teaser trailer for Avengers: Doomsday. Obviously, the biggest reveal here is that Chris Evans will be returning as Steve Rogers. But the teaser unveils another surprise: Steve is now a father.
Avengers: Endgame gave Steve a happy ending, with him remaining in the past and marrying Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell). Because of the seeming finality of that arc, it's going to take something huge to bring him back out of retirement and into the fight against Doctor Doom. Yes, Doctor Doom on his own already seems like a big threat, but you know what would make Steve even angrier and ready to fight? If Doctor Doom took his baby.
The focus on children doesn't stop at Franklin Richards or Steve's baby, though. So much of the MCU post-Avengers: Endgame has been about superpowered kids, from Wanda Maximoff's twins Billy (Julian Hillard and Joe Locke) and Tommy (Jett Klyne) to Miss Marvel's Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani). Post-credits scenes also keep introducing the Avengers' descendants, like Bruce Banner's (Mark Ruffalo) son Skaar (Wil Deusner) and T'Challa's (Chadwick Boseman) son Toussaint (Divine Love Konadu-Sun). Elsewhere, Thor: Love and Thunder villain Gorr's (Christian Bale) whole evil plan involved imprisoning a bunch of children. Could Doctor Doom be treading a similar path in Avengers: Doomsday?
Again, we've got a year until we find out. But until then, I'm nervous for every young character in the MCU. Are they being set up to be part of the MCU's Young Avengers? Or are they just more kidnapping fodder for Doctor Doom?
Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters Dec. 18, 2026.
Find all your lost items in seconds with $10 off the Tile SlimAs of Dec. 23, get the Tile Slim Bluetooth tracker for $10 off its normal price at Amazon.
SAVE $10: As of Dec. 23, get the Tile Slim smart tracker for $19.99, down from its usual price of $29.99, at Amazon. That's a discount of 33%.
If you're always losing some of your most important belongings like your wallet or your purse or bag, a smart tracker is a great idea for you. You can just toss one in a card slot, a pocket, or even your car and you'll be able to track down your lost item in minutes. And right now you can get one for a great price at Amazon.
As of Dec. 23, get the Tile Slim smart tracker for $19.99, down from its usual price of $29.99, at Amazon. That's $10 off and a discount of 33%.
This slim, card-shaped tracker is the same size as a credit card, only slightly thicker, and you can fit it nto any wallet or other area in which you can fit a card. It's Tile's thinnest tracker yet, and it's perfect for any area you can't really make a traditional tracker like an Apple AirTag fit in.
This tracker works with both iOS and Android though, so you aren't locked to one network if you happen to lose something. When you connect this tracker to your phone, you can have it ring to help you find it or locate it on your phone with special directions via the free app. You can even trigger an SOS alert if needed in an emergency situation.
This handy tracker is a must-have if you find yourself losing all of your things at inopportune times, and it's super affordable. Grab one for yourself or a few and stay on top of your belongings. There's not enough time in life to be stressing over lost items.
The Amazon Kindle Scribe is $140 off and itll arrive before ChristmasThe Amazon Kindle Scribe (64GB) is on sale at Amazon for $309.99, down from the list price of $419.99. That's a 31% discount.
SAVE $140: The Amazon Kindle Scribe (64GB) is on sale at Amazon for $309.99, down from the list price of $419.99. That's a 31% discount that matches the record low at Amazon.
We're getting close to the deadline for Christmas presents arriving on time. But there's no need to freak out if you're a last-minute shopper. Amazon has a nice selection of gifts that will still arrive for the holiday. You'll need to wrap in a hurry, but as long as everything goes to plan, you'll be ready. If one of the most versatile e-readers sounds like a nice gift, there's a great deal in store today.
As of Dec. 23, the Amazon Kindle Scribe (64GB) is on sale at Amazon for $309.99, down from the list price of $419.99. That works out to an awesome savings of $140 from a 31% discount. This sale price matches the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon for this model. This sale price applies to both the Metallic Jade and Tungsten colorways, so check delivery times/dates for both options if you're looking for the quickest possible delivery.
If you or someone on your Christmas shopping list loves to read and journal, the Amazon Kindle Scribe is the perfect model. On Mashable's list of the best Kindles, the Scribe earns top marks as the best option for taking notes. Mashable Shopping Reporter Samantha Mangino wrote, "If, looking through your bookshelf, your books have dog-eared pages, highlighted lines, and scribbles in the margins, your instinct might be that an e-reader isn't for you, but I'd like to introduce you to the Kindle Scribe," she said. "It's the only Kindle with writing capabilities and comes with an included stylus pen that magnetically attaches to the side of the e-reader; it's ready for all your handwritten thoughts."
Mangino explained the included pen moves across the screen with ease, giving it the feel of writing on paper. In the full review of the Kindle Scribe, it lost some points because of it's $450 price tag, but today's sale that brings it down to $310 gives it much more allure. Plus, the pre-Christmas deliver date is a major bonus.
Focusing on some specs, the Kindle Scribe has a 10.2-inch display, getting up to 94 nits of brightness. Battery life is strong, getting up to 12 weeks before you'll need to recharge and the included premium pen doesn't ever need recharging. But keep in mind that it's not waterproof like some of its other Kindle family members like the Paperwhite.
If you're in a slight panic about shopping for last-minute gifts, rest assured that almost anyone would love the Kindle Scribe. Snag it while it's on sale at Amazon for $309.99 which shaves $140 off the normal price. Get the gift bag ready and you'll have a wonderful Christmas present, good to go.
The Kindle Paperwhite is still on sale for the holidays — save $25 while you still canThe Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is still on sale for the holidays. Get it for only $134.99 and save $25.
SAVE $25: As of Dec. 23, the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is on sale for $134.99 instead of $159.99. That's a savings of 16% or $25 and about $10 shy of its best price ever.
Mashable shopping reporter Sam Mangino has tested every Kindle device and the Kindle Paperwhite constantly comes out on top. "It's "as good as an e-reader can get," she writes. Ahead of the big day on Dec. 25, you can pick one up for $10 shy of its best price ever.
As of Dec. 23, the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is down to $134.99 from its list price of $159.99. That's $25 or 16% in savings. While we did see it drop even lower on Black Friday, this is still a really solid discount — and its second-best price all year.
Though I'm a major fangirl of the basic Kindle (and highly recommend it!), the Kindle Paperwhite is definitely the "better" device on paper. It's the fastest model yet and turns pages without stuttering or slowing down. The vibrant seven-inch display includes adjustable brightness and warmth to make reading in any condition easy on the eyes. And the real kicker is that it's waterproof (unlike the basic Kindle) — a pretty major reason why it lands in the top spot on our best e-reader's list.
Though it's a bit bigger than the basic Kindle, it's still small enough to slide comfortably in a purse. And just like every Kindle device, its battery life is bonkers at about 12 weeks per charge.
Unfortunately, you can only get delivery before Christmas in some locations. But saving $25 justifies waiting an extra day or two in my eyes. Snag the Paperwhite for only $134.99 while this deal is still live.
Apples iOS 26.3 has 2 new features to make the European Commission happyThe European Commission says it's pleased with what Apple's done in iOS 26.3.
The European Commission is pleased with Apple's iOS 26.3 – two of its features in particular, that is.
The European Union's watchdog said that two of the features introduced in the iOS 26.3 beta were a result of an EU investigation into Apple's terms for connected devices.
"The DMA creates new opportunities for developers to bring to market innovative products and services in Europe. This is another step towards a more inter-connected digital ecosystem to the benefit of all EU citizens,” an EC spokesperson told the Wall Street Journal.
One of the two features in question is Notification Forwarding for third-party smartwatches, which we've covered here.
The other feature the EC probably refers to is Proximity pairing, allowing users of iOS devices to easily pair with third-party devices, similarly to how you pair AirPods to your iPhone.
There's also a feature called Transfer to Android, allowing users to transfer their data to an Android device in an easier way.
I can't remember when a new version of iOS was this focused on compliance with European rules. All three new features have to do with Europe's Digital Market Act (DMA), which Apple isn't very happy about.
All of these new features will only be available for customers in the European Union. Apple's iOS 26.34 is currently in beta, and will probably become available in January.
Avengers: Doomsday teaser reveals the return of Chris Evans as Steve Rogers"Avengers: Doomsday" will bring back Captain America, with Chris Evans set to reprise the role he initially retired in "Avengers: Endgame."
Marvel Studios keeps bringing back the actors it sent off in Avengers: Endgame — and I'm not just talking about Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom.
Instead, I'm talking about Chris Evans as Captain America/Steve Rogers.
The teaser trailer for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday puts Steve front and center, revealing what's been going on in his life since the end of Avengers: Endgame. In that film, following the return of the Infinity Stones, Steve stayed in the past and married Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell). He grew old and, in the present, passed his shield and the title of Captain America to Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie).
However, based on the Avengers: Doomsday teaser, it's clear that that wasn't really the end of his story.
The teaser sees Steve returning to the home he shares with Peggy, then cradling his newborn child. Cute, right? Well, it's less cute than it is foreboding, because what in the world is going to happen to Peggy and that child to bring Steve out of retirement and into the fight against Doctor Doom? Remember how Doctor Doom was creeping on Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) and Sue Storm's (Vanessa Kirby) baby Franklin at the end of The Fantastic Four: First Steps? What if he's coming after all the super babies?
In addition to Downey Jr. and Evans, Avengers: Doomsday also stars (deep breath) Chris Hemsworth, Kirby, Pascal, Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Letitia Wright, Paul Rudd, Wyatt Russell, Tenoch Huerta Mejía, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Simu Liu, Florence Pugh, Kelsey Grammer, Lewis Pullman, Danny Ramirez, Joseph Quinn, David Harbour, Winston Duke, Hannah John-Kamen, Tom Hiddleston, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn, James Marsden, and Channing Tatum.
Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters Dec. 18, 2026.
How to survive holiday triggers and nail your New Year’s quitting goalsThese tips are your cheat sheet to outsmarting nicotine, once and for all.
If you’re one of the 67 percent of Gen Zers (ages 18-24) currently using nicotine who are planning to quit for the New Year, you might be freaking out right about now. Between gift-hunting and dealing with your extended family and all the other chaos that generally flares up this time of year, you might even find yourself wanting to reach for the vape more than you usually do. All the more reason to stay on track with quitting, even with your halls fully decked.
Many e-cigarette, vape, or pouch users may reach for nicotine in order to deal with stress, anxiety, and depression. But according to the nonprofit public-health organization Truth Initiative, nicotine can actually make your symptoms worse. That’s right, worse.
Findings from a meta-analysis of 26 studies have shown that quitting nicotine is associated with lower levels of stress, as well as an improved mood, which is something we could all use more of this time of year. A Truth Initiative survey has also shown that a whopping 90 percent of vapers who quit reported feeling less anxious and depressed.
But surviving the holidays and sticking to your New Year’s resolutions is hard, especially when vapes are being engineered to keep you using. Truth Initiative research shows that between 2017 and 2022, disposable e-cigarettes have nearly tripled in nicotine strength — making them more potent — and they have more puffs per device and are cheaper. Over 75 percent of teens who vape use their device within 30 minutes of waking up, a key sign of growing nicotine dependence.
The good news is that you don’t have to white-knuckle it this year. While only three to five percent of people quit for longer than six months using the ‘cold turkey’ approach, counseling and medication can more than triple your chances of quitting for good.
Additionally, Truth Initiative has proven and free resources to help keep your quitting resolutions on track. EX Program, featured in their national campaign, Outsmart Nicotine, offers a solution loaded with digital tools and both expert and peer support to help you put the vape down for good.
EX Program is a comprehensive digital resource developed by Truth Initiative with the experts at the Mayo Clinic. It isn’t a generic one-size-fits-all quitting program, it’s designed to meet the unique challenges faced by Gen Z. Research published in JAMA Internal Medicine has shown that using EX Program can increase your odds of quitting nicotine by up to 40 percent. As an added bonus, if you’re thinking about quitting cannabis, a new study has shown that EX Program can help you with that, too.
Sign up and you’ll get a tailored quit plan and a suite of digital tools that you can access 24/7. In addition to receiving expert tips and strategies to help you quit, you’ll also get interactive texts from quitting experts and other quitters just like you who have gone through the process and know what it’s like. Whether you engage — or just lurk and learn — EX Program is an anonymous, safe space that’s got your back. And it’s free.
In order to quit for good, you’ll need to break a physical addiction, which isn’t an easy feat. Thankfully, EX Program’s daily texts and expert resources can help you identify your personal triggers, cope with cravings, and replace your old routines with healthier ones. All you have to do to start is text DITCHIT to 88709.
Take exercise, for example. Something as simple as doing a few jumping jacks every morning or taking your pup on a walk can do wonders for your head — and boost those endorphins and dopamine. Playing games can also provide a fun distraction. Whenever you feel triggered, you can do something fun to help crush the nicotine cravings. Go ahead, put on your headphones and bust a move.
If you thought the holidays were a bad time to outsmart nicotine, they might actually be one of the best times ever. Regardless, remember that Truth Initiative has loads of proven digital tools designed to help you quit — and stay quit.
Best fitness tech of 2025From smart watches to apps, this is the best fitness tech of 2025
From smart watches to smart mirrors, technology has taken over the fitness industry with as much verve as it has taken over every other industry. And, in some cases, it's made it easier to train, lift, stretch, run, sleep, rest, and reset every day in 2025.
This year, Mashable tested a lot — and I mean a lot — of fitness tech. I trained for and ran the New York City Marathon with seven fitness trackers. We tried all the smart rings including, and beyond, the Oura ring. We tried every sleep tracker we could get our hands on and put every pair of headphones we could find in our ears for a good workout. We tested the fitness mirrors, and we built out tech-forward home gyms.
Here are four of the best bits of fitness tech from 2025.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3, released in September, was one of my favorite trackers I tested while training for, and especially running, the New York City Marathon. Its screen is massive, which can be annoying for daily wear, but rules for trying to read metrics during a workout. The battery life is significantly improved over its predecessors, and it's surprisingly comfortable.
While the workout metrics are straightforward, they're also very reliable. If you're looking for fitness tech that also doubles as lifestyle tech, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is the way to go.
The Whoop MG 5.0, released in May 2025, was rated the best sleep tracker by Mashable's Samantha Mangino, who noted that while there's a lot of data a sleepmaxxer might not be into, it's remarkably comfortable and is "best for someone who wants to be told what to do regarding sleep."
Anyone who wants to prioritize their fitness knows that sleep is the number one thing you can do to make your workouts go the extra mile. I wore the Whoop during my marathon journey and found that its tracking is elite for other athletic endeavors as well, such as indicating how strong your body battery is and providing recommendations for enhancing your recovery.
It doesn't have a screen, so there's no GPS or heart rate feedback data during workouts, but that also means there's no annoying text notifications while you're hanging out with family.
While the subscription model is financially frustrating, Whoop’s depth of recovery data makes it arguably one of the best tools for understanding your body.
These headphones, released in February, were reviewed by Mashable's Samantha Mangino and Alex Bracetti as the top headphones for working out. The duo said these are "best for fitness users who want the most boxes checked." The controls are accessible, there's convenient multi-platform support, they're durable, have engaging sound and noise cancellation, are comfortable and fit well, and offer long playtimes.
Simply a lovely app to track workouts and talk about them with friends. Nothing about Strava is particularly new for 2025, but its integration with fitness trackers works seamlessly, and you really can't get mad at its dedication to consistency.
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 23, 2025Connections is a New York Times word game that's all about finding the "common threads between words." How to solve the puzzle.
The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you love German food.
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.
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.
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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.
Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Weaknesses
Green: Philosophical ideas
Blue: Superheroes wear them
Purple: Meaty snacks
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Vulnerability
Green: Freudian concepts
Blue: Characters in capes
Purple: Starting with slang for sausage
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 #926 is...
Vulnerability: ACHILLES' HEEL, DOWNFALL, KRYPTONITE, SOFT SPOT
Freudian concepts: FIXATION, OEDIPUS COMPLEX, SUPEREGO, UNCONSCIOUS
Characters in capes: DARTH VADER, DRACULA, LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD, SUPERMAN
Starting with slang for sausage: BRATZ, DOGMA, FRANKENSTEIN, LINKLATER
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? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.
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 today's Connections.
NYT Strands hints, answers for December 23, 2025The NYT Strands hints and answers you need to make the most of your puzzling experience.
Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you don't like the heat.
Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, 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.
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.
The words are related to the temperature.
These words describe lower temperatures.
Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.
Today's spangram is Not So Hot.
Chilly
Polar
Cold
Glacial
Not So Hot
Freezing
Frigid
Cool
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 today's Strands.
Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 23, 2025Here's the answer for "Wordle" #1647 on December 23 as well as a few hints, tips, and clues to help you solve it yourself.
Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if there's a twinkle in your eye.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A glimmer.
There are no recurring letters.
Today's Wordle starts with the letter G.
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...
GLINT
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.
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 today's Wordle.
5 horror movies Stephen King recommended in 2025A roundup of horror movies Stephen King has recommended on social media in 2025.
Aside from slamming Trump, Stephen King often uses his social media platforms to recommend TV shows, books and films.
2025 was no exception. Over the past 12 months the author has made recommendations in a number of genres, but the one he kept coming back to – unsurprisingly – was his home turf of horror.
Here are five movies he shouted out this year.
"I really enjoyed ABRAHAM’S BOYS, based on the story by Joe Hill and starring Titus Welliver (BOSCH)," wrote King on Threads. "It’s a creepfest. You’ll find it soon, maybe try Shudder?"
Abraham's Boys is streaming on Shudder.
"A quasi-supernatural Western that has echoes of Cormac McCarthy," King wrote. "The first scene, involving a child and a horse, is an authentic shocker."
Killing Faith is available to rent or buy on Prime Video.
"You've never seen anything like THE MONKEY. It's batshit insane," King wrote on Threads. "As someone who has indulged in batshittery from time to time, I say that with admiration."
The Monkey is streaming on Hulu.
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"Dave Franco and Alison Brie are great--and brave--in TOGETHER," King wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "Horror movies work when you care about the people. This one works."
Together is available to rent or buy on Prime Video.
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"WEAPONS: Confidently told, and very scary," King wrote on X. "I loved it."
Weapons is streaming on HBO Max.
Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson on Song Sung Blue and the value of karaokeHugh Jackman shares the John Travolta duet that "Grease" fans dream of. Plus, "Song Sung Blue" director Craig Brewer reveals his favorite guilty pleasure karaoke track.
Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson team with director Craig Brewer for Song Sung Blue, a moving drama based on the stranger-than-fiction story of Milwaukee-based Neil Diamond tribute band Lightning and Thunder.
The film, which in my review I called a "feel-good movie and a good tearjerker," involves big dreams, heavy losses, and how music can carry people through all of it. So, when I — Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko — sat down with Jackman, Hudson, and Brewer to talk about the film, we naturally got into the power of karaoke.
Within the film, both Jackman and Hudson take on musical performances on stages big and small. But two scenes in a karaoke night hit me hard. The celebrated co-stars spoke about these scenes, then shared some stories of their own — like the time Hudson performed for Quincy Jones and the night John Travolta and Jackman did a duet of "Summer Love" from Grease, with the latter playing Sandy because he's Australian.
Brewer also shared his love of karaoke on and offscreen, getting into why this particular form of performance hits so hard, and what makes it so relatable.
Song Sung Blue opens in theaters on Dec. 25.
6-7? Aura farming? 2025s viral internet slang, explainedExplore 2025's viral internet slang, from aura farming to Fanum tax. Here's what these terms mean, how they’re evolving, and why they’re so popular.
Each year, the internet gives birth to a new lexicon, one that's as fast-moving and unpredictable as the online trends that fuel it. 2025 is no different, with a fresh crop of viral slang that’s quickly become shorthand for everything from viral moments to internet culture’s quirks.
More than words, these phrases are creative expressions of identity in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Whether you're on TikTok, Twitch, or the latest meme loop, these are the terms that have dominated conversations among Gen Z and Gen Alpha this year.
Buckle up, because we’re about to break down the slang that has defined 2025. You're about to hear these words everywhere, whether you're ready or not.
Aura farming is the art of cultivating an undeniable, magnetic energy that draws people in. It’s all about crafting a vibe so strong and captivating that others can’t help but be pulled into your orbit. Whether it's exuding confidence, radiating charm, or just owning the room, aura farming is often used to elevate one’s status and influence.
While the phrase technically evolved from a 2024 meme, it truly peaked this year. A prime example? Sung Jinwoo, the protagonist of Solo Leveling, who’s become the internet’s unofficial king of aura farming. His journey is all about leveling up, both in power and presence, as he faces stronger dungeon bosses. In a sense, the entire anime is one big exercise in aura farming, a constant evolution of strength and influence, perfectly embodying the idea.
When someone says "let me cook," they’re preparing to flex their skills or impress with a creative idea or a solution. It’s the digital equivalent of saying, "Let me show you what I can do." Whether it’s a fire take or a dope outfit, you’ll know they’re about to serve something incredible.
But cooking isn’t always a win. In a different context, when someone says they’re "cooked," it means they're out of options, overworked, or done for — like they’ve been taken to their limit. In a way, it’s the inverse: where "let me cook" invites success and flair, "I'm cooked" signals that it's all over for them. Alternatively, you could also say, "I'm fried."
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If you're not familiar with this quirky phrase, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Born from the antics of Twitch streamer and former AMP collective member Fanum, "Fanum tax" is a silly way to describe that cheeky act of snagging a bite of someone else’s food, without asking. (You gotta pay the Fanum tax!) Explaining the phrase to GQ, Fanum simply said, "Feed your friends, bro."
But beyond the simple act of food theft, this term has morphed into a bit of a phenomenon, extending its reach to describe everything from friendship dynamics to viral TikTok trends. It's become a phrase to insert, often ironically, into just about anything.
"Clock it" is all about drawing attention to something noteworthy. It’s a call to remember, an invitation to keep something in mind for later, like a spoiler for a big twist or a prediction that’s about to come true. It's the ultimate way of saying, "I told you so," but with a more stylish flair.
"Clock that tea" is a phrase used to describe the act of noticing or picking up on juicy gossip, drama, or revealing truths, often before others do. It combines the slang terms "clock," meaning to observe or catch onto something (see above), and "tea," a term used for gossip or truth. For example, if someone walks into a room and instantly picks up on the tension between two people, they've clocked that tea. It's a way of acknowledging someone's sharp perception when it comes to spotting social dynamics or hidden drama. The phrase is rooted in queer vernacular and is particularly common in drag and ballroom-adjacent spaces.
However, "clock that tea" is often incorrectly paired with finger claps, a rhythmic hand gesture from ballroom culture in which you touch your index finger and thumb together in rapid motion. Finger claps are a sign of applause and celebration, a way to support drag and ballroom performers without disrupting their performance.
When something "eats," it means it was so good that there’s nothing left to improve upon. Eating and leaving no crumbs means absolute perfection, whether we’re talking about a performance, a look, or a viral moment. It’s a way of giving top-tier praise, acknowledging that what just went down was next level.
Originally coined within LGBTQ+ communities, particularly Black and Latinx ballroom culture, "ate" was a term used to describe moments of excellence. Over time, it made its way into the mainstream lexicon, where it now signifies a flawless execution. But here's where things get interesting: the evolution of "ate" has introduced new internet phrases like "she chewed" and "she nibbled." These are used when something is still impressive, but maybe not quite as flawless. It’s a tiered approach to praise — "she chewed" is close, but not quite the perfect "ate," and "she nibbled" signals that it was good, but there’s room for more.
Remember when "bop" used to refer to a catchy song? Well, in recent years, the word has taken on a very different meaning. Bop can also refer to a promiscuous person with multiple sexual partners, someone who posts their body online for views, or imply a sexual act, often linked to casual or performative sexuality. While the term is often viewed as a derogatory way to shame young women — think of "bop" as Gen Z and Gen Alpha's version of "slut" — it's also used within the sex work community.
This meaning was revitalized and adapted by online sex workers on platforms like camgirl sites and OnlyFans, who use bop as part of "algospeak," or a strategy to bypass content moderation and platform restrictions. The term’s popularity surged even more with the rise of the Bop House, a viral content house made up of OnlyFans creators that helped cement bop as a coded term within digital sex work culture.
Mewing, a technique originally linked to reshaping your jawline by positioning your tongue in a certain way, has been floating around the internet for a while now, particularly in DIY beauty and wellness circles. But in 2025, it's taken on a new form. Teenage boys, especially, have turned "mewing" into a reason for not participating in class. Essentially, they're too busy mewing to talk or contribute. It’s become a tongue-in-cheek excuse, allowing them to avoid answering questions or doing any actual work.
This unexpected use of the term shows how internet slang can evolve in unpredictable ways, morphing from a niche beauty trend into a full-blown classroom strategy.
Mogger is the term for someone who effortlessly makes others look like background characters simply by standing next to them. It comes from the verb mogging, which means to outshine or overshadow someone in terms of looks. If you’ve ever felt like your glow-up evaporated the moment a ridiculously good-looking friend walked into the room, congratulations: you’ve been mogged.
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A mogger is a person blessed with top-tier genetics, symmetrical features, or a jawline sharp enough to slice through glass. This term floats around in online spaces obsessed with appearance, like "looksmaxxing" (the art of optimizing one’s looks) and mewing (see above).
Simply put, "gooning" is a kink centered around extended, often non-orgasmic masturbation that brings the participant into a trance-like state of uninhibited pleasure. While it’s similar to edging in that climax is often delayed or avoided, gooning is less about control and more about losing it. And while the phrase entered internet subcultures over the 2010s and 2020s, its meaning has expanded over time.
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In the queer community, "gooning" is the word du jour, used both sincerely and ironically to describe ecstatic, over-the-top obsession or emotional surrender, sexual or otherwise. What began as a niche kink term now doubles as cultural shorthand for any kind of intense, exaggerated immersion, whether someone is lost in a thirst trap, spiraling through memes, or watching their favorite show on loop. This layered usage reflects not only the term’s absurdity but also Gen Z and Gen Alpha’s tendency to remix kink language into humor, self-parody, and commentary on overstimulation. As a result, "gooning" exists in multiple registers: a sincere erotic practice, an internet in-joke, and a tongue-in-cheek way to say, I’m losing it — in every sense of the phrase.
"6-7" is a nonsense catchphrase turned IRL emote, born from the chaotic life cycle of TikTok sounds. The phrase comes from Skrilla's rap track "Doot Doot," where he says "6–7" in a distinct cadence. However, the meme isn't really about the song. TikTok grabbed the sound and immediately rerouted it into basketball edits, especially highlighting 6-foot-7 NBA player LaMelo Ball.
From there, the meme took on a life of its own. The most influential version features a kid at a basketball game using the "6-7" lyric as an emote — an up-and-down bouncing hand motion performed purely for fun, the way a video game character might dance or taunt. That motion quickly became the default "6-7" gesture offline.
What does it actually mean? In short: nothing. "6-7" is pure silliness, a filler phrase with no literal definition, divorced from its origins and repeated simply because it feels good to say. Kids use it to be goofy, to match the vibe of the sound, or because someone nearby said the number six or seven, and that’s close enough to justify doing the gesture. It’s the kind of phrase TikTok takes from music to memes to mimicry in record time, turning nonsense into shared language overnight.
"W" is internet shorthand for a win — literally. It's used to celebrate a moment, opinion, or action that feels like a victory, whether major or petty. Calling something a "W" or commenting "W take" signals approval and alignment, the digital equivalent of giving someone a trophy for their stance.
Its counterpart is "L," meaning loss. Though rooted in sports and gaming culture, "W" has fully crossed into meme speak and stan spaces, where it’s used both sincerely ("Huge W for her") and sarcastically ("W job, bestie," typed when someone obviously fumbled). The tone depends on context, delivery, and how chronically online the participants are.
To "lock in" means to focus with absolute intensity — no distractions, no messing around, full commitment.
The phrase picked up momentum in gaming and sports circles, where teammates urge each other to lock in before high-stakes moments. But in 2025 internet slang, it's used more broadly to hype up friends before anything requiring energy or determination, such as meeting a deadline, shooting a thirst-trap, going to the gym, or even committing to a bit in a group chat.
Someone who is locked in is tuned in, disciplined, and fully embracing the task. Because of its overuse in meme culture, it’s also frequently deployed ironically ("Time to clean my kitchen. I’m locked IN").
NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 23, 2025Connections: Sports Edition is a New York Times word game about finding common sports threads between words. How to solve the day's puzzle.
Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you think outside the box a bit.
As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a 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.
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.
Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Catching your breath
Green: Where buckets can be found
Blue: Same first name
Purple: Sounds similar
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: A pause for recovery
Green: Parts of a basketball hoop
Blue: Jordans
Purple: Homophones of NBA players
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 #456 is...
A pause for recovery - BREAK, BREATHER, RESPITE, REST
Parts of a basketball hoop - BASE, GLASS, NET, RIM
Jordans - CHILES, LOVE, POOLE, SPIETH
Homophones of NBA players - BARNS, FLAG, HEART, QUICKLY
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports 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 today's Connections.
NYT Pips hints, answers for December 23, 2025The New York Times' latest game, Pips, brings domino fun to your desktop. How to play Pips as well as hints in case you get stuck.
Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.
Released in August 2025, the Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.
Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move onto the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.
If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity for how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.
The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible – and common – for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.
Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:
Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.
Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.
Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.
Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.
Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.
If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.
Number (2): Everything in this purple space must add up to 2. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically.
Number (2): Everything in this red space must add up to 2. The answer is 2-1, placed vertically.
Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically; 5-1, placed vertically.
Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 1-6, placed horizontally; 6-4, placed horizontally.
Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 6-4, placed horizontally; 5-4, placed vertically.
Number (3): Everything in this purple space must add up to 3. The answer is 3-6, placed horizontally.
Equal (6): Everything in this red space must be equal to 6. The answer is 3-6, placed horizontally; 6-0, placed vertically; 6-6, placed horizontally.
Equal (4): Everything in this light blue space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-3, placed horizontally; 4-1, placed vertically.
Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 6-0, placed vertically.
Equal (2): Everything in this dark blue space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-2, placed vertically.
Less Than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 5-2, placed vertically.
Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 4-1, placed vertically.
Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 5-3, placed horizontally.
Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 5-3, placed horizontally.
Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 5-4, placed horizontally; 3-5, placed horizontally.
Equal (4): Everything in this red space must be equal to 4. The answer is 5-4, placed horizontally; 4-0, placed horizontally; 1-4, placed horizontally.
Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 4-0, placed horizontally.
Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 3-2, placed vertically.
Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 3-4, placed vertically; 3-5, placed horizontally.
Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 3-2, placed vertically.
Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 3-4, placed vertically; 4-6, placed vertically.
Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 2-1, placed horizontally.
Equal (1): Everything in this light blue space must be equal to 1. The answer is 1-4, placed horizontally; 2-1, placed horizontally; 5-1, placed horizontally.
Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 0-3, placed vertically; 5-5, placed horizontally; 4-4, placed vertically.
Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-4, placed vertically.
Greater Than (10): Everything in this space must be greater than 10. The answer is 4-6, placed vertically; 5-1, placed horizontally.
Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 5-5, placed horizontally.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for December 23, 2025Answers to each clue for the December 23, 2025 edition of NYT's The Mini crossword puzzle.
The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.
With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.
So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.
Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025:
The answer is Salt.
The answer is Crow.
The answer is Jumbo.
The answer is Oboe.
The answer is Ears.
The answer is Scuba.
The answer is Armor.
The answer is Lobes.
The answer is Two.
The answer is Joe.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Mini Crossword.
Heres what we know about the real alien planet inspiring PluribusApple TV's "Pluribus" spotlights Kepler-22b, a real habitable-zone exoplanet discovered by NASA that remains a scientific mystery.
In Apple TV’s Pluribus, a faint radio signal from deep space reshapes humanity, and the source, astronomers learn, is Kepler-22b, a world that exists far beyond our solar system.
During episode 8, Carol and Zosia look for its star through a telescope.
"I’m not sure I’m looking in the right spot," Carol says. "I mean, I see the Swan, I think."
After getting her bearings — and Zosia eliminating the light pollution by turning off all the lights — Carol announces she sees the star, Kepler-22.
"And the planet, which you can’t see, is Kepler-22b. That’s our name for it. We have no idea what they call it," Zosia says. "Sometimes we close our eyes and try to picture it."
For fans wondering how much science sits behind the fiction, the answer is more than you might think. But what we actually know about this real exoplanet is far less than scientists would like. (We don't have a hive mind working it.)
NASA discovered Kepler-22b in 2009 using data from its namesake, the Kepler Space Telescope, a mission designed to look for planets around other stars. Other observatories were used to confirm the findings in 2011.
But Kepler did not grab a photo of the planet. Instead, it watched for tiny dips in a star’s brightness. When a planet crosses in front of its star, it blocks a small amount of light. Catch that dimming a few times at regular intervals, and astronomers can validate the existence of a planet. This is called the "transit method" of planet detection, but you can think of it as watching for cosmic blinks.
"Fortune smiled upon us with the detection of this planet," said William Borucki, who led the team that discovered Kepler-22b, in a statement back then. "The first transit was captured just three days after we declared the spacecraft operationally ready. We witnessed the defining third transit over the 2010 holiday season."
Kepler-22b orbits a star similar to the sun, though it's slightly smaller and cooler. One full trip around that G-type star takes about 290 days — close to Earth’s year. That timing matters, because it places Kepler-22b in what many scientists call the "habitable zone." This is the region around a star where temperatures could allow water to exist on a planet's surface in liquid form, assuming the world has the right kind of atmosphere. Liquid water matters because every form of life people know about depends on it.
That detail helped fuel news headlines calling Kepler-22b a "new Earth" or "Earth's twin" more than a decade ago. But the reality is more complicated.
Kepler-22b is bigger than Earth. Its radius is roughly two times larger. For now, that puts it in a category scientists call a "super-Earth." The name sounds dramatic, but it only means "bigger than Earth, smaller than Neptune." And, no, it's not necessarily a souped-up version of home.
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In fact, scientists don't know what Kepler-22b is made of. It could be rocky, like Earth. It could be covered by an ocean. Or it could resemble a mini-version of Neptune, wrapped in thick gas with no solid surface at all (although, truth be told, we might not even know Neptune's makeup, as Mashable recently reported). All of those possibilities fit the measurements astronomers can make so far.
Its temperature is also uncertain. Models suggest that if Kepler-22b had an atmosphere similar to Earth’s, its surface could be around 72 degrees Fahrenheit. But atmospheres trap heat differently. A thicker atmosphere like Venus' could make the planet much hotter, causing liquid to evaporate, while a thinner one like Mars' could leave it frigid.
What Kepler-22b does represent is a milestone. It was the first confirmed planet squarely inside the habitable zone of a sun-like star. Its discovery showed that planets close to Earth’s size, on Earth-like orbits, are not impossible to find. Kepler went on to identify thousands more candidates, many smaller and cooler than the early finds.
Pluribus imagines Kepler-22b as an ocean world that sends a gift to humanity through radio waves. In real life, no such signals have arrived, no RNA instructions lurk in the static, and no shared consciousness has helped engineers build a faster-than-light-speed spacecraft.
The planet's extreme distance from Earth adds a hard limit. Kepler-22b sits about 640 light-years away. At highway speeds of 60 mph, a road trip there would take about 7 billion years. Even the Voyager 1 spacecraft, zooming through interstellar space at 38,000 mph right now, would take 11 million years to get there.
That's at least one way the show remains loyal to the astronomical facts. Carol asks what the "people" there are like.
"We’ll probably never learn the first thing about them," Zosia says. "They’re too far away."
5 ways dating changed in 2025Dating changed in 2025, driven by AI and the simultaneous desire to get offline. Here's how looking for love changed.
The year of slop and rage bait is coming to a close, and some singles would surely use those words to describe dating in 2025, as well.
Mid-year, daters told Mashable they're tired of dating apps and want to meet people in person, but they didn't know how. Meanwhile, others used AI to date for them, or they chose to meet and "marry" an AI instead.
With such a whirlwind year, we've picked the five ways that dating changed in 2025 — maybe (excuse the Wicked reference) for good.
Dating apps began utilizing AI before this year, but in 2025, AI-driven features took off. Despite Mashable asking back in February if AI can save dating apps — and noting the cons — apps continue to invest in such features. Tinder announced in its latest earnings call that it's testing an AI matchmaker called Chemistry, while Hinge launched AI-powered conversation starters in December. The founder of Hinge even announced that he's stepping away from the app to launch an AI dating service called Overtone.
Daters themselves are also leaning into the AI boom. Match found that 300 percent more singles use AI to date in 2025 than in 2024. And Hinge recently reported that while its daters are longing for deeper connections, some are using the tech to find a partner, too.
Don't think that AI usage stops when you do find that special someone: Some engaged couples are now using ChatGPT to plan their weddings.
And that's if they're marrying a human. This year, we've seen an increase in people in relationships with chatbots themselves. According to one survey (by an AI company, so take it with a grain of salt), eight in 10 people in Gen Z would marry an AI.
You're not imagining it: dating apps have lost their sparkle this past year. Seventy-eight percent of all dating app users reported feeling burnt out by the apps, according to a 2025 Forbes Health report. Dating apps are losing users, with Ofcom figures showing a gradual decline in users across all the main apps, with a particular decrease in female usership. And is it any wonder why? As a dating app user, they feel dead. You spend so much time swiping for very few matches, none of whom seem to want to engage in any kind of conversation. It feels like a waste of time.
This year saw the explosion of "offline dating," formerly known as just "dating" for those old enough to remember a world before swiping. As people fell out of love with the apps, they decided to take things outside (literally) and put themselves out there in the real world. People flocked to singles' events at bars, bookshops, run clubs, art schools, even sandwich shops. Bye bye dating apps, hello rom-com worthy meet-cutes and wholesome IRL encounters.
Is having a boyfriend embarrassing now? It certainly seems to be, according to the viral British Vogue essay by Chanté Joseph, which interrogates whether it's now deeply uncool, nay "culturally loser-ish," to post about your boyfriend on main. Posting a pic of your boyfriend with the caption "boy did good"? Dead. Not just dead, but outright loser behaviour.
What's going on? Well, women are decentering relationships from their lives. We're romanticising our friendships, centering joy, celebrating girlhood, healing our inner child, attempting to unlearn the male gaze, and becoming more self-actualised. Being single is a symbol of strength, independence, self-fulfilment. Relationships no longer hold the social capital they once did. There's simply more interesting stuff going on!
2025 brought more age-verification laws around the globe. These laws typically require inputting personal data, such as a government-issued ID or a facial scan, into a website containing material that governments deem to be intended for adults.
Dating apps are no exception. Earlier this year, several major apps like Hinge and Tinder told Mashable they'd require age checks due to the UK's age-verification law, the Online Safety Act. Tinder has taken it a step further by requiring a facial scan for all new users in the United States, following a trial in California.
As dating apps grapple with security issues — such as bad actors and spam accounts — they're tightening restrictions on who can join, and the information required to swipe.
Surveillance is also increasingly occurring amongst daters themselves. Private Facebook groups like "Are We Dating the Same Guy?" continue to grow (and even face legal action, though a lawsuit about these groups was dismissed earlier this year), while a major controversy among singles this year was the leak of the Tea app. On Tea, women posted their experiences with certain men (similar to Are We Dating the Same Guy), and a major cyberattack exposed people's photos and IDs.
As Tom Stroud wrote for Mashable, these spaces have "ushered in a new era of dating with receipts."
The cost of living has risen globally in the past few years. In the U.S., tariffs imposed by the Trump administration have also instilled a fear of rising prices, and that fear is coming to pass in some cases.
Wages aren't keeping up, and we're entering a grueling job market where recent graduates may be being replaced by AI. The result is that people, especially young adults, have less discretionary income.
No doubt this impacts dating. Mashable has been covering this phenomenon of cost of living impacting relationships for years now, but in 2025, it became starker than ever. In September, 28 percent of men said they'd rather date an AI than be single due to the cost of dating.
Upgrade your Mac for the holidays with lifetime MS Office access for 77% offScore a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home & Business 2021 for Mac this holiday season for just $49.97.
TL;DR: Treat yourself to the gift of relief — get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home & Business 2021 for Mac for just $49.97 (reg. $219) and say goodbye to subscriptions.
Between streaming, fitness, and every productivity app under the sun, monthly fees add up fast. That’s why Microsoft Office Home & Business 2021 for Mac stands out: pay $49.97 just once, and you’ll own a lifetime license with the full suite of everyday Office tools.
Here’s what’s included: Word for polished documents, Excel for number-crunching, PowerPoint for presentations that don’t put your audience to sleep, Outlook for wrangling email and calendars, Teams (basic) for collaboration, and OneNote for all the scribbles and ideas you’d otherwise lose on sticky notes. It’s everything most Mac users need day-to-day, and it’s the Home & Business edition — meaning it works just as well for freelancers and small teams as it does for students or families.
Setup is painless, too. The code ties directly to your Microsoft account (not your device), so you’re good to go once redeemed. Download links and license keys hit your inbox instantly, and you’re up and running without any confusing hoops. Plus, you’ll stay compatible with macOS 13, 14, and 15 with updates included.
This holiday season, give yourself the gift of ending a never-ending payment cycle — get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office for Mac for a one-time payment of $49.97 (reg. $219).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Jump-start your fluency goals with this exclusive lifetime Babbel offerGet lifetime access to all 14 Babbel languages for a one-time price — no subscriptions, no renewals, just nonstop learning.
TL;DR: This exclusive StackSocial deal gets you lifetime access to Babbel Language Learning for $159 with promo code LEARN.
If picking up a new language — or a whole collection of them — has been on your mind, now’s the moment to dive in. For a limited time, StackSocial is offering Babbel Language Learning (all languages) as a lifetime deal, letting you unlock every course for far less than usual. A single $159 payment (reg. $646.20) with code LEARN gives you access forever, no renewals required.
Unlike no-name apps that promise fluency without substance, Babbel was developed by over 100 expert linguists and backed by researchers from Yale University. It’s designed to help you actually speak a new language with confidence — whether you’re prepping for a trip abroad, connecting with family, or hoping to boost your career.
You’ll get access to 14 languages and 10,000+ hours of high-quality content. Lessons are short and made to fit into even packed schedules — just 10 to 15 minutes — and available on desktop or mobile, with progress synced across devices. You can even download lessons to practice offline, whether that’s on a flight or in a Wi-Fi dead zone on the subway.
Here’s part of what makes Babbel a standout:
Real conversations: Lessons focus on practical topics like dining, shopping, transportation, and more.
Speech recognition: Built-in tools help you perfect pronunciation and avoid awkward slip-ups.
Personalized learning: Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, you’ll find lessons that match your level.
Expert design: A proven method that emphasizes conversational skills over rote memorization.
And with lifetime access, you’re free to hone in on one language or explore all fourteen — on your schedule, forever.
Pick up a lifetime Babbel Language Learning access for $159 (reg. $646.20) with this limited-time exclusive offer from StackSocial using code LEARN for a limited time.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
100TB of cloud storage is a unique last-minute gift for any techieGet a lifetime 100TB cloud storage plan from Internxt for $974.97 and enjoy private, encrypted, open-source file storage across all your devices.
TL;DR: Internxt’s 100TB lifetime offer gives you secure, private, encrypted cloud storage forever for a one-time $974.97 payment (reg. $9,900).
Anyone hunting for a last-minute holiday gift for the tech-savvy person on your list — or if you’re simply ready to level up your own digital life — Internxt’s 100TB Lifetime Cloud Storage Plan for $974.97 (reg. $9,900) is one of those rare, practical splurges that keeps paying off for years.
Internxt takes a different approach to cloud storage: everything is private by design, open-source, and end-to-end encrypted. Your files aren’t just stored — they’re split into encrypted fragments so no unintended party can ever read them.
With zero-knowledge architecture, even Internxt can’t view your data. That’s a reassuring upgrade in a world where your digital footprint keeps getting bigger.
Across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and any browser, you can store, sync, and share files instantly. Photos, videos, work archives, creative projects, multi-gig backups — it all fits comfortably inside 100TB. And because Internxt now uses post-quantum encryption, your storage is designed to withstand tomorrow’s computing power, not just today’s.
This plan shines especially for photographers managing giant RAW libraries, remote workers juggling massive project folders, families backing up years of memories, and anyone who’s tired of juggling subscriptions and running out of space.
The interface is clean and intuitive, sharing is simple, and performance stays lightning-fast thanks to Internxt’s optimized infrastructure.
Whether you’re gifting peace of mind to someone else — or finally giving it to yourself — 100TB of lifetime, fully private cloud storage is a seriously thoughtful upgrade for the new year and beyond. Get Internxt’s 100TB of cloud storage for life with a single $974.97 payment (reg. $9,900) for the holidays.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Seth Meyers releases 7 minutes of bonus Day Drinking footage with Sabrina CarpenterSeth Meyers has released bonus footage from "Day Drinking" with Sabrina Carpenter.
If you felt like you needed more Seth Meyers and Sabrina Carpenter after watching that Day Drinking episode, there's good news.
On Monday, Late Night released seven minutes of bonus footage, which includes an innuendo-based game, some song-themed cocktails, and plenty more alcohol-fuelled giggling.
Get these two their own podcast already.
ChatGPT recapped your personal AI habits in 2025. Heres how to see yours.ChatGPT launches personalised end-of-year recap Your Year with ChatGPT, giving AI chatbot conversations the Spotify Wrapped treatment.
ChatGPT is giving your chatbot conversations the Spotify Wrapped treatment, launching personalised end-of-year recap Your Year with ChatGPT. In the spirit of the holidays, perhaps this is a good opportunity to reflect on your AI use.
Launched today, Your Year with ChatGPT is a personalised summary of how you've used the generative AI chatbot throughout the past year. This includes statistics such as the number of messages sent, chats you've had, images generated, and "em-dashes exchanged."
Similarly to Spotify Wrapped's clubs, Your Year with ChatGPT also gives out "awards" determined by your behaviour. These vary depending upon what you primarily used ChatGPT for, whether it was to brainstorm business ideas, generate images, or for any other purpose. Some users are already sharing their superlatives such as "Most Likely to Automate His Entire Personality" and "Most Likely to Automate His Own Thought Process." There's a lot to unpack there.
Your Year with ChatGPT's wrap up also features an AI-generated poem and comes illustrated by AI-generated images, including a pixel graphic based on your interests. Just as with other end-of-year wrap ups, these graphics are intended to be saved and shared, helping you tell everyone exactly how much you relied on AI in 2025.
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To see Your Year with ChatGPT, either access ChatGPT in your web browser, or open the ChatGPT app on Android or iOS (first ensuring that it's up to date). From there, you should see Your Year with ChatGPT prominently promoted on the home page, which you can select to see your summary. OpenAI states that you can also just ask ChatGPT to "show me my year with ChatGPT" in the same way you would make any other request of the AI chatbot.
Of course, Year with ChatGPT does require you to have used the chatbot enough that there is actually data to collate. Users must also have "reference saved memory" and "reference chat history" turned on in their ChatGPT settings.
Your Year with ChatGPT is available to free users as well as those with a Plus or Pro subscription, though not everywhere. The feature is only being rolled out to users in the US, U.K., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
OpenAI states that it will be rolling out Your Year with ChatGPT throughout the day, so if you don't see yours yet you may simply need to check back later.
Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.
Hurdle hints and answers for December 23, 2025Hints and answers to today's Hurdle all in one place.
If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.
There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.
An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.
If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.
To express oneself.
EMOTE
An EMT.
MEDIC
Pastry chef.
BAKER
Liquified.
PUREE
To switch.
PIVOT
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
How to watch Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace online for freeHow to watch Carabao Cup for free. Live stream Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup for free.
TL;DR: Live stream Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
These are special times for Crystal Palace fans. Fresh from winning the FA Cup last season, they now find themselves in the top half of the Premier League and the quarter finals of the EFL Cup. Arsenal stand in their way in the cup, so it's going to be very tough to progress. But Oliver Glasner seems to have the magic touch with this squad — anything is possible.
If you want to watch Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup is likely to take place on Dec. 23. This fixture takes place at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup is available to live stream for free on ITVX.
ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, 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 the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit ITVX
Watch Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Carabao Cup without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup before recovering your investment.
ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ITVX, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup for free with ExpressVPN.
How to watch Tunisia vs. Uganda online for freeHow to watch Africa Cup of Nations for free. Live stream Tunisia vs. Uganda in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free.
TL;DR: Live stream Tunisia vs. Uganda in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free on Channel 4. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The World Cup is still months away but there's no shortage of soccer excitement thanks to the Africa Cup of Nations , which takes place over the holiday season and pits 24 top Africa soccer nations against each other.
The tournament is held in Morocco, and the host nation — aka the Atlas Lions — are heavy favorites to win the whole thing. But you never know what will happen in the group stages. That's part of the magic of any tournament.
Group C kicks off today with Nigeria vs. Tanzania, followed by Tunisia vs. Uganda. Nigeria are probably the strongest team in this group but Tunisia have the talent to do well, including Premier League midfielder Hannibal Mejbri. They're in good form too, having just qualified for the 2026 World Cup without conceding a single goal. They're certainly be favorites over Uganda, a team that has only qualified for AFCON a handful of times in recent years. But like we say, anything can happen in the early stages of tournament soccer.
If you want to watch Tunisia vs. Uganda in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
Tunisia vs. Uganda in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Dec. 23. This fixture takes place at the Olympic Stadium.
Tunisia vs. Uganda in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is available to live stream for free on Channel 4.
Channel 4 is geo-restricted to the UK, 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 the UK, meaning you can unblock Channel 4 to stream AFCON for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Tunisia vs. Uganda for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit Channel 4
Watch Tunisia vs. Uganda for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of AFCON without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Tunisia vs. Uganda (plus more 2025 Africa Cup of Nations fixtures) before recovering your investment.
ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Channel 4, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).
Watch Tunisia vs. Uganda in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free with ExpressVPN.
How to watch Nigeria vs. Tanzania online for freeHow to watch Africa Cup of Nations for free. Live stream Nigeria vs. Tanzania in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free.
TL;DR: Live stream Nigeria vs. Tanzania in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free on Channel 4. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
If you're looking for a soccer fix over the holidays, the Africa Cup of Nations promises fantastic action. The event, which is held every two years, sees 24 African countries compete — including world class players from clubs in top leagues.
With numerous group games already in the books, including tournament hosts — not to mention favorites — Morocco taking on Comoros, the AFCON excitement continues with Nigeria vs. Tanzania in Group C. Tanzania enter this group opener as the underdogs — this is only their fourth time qualifying for the tournament — while Nigeria are always a team to watch in AFCON. They're multi-time champions and finished in second place in 2023. They've also got striking power in the form of Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen.
If you want to watch Nigeria vs. Tanzania in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
Nigeria vs. Tanzania in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off at 1.30 p.m. ET on Dec. 23. This fixture takes place at the Complexe Sportif de Fes.
Nigeria vs. Tanzania in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is available to live stream for free on Channel 4.
Channel 4 is geo-restricted to the UK, 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 the UK, meaning you can unblock Channel 4 to stream AFCON for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Nigeria vs. Tanzania for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit Channel 4
Watch Nigeria vs. Tanzania for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of AFCON without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream South Africa vs. Angola (plus more 2025 Africa Cup of Nations fixtures) before recovering your investment.
ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Channel 4, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).
Watch Nigeria vs. Tanzania in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free with ExpressVPN.
How to watch Senegal vs. Botswana online for freeHow to watch Africa Cup of Nations for free. Live stream Senegal vs. Botswana in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free.
TL;DR: Live stream Senegal vs. Botswana in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free on Channel 4. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The Africa Cup of Nations is one of the biggest soccer tournaments in the world and is sure to whet the appetite of fans waiting for next year's World Cup. There's a big game to catch today as Senegal and Botswana clash in Group D, which also sees action today from DR Congo vs. Benin.
Tournament hosts Morocco are overall favourites but Senegal are in good form and, with star player Sadio Mané in their squad, are coming off an 8-0 win over Kenya. This game is an opportunity to Senegal to mark themselves as major contenders. They're also no strangers to silverware, having won AFCON back in 2021.
If you want to watch Senegal vs. Botswana in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
Senegal vs. Botswana in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off at 10 a.m. ET on Dec. 23. This fixture takes place at the Grande Stade de Tangier.
Senegal vs. Botswana in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is available to live stream for free on Channel 4.
Channel 4 is geo-restricted to the UK, 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 the UK, meaning you can unblock Channel 4 to stream AFCON for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Senegal vs. Botswana for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit Channel 4
Watch Senegal vs. Botswana for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of AFCON without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Senegal vs. Botswana (plus more 2025 Africa Cup of Nations fixtures) before recovering your investment.
ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Channel 4, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).
Watch Senegal vs. Botswana in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free with ExpressVPN.
How to watch DR Congo vs. Benin online for freeHow to watch Africa Cup of Nations for free. Live stream DR Congo vs. Benin in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free.
TL;DR: Live stream DR Congo vs. Benin in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free on Channel 4. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The Africa Cup of Nations is delivering hot soccer action all through the holidays, with plenty of nations that bring something different to the pitch. Next up is the Democratic Republic of Congo against Benin, who follow the likes of South Africa vs. Angola and Mali vs. Zambia.
DR Congo finished fourth in the 2023 edition of the tournament. They haven't made the final since their winning effort in 1974 but they have some solid players in their squad, including Lille defender Chancel Mbemba and West Ham wing back Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Benin enter the game as underdogs — this is only the fourth time the West African squad has qualified for the tournament in their history.
If you want to watch DR Congo vs. Benin in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
DR Congo vs. Benin in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off at 7.30 a.m. ET on Dec. 23. This fixture takes place at the Stade El Barid.
DR Congo vs. Benin in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is available to live stream for free on Channel 4.
Channel 4 is geo-restricted to the UK, 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 the UK, meaning you can unblock Channel 4 to stream AFCON for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream DR Congo vs. Benin for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit Channel 4
Watch DR Congo vs. Benin for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of AFCON without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream DR Congo vs. Benin (plus more 2025 Africa Cup of Nations fixtures) before recovering your investment.
ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Channel 4, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).
Watch DR Congo vs. Benin in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free with ExpressVPN.
Uber allowed violent felons in 22 states to drive, report saysUber is under fire after a damning New York Times investigation into how many times the company let violent felons drive.
Uber admits it is routinely approving drivers with violent felony convictions — including assault, child abuse, and stalking — so long as those convictions were more than seven years ago. That's in the wake of a damning New York Times investigation (the second in six months) into Uber's ongoing problems with safety, particularly for female riders.
The ride-hailing app does at least have a blanket ban on would-be drivers convicted of murder, kidnapping, sexual assault, or terrorism. But in 22 states, the Times uncovered approvals for drivers convicted of other violent acts past the seven-year horizon. It also found a loophole in 35 states:
Background checks are only looking for crimes committed in the place the driver lived, letting other convictions slip through the net.
Uber defended the seven-year time window as "striking the right balance" between rider safety and letting people who've been convicted of a crime rebuild their lives. But the company has also admitted — in a roundabout way — that its rides aren't safe enough.
Uber admits a serious report of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct was filed every 32 minutes.
When the previous Times report found that Uber received reports of sexual abuse or misconduct against drivers every eight minutes on average between 2017 and 2022, the company responded by saying that 75 percent of those reports were "less serious." By which it meant cases where drivers used explicit language, flirted, or made comments on a passenger's appearance.
Even leaving aside the likelihood that those 75 percent of passengers still felt unsafe enough to report an incident, this still means in effect that Uber admits a "serious" report of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct was filed every 32 minutes.
Meanwhile, a third of people arrested on rape charges have at least one felony conviction, according to a U.S. Department of Justice study. Several Uber drivers convicted of rape in the past five years, and one Lyft driver, had violent felony convictions. Two of these cases took place in California, where people with violent felonies are supposed to be permanently banned from working for ride-hailing apps.
So just how lax is Uber's background check? Our biggest clue comes from officials in Massachusetts, who did background checks of drivers on ride-hailing apps in 2017 and banned 8,000 drivers that had been approved, largely by Uber. (Lyft's policy is not to approve any drivers with violent convictions, no matter how much time has passed; Lyft has also recently allowed riders to block drivers altogether.)
If Massachusetts is any indicator, then, riders have a roughly 1 in 10 chance of getting a driver who would not be approved by state regulators.
Uber reportedly considered but rejected more than 20 new safety measures — including fingerprint checks, deemed too costly and too slow, at a time when Uber wanted to onboard new drivers faster. "We are def not doing everything we can," one Uber executive said in an internal email in 2018.
"The fact this is an internal policy that we don’t feel comfortable talking about," the exec added, "highlights the need for improvement here."
Moon phase today: What the moon will look like on December 23See the moon phase expected for December 23, 2025 as well as when the next full moon is expected.
The moon is back into view now, and after a few nights of darkness, if you look hard enough, you should be able to catch a glimpse of come craters of mares.
As of Tuesday, Dec. 23, the moon phase is Waxing Crescent. According to NASA's Daily Moon Observation, 11% of the moon will be lit up tonight.
With an unaided eye tonight, you can spot the Mares Crisium and the Fecunditatis. If you add binoculars or a telescope, you'll also be able to see the Endymion Crater.
The next full moon will be on Jan. 3. The last full moon was on Dec. 4.
According to NASA, the Moon takes around 29.5 days to complete one full cycle. This is known as the lunar cycle. Throughout this time, it passes through a series of phases as it orbits Earth. Although the same side of the Moon always faces us, the amount of sunlight reflecting off its surface changes, which is why it can appear fully illuminated, partly lit, or completely invisible at different points in the cycle. This process is divided into eight main lunar phases:
New Moon - The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).
Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
First Quarter - Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-moon.
Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.
Full Moon - The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.
Waning Gibbous - The moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.
Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.
This $200 MacBook Air is ready for your 2026 goalsGet a top-quality refurbished Apple MacBook Air (2017) for just $199.97 with free shipping — perfect for boosting productivity in the new year.
TL;DR: A dependable, lightweight refurbished MacBook Air (2017) with up to 12 hours of battery life is just $199.97 (reg. $999) with free shipping — an easy upgrade for everyday tasks.
Most of us head into the new year with fresh goals. Whether they’re career-focused or more personal, like finally drafting that book idea you’ve been sitting on — this Apple MacBook Air (2017) is a surprisingly ideal companion.
At just $199.97 (reg. $999) with free shipping, it’s an affordable way to add a reliable, lightweight laptop to your productivity lineup.
This refurbished model delivers exactly what most people need from a daily-use computer. The 1.8GHz Intel Core i5 processor handles emails, documents, browsing, and light creative work smoothly. The 128GB SSD keeps things snappy and gives you room for files, drafts, photos, and essential apps.
And with up to 12 hours of battery life, you can work from the couch, a café, or a cross-country flight without worrying about an outlet.
The 13.3-inch display offers crisp clarity for streaming and video calls. Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth make it simple to stay connected and transfer files. It’s also thin, quiet, travel-friendly, and ideal as a secondary laptop for freelancers or anyone who wants a dependable everyday machine.
As a Grade A/B refurbished unit, it may show minor cosmetic wear, but performance-wise, it’s tested and ready for regular use.
If you’re hoping to kick off the new year with better tools (and without overspending), this pre-holiday sale might do the trick.
Get this quality refurbished MacBook Air for just $199.97 (reg. $999) with free shipping ahead of the new year.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Protect 9 devices with this $16 ad blocker and lifetime accessGet AdGuard’s Family Plan Lifetime Subscription for just $15.97 with code FAMPLAN and protect up to nine devices from ads, trackers, and malware.
TL;DR: AdGuard Family Plan is currently just $15.97 with code FAMPLAN — block ads, boost privacy, and protect up to nine devices for life.
If your online experience doesn’t feel smooth or optimized, this holiday deal makes it almost too easy to declutter your digital life.
The AdGuard Family Plan Lifetime Subscription is just $15.97 (reg. $169.99) when you use code FAMPLAN, and it gives you powerful ad blocking and privacy protection across up to nine devices — forever.
AdGuard is more than a simple pop-up remover. It’s a full ad-blocking and safety toolkit designed to make everyday browsing feel calmer, cleaner, and faster. Pages load without the usual clutter of banners, autoplay videos, and distracting overlays, and the built-in privacy shield helps keep trackers from collecting information about your family’s online habits.
Parents also get access to robust parental control tools, making it easier to filter out inappropriate content and maintain a safer digital space for kids. Combined with AdGuard’s malware and phishing protection, your family can click, browse, and stream with more confidence.
Setup is simple, and because this plan covers Android and iOS, everyone in the household can benefit — phones, tablets, and computers included. Even better, this is lifetime access, meaning updates, improvements, and new features are included without ongoing fees.
It’s a small one-time payment for a noticeably smoother online experience, and a helpful upgrade heading into the new year.
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to invest in something like this, this is an ideal time.
Get lifetime access to AdGuard’s Family Plan for $15.97 (reg. $169.99) with code FAMPLAN for a limited time.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Call of Duty co-creator Vince Zampella dead in car crashVideo game designer Vince Zampella leaves behind a huge legacy, including the Call of Duty series, following his tragic death.
Legendary video game designer Vince Zampella, who co-created the Call of Duty series, was killed Sunday in a car crash in southern California.
Zampella, 55, most recently led the Battlefield shooter series at EA Games, but also had his hand in many successful franchises, including Medal of Honor, Titanfall, and Apex Legends.
Along with Grant Collier and Jason West, Zampella co-founded the Infinity Ward studio in 2002, which led to the creation of the iconic first-person shooter Call of Duty in 2003. After Infinity Ward was fully acquired by Activision, Zampella was later dismissed and went on to successfully sue the company for tens of millions of dollars in unpaid royalties and bonuses.
Zampella was integral in some of Call of Duty's most acclaimed entries, according to the Guardian, including 2007’s Modern Warfare and 2009’s Modern Warfare 2. The Call of Duty series now encompasses nearly two dozen games and has sold half a billion units.
Zampella co-founded the Respawn studio with Jason West in 2010, which released two Titanfall games under Zampella's leadership before the company was acquired by EA in 2017. While under EA, Respawn released not only Apex Legends, but also Star Wars games, including Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.
Zampella, along with another person in his car, died on the Angeles Crest Highway north of Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon in a single-vehicle crash.
EA released the following statement to TMZ on Zampella's death:
"This is an unimaginable loss, and our hearts are with Vince’s family, his loved ones, and all those touched by his work. Vince’s influence on the video game industry was profound and far-reaching. A friend, colleague, leader and visionary creator, his work helped shape modern interactive entertainment and inspired millions of players and developers around the world. His legacy will continue to shape how games are made and how players connect for generations to come."
It's been a tough few years for iRobot, maker of the popular robot vacuum cleaner Roomba.
After a deal to sell the company to Amazon fell through the year before, iRobot has had trouble finding a buyer amid financial difficulties and mounting debts. Last week, iRobot announced it was filing for bankruptcy. As part of the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process, the company said it was being taken over by iRobot's primary contract manufacturer, the China-based robotics company Picea.
But, most importantly, what does all of this mean for you, the consumer?
Roombas are an extremely popular brand of robot vacuum cleaners. iRobot holds a commanding 42 percent market share in the U.S. for robotic vacuums. On top of that, the timing of the bankruptcy means that there's likely many brand-new Roomba owners who bought deals for themselves and gifts for others just weeks earlier on Black Friday.
According to iRobot, there's nothing for consumers to worry about.
TechRadar's Ruth Hamilton spoke with iRobot CEO Gary Cohen who assured the tech outlet that "it's business as usual" at the robot vacuum cleaner company.
"The app is working, the warranties are going to be honored," Cohen said.
TechRadar also pressed Hamilton on the bankruptcy announcement, which shared that there would be no immediate disruption. Did this mean consumers should be worried down the road?
According to Cohen, no, there's no need for concern and Roombas were "never" going to just stop working due to the company's financial troubles.
"Now that we have a path forward, the app will continue, the products will continue...We'll have firmware updates on the products, which is one of the benefits of this category – we're constantly putting software updates in the marketplace. So those will continue," Cohen said.
Cohen also told the outlet that iRobot and Picea are already working on new products for the new year and that the transition has been smooth because the two companies were already working together.
So, Roomba fans, it seems like there's no need to worry just yet. Your robot vacuum should be good to go – at least for now.
SAVE 25%: As of Dec. 22, you can get the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 1) Smart AI Glasses for $246.75, down from $329, at Amazon. That's a 25% discount or a $82.25 price cut. It's also a new record-low price, according to our trusty price tracker CamelCamelCamel.
If you’ve been interested in smart glasses but haven't moved forward because they seem a little too "techy" or intimidating to wear, the Ray-Ban Meta glasses are probably the easiest way in. They look just like classic Wayfarers, so you don't feel like you're wearing a computer on your face.
Right now, you can get the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 1) Wayfarer Smart AI Glasses for $246.75 at Amazon. That’s 25% off the $329 list price. It's also a new all-time low, according to CamelCamelCamel.
Kimberly Gedeon, a tech expert and former Mashable editor, says these smart glasses are a "useful extension of your phone." She was particularly impressed by the sound quality, noting that music sounds "rich, full, and smooth" through the discreet open-ear speakers.
They also have Meta AI built in, which can answer questions or provide real-time translation between Spanish, French, and Italian without WiFi. Plus, they feature an ultra-wide 12 MP camera for photos and 1080p videos, along with a five-mic system so you can take calls or livestream directly to Facebook and Instagram.
Just a heads up: Gedeon's "golden rule" is to keep a close eye on the charging case — if you lose that, you're pretty much screwed since it's the only way to power them up.
Annas Archive backed up Spotifys massive catalogue to preserve online musicAnna's Archive claims its scraped nearly 300 terabytes of music metadata from Spotify, in an effort to create and preserve an open music archive.
Spotify's library was scraped and released by pirate activists Anna's Archive just two weeks after the streaming giant released its "largest Wrapped ever."
The unprecedented data grab of nearly 300 terabytes was announced by the website in a Dec. 20 blog post. The archive says it obtained metadata for 99.9 percent of Spotify's 256 million tracks and audio files for 86 million pieces of music, or a library that represents about 99.6 percent of listens on the platform.
"It’s the world’s first 'preservation archive' for music which is fully open (meaning it can easily be mirrored by anyone with enough disk space)," said Anna's Archive. "With your help, humanity’s musical heritage will be forever protected from destruction by natural disasters, wars, budget cuts, and other catastrophes."
Anna's Archive made the metadata library immediately available for public download, and says it will release the rest of the scrape in stages, including music files and album artwork. It also released an expansive breakdown of the metadata including stream count, genre, and popularity analysis.
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This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
"An investigation into unauthorized access identified that a third party scraped public metadata and used illicit tactics to circumvent DRM to access some of the platform’s audio files. We are actively investigating the incident," Spotify wrote in an initial statement to Android Authority. As of Dec. 22, Spotify said it has "identified and disabled the nefarious user accounts that engaged in unlawful scraping." The streaming platform also said it is implementing new safeguards against further copyright attacks to combat piracy.
Anna's Archive, an open source search engine that directs users to pirated, paid, or paywalled content like books and articles, has become a bane of copyright holders across the internet. Last month, Google removed more than 749 million search result links that directed to Anna's Archive, a vast majority of the 784 million link removal requests the company received. According to reporting by TorrentFreak, Anna's Archive URLs (annas-archive.se, annas-archive.org, and annas-archive.li) face the highest amount of Google takedown requests.
Need a last-minute Christmas gift? The Amazon Kindle Colorsoft is $60 off and itll arrive before Dec. 25.The Amazon Kindle Colorsoft is on sale at Amazon for $189.99, down from the standard price of $249.99. That's a 24% discount.
SAVE $60: The Kindle Colorsoft is on sale at Amazon for $189.99, down from the standard price of $249.99. That's a 24% discount.
If we think about the best tech gifts of 2025, some are geared toward gamers while others are perfect for kids. But if you're searching for an item that's likely to thrill almost anyone on your Christmas shopping list, it's an e-reader. Almost everyone is either constantly diving into new titles or has the best intentions to stop scrolling and read more. If you're looking for an e-reader, check out this Amazon deal.
As of Dec. 22, the Kindle Colorsoft is on sale for $189.99 at Amazon, marked down from the usual price of $249.99. That's a 24% discount.
A Kindle is the perfect device for anyone looking to cut down on doom scrolling. The doom will still be there tomorrow so why not head into the wonderful world of a book instead? The Kindle Colorsoft is a great version if you like manga, studying maps at the beginning of books, or reading graphic novels. It's Mashable's top pick for the best Kindle if you want a color version.
Like most Kindles, you'll be in line for excellent battery life. We're talking about up to eight weeks of battery before you'll need to recharge. An iPad could never. The seven-inch display size on the Kindle Colorsoft is a great middle ground, offering enough space to not need to turn the page after two sentences but still small enough to be travel-friendly.
Mashable Shopping Reporter and e-reader expert Samantha Mangino noted the Kindle Colorsoft is just as quick and efficient as the popular Kindle Paperwhite, but she wasn't convinced it was worth the $250 price. However, thanks to today's sale price at Amazon, we're getting way more bang for the buck.
If you're still not thrilled about the price of the Kindle Colorsoft even with the sale, consider the Kobo Clara Colour which is on sale for $139.99 at Amazon. It's one of Mashable's favorite e-readers and comes in at a more affordable price. In either case, your reading wishes for 2026 will be off to a great start with a fresh e-reader.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 are back down to their Black Friday pricingThe Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are just $248 at Amazon and Best Buy as of Dec. 22.
Save $151.99: The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are back down to their Black Friday pricing of $248 at Amazon and Best Buy. Originally $399.99, you'll score a 38% discount on this deal.
A foolproof way to save on headphones this holiday season is by checking out deals on older models.
As of Dec. 22, there's one worth checking out: a $152 markdown on the Sony WH-1000XM5, which brings them down to just $248 at Amazon and Best Buy. Considering most new flagship models are $450 and up at full price, this is an especially worthwhile deal.
I had the chance to test the Sony XM5 headphones directly against the XM6 headphones, and though I appreciated the return of the folding ear cups to the XM6 headphones (from the XM4 model), I was also surprised by the minimal difference between the two. The noise-cancelling ability isn't all that different and though the sound quality was better in the newer model, it was a jump only noticeable as I tested the headphones on the same songs back to back.
Mashable editor Timothy Beck Werth also noted in his XM6 review that between the XM5 and XM6 headphones, the changes were "more iterative than innovative." The inputs, 30 hour battery life, and connectivity support remain the same between generations.
Though the XM6 headphones are also on sale as of Dec. 22, they're still $150 more than the XM5 headphones, making the latter a better buy from a pure value perspective (and the superior choice for anyone who doesn't need the latest and greatest tech from Sony). The XM5s still hold their own, and with this deal, you can also take your choice of colorway between the four available options.
The $10 Fire TV Stick 4K Select deal lives on: Grab it before its gone foreverThe Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select is still on sale for $9.99 with an on-page coupon code. Save $30 while you still can.
SAVE $30: As of Dec. 22, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select is still on sale for just $9.99 with the on-page coupon code HOL4KFTV. That's $30 or 75% off its list price and its best price ever.
Amazon really wants you to grab its newest Fire TV Stick this season — so much so that it's practically giving them away.
As of Dec. 22, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select is still on sale for just $9.99 with the on-page coupon code HOL4KFTV (make sure to hit "redeem" next to the code). That's a massive $30 price drop from its usual $39.99 tag and 75% in savings. We first saw this deal pop up ahead of Black Friday (it quickly became one of Mashable readers' top buys), then it disappeared and reappeared a few times throughout the month of December. There's really no telling how long it will stick around this time, so we suggest grabbing it ASAP if you have a streaming stick on your shopping list.
The latest Fire TV Stick in Amazon's lineup, the 4K Select is the most affordable option to deliver vibrant 4K quality with HDR10+ support. It also features an ultra-responsive and quick new operating system called Vega. We haven't had a chance to test it for ourselves, but we're glad Amazon is switching things up. The previous operating system was a bit laggy in our tests — an upgrade was in order. Its plug-and-play design is the same as other streaming sticks in the Fire TV lineup and instantly brings all of your favorite streaming apps into one convenient location. Press and ask Alexa to open Peacock or Prime Video or even pick up an episode where you left off.
The new streaming stick offers support for Xbox Game Pass, Amazon Luna, NordVPN, and IPVanish, and will soon also offer Alexa+ and Amazon Kids+. It may not feature Dolby Atmos or Vision, but it's a pretty advanced streaming device nonetheless. Plus, at just 10 bucks, it's much more than you'd expect.
This 1,161-piece Lego flower arrangement is $44 off right nowAs of Dec. 22, you can get the Lego Botanicals Flower Arrangement (10345) for $65.99, down from $109.99, at Amazon.
SAVE 40%: As of Dec. 22, you can get the Lego Botanicals Flower Arrangement (10345) for $65.99, down from $109.99, at Amazon. That's a 40% discount or a $44 price cut. It's also the lowest price we've tracked for this Lego set.
Lego sets are a huge tradition in my family — I always get one for both my dad and my nephew for Christmas and birthdays. If you’re looking for a version that’s a bit more "adult" (or just want flowers that won't die while you’re away for the holidays), this Botanicals set is the one to grab.
Right now, the Lego Botanicals Flower Arrangement (10345) is on sale for $65.99 at Amazon. That’s a 40% discount off the $109.99 list price, which is a steal for a set with 1,000+ pieces. Just a heads up: this one currently arrives after Christmas, but at nearly half off, it’s the perfect "treat yourself" project to work on during that weird week between Christmas and New Year's.
This 1,161-piece set includes 14 different flowers (including peonies, camellias, and lilies). It even comes with its own buildable white pedestal vase, so you don’t have to go hunting for one that fits. My favorite part is that you can actually adjust the flower heads and stems to "prune" and style the arrangement however you want. It's a great way to unwind and ends up looking like a legitimate piece of art for your desk or dining table.
How to watch the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations online for freeHow to watch Africa Cup of Nations for free. Live stream the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free from anywhere in the world.
TL;DR: Watch the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free on Channel 4. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
There is quite simply no tournament like the Africa Cup of Nations. It's an electric combination of heated rivalries, colorful fans, and flair that is sometimes lacking from elite competitions. We know that the eyes of the footballing world are already fixed on the 2026 World Cup, but this incredible tournament should whet the appetite of fans before the main event next summer.
The likes of Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi, Sadio Mane, Bryan Mbuemo, and Victor Osimhen will be taking center stage in Morocco. We're expecting some scintillating football from the best of the best.
If you're interested in watching the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.
The Africa Cup of Nations (or AFCON) is the main biennial international men's association football competition in Africa. 24 teams are drawn into six groups of four teams. The top two teams from each group and the four best third-placed teams advance to the knockout rounds.
The defending champion is Ivory Coast. Egypt is the most successful nation in the tournament's history, winning seven times and securing three consecutive titles in 2006, 2008, and 2010.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is the 35th edition of the competition. This year's event takes place from Dec. 21 to Jan. 18 in Morocco.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is available to live stream for free on Channel 4.
Channel 4 is geo-restricted to the UK, 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 the UK, meaning you can stream the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Connect to Channel 4
Watch the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer pretty generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch AFCON without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.
ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on free platforms like Channel 4, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
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
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95.
Live stream the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free with ExpressVPN.
How to watch South Africa vs. Angola online for freeHow to watch Africa Cup of Nations for free. Live stream South Africa vs. Angola in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free.
TL;DR: Live stream South Africa vs. Angola in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free on Channel 4. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The Africa Cup of Nations is keeping us all entertained through the festive period. We've already had Morocco vs. Comoros and Mali vs. Zambia, and now it's the turn of Group B. South Africa face Angola in their opening game. Both sides will be desperate to start with a win, as Egypt will be favorites to top this tricky group.
If you want to watch South Africa vs. Angola in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
South Africa vs. Angola in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off at 12 p.m. ET on Dec. 22. This fixture takes place at the Marrakech Stadium.
South Africa vs. Angola in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is available to live stream for free on Channel 4.
Channel 4 is geo-restricted to the UK, 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 the UK, meaning you can unblock Channel 4 to stream AFCON for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream South Africa vs. Angola for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit Channel 4
Watch South Africa vs. Angola for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of AFCON without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream South Africa vs. Angola (plus more 2025 Africa Cup of Nations fixtures) before recovering your investment.
ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Channel 4, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).
Watch South Africa vs. Angola in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free with ExpressVPN.
Google Messages made some aesthetic changes to Nano BananaGoogle got rid of the little banana emoji in the Nano Banana features embedded in Messages.
Google's AI image generation tool got some minor alterations in the Android Messages app.
Specifically, Google slightly retooled how you access the Remix tool (which is powered by Nano Banana) in Messages, per 9to5google. If you wanted to put a funny hat on a picture of your dog or whatever prior to this change, you would long-press on an image and tap the "Remix" button on the lower left corner of the display. That's still true, but the button is now smaller and less prominent than before. Additionally, Google removed the banana emoji that was on the button, replacing it with a more generic AI image icon.
Beyond that, if you look at an image in the fullscreen view mode, there won't be a Remix button on top of the image anymore. It's now in the bottom-left corner of that view, as well.
Again, these are not hugely seismic changes to the way Nano Banana Remix works in Google Messages, but they're worth knowing about so you don't get lost the next time you want to use those features.
The incredible Sony XM6 headphones are on sale for under $400 at AmazonThe Sony XM6 headphones are on sale at Amazon for $398, down from the normal price of $459.99. That's a 13% discount.
SAVE $61.99: The Sony XM6 headphones are on sale at Amazon for $398, down from the normal price of $459.99. That's a 13% discount that matches the record low at Amazon.
Want to gift or receive some of the best headphones that came out in 2025? You're in luck if you prefer over-the-ear headphones with incredible sound because the Sony XM6 headphones are on sale at Amazon and they'll likely arrive in time for Christmas.
As of Dec. 22, the Sony XM6 headphones are on sale for $398 at Amazon, marked down from the normal price of $459.99. That's a savings of $61.99 thanks to a 13% discount. Today's sale price also matches the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.
For anyone interested in top-of-the-line headphones, the Sony XM6 model shines. Freshly launched in the spring, the Sony XM6 is the brands latest flagship model which earned a Mashable Choice Award for their exceptional sound quality. Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth reviewed the headphones and said, "The new Sony headphones offer impressive audio quality, and they definitely improve on the XM5 models. The active noise cancellation is particularly phenomenal."
This could be a huge benefit for anyone traveling this holiday season. Another major benefit for those who travel with headphones is the XM6 headphones now fold up for better portability. On Mashable's list of the best headphones, the Sony XM6 earn the top spot as the best option for sound-first headphones.
Big points get added to this sale price on the Sony XM6 thanks to the fact that Amazon might be able to get these on your doorstep today. Depending on your delivery address, these could come with same-day delivery, which could be a lifesaver if you're shopping for a last-minute Christmas gift for family or yourself.
While they're sitting at an all-time low price, upgrade in a major way to the Sony XM6 headphones. You'll be in line for some of the best sound in the industry.
The 15-inch MacBook Air is our favorite MacBook for most people, and its still $250 offThe 15-inch M4 Apple MacBook Air is just $949 at Amazon and Best Buy as of Dec. 22. That deals shaves $250 off its $1,199 price.
Save $250: You can still save 21% on a MacBook ahead of Christmas. As of 2022, the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) is on sale at Amazon and Best Buy for $949, down from its full price of $1,199.
We may be just three days out from Christmas, but your window of opportunity to grab a great tech gift on sale hasn't closed just yet.
Both Amazon and Best Buy marked down the 15-inch M4 Apple MacBook Air with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage to just $949 as of Dec. 22. (The latter store does have a countdown on the product page showing that the deal will end come Dec. 23). At the time of writing, the deal applies to all four available colorways.
Mashable's laptop expert Haley Henschel deemed the 15-inch Air the best MacBook for most people in her MacBook guide. Why? Even at full price, the value is near unbeatable. (Mashable Senior Editor and longtime Apple review Stan Schroeder agrees, titling his review of the M4 Air "A really good deal").
That's mostly thanks to the M4 chip, which as Henschel writes, "effectively closed the gap between Apple's MacBook Air and Pro series." The fanless model will likely get hot to the touch when handling especially heavy workloads, but it certainly has the power to do it. The 15-inch display is also useful from a productivity standpoint, but not so huge as to become obtrusive — overall, the Air stays true to it's name, remaining an ultraportable laptop.
When you do decide to hunker down in one place, your display options get even better, with this laptop providing open-lid support for two external displays. The only major con? The port selection is rather limited, with just two Thunderbolt/USB-C ports, one MagSafe 3 charging port, and a headphone jack. Still, it's an incredible value at full price, and an even better one at $250 off. (Note: this laptop does go on sale frequently, but $949 remains its lowest price ever).
Prime members can likely get this laptop in time for Christmas, while Best Buy also offers same-day pickup (pending your local stores' availability).
Instacart is immediately ending controversial price testsInstacart is ending price tests after a Consumer Reports investigation that claimed it's inflating grocery bills.
Grocery delivery service Instacart will end its controversial price tests, it announced on Monday.
The move comes weeks after a Consumer Reports investigation claimed that Instacart's AI-enabled price experiments may be upping your grocery bill.
The investigation reported that the experiments priced the same products differently for different consumers, sometimes by as much as 23 percent. The price variations could result in a yearly difference of $1,200 in grocery spending, according to Consumer Reports. The investigation also found that Instacart acquired an AI company in 2022 called Eversight, and afterwards, Instacart began offering pricing software to retail companies to "optimize" prices.
Several lawmakers took action against individualized pricing this month. Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona introduced a bill to crack down on "surveillance" pricing, while Democratic Minnesota Rep. Angie Craig sent a letter to Instacart asking for answers. Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York sent a different letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The latter two cite the Consumer Reports investigation.
Last week, Instacart denied that the experiments were dynamic pricing or surveillance pricing, instead stating that they were random A/B tests. (Dynamic pricing fluctuates based on demand, and surveillance pricing uses a consumer's characteristics and behavior to set individual prices.) It also denied Consumer Reports' claim that these tests cost a typical family $1,200 a year.
Today, Instacart announced that it is ending these price tests.
"We understand that the tests we ran with a small number of retail partners that resulted in different prices for the same item at the same store missed the mark for some customers," the blog post states.
"Effective immediately, Instacart is ending all item price tests on our platform. Retailers will no longer be able to use Eversight technology to run item price tests on Instacart."
The post explains that this means if two families are shopping for the same items at the same time at the same store location on Instacart, they will see the same price.
An Instacart spokesperson denied that these tests were dynamic or surveillance pricing in a statement sent to Mashable. "While these pricing tests were not dynamic pricing nor surveillance pricing, and were never based on personal, demographic, or user-level behavioral characteristics, we've listened carefully to customer feedback, and we understand these tests fell short of their expectations," the spokesperson said.
This announcement also comes days after the FTC announced that Instacart will pay $60 million to consumers as part of a settlement. FTC's lawsuit claimed that Instacart engaged in deceptive tactics like falsely advertising "free delivery" and failing to disclose the terms of its Instacart+ membership. Instacart denied the FTC's allegations.
Grab a 4-pack of AirTags for under $65 and get em before ChristmasAs of Dec. 22, you can get a four-pack of Apple AirTags for just $64.98, down from $99. That's a 34% discount or a savings of $34.02.
SAVE 34%: As of Dec. 22, you can get a four-pack of Apple AirTags for just $64.98, down from $99. That's a 34% discount or a savings of $34.02.
If you’re still hunting for those last-minute stocking stuffers that people will actually use, this Apple AirTag deal is probably the easiest win you’ll find. I’m a firm believer that you can never really have too many of these, especially if you’re prone to losing your keys or want to keep tabs on your bags during holiday travel. (They're also great for pets; I use them to keep track of my beagles whenever we visit my parents' house.)
Right now, you can get a 4-pack of Apple AirTags for $64.98 at Amazon. That’s 34% off the $99 list price, which brings them down to about $16 per tracker. Most importantly for this time of year, they arrive before Christmas (Amazon is currently showing overnight delivery in many areas), so you can get them under the tree just in time for the Big Day.
AirTags are super simple to use. It’s just a one-tap process to connect them to your iPhone or iPad. They use the "Find My" network to help you track down your stuff, and if you have a newer iPhone, the Precision Finding feature will lead you right to your lost keys with an arrow on your screen. They’re also water-resistant and have a replaceable battery that you can easily swap out yourself (after about a year), so they aren't just a "disposable" piece of tech.
AI was linked to 50,000 job cuts in 2025, report revealsAI contributed to a record year of U.S. layoffs in 2025, disproportionately hurting entry-level workers amid widespread hiring freezes.
This past year has been pretty rough for layoffs — and you can thank AI for that, at least in part.
According to a report by CNBC citing consulting firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, AI was responsible for nearly 55,000 layoffs in the U.S. in 2025. This comes during a year that had the highest number of layoffs since the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, with 1.17 million job cuts across the country, the consulting firm also reported.
In November alone 71,000 jobs were cut — and 6,000 of those, or about 9 percent, were due to AI.
While AI-focused layoffs hit workers across a wide range of employment statuses and ages at companies like Amazon and Walmart, Inc reported that AI has led to a hiring hiring freeze that has hit workers at the entry level particularly hard.
"The rise in youth unemployment might actually be a symptom of the rise in AI," Stephanie Roth, chief economist at Wolfe Research, told Inc. "It’s not even that AI is doing the job for these people, but companies have uncertainty about the direction of travel and they want to preserve optionality [by not hiring young people]."
All the while, Fortune reported that AI-fueled finance jobs taking over human jobs is predominately "smoke and mirrors" for now.
No matter how you look at it, this was a tough year for U.S. workers — and AI reportedly played a role.
Louisiana social media age verification law blocked by federal judgeLouisiana's standard setting age verification law was struck down by a federal judge last week, as other state laws go into effect.
Louisiana's Secure Online Child Interaction and Age Limitation act, a social media law that requires social platforms to verify user ages and implement parental controls, has been struck down.
The before the buzzer decision was issued on Dec. 15, made just ahead of the act's enforcement period by Louisiana regulators. The federal judge ruled in favor of tech trade lobbying group NetChoice, which has been constitutionally challenging age verification laws across the country. In April, NetChoice successfully blocked Arkansas' Social Media Safety Act.
"The Act is at once under-inclusive and over-inclusive," wrote judge John W. deGravelles in the Louisiana decision.
NetChoice joins other free speech advocates who argue sweeping age verification laws may pose large scale privacy risks, restrict access to protected speech, and chill open expression online. Online safety advocates, meanwhile, have pushed for social media regulation in the wake of widespread child exploitation and mental health concerns.
Louisiana was the first to enact such a law in 2023, and other states quickly followed suit. Currently, 25 U.S. states have some sort of age verification law on the books, with many focused on restricting access to online pornography. Most recently, Missouri began enforcing an age-gaiting law that requires user verification on sites with "one-third or more pornographic content" — Congress has discussed more than a dozen online safety acts in this month alone.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has said she will appeal the ruling. Murrill has made social media regulation a priority of the state, including filing the first of a wave of new lawsuits against kids gaming platform Roblox. “The assault on children by online predators is an all-hands-on-deck problem. It’s unfortunate that the court chose to protect huge corporations that facilitate child exploitation over the legislative policy to require simple age verification mechanisms,” said Murrill.
My favorite gift from last year, the basic Kindle, is on sale for $89.99The basic Kindle is on sale for just $89.99 at Amazon ahead of Christmas. Save $20 while you still can.
SAVE $20: As of Dec. 22, the basic Kindle (2024) is still on sale for just $89.99 at Amazon. That's 18% off its usual cost of $109.99 and $10 shy of its best price ever.
On a normal day, Amazon's basic Kindle is a steal at $109.99. It's the most affordable e-reader in Amazon's lineup (and the best, in my humble opinion), and this holiday season, it's an even better deal than usual.
As of Dec. 22, you can still grab the basic Kindle for just $89.99. That's $20 or 18% off its typical retail price and only $10 away from its best price ever (which I accurately predicted it would hit on Black Friday). If you're in the market for an e-reader for yourself or to gift to someone else, I highly recommend snagging this deal while it's still around.
While Mashable's resident e-reader expert's top pick is the Paperwhite, I would go to battle for the basic Kindle. It's the cheapest option and also the smallest. At only 6 inches, it's tiny enough to slip it into my purse and comfortable enough for one-handed reading. It packs 16GB of storage, which may not sound like much, but is surprisingly enough space for thousands of books. It also has the same screen resolution as the more expensive Paperwhite and the same magical formula that makes you fly through books unbelievably fast. Its only drawbacks are that it's not waterproof and that there's no warm light option. The warm light really isn't a huge deal — I've never felt eye strain from reading on the basic Kindle. The screen literally looks like paper. The waterproof issue is kind of annoying, though. Just be extra cautious if you choose to read at the beach or in the bathtub.
I wouldn't consider myself a Kindle pro, but as I have said before, I'm obsessed with my basic Kindle. I highly recommend it if you're in the market for an e-reader — especially when it's on sale. The discount won't last forever, though.
How to watch Egypt vs. Zimbabwe online for freeHow to watch Africa Cup of Nations for free. Live stream Egypt vs. Zimbabwe in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free.
TL;DR: Live stream Egypt vs. Zimbabwe in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free on Channel 4. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The Africa Cup of Nations has started with a number of really entertaining fixtures. We didn't expect anything less from this electric tournament.
Next is Egypt vs. Zimbabwe in Group B. All eyes will be on Mohamed Salah as he looks to put his club issues behind him and lead his country to another AFCON victory. Egypt has won this competition seven times, but Salah has never lifted the trophy.
If you want to watch Egypt vs. Zimbabwe in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
Egypt vs. Zimbabwe in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Dec. 22. This fixture takes place at the Adrar Stadium.
Egypt vs. Zimbabwe in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is available to live stream for free on Channel 4.
Channel 4 is geo-restricted to the UK, 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 the UK, meaning you can unblock Channel 4 to stream AFCON for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Egypt vs. Zimbabwe for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit Channel 4
Watch Egypt vs. Zimbabwe for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of AFCON without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Egypt vs. Zimbabwe (plus more 2025 Africa Cup of Nations fixtures) before recovering your investment.
ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Channel 4, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).
Watch Egypt vs. Zimbabwe in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free with ExpressVPN.
Give the gift of on-demand espresso shots while the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ is under $100The Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ is on sale for under $100 at Amazon and is a great last-minute gift for anyone in your life.
SAVE $30: As of Dec. 22, the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ coffee and espresso machine is down to just $99 at Amazon. That's a 23% discount from its usual $129.
Last-minute shoppers, if you're looking for a gift idea for under $100, the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ just slid below that threshold.
As of Dec. 22, the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ is on sale for only $99 instead of its usual $129. That's 23% or $30 in savings. There's a ton of color options, but only the pacific blue, pastel yellow, and candy pink have dropped below the $100 mark.
The Vertuo Pop+ delivers on-demand espresso shots at any time of day. But that's not all it does — it can also brew coffee in several other ways. Choose from single shots, double shots, five-, eight, or 12-ounce cups. Just pop in Nespresso pods, fill up the 25-ounce water tank, wait about 30 seconds for it to heat up, and it's ready to rock and roll.
It's just 8.5 inches wide, but the water tank can also be removed for an even slimmer build that can slide into small spaces. It's the smallest Nespresso machine on the market, but it still offers the same massive flavor. The Pop+ is a particularly good fit for dorms, small apartments, or even cubicles. As the name suggests, it adds a pop of color to any space, rather than the standard stainless steel look of most appliances.
At the time of writing, you can still order the Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ on time for Christmas — but you'll have to act fast. Save 23% while you can.
Gift yourself the iPad mini while its on sale at Amazon for $100 offThe iPad mini (128GB, WiFi, Space Grey) is on sale at Amazon for $399, down from the list price of $499. That's a $100 savings from a 20% discount.
SAVE $100: The iPad mini (128GB, WiFi, Space Grey) is on sale at Amazon for $399, down from the list price of $499. That's a $100 savings from a 20% discount.
Sometimes smaller is better. That's true for those who travel with their devices or for students who commute to campus everyday. Smaller handheld devices can also be ideal for those with dexterity restrictions. For whatever reason, the smaller size of the iPad mini might be perfect for some folks. If that sounds ideal, check out this sale price.
As of Dec. 22, the iPad mini (128GB, WiFi, Space Grey) is on sale at Amazon for $399, marked down from the standard price of $499. That's a $100 savings from a 20% discount. Note there's no information about a delivery date from Amazon. Instead, it says you'll get a notification once they have an estimate. If you want the iPad mini as soon as possible, consider Best Buy which is also offering the same $399 sale price but with delivery on Dec. 24.
Christmas shopping brings on major discounts, but we often forget that it's a great time to consider goals for the New Year and if we should grab anything to help achieve those goals. If you want to read more in 2026, the iPad mini is Mashable's top choice for as the best iPad for reading.
Mashable Shopping Reporter Samantha Mangino explained the compact size and quick processing makes this model perfect for readers. "The other models, like the iPad Air, start at around 11 inches, which is a lot of screen when you just want to flip through your book," Mangino wrote. "But the iPad mini isn't just a glorified e-reader; it's still a versatile tablet. Like any iPad, you can read on it, but you can also stream your favorite shows — a level of flexibility that a Kindle simply can't match."
This 7th generation model of the iPad mini comes with 128GB storage in its compact 8.3-inch display. Apple claims it has "all-day battery life" which translates to up to 10 hours of web surfing on WiFi. In Mashable's full review of the iPad mini from Senior Editor Stan Schroeder, he wrote, "If you're new to the iPad, and you want the most compact one around (or any compact tablet), the new iPad mini 7 is the best choice."
If your 2026 plans could be improved by a lightweight and compact tablet that's also great to use as an e-reader, jump on this deal to get the iPad mini for $399.
Get the 13-inch MacBook Air (M4) for its lowest price ever at AmazonSave $250 on the 2025 MacBook Air with the M4 chip. Now just $749 at Amazon, the lowest price on record for the 16GB RAM model.
SAVE 25%: As of Dec. 22, you can get the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) for $749, down from $999, at Amazon. That's a 25% discount or a $250 price cut. It's also the lowest price we've tracked for this model.
If you’ve been spending the last few weeks scrambling to get everyone on your holiday shopping list the perfect gifts, it may be time to get a little something for yourself. Right now, Amazon has a ton of deals on Apple products, including the 2025 MacBook Air.
As of Dec. 22, you can get the 2025 13-inch Apple MacBook Air (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) for just $749, down from $999, at Amazon. That’s a 25% discount or a $250 price cut. It’s also the lowest price we’ve ever seen this model go for. The only downside is that it won’t arrive before Christmas, but it’s still a great deal if you’re willing to wait for a post-holiday delivery.
The MacBook Air M4 is Apple’s fastest and most portable laptop yet. It supports Apple Intelligence, offers up to 18 hours of battery life, and has a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display. It’s built for productivity and is considerably thinner and lighter than previous models. You’ll also get a 12MP Center Stage camera, three mics, and four speakers with Spatial Audio, so you can take video calls from wherever you are without compromising audio or video quality.
Even Mashable’s Senior Editor, Stan Schroeder, says the MacBook Air M4 is “absolutely” worth buying. In his review, he praised its affordability, speed, and portability, writing that the MacBook Air “put my 16-inch MacBook Pro to shame in so many ways that I'm wondering if I should just switch to the Air the next time around.”
Christopher Nolans The Odyssey trailer is absolute cinemaMatt Damon stars as Odysseus in "The Odyssey", Christopher Nolan's highly-anticipated adaptation of Homer's Greek epic.
Universal Pictures has released the first official trailer for Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, and Nolan-heads, we have never been so back.
In his follow-up to the Academy Award-winning Oppenheimer, Nolan adapts Homer's Greek epic with an all-star cast. Matt Damon plays Odysseus, the wily King of Ithaca. He's one of the tens of thousands of Greeks who fought in the Trojan War. It's his ruse of the Trojan Horse that finally breaches the walls of Troy and puts an end to the decade-long siege. After all that death and destruction, Odysseus is more than ready to return home to his wife Penelope (Anne Hathaway) and his son Telemachus (Tom Holland).
Of course, Odysseus' journey quickly goes awry, otherwise we wouldn't have an epic poem — or Nolan's film, for that matter. On his voyage home, he'll encounter all matter of obstacles, from the enchantress Circe (Charlize Theron) to the Cyclops Polyphemus.
The latter's appearance is one of the many show-stopping moments in the trailer, with Nolan reportedly using animatronics to bring the famed one-eyed giant to life. But that's not all The Odyssey's trailer has in store. Between sweeping shots of the ocean, teases of the Trojan Horse sequence, and riveting storm sequences that leave Damon in bedraggled wet cat mode, the trailer is a visual feast. (And don't even get me started on the stirring score. My ears can only get so pumped.)
If the trailer already has you foaming at the mouth to see more of Nolan's next film, you're in luck. The Odyssey's six-minute prologue is now playing in theaters ahead of IMAX screenings of Avatar: Fire and Ash.
The Odyssey also stars Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, and Zendaya.
The Odyssey hits theaters July 18.
The Percy Jackson and the Olympians cast drafts the ultimate capture-the-flag teamsWalker Scobell, Leah Sava Jeffries, Aryan Simhadri, Dior Goodjohn, Daniel Diemer, and Charlie Bushnell play "Choose Your Squad."
Capture the flag is one of the most iconic traditions at Camp Half-Blood, along with chariot racing and, you know, trying not to get killed by monsters. If given the opportunity to join in on a game, which Percy Jackson and the Olympians characters would the cast choose to be their teammates?
That's the challenge Mashable laid out for six of Percy Jackson and the Olympian Season 2's stars in our latest edition of Choose Your Squad. The rules: You can't choose your own character, and once you've drafted a pick, that character is permanently off the board.
To make things extra competitive, we added some Greek gods to the draft pool. Will the cast go for the ultimate power players in the Percy Jackson universe, or will they be wary of the gods' tendencies for pettiness and infighting?
The answer is decidedly the former. Stars Walker Scobell, Leah Sava Jeffries, Aryan Simhadri, Daniel Diemer, Dior Goodjohn, and Charlie Bushnell each decide to beef up their teams with some godly powers, and the result is delightful chaos. Come for the cast, stay for some of their wild strategizing.
Who will be the first pick in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians capture-the-flag draft? Which demigod actors will draft their fictional parents to their side? Watch the full video above to find out.
Don’t miss out on our latest stories: Add Mashable as a trusted news source in Google.
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 22, 2025Connections is a New York Times word game that's all about finding the "common threads between words." How to solve the puzzle.
The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you're always looking for what's next.
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.
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.
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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.
Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: A gush
Green: Next
Blue: Given on birthdays, holidays, etc.
Purple: Hues
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Influx
Green: Subsequent
Blue: Kinds of cards
Purple: Colors minus last letter
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 #925 is...
Influx: RASH, RUSH, SURGE, WAVE
Subsequent: COMING, FOLLOWING, FUTURE, LATER
Kinds of cards: BUSINESS, GREETING, MEMBERSHIP, PLAYING
Colors minus last letter: BROW, CYA, PIN, WHIT
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? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.
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 today's Connections.
NYT Strands hints, answers for December 22, 2025The NYT Strands hints and answers you need to make the most of your puzzling experience.
Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you don't like buying gifts.
Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, 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.
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.
The words are related to the holidays.
These words describe giving presents.
Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.
Today's spangram is Regifting.
Book
Candle
Gadget
Wine
Scarf
Regifting
Lotion
Earrings
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 today's Strands.
Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 22, 2025Here's the answer for "Wordle" #1646 on December 22 as well as a few hints, tips, and clues to help you solve it yourself.
Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're a beachgoer.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It has a spiral shell.
The letter C appears twice.
Today's Wordle starts with the letter C.
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...
CONCH
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.
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 today's Wordle.
How to watch Utah State vs. Washington State online for freeHow to watch college football for free. Live stream Utah State vs. Washington State in 2025 without cable.
The first round of the College Football Playoffs are in the history books but there's more bowl season action to enjoy this week. Next up is Utah State Aggies vs. Washington State Cougars in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, a long-running contest previously won by Utah State in 2012.
The programs are tied with respective records of 6-6 this season. That means there's more than the glory of the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on the line for these college teams — both programs are battling to make it a winning season.
If you want to watch Utah State vs. Washington State for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.
Utah State vs. Washington State takes place at 2 p.m. ET on Dec. 22. This game takes place at Albertsons Stadium.
Utah State vs. Washington State is broadcast on ESPN.
Fans can live stream college football on a wide range of recommended services, some of which include free trials so you can follow the action without actually spending anything.
Channels: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPN on ABC, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, and ACCNX
ESPN Unlimited provides access to everything that ESPN has to offer. For college football, you get live access to games on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN+, SEC Network, SECN+, ACC Network, and ABC. The Unlimited plan will set you back $29.99 per month, but for the first year, new subscribers can secure a bundle with Disney+ and Hulu for the same price.
Channels: Fox, FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network
Fox One provides access to live broadcasts on Fox, Fox Sports, FS1, FS2, and Big Ten Network. It costs $19.99 per month, but you can save $40 by opting for the annual plan at $199.99. You can also start with a seven-day free trial, so you've got the chance to watch select games without spending anything.
Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NBCSN, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network, and The CW
FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and provides the opportunity to watch on 10 screens at once, if that's your thing. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period.
Fubo takes sports seriously, and that's something we appreciate. With the Pro subscription, you get access to most college football broadcasts. But hardcore fans may want to consider upgrading to the Elite plan, which unlocks access to ESPNU, SEC Network, Pac-12 Network, and ACC Network. Either way, we suggest you test the waters for seven days before you make any sort of commitment.
Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, and The CW
Hulu + Live TV is not exactly cheap, but it does offer good bang for your buck. You need to cough up $76.99 per month (after a three-day trial), but you get access to over 95 live TV channels, plus Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ (all with ads). The included access to ESPN+ provides bonus access to even more college football games on top of live TV networks like ABC, FOX, ESPN, The CW, ACC Network, and more. Now that's value.
Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN 3, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network
Sling is a comprehensive sporting service that offers a whole host of benefits, but you do need to be careful when selecting a plan. The Orange and Blue packages give you access to FOX, NBC, ABC, ESPN, and more in local markets, but for access to ACC Network, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, and more, you'll need the Sports Extra package. We recommend checking your local market to ensure you get access to the channels you actually need.
Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNews, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, NBCSN, SEC Network, and The CW
YouTube TV provides access to over 100 live channels. Newsflash: that's a lot. This huge list includes most of the channels you actually need to watch live college football, including NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, and ESPN, plus networks like FS1 and SEC Network. YouTube TV also offers that all-important free trial so you can watch select games without spending anything.
If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of college football from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Utah State vs. Washington State from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.
Sign in to your favorite streaming service
Watch JUtah State vs. Washington State from anywhere in the world
ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).
50% OFF: Mashable readers can save 50% on the first year of 1Password ahead of the holidays. This discount applies to both the Individual and Families plans.
If you're looking to boost your cybersecurity game in the new year, a password manager is a great place to start. There are quite a few services that we like, including 1Password, which we consider the best password manager for families. Right now, Mashable readers can even enjoy 50% off 1Password plans for the first year.
This 50% off deal, which is automatically applied at the checkout, covers both the Individual and Families plans. This brings the former's price down to just $1.99 per month (which needs to be paid as an annual subscription of $23.88), and the latter down to $2.99 per month (paid as an annual subscription of $35.88). This limited-time offer only lasts until Dec. 31, so now's the time to sign up and set yourself up with extra online security in the new year.
When signing up for the Individual plan, you'll be able to generate passwords securely, autosave and autofill credentials, share items securely, get alerts for weak or compromised credentials, and be able to use it on all of your devices. The Families plan includes all of that plus the ability to invite up to five family members, share unlimited vaults, and manage access through admin controls.
In our roundup of the best password managers, we chose 1Password as a top pick for families. Through this plan, "you can safely share passwords, credit cards, notes, and more, while also managing what individual family members can see and do (meaning you can control who gets access to what passwords, which is ideal for parents). Plus, you can help any family member in your plan easily recover their accounts if they accidentally get locked out."
If either of these plans sound like a good fit for you, now is an excellent time to sign up for a 1Password plan and save 50% off your first year.
This all-in-one AI studio is just $90 for lifetime accessGet lifetime access to 1ForAll.ai’s unified voice, image, and video creation platform for a one-time $89.99.
TL;DR: A single $89.99 payment unlocks lifetime access to an all-in-one AI creation platform called 1ForAll AI that handles voice, visuals, video, and even entire books.
Even if you aren’t someone who makes resolutions, it’s hard not to wonder how you can better your life at the dawn of an entirely new year.
If your 2026 goals involve doing more, creating more, or finally getting organized with the help of AI, 1ForAll.ai makes that upgrade incredibly easy. For a one-time $89.99 (reg. $792), you get lifetime access to a platform that unifies voice generation, image creation, and video production in one place — no juggling multiple tools, apps, or subscriptions.
What makes 1ForAll.ai especially powerful is its unlimited context processing, meaning it can generate voiceovers for long content — even entire books. That’s a huge advantage for anyone working on training modules, audiobooks, corporate presentations, or accessibility-focused projects.
It also shines in everyday professional scenarios. A marketer can turn a spreadsheet of scripts into hundreds of polished voiceovers in minutes. An educator can convert long PDFs into clean, natural-sounding narration for students. A small business owner can produce short product videos from a single image and a text prompt — no editing skills required.
The platform uses top-tier AI models from OpenAI, Google, AWS, Azure, and others, so every voice, image, and video looks and sounds professional. Plus, with features like voice cloning, Excel-to-Speech, PDF-to-Speech, and quick video generation, you can scale your content without scaling your time.
Whether you’re creating content daily or simply want tools that grow with you, the 1ForAll AI Advance Plan’s lifetime model means you pay once and create forever.
For anyone looking to simplify their workflow and unlock unlimited creative output, this is a deal worth jumping on. Get lifetime access to the 1ForAll AI Advance Plan while it’s on sale for just $89.99 (reg. $792) for a limited time.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Apples iPhone Fold isnt even announced yet, and Samsung might already be working on a competitorSamsung is reportedly working on a foldable phone with a wider form factor than its Galaxy Z Fold 7.
Apple's iPhone Fold might be on its way, but Samsung appears to be determined to remain the king of foldable phones no matter what.
A new report says that Samsung is working on yet another foldable phone, this one with a wider form factor than its current foldable flagship, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.
According to Korean news outlet Etnews, the Samsung Wide Fold (we're really not sure about that name; perhaps Samsung W Fold has a better ring to it?) will have a 7.6-inch internal display when unfolded, with a screen ratio at 4:3. The outer display will have a 5.4-inch display, an "industry insider familiar with the matter" told the outlet.
Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 has an 8-inch display, so the new foldable won't change much in that regard. But having a different aspect ratio – 4:3 vs. the Galaxy Z Fold 7's near-square 3:33.3 – should make it feel more like a regular tablet when unfolded.
It's worth noting that Samsung also has a flip-style foldable, the Galaxy Z Flip 7, as well as a tri-folding phone, the Galaxy Z TriFold, which actually already has a near-4:3 aspect ratio (with 2,160x1,584 pixels, it's actually 1.36:1, but that's very close to 4:3). Adding yet another foldable to the lineup might be confusing, but it appears that Samsung is ready to throw everything at a wall and see what sticks.
As for why Samsung would add yet another foldable phone to the mix, we have to go back to Apple's rumored iPhone Fold, which will reportedly have a 4:3 aspect ratio when unfolded, making it similar to a small tablet. If this latest report is accurate, it would mean that Samsung simply wants to pre-emptively strike at Apple's first foldable before it even launches.
The rumored release window for both devices is 2026, so it appears that next year will be the year of foldable phones, and we wouldn't mind that one bit.
We tested over 30 laptops in 2025. Here are the 12 best for every budget and use case.We tested dozens of laptops to find the best for every budget. That includes the M4 Apple MacBook Air and Microsoft Surface Laptop 7.
My answer ultimately boils down to your operating system preference: Windows or Mac?
As of December 2025, I think the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M4) is the best MacBook for most people. It's a sleek-as-ever notebook featuring impressive performance, open-lid support for two external displays, a great 12MP Center Stage camera, and an extremely reasonable starting price of $1,199 (making it $100 cheaper than its M3 predecessor).
The best Windows laptop we've tested is the 13.8-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, a sophisticated and snappy Copilot+ PC boasting a stellar battery life of nearly 23 hours. Note that Microsoft makes an Intel version that may appeal to users wary of Windows on ARM for app compatibility reasons, but it's a business-oriented model with a significant markup.
Over the past 12 months, laptop prices have remained largely reasonable and stable despite a tumultuous economic climate. This spring's tariff-related price increases wound up being minimal, and we saw affected models go on sale frequently throughout the year. In one impressive anomaly, Apple managed to release faster-than-ever MacBook Airs that were $100 cheaper than their 2024 predecessors, and ever since they turned five months old, they've enjoyed regular $200 discounts at major retailers.
Unfortunately, 2026 is probably going to look a lot different. As Mashable's Alex Perry reports, the global surge of AI data centers has created huge demand for DDR5 RAM and SSDs. Laptop manufacturers who want to put those same components in their PCs are now facing a shortage, and experts say this could lead to significant laptop price hikes or more limited configuration options. (Read: We might be going back to the days of 8GB RAM in mid-range laptops. It's so over.)
AI isn't going away anytime soon, so as things currently stand, I think those due for an upgrade should strongly consider buying a new laptop within the next couple of months. Equip it with as much storage and memory as you can comfortably afford, too. Fortunately, good laptop deals are plentiful this time of year as retailers move to offload their stock of current-gen PCs ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January, where most manufacturers unveil their latest models. Think of it as a last stand for value hunters.
The ultimate Christmas movie streaming list for 2025Where to watch "Elf," "Home Alone," "Love Actually," "The Grinch," and more! Best Christmas movies to rewatch 2025.
Some people get in the mood for the holidays by decorating a tree, baking cookies, or venturing out to look at houses draped in thousands of string lights. Others just pop on a Christmas movie to get into the spirit.
Whether you're planning a mega holiday movie marathon, yearning for an old classic, or trying to mix up your family movie night with something different this year, there's plenty to choose from. We've curated the very best Christmas movies you can stream or rent, from sentimental classics with a twist and cozy romantic comedies to emotional indie dramas and high-speed action thrillers.
Yes, we can all agree that Die Hard is the GOAT Christmas action movie, but don't you dare sleep on The Long Kiss Goodnight.
In Renny Harlin's action thriller, Geena Davis' Samantha is a wholesome small-town school teacher and mother who, eight years ago, woke up pregnant on a beach with no memory of who she was. In the present day, Samantha gets into a car accident that changes everything — she begins remembering things and discovers she has elite knife skills. Was she a chef, perhaps? That seems unlikely when a strange man who recognized her at a Christmas parade shows up at her house to attack her. She kills him with ease as if it's her day job. Turns out, it sure as heck was.
Davis' PTA mom soon transforms back into her old badass self, a platinum blonde CIA assassin. This time, she has Samuel L. Jackson's private eye as her sidekick. With explosions and car chases galore, The Long Kiss Goodnight is everything you'd want from a delightfully bonkers holiday action movie. — Oliver Whitney, Freelance Contributor
How to watch: The Long Kiss Goodnight is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.
Watching Macaulay Culkin's Kevin McCallister line his house with booby traps in Home Alone never gets old. It's also a great lesson for young kids left at home by their chaotic families in how to prepare for pesky burglars. Anything can be a weapon! Those old paint cans, your brother's pet tarantula, even a blow torch to burn the top off of a strange man's head can keep you safe. Home Alone has all the perfect ingredients to make a great, rewatchable Christmas movie with its wacky and playful plot, its charismatic cast, a sentimental message about the importance of family during the holidays, and some of the most quotable lines. Go eat some junk and watch some rubbish this Christmas. — O.W.
How to watch: Home Alone is now streaming on Disney+, and is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.
A cozy Christmas movie starring Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington — what could be better? In director Penny Marshall's The Preacher's Wife, a remake of 1947's The Bishop's Wife, Washington plays a charming angel sent down to Earth to help save a marriage in shambles. Houston's Julia is growing impatient with her pastor husband Henry (Courtney B. Vance), who's distracted by his dwindling church membership. Washington's jovial Dudley is just the spark that the family needs. His wit and doting attention remind Julia of what things used to be like with her and Henry, and the pastor grows jealous. But no worries; Dudley is just here to revitalize the pastor's faith and remind him of the important things he's let slip as Christmas approaches. The Preacher's Wife is warm and full of heart, and also features one of the silliest Denzel Washington performances that simply must be seen. — O.W.
How to watch: The Preacher's Wife is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.
Nothing says a Christmas classic like a Judy Garland song. In Meet Me in St. Louis, we get several memorable Garland numbers, from the classic “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” to the buoyant "Trolley Song."
The 1944 Vincente Minnelli musical tells the story of the wealthy Smith family living in St. Louis, Missouri, one year before the 1904 World's Fair. All is well for them until the devastating news arrives that the family must relocate to New York City immediately after Christmas for their father's new job. The two eldest Smith daughters, Esther (Garland) and Rose (Lucille Bremer) are distraught, since they're both in love with local boys and have their futures planned near home. Even the youngest, Tootie (Margaret O'Brien), is so upset that she destroys a bunch of snowmen in a fit of rage. But maybe, just maybe, the spirit of Christmas will turn things around for them. — O.W.
How to watch: Meet Me in St. Louis is now streaming on Tubi, and is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.
The majority of family-friendly Christmas movies often tell the same types of holiday stories about Santa. But Sergio Pablos' Klaus proposes a new origin story for Old Saint Nick. In the animated adventure, it all begins with a Norwegian postman named Jasper (voiced by Jason Schwartzman) who's sent away to an icy northern town called Smeerensburg to carry out his mail delivery duties. There he happens to stumble upon a reclusive bearded toymaker named Klaus (J.K. Simmons). When Jasper helps Klaus donate one of his creations to a local kid, soon every kid in town is desperate to send the toymaker a letter to get a gift in return. And so, Santa is born. Pablos' animated film is a welcome addition to the Christmas movie canon, not only for its originality but also for its gorgeous animation that's glowing with light and Christmasy warmth. — O.W.
How to watch: Klaus is now streaming on Netflix.
We all need a sad gay romance to weep over during the holidays, and there isn't one better than Carol. Todd Haynes' 1950s-set love story follows Cate Blanchett as the eye-catching Carol Aird, a glamorous mother recently separated from her irate, homophobic husband (Kyle Chandler), and Rooney Mara's budding young photographer, Therese Belivet. The two women begin to fall in love over a shared lunch of martinis and a trip to Carol's Connecticut home. But remember, this is the '50s, and Carol's queer relationship is soon used against her in her divorce.
Set over the holidays in New York City, Carol beautifully captures the Christmastime atmosphere of the East Coast in winter. There's a snowy trip to a tree lot, the frazzled energy of a department store amid the holiday shopping bustle, long winter coats and scarves, and the cozy relief of escaping the icy streets for a warm holiday party where eyes meet over cocktails. — O.W.
How to watch: Carol is now streaming on HBO Max, and is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.
It's Christmas Eve in Hollywood and Sin-Dee (Kitana Kiki Rodriguez), a Black trans woman and sex worker, has just gotten out of jail. She meets up with her best friend Alexandra (Mya Taylor) and soon finds out that her pimp/boyfriend Chester (James Ransone) has been cheating on her — and not with just anyone, but with a white cis woman. Now it's time for revenge.
Tangerine follows the two friends over the course of the night as they walk across Hollywood searching for Chester. A simple story blossoms into a profound and emotional journey that sheds light on the real-life experiences many Black trans sex workers encounter on the daily. When Sean Baker's film first came out, it was praised for its low-budget indie style, and for being shot entirely on iPhones. But it's really the story, rich with intimate human moments and bursts of comedy, along with Rodriguez and Taylor's raw performances, that makes Tangerine such a moving film, and one about the power of chosen family. — O.W.
How to watch: Tangerine is now streaming on Hulu, and is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.
Forget cozy holiday dinners and family trips to the tree lot. This Christmas, why not go to a rave? That's how the kids in the '90s cult classic Go decide to celebrate the holiday season.
It's the night of a massive Santa-themed rave in Los Angeles, and two guys are looking to score some ecstasy. Sarah Polley's supermarket clerk Ronna is faced with being evicted, so she decides to become a dealer for the night. Yet things go incredibly wrong, incredibly fast. There's undercover cops, a pissed-off Las Vegas bouncer, car chases, a guy who took way too many pills, and lots and lots of anxiety.
Watching Go is the exact opposite experience of watching a traditional Christmas movie; instead, it feels a lot like being on a bad trip at a rave. Sounds awful, I know, but I swear it's a blast! If you're itching for some adrenaline, a great '90s cast, and a taste of L.A. rave culture, look no further. — O.W.
How to watch: Go is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.
Sometimes you're so depressed and heartbroken after a breakup that the best solution is to get the heck out of town and spontaneously travel to a stranger's home in another country. Maybe you'll find your deepest self there, or maybe you'll meet a charming, kind man for once. In Nancy Meyers' pre-AirBnB romcom The Holiday, that's just what Cameron Diaz's Amanda and Kate Winslet's Iris do. Iris swaps her cozy English cottage to spend Christmas in the Hollywood Hills, while Amanda takes a break from her movie trailer-editing job in L.A. to soak in some English countryside solitude. A sweet holiday rom-com with all the signature Nancy Meyers' touches (sappy romance, picturesque homes, cozy cream sweaters, etc.), The Holiday checks all the boxes. — O.W.
How to watch: The Holiday is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.
In this endlessly rewatchable Christmas staple, Jimmy Stewart is the most generous man in town who puts his dreams aside to help save his neighbors during a financial crisis. Stewart's George Bailey skips his honeymoon, uses his savings to help his community, and even turns down a cushy high-paying job to put others first. But when things go terribly wrong on Christmas Eve, Bailey reaches a breaking point and steps onto a bridge, preparing to jump. That's when his guardian angel, Clarence (Henry Travers), arrives to show him just how different his town and family's life would be without him.
Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life is an enduring Christmas classic because it's a reminder of just how precious life is and the impact we have on those around us, even when we can't see it ourselves. It's the type of Christmas film you put on to get into the holiday mood, then suddenly find yourself sobbing, even if you've seen it a dozen times. — O.W.
How to watch: It's A Wonderful Life is now streaming on Prime Video, and is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV and Fandango at Home.
It's simply not Christmas without Will Ferrell, or a bowl of spaghetti and candy for breakfast. In Elf, Ferrell's Buddy spent his entire life growing up in the North Pole believing he was one of Santa's helpers, despite being enormously tall compared to all the others. Once he finally learns that he's an orphan, Buddy sets out to New York City to find his real father and embark on a series of silly misadventures. James Caan plays Buddy's father, Walter Hobbs, a hardened business exec who publishes children's books. The two are a perfect if chaotic pair — a goofy child-in-a-man's-body, and a grouchy, workaholic dad. For a playful family Christmas comedy that's got romance, humor, and big Manhattan-at-Christmas energy, you can't go wrong with Elf. — O.W.
How to watch: Elf is now streaming on HBO Max, and is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.
If you're tapped out on sentimental Christmas movies, why not put on a seasonal period romance that's enjoyably cynical and even a bit kinky? Set in the 1950s, Paul Thomas Anderson's Phantom Thread is all about relationship power dynamics. A perfectionist London dressmaker named Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day-Lewis) falls for a waitress, Alma (an excellent Vicky Krieps). However, he soon discovers his new muse isn't as submissive as the usual women he casually dates and discards. After Reynolds experiences a bout of sickness, the couple's dynamic takes a fascinating turn. And while the holiday season is technically only present as a backdrop for a handful of scenes — notably some of the most emotionally charged of their romance — Phantom Thread has a wintry, even ghostly, Christmas atmosphere throughout. — O.W.
How to watch: Phantom Thread is now streaming on Netflix, and is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.
Imagine being a grumpy Scrooge when you're surrounded by a town full of silly Muppets. Michael Caine is as cantankerous as ever as Ebenezer Scrooge in The Muppet Christmas Carol. In the Jim Henson musical take on Dickens' classic, Caine humbugs around London as the townsfolk sing about his coldheartedness. Gonzo and Rizzo narrate the musical film, injecting it with humor and shenanigans throughout. Kermit plays Scrooge's benevolent employee Bob Cratchit, with Miss Piggy as Mrs. Cratchit and Robin the Frog as the adorable Tiny Tim. The whole Muppet gang appears throughout, and while the film follows the same beats of A Christmas Carol, the familiar cast of characters and added music make it an extra joyous watch. — O.W.
How to watch: The Muppet Christmas Carol is now streaming on Disney+, and is available to rent or purchase on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.
Some people watch A Christmas Story every December, while others put on Moonstruck. The romantic comedy may not be about Christmas, but in almost every scene it gives off big Christmas energy. There's Cher's Loretta walking through the snowy streets of New York City in a long black trench coat and sipping wine by a fireplace. There's the Lincoln Center tree lit up behind Loretta and Nic Cage's Ronny as they attend the opera. There's the twinkling of string lights and Christmas decor along the streets and shops in the backdrop. The energy of Christmas is all around in this movie as Loretta falls in love with the ill-tempered Ronny while his brother (her fiancé) is away in Sicily. While Moonstruck is a perfect movie to watch any day of the year, it's especially fitting to snuggle up with it during the holiday season. — O.W.
How to watch: Moonstruck is now streaming on Prime Video, The Roku Channel, Tubi, and Pluto TV, and is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV and Fandango at Home.
When you imagine a picturesque Santa Claus, jolly, endearing, and kind, no one fits the bill better than Richard Attenborough in Miracle on 34th Street. The beloved actor just looks the part, with his rosy cheeks, warm smile, and inviting demeanor. Sadly, no one in Manhattan except a 6-year-old girl named Susan actually believes he's Santa.
In the wholesome 1994 remake of the classic film from 1947, Attenborough plays a sweet old man named Kris Kringle who gets hired to play Santa at a Manhattan department store. Kris keeps insisting that he's actually the famous guy from the North Pole, but everyone in New York seems to have lost the spirit of Christmas so much that a plot is formed to institutionalize the poor guy. It's up to Susan (Mara Wilson) and a lawyer (Dylan McDermott) to defend Kris Kringle in court and prove that he's not just wearing a red and white suit for a seasonal gig. — O.W.
How to watch: Miracle on 34th Street is now streaming on Peacock, Paramount+, Disney+ and The Roku Channel, and is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV and Fandango at Home.
Leave it to filmmaker Robert Zemeckis to bring the wonder of a children’s book to vivid life on screen. The Polar Express expands Chris Van Allsburg’s beloved Christmas story into a film about a young boy who boards a magical train on its way to the North Pole. Tom Hanks plays and voices a handful of roles, including the train's conductor, a Scrooge puppet, and Santa Claus himself. What’s most notable about The Polar Express is the visual world it creates, converting the quiet classicism and awe of the book’s illustrations into a CG world. Back in 2004, it was the first feature-length film to be shot entirely using motion-capture, and the first big studio IMAX 3D movie to ever hit screens. While those visuals have certainly not aged well with time, The Polar Express still manages to capture the magical spirit of Christmas viewed through the eyes of a child.* — O.W.
How to watch: The Polar Express is now streaming on Hulu.
In this charming sequel to the smash hit Home Alone, Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) winds up in the Big Apple without his family. But fret not, this clever kid is quick to make friends with an unhoused pigeon lover and a kindly toy store owner. He makes enemies too, including Tim Curry as a dastardly hotel concierge. And of course, the Wet Bandits (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) are back and up to criminal shenanigans once more!
For my money, this sequel is even better than its predecessor. Kevin has more foes to outwit, more outlandish traps to set, and there's no beating New York in winter. It's a beautiful and moving movie that's terrific fun for the whole family. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor
How to watch: Home Alone 2: Lost in New York is now streaming on Hulu.
Director Ron Howard dared to imagine how Dr. Seuss' iconic holiday humbug might look in live-action. And who better to take on the role of such an iconically comical character than rubber-faced movie star Jim Carrey? While down in Whoville, cheery citizens plan for gift-giving, celebrations, and feasts, high above them in his cave the green-furred and self-loathing Grinch plots a plan to ruin Christmas. Among the more bizarre elements of this adaptation was a schmaltzy backstory that explained the Grinch's hatred of Christmas and facial prosthetics that turned the likes of Christine Baranski, Molly Shannon, and Jeffrey Tambor into Whos. Yet over the decades, these quirks have been embraced by a generation that sees Carrey's capering as the ultimate Grinch. — K.P.
How to watch: Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas is now streaming on Peacock.
Perhaps the most polarizing movie of the holiday season, Love Actually is a collection of interlocking vignettes all about — well — love. There's the story of the timid prime minister (Hugh Grant) who falls for a sassy staff member (Martine McCutcheon), the story of the widower (Liam Neeson) guiding his stepson through puppy love, the shy American (Laura Linney) with a crush on her office mate (Rodrigo Santoro), and Alan Rickman playing his most villainous holiday role as the heartbreaker of Emma Thompson. (I too have seen Die Hard. I said what I said.)
Written and directed by Richard Curtis, Love Actually is both wildly popular and widely derided for some of its quirks. But the awesome star power and unapologetically joyful love stories keep us coming back year after year. — K.P.
How to watch: Love Actually is now streaming on Peacock.
Ah yes, the classic '90s movie where Tim Allen accidentally kills Santa. In The Santa Clause, the first of what would soon become a trilogy, Allen’s Scott is a divorced marketing exec who doesn’t believe in Santa. After Scott spooks the old guy mid-present delivery, Santa tumbles off the roof to his death. Dark! When Scott puts on the magical suit to please his young son Charlie (Eric Lloyd), he becomes bound by the holy North Pole contract stipulating that he now must carry the mantle as the new Saint Nick. He isn’t exactly up for the job and ends up being a pretty grouchy Santa, not to mention a lactose-intolerant one, much to the disappointment of one little girl expecting him to drink his customary glass of milk. Despite some icky fatphobic jokes over Scott’s Santa weight gain, The Santa Clause is a delightfully strange and charming family movie with a clever story and some signature sardonic Tim Allen humor.* — O.W.
How to watch: The Santa Clause is now streaming on Hulu.
Forget fresh baked cookies and decorating the tree. The one true way to tap into the Christmas spirit each year is watching Bruce Willis climb elevator shafts and run barefoot through broken glass.
It’s Dec. 24, 1988, and NYPD detective John McClane (Willis) has just arrived at the Nakatomi Corporation Christmas party to reconnect with his estranged wife (Bonnie Bedelia) — ya know, to come out to the coast and have a few laughs. Unfortunately (or rather, fortunately for our viewing pleasure) Alan Rickman’s Hans Gruber has decided to crash the party with his long-haired German henchmen to steal some bearer bonds. “It’s Christmas, Theo,” Hans tells his safecracker. “A time for miracles!” Too bad for him this Christmas miracle arrives in a bloody tank top and sporting a cranky disposition; McClane won’t let these thieves get away easily.* — O.W.
How to watch: Die Hard is now streaming on Hulu.
Leave it up to Tim Burton to inject a brooding darkness into the holiday season. After Edward Scissorhands but before The Nightmare Before Christmas, Burton gave us Batman Returns. And yes, it is indeed a Christmas movie.
First of all, it's a Batman film where Gotham City actually looks and feels festive and colorful for the first time. Burton's extravagant sets are filled with towering Christmas trees blanketed in string lights and ornaments; there's the tree-lighting ceremony where the Red Triangle Circus Gang jump out of a massive gift box; there's the penguin army strapped with candy cane-striped rockets; and, of course, there's the fact that mistletoe plays an important role in the plot.* — O.W.
How to watch: Batman Returns is now streaming on HBO Max and is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV and Prime Video.
Every kid remembers that one toy they desperately wanted more than anything else for Christmas. It dominates every moment of your young life as you plead for it and shake presents to guess at what's inside. For 9-year-old Ralphie (Peter Billingsley), that Christmas gift fixation is a BB gun. Unfortunately, everyone from his mom to the local department store's grumpy Santa rejects his wish by looking out for his safety. “You'll shoot your eye out!” they shout.
A Christmas Story is in many ways the perfect movie to watch on Christmas Day. It's warm and nostalgic, wacky and playful, and accurately captures a child's view of Christmas. Plus, it's one of a kind — no other holiday movie features a leg lamp, tongues stuck on a frozen pole, and elves shoving screaming children down a giant slide.* — O.W.
How to watch: A Christmas Story is streaming on Hulu.
The third installment in the National Lampoon’s Vacation series opens with the only Griswold family vacation in the film: a trip to a forest where Clark (Chevy Chase) gleefully drags his family out into the snow to cut down their own Christmas tree. From there, many classic Griswold hijinks ensue as Clark goes out of his way to plan the most over-the-top Christmas of all time. That includes decking out his roof in hundreds of string lights to the point of knocking out the entire city’s power grid, the unexpected arrival of his wife’s cousin and her cigar-smoking husband (Randy Quaid), an indoor squirrel attack, a cat wrapped inside a gift box, a very pissed-off Julia Louis-Dreyfus as his snooty neighbor, a SWAT team storming the house, and so much more. It's total Christmas chaos, Griswold style.* — O.W.
How to watch: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is streaming on Hulu.
Tim Burton and director Henry Selick’s stop-motion masterwork isn’t a Halloween or a Christmas movie: It’s a spectacular fusion of both in the best of ways. The Nightmare Before Christmas is the perfect film for those who prefer their yuletide delights to come with a side dish of spookiness — and songs. Sick of movies where kids greedily open presents? Great, please enjoy a giant black and orange snake gobbling up gifts whole, along with the entire dang Christmas tree. Family comedies where a jolly old Santa rides his magical sleigh — yawn! How about one where Santa gets kidnapped and a kid gets a shrunken head for a gift? That’s exactly what happens when Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, loses his, well, joie de mort. Wandering sadly through the woods, Jack stumbles into a series of parallel worlds, each dedicated to a different holiday. When he lands in Christmas Town, his bony little mind is blown, and he dedicates himself to learning everything he can about this warm and magical place, and its strange leader named Sandy Claws. There's mischief and romance, a mad scientist and a singing boogeyman, not to mention a voice cast that includes Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, and the late, great Paul Reubens.
Brilliant in everything from its stunning animation and clever story to its detailed world-building and endlessly catchy music, there’s nothing quite like the haunting magic and whimsy of The Nightmare Before Christmas.* — O.W.
How to watch: The Nightmare Before Christmas is streaming on Hulu Live TV.
UPDATE: Dec. 17, 2025, 1:29 p.m. EST This list was first published on Nov. 28, 2024. It has been updated to reflect current streaming options.
The best Christmas movies streaming on Hulu in 2025"Die Hard," "The Preacher's Wife," "Tangerine," "The Nightmare Before Christmas," and "Happiest Season" are just a few of our favorite Christmas movies now streaming on Hulu.
Christmas movies are about shameless joy, uninhibited sweetness, and guaranteed happy endings. We don’t always have to be challenged. We don’t always have to learn more about the human condition. Sometimes we just want to be happy, and this list of yuletide films, from the classics to the unconventional, are sure to spark that cozy feeling of twinkling lights and sugarplum dreams in your tired old candy-cane bones.
The best part? They're all streaming on Hulu, so you can watch 'em ASAP, from the comfort of your very own Grinch cave, er, couch.
Will Ferrell’s Buddy will stand for no man sitting upon a throne of lies and pretending to be his beloved Santa, and he will launch into a full-on brawl in front of children to prove it. Ferrell playing a full-grown adult man who’s spent his life believing he was an actual elf in the North Pole in Jon Favreau’s Elf is, undoubtedly, peak Christmas comedy. When Buddy finally learns he’s a human who was an orphan, he sets out to find his real father in New York City — and it turns out he's a workaholic publishing exec played by James Caan. There's epic snowball fights, a romance with Zooey Deschanel, and every kid’s dream: spaghetti candy breakfast. With any other actor in the lead, Elf could have easily been an obnoxious, forgettable family comedy, but it’s Ferrell’s goofball antics and total commitment to the bit that make the film funny as heck, even 20 years later. — Oliver Whitney, Freelance Contributor
How to watch: Elf is streaming on Hulu.
Forget fresh-baked cookies and decorating the tree. The one true way to tap into the Christmas spirit each year is watching Bruce Willis climb elevator shafts and run barefoot through broken glass.
It’s December 24, 1988, and NYPD detective John McClane (Willis) has just arrived at the Nakatomi Corporation Christmas party to reconnect with his estranged wife (Bonnie Bedelia) — ya know, to come out to the coast and have a few laughs. Unfortunately (or rather, fortunately for our viewing pleasure) Alan Rickman’s Hans Gruber has decided to crash the party with his long-haired German henchmen to steal some bearer bonds. “It’s Christmas, Theo,” Hans tells his safecracker. “A time for miracles!” Too bad for him this Christmas miracle arrives in a bloody tank top and sporting a cranky disposition; McClane won’t let these thieves get away easily. — O.W.
How to watch: Die Hard is streaming on Hulu.
Every kid remembers that one toy they desperately wanted more than anything else for Christmas. It dominates every moment of your young life as you plead for it and shake presents to guess at what's inside. For 9-year-old Ralphie (Peter Billingsley), that Christmas gift fixation is a BB gun. Unfortunately, everyone from his mom to the local department store's grumpy Santa rejects his wish by looking out for his safety. “You'll shoot your eye out!” they shout.
A Christmas Story is in many ways the perfect movie to watch on Christmas Day. It's warm and nostalgic, wacky and playful, and accurately captures a child's view of Christmas. Plus, it's one of a kind — no other holiday movie features a leg lamp, tongues stuck on a frozen pole, and elves shoving screaming children down a giant slide. — O.W.
How to watch: A Christmas Story is streaming on Hulu.
In Penny Marshall’s The Preacher’s Wife, Courtney B. Vance’s Reverend Henry Biggs is having a rough time. He’s spread himself so thin helping out his parishioner community, struggling with dwindling membership, and battling a real estate mogul trying to buy up his church that he’s hardly present for his family. It’s almost Christmas and he can’t make time for his wife, a singer named Julia (Whitney Houston), or take his son shopping. He prays for help, and suddenly, God delivers the greatest gift of all: a wide-eyed, buoyant angel in the form of Denzel Washington. Washington’s Dudley tries his hardest to provide guidance to the stubborn reverend, but he soon finds himself also growing quite fond of Julia, because you simply can’t put Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston in a movie together and not have romantic chemistry.
The Preacher’s Wife is a touching Christmas story that celebrates the importance of family over all else, but the real standouts are, of course, every time we get to hear Houston sing, and a delightful series of moments where a goofy Washington loses his mind when eating New York pizza and halal. — O.W.
How to watch: The Preacher’s Wife is streaming on Hulu Live TV.
If anyone is going to successfully get their kid the hottest toy of the year that's completely sold out, it's Arnold, baby. In the '90s holiday classic Jingle All the Way, Arnold Schwarzenegger's Howard is a pretty crummy dad who spends more time at work than with his son, Jamie (Jake Lloyd). To make it up to him, Howard decides to get Jamie the one thing he wants for Christmas — a Turbo Man action figure. When the toy store shelves are empty on Christmas Eve, Howard goes on a mission to find a Turbo Man at any cost, from a black market salesman to a radio station giveaway and plenty more shenanigans, like running from the cops and even a fake bomb threat. It's outrageously silly in the best way. — O.W.
How to watch: Jingle All the Way is streaming on Hulu.
It’s Christmas Eve in a Hollywood donut shop and Sin-Dee Rella (Kitana Kiki Rodriguez) has just gotten out of jail; unfortunately, a normal occurrence for trans sex workers like her. Now her best friend, Alexandra (Mya Taylor), is telling Sin-Dee that her boyfriend and pimp Chester (James Ransone) has been cheating on her the whole time, and with a cis woman. She sets out on a mission to track him and his other girlfriend down.
Sean Baker’s ultra-low budget Tangerine, which he famously shot entirely on iPhones, captures a gritty reality that’s rarely seen in traditional holiday movies, which usually center well-off families with stable incomes and cozy romances. Here, Sin-Dee’s family is Alexandra and other trans sisters along the stroll, and the men they interact with are sneaking away from their wives and children at home for sex. But don’t mistake Tangerine for a gloomy downer. Baker’s film is bursting with comedy, energy, and heart, all thanks to Rodriguez and Taylor’s radiant performances. Ultimately, Tangerine is a moving story about surviving with chosen family, something queer and trans audiences could surely use more of. — O.W.
How to watch: Tangerine is streaming on Hulu.
The third installment in the National Lampoon’s Vacation series opens with the only Griswold family vacation in the film: a trip to a forest where Clark (Chevy Chase) gleefully drags his family out into the snow to cut down their own Christmas tree. From there, many classic Griswold hijinks ensue as Clark goes out of his way to plan the most over-the-top Christmas of all time. That includes decking out his roof in hundreds of string lights to the point of knocking out the entire city’s power grid, the unexpected arrival of his wife’s cousin and her cigar-smoking husband (Randy Quaid), an indoor squirrel attack, a cat wrapped inside a gift box, a very pissed-off Julia Louis-Dreyfus as his snooty neighbor, a SWAT team storming the house, and so much more. It's total Christmas chaos, Griswold style. — O.W.
How to watch: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is streaming on Hulu.
In It’s a Wonderful Life, Jimmy Stewart’s George Bailey is the type of man who always puts his community first, even using his honeymoon savings to keep his father’s local bank afloat so residents can finance their homes. But on Christmas Eve, the menacing board member Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore) intends to shut the bank down. When the money to keep it running gets misplaced at the last minute, a completely devastated George steps onto a bridge and prepares to jump. Suddenly, an angel named Clarence (Henry Travers) appears to show George what his beloved town would be like had he never been born, and it’s not a jolly picture.
Frank Capra’s holiday staple may be a saccharine Christmas tale, but it tells a bigger story beyond its holiday framing. It’s not only about the importance of gratitude and family during the Christmas season, but more broadly, it’s a story about the power of community and everyday people supporting one another across shared struggles. It’s a reminder of the significant impact every person has on those around them, and while that may be cheesy, it’s a poignant and forever-relevant thing to be reminded of, even beyond Christmas. — O.W.
How to watch: It’s a Wonderful Life is streaming on Hulu Live TV.
The Family Stone is a crucial holiday movie for one very important reason: Afterward, you will forever be haunted by the fear of dropping the casserole all over the kitchen floor on Christmas morning. Personally, I think of Diane Keaton, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Rachel McAdams every time I bake a casserole, and thankfully, I’ve yet to drop one. But that’s just one of the many devastating moments in this dramedy about a dysfunctional family reuniting for the holidays. Parker plays Meredith, who’s visiting her boyfriend Everett’s (Dermot Mulroney) family for Christmas, which of course means chaos. There are arguments at dinner with Everett’s gay brother, who announces plans to adopt a child; there’s a car crash, more arguments, and a developing love triangle. It’s the perfect taste of comedic familial mayhem to distract you from your own dysfunctional family this holiday season (and, of course, to remind you to save your precious casseroles). With Keaton's passing, the movie might hit even harder. — O.W.
How to watch: The Family Stone is streaming on Hulu.
In this Lifetime take on Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, Toni Braxton is a modern-day Scrooge. The R&B legend plays Alexis Taylor, a work-obsessed money manager who runs her own financial firm and hates the holidays.
On Christmas Eve, when Alexis realizes the firm hasn't hit its annual goals, she does what any terrible boss would do — she cancels Christmas bonuses and threatens to fire anyone who doesn't show up for work the next morning (yes, on Christmas Day). She's a jerk, but we, of course, learn there's a tragic reason behind her curmudgeonliness. In Dickensian fashion, the ghost of Alexis' mother arrives late into the night to usher her into the past, help her better understand the present, and show her what her future may hold. Every Day Is Christmas is definitely a Lifetime movie full of sappy dialogue, some cringe acting, and an obvious storyline, but it's a pleasantly enjoyable one thanks to Braxton's charisma and all the flashy dresses she gets to wear. — O.W.
How to watch: Every Day Is Christmas is streaming on Hulu.
Most people may not think of Edward Scissorhands as a Christmas movie, but I’d argue it still counts. One of the most visceral and memorable moments from the beloved Tim Burton film is Winona Ryder’s Kim twirling in the ice, falling from Edward’s (Johnny Depp) angel sculpture as Danny Elfman’s ethereal score plays. It’s that beautiful, magical, heart-swelling moment that sticks in Kim’s memory, and it's what frames the opening and closing of Burton’s tale. That snowy moment is also the beginning of the end of joy for Edward.
In Burton’s film, Christmas isn’t a time of warmth, acceptance, or kindness. Instead it's marked by cruelty and isolation. It’s when Frankenstein’s monster with blades for hands is cast out from the normalcy of a pastel suburb and driven into the dark mansion above. It’s lonely, sad, and heartbreaking, and there’s something incredibly relatable about that for anyone who may not have an easy relationship with or a comfortable home for the holidays. Who needs Santa when we can tell bedtime stories about Edward, up in his castle creating snow flurries and sculpting away? — O.W.
How to watch: Edward Scissorhands is streaming on Hulu.
Ah yes, the classic '90s movie where Tim Allen accidentally kills Santa. In The Santa Clause, the first of what would soon become a trilogy, Allen’s Scott is a divorced marketing exec who doesn’t believe in Santa. After Scott spooks the old guy mid-present delivery, Santa tumbles off the roof to his death. Dark! When Scott puts on the magical suit to please his young son Charlie (Eric Lloyd), he becomes bound by the holy North Pole contract stipulating that he now must carry the mantle as the new Saint Nick. He isn’t exactly up for the job and ends up being a pretty grouchy Santa, not to mention a lactose-intolerant one, much to the disappointment of one little girl expecting him to drink his customary glass of milk. Despite some icky fatphobic jokes over Scott’s Santa weight gain, The Santa Clause is a delightfully strange and charming family movie with a clever story and some signature sardonic Tim Allen humor. — O.W.
How to watch: The Santa Clause is streaming on Hulu.
Leave it to filmmaker Robert Zemeckis to bring the wonder of a children’s book to vivid life on screen. The Polar Express expands Chris Van Allsburg’s beloved Christmas story into a film about a young boy who boards a magical train on its way to the North Pole. Tom Hanks plays and voices a handful of roles, including the train's conductor, a Scrooge puppet, and Santa Claus himself. What’s most notable about The Polar Express is the visual world it creates, converting the quiet classicism and awe of the book’s illustrations into a CG world. Back in 2004, it was the first feature-length film to be shot entirely using motion-capture, and the first big studio IMAX 3D movie to ever hit screens. While those visuals have certainly not aged well with time, The Polar Express still manages to capture the magical spirit of Christmas viewed through the eyes of a child. — O.W.
How to watch: The Polar Express is streaming on Hulu.
The perfect Christmas rom-com for the 2020s, Happiest Season follows young couple Harper (Mackenzie Davis) and Abby (Kristen Stewart) as they head to Harper’s family’s home for Christmas. The only issue is that Harper has yet to come out to her family, which leaves Abby in the uncomfortable position of having to lie about herself for the holidays. The cast here is top-notch. Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis shine in their lead roles, and the internet had a complete breakdown about how magnetic Aubrey Plaza is as Harper’s ex-girlfriend, Riley. Alison Brie, Dan Levy, Mary Holland, Victor Garber, and Mary Steenburgen round out the sparkling cast in this film co-written and directed by Clea DuVall.
It’s a much-needed and utterly modern take on the holiday romance. And what’s more, it feels believable, which is almost unheard of for a Christmas movie! Don’t waste another second waiting to watch this intelligent, funny, and cheerily sincere film. — Kristina Grosspietsch, Freelance Contributor
How to watch: Happiest Season is streaming on Hulu.
The most comforting Christmas movies don't always need to be about Christmas. In Greta Gerwig's adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel, the warmth and coziness of the holiday season is blanketed everywhere across the screen in Little Women. As we follow the lives of the March sisters in the years after the Civil War, not only does Christmas weave in and out of the plot, but Gerwig captures an icy, wintry atmosphere that makes you feel smack in the middle of the holidays. The sisters are always bundled up in their layers of 19th-century winter gear, and the orange glow of the fireplace, draped with stockings and garlands, fills the March home with an inviting coziness. Little Women also embraces the spirit of Christmas, from its message of generosity as Marmee (Laura Dern) encourages her daughters to give their Christmas breakfast to those without food to the importance of the family being together. — O.W.
How to watch: Little Women is streaming on Hulu.
Tia Mowry is Holly, a bubbly woman whose greatest dream in life is to join the local Christmas cover group, the Snow Belles, and spend every Christmas Eve… checks notes … singing at the mall. But when Holly is denied a spot in the group by Snow Belle queen and diva Marci, played by none other than Tori Spelling, she starts her own singing group and competes with the Snow Belles for the coveted mall gig.
The Mistle-Tones is fun and fluffy, and it stays engaging thanks to its multiple Christmas medley performances. There is romance here for Holly — her boss is a standoffish workaholic? I bet that’s about to change!!! — but Mowry and Spelling are both so accustomed to the camera, their casual self-assurance tends to steal most of their scenes. — K.G.
How to Watch: The Mistle-Tones is streaming on Hulu.
In Almost Christmas, it's the Meyers' family's first time getting together for the holidays without their beloved matriarch. Danny Glover's Walter lost his wife, Grace, 10 months ago, and he's struggling as the family begins to arrive for Christmas.
The holiday dramedy from playwright and filmmaker David E. Talbert (Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey), is full of dysfunctional family drama and playful hijinks. The eldest son, Christian (Romany Malco), is running for Congress and won't step away from his work to be with family. Gabrielle Union's single mother, Rachel, is being courted by a friendly neighbor (Omar Epps), but she's too independent-minded to flirt back. J.B. Smoove's Lonnie attempts to fix the broken animatronic Santa, even though he doesn't know a thing about electronics. The entire family hates Aunt May's (Mo'Nique) cooking. And worst of all, no one can find Grace's special box of recipes in time for Christmas dinner. — O.W.
How to watch: Almost Christmas is streaming on Hulu.
In the Lifetime movie Merry Liddle Christmas, Kelly Rowland plays an entrepreneur named Jacquie Liddle who lives in a luxury home full of high-tech bells and whistles. This year, she's decided to host the family for Christmas at her house. The only thing is, it has to look absolutely perfect, since a camera crew is coming to film her home. That means swapping a colorful tree for a fake white one with gold tinsel, getting rid of some family-favorite decorations, and doing away with other traditions, which her mother is definitely not happy about.
There's no real crisis or major drama (it is a Lifetime movie, after all), but the main points of contention are how freaked out Jacquie's parents are by her fancy gadgets (like a Roomba and Alexa-esque device that orders her groceries). Jacquie also doesn't get along with her sister, but soon she gets distracted by a single neighbor who catches her eye. If you're itching for more, check out not one but two Merry Liddle Christmas sequels in this Christmas movie trilogy. — O.W.
How to watch: Merry Liddle Christmas is streaming on Hulu Live TV.
Watching Macaulay Culkin's Kevin McCallister line his house with booby traps in Home Alone never gets old. It's also a great lesson for young kids left at home by their chaotic families in how to prepare for pesky burglars. Anything can be a weapon! Those old paint cans, your brother's pet tarantula, even a blow torch to burn the top off of a strange man's head can keep you safe. Home Alone has all the perfect ingredients to make a great, rewatchable Christmas movie with its wacky and playful plot, its charismatic cast, a sentimental message about the importance of family during the holidays, and some of the most quotable lines. Go eat some junk and watch some rubbish this Christmas.* — O.W.
How to watch: Home Alone is streaming on Hulu.
In this charming sequel to the smash hit Home Alone, Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) winds up in the Big Apple without his family. But fret not, this clever kid is quick to make friends with an unhoused pigeon lover and a kindly toy store owner. He makes enemies too, including Tim Curry as a dastardly hotel concierge. And of course, the Wet Bandits (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) are back and up to criminal shenanigans once more!
For my money, the sequel is even better than its predecessor. Kevin has more foes to outwit, more outlandish traps to set, and there's no beating New York in winter. It's a beautiful and moving movie that's terrific fun for the whole family.* — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor
How to watch: Home Alone 2: Lost in New York is streaming on Hulu.
UPDATE: Dec. 16, 2025, 2:07 p.m. EST This list has been updated to include the latest Hulu offerings.
The best Christmas movies streaming now on Netflix"My Secret Santa," "Hot Frosty," "Jingle Jangle," "Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square," and more of the best Christmas movies on Netflix. Guide.
Do you need a little Christmas? Right this very minute? Then we recommend you head to Netflix, where an array of holiday movies are present and ready to be unwrapped.
This winter, the streaming service has a festive lineup perfect for whiling away the chilly days and nights at home or picking up your mood if it needs a lift. Whether you're seeking something joyful, tragic, or even action-packed, Netflix has a holiday movie to suit your desire.
And, of course, if you're looking for specific recommendations of excellence, we've made a list and checked it twice. Here are some of the best Christmas movies streaming on Netflix this winter season
Not all of us have the privilege of a cozy fireplace to set the seasonal mood this holiday. But Netflix has an ever-growing variety of yule logs to give you the glow and calming crackling sounds — all without the fire hazard!
In their linked library of yule logs, there's classic version, but also different aesthetics, like "mid-century modern" and "rustic cabin." And if you are a fan of Stranger Things, KPop Demon Hunters, Wednesday, Witcher, or Bridgerton, you'll be pleased to find yule logs customized to your liking. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor
How to watch: Yule logs of all sorts are now streaming on Netflix.
Want a holiday rom-com that's absolutely outrageous? Turn on Last Christmas. Directed by Paul Feig and co-written by Emma Thompson, this winter-set love story stars Emilia Clarke as Kate, a mixed-up young woman who has a dead-end job at a Christmas shop and has caught the eye of a handsome stranger (Henry Golding). When she's not being nagged by her mother (Thompson), Kate is trying to find her path in life and maybe a chance at love. But before you think you know how this one will turn out, please know it's based on the George Michael song, "Last Christmas," and take the chorus very literally. — K.P.
How to watch: Last Christmas is now streaming on Netflix.
Thirsty for some seasonal rom-com fun? Then you'll want to plunge into Champagne Problems.
Minka Kelly stars as Sydney Price, an ambitious American executive who's traveling to Paris for business. There, like many a rom-com heroine before her, she meets a dashing stranger (Tom Wozniczka), and naturally they share a big, swoonworthy kiss — only to find out they are enemies! (We love an enemies-to-friends arc.)
See, Sydney is on a mission to acquire Chateau Cassell, a family-owned business in France's Champagne region. Her handsome kisser? It just so happens he's Henri Cassell, son of Chateau Cassell's founder, and he doesn't want his dad to sell to some boorish American. Sparks are sure to fly, as these two can't deny their chemistry.* — K.P.
How to watch: Champagne Problems is now streaming on Netflix.
Imagine Tootsie but as a gender-flipped holiday rom-com. Hear me out.
In Tootsie, Dustin Hoffman plays an actor who feels there are no good roles for men. So he dresses in drag to get a role as a woman on a TV show. Now, in My Secret Santa, it's that — except a single mom wants to get her daughter discounted snowboarding lessons, so applies for a job as a ski resort Santa by taking on the look and persona of an old man who happens to look like Santa (if he was made of plastic).
There's just one problem. Out of her holly jolly drag, she catches the eye of a handsome man (Ryan Eggold) who has ties to the resort. If they fall for each other, could her Santa secret get out? What would that mean for her daughter's snowboarding lessons? And can love win when it's based on a beard-faced lie?* — K.P.
How to watch: My Secret Santa is now streaming on Netflix.
Director Jaume Collet-Serra has excited audiences with the shark-infested Shallows, the twisted killer thriller Orphan, and Liam Neeson vehicles like Non-Stop and Unknown. Now, he's teaming up with Taron Egerton (Rocketman, Kingsman: The Secret Service) for an unusual holiday adventure.
Set in a Los Angeles airport on Christmas Eve, Carry-On follows a TSA agent (Egerton) who is desperate to stop a suspicious package from making it to a deadly destination. There are some truly wild things in this cat-and-mouse game that pits an eager Egerton in everyday hero mode against Jason Bateman as a snarling mercenary hellbent on getting his package delivered, whatever the collateral damage. Those seeking fresh thrills will relish Collet-Serra's competent approach to suspense, and may well feel their travel anxiety spike. But hey, can we all admit that asking English hunk Egerton to do an American accent is a crime against cinema? It's not even that he's bad at at. It's more that, in a world where so much is terrible, why waste even a moment by not hearing Egerton in his native tongue?* — K.P.
How to watch: Carry-On is now streaming on Netflix.
Not a movie but a three-season series out of Norway, Home for Christmas is a must-watch for the holiday season. The wildly charming Ida Elise Broch stars as Johanne, a 30-year-old single nurse who is tired of being chucked to the kids' table for the holidays. So, she tells a little lie, claiming she'll be bringing a beau to her parents' Christmas Eve dinner. Now, she just needs to find someone before the holiday is upon her!
With episodes running under 30 minutes, Home for Christmas is a short-and-sweet treat that explores love and sex while also confronting the frustrating social standards put on women to mate up. While there are doses of sobering drama as Johanne confronts loneliness, family discord, and loss, the series is overwhelmingly warm and funny. And if you're not into subtitles, the overdub is perfect for watching while gift-wrapping! — K.P.
How to watch: Home for Christmas Seasons 1-3 are now streaming on Netflix.
True Dolly Parton fans understand the country star to be more than the celebrity, hero, legend, and icon popular cultural has whittled her down to be. Dolly, you see, is a lifestyle — a way of being, an all-encompassing perspective on personhood. In Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square, that high-level plane of existence gets the sparkly holiday treatment in a musical romp as shining as Dolly herself. Sure, the whole thing is ridiculously old-fashioned and not surprising in any way. But it's also got exquisite pageantry with Christmas spirit to spare. And of course, the songs are fantastic. — Alison Foreman, Entertainment Reporter
How to watch: Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square is now streaming on Netflix.
If you want to see Kurt Russell slap his butt as Santa, then you've come to the right place. Writer Matt Lieberman (Free Guy) and director Clay Kaytis reimagine the traditional "Someone's gotta save Christmas!" narrative in this familiar but still fun holiday outing with Russell as Old Saint Nick. Judah Lewis and Darby Camp star as a brother and sister who, in trying to catch proof of Santa, get more than they bargained for. Should you fall in love with this over-the-top universe, definitely check out The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two, which features Russell's life partner, Goldie Hawn, as Mrs. Claus. — A.F.
How to watch: The Christmas Chronicles is now streaming on Netflix.
Impress and entertain anyone you're with this holiday season by cuing up Netflix's hidden gem Alien Xmas. This sci-fi adventure from the team behind Elf's iconic stop-motion scenes delivers a charming tale of intergalactic thieves descending upon Earth to steal everything — including Christmas. Part How the Grinch Stole Christmas, part WALL-E, Alien Xmas is an adorable animated adventure that's great for kids and adults alike, with a timeless message. — A.F.
How to watch: Alien Xmas is now streaming on Netflix.
Is A Christmas Prince a movie? Nay, it is a journey. Join our heroine, American journalist Amber Moore (Rose McIver) as she takes on an undercover assignment in the far-off country of Aldovia in this schmaltzy rom-com opposite Ben Lamb as the titular Christmas prince. This movie is exactly what you think it is, and if that's what you're the mood for, excellent news: Its even more outrageous sequels, A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding and A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby, are streaming now too. God save King Richard Bevan Charlton. Long may he reign. — A.F.
How to watch: A Christmas Prince is now streaming on Netflix.
Remember simpler times with Netflix's 2015 Christmas spectacular A Very Murray Christmas. Directed by Sofia Coppola, this magical presentation featuring Bill Murray has a very loose plot that primarily serves as a revolving door for guest appearances and musical numbers. With a runtime of just 56 minutes, the infectious levity of the project and its supporting cast (including Miley Cyrus, Amy Poehler, George Clooney, Chris Rock, and more) is sure to have you smiling fast. — A.F.
How to watch: A Very Murray Christmas is now streaming on Netflix.
Director Luke Snellin's feature-length debut is without question the right pick for anyone on a YA kick come the holidays. With a stellar cast including Shameik Moore, Kiernan Shipka, Isabela Merced, Joan Cusack, and more, Let It Snow adapts the popular novel of the same name — telling three stories of love, friendship, and magic on Christmas Eve in a single small town. Sure, this movie is another offshoot of Love Actually's tremendous influence over the holiday genre catalog. But it's a good one. — A.F.
How to watch: Let It Snow is now streaming on Netflix.
Want a different spin on Santa Klaus? Then check out director Sergio Pablos' utterly enchanting — and sharply funny — Klaus, which was nominated for Best Animated Film at the 2020 Academy Awards. Playing like a festive spin on The Emperor's New Groove, this inventive animated adventure centers on a self-centered rich boy named Jesper Johansson (voiced by a pitch-perfect Jason Schwartzman), who is pitched out of his life of privilege into a remote village that's divided by an intense feud. He's there to deliver the mail, and — in a convoluted but charming way — concocts a plan that involves a reclusive woodworker (J.K. Simmons) with a treasure trove of carved toys and a giddy group of kiddies eager to write letters for gift-getting wishes. How will all of that turn to holiday cheer? Discovering that is just a part of the whimsical magic of Klaus. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor
How to watch: Klaus is now streaming on Netflix.
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is absurd in all the ways you actually want. As Mashable's Angie Han wrote in her official review of the steampunk musical extravaganza, "It's all entirely too much, in a way that feels just right — like a Christmas stocking bursting at the seams with too many goodies." Surprisingly sweet and an important step for Black representation in Christmas films, Jingle Jangle will make you happy this holiday. Pinky promise. — A.F.
How to watch: Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is now streaming on Netflix.
Sure, Christmas technically already has an origin story, but some of us are looking for a more epic, secular, fantastical tale to sink our teeth into. Enter: A Boy Called Christmas, adapted from the 2015 Matt Haig novel of the same name.
Featuring Henry Lawfull, Sally Hawkins, Kristen Wiig, Stephen Merchant, Jim Broadbent, Toby Jones, and Dame Maggie Smith, A Boy Called Christmas follows a young boy who embarks on an incredible adventure through the ice and snow to find the land of the elves and bring hope to his people. He's got a trusty mouse sidekick at his side and a can-do attitude. Hold on to your cocoa, folks; this movie is positively radiating with holiday spirit! — Kristina Grosspietsch, Freelance Contributing Writer
How to watch: A Boy Called Christmas is now streaming on Netflix.
After a bad breakup, Peter (Michael Urie) heads home to New Hampshire for the holidays with his best friend Nick (Philemon Chambers) in tow, hatching a foolproof plan to pretend to date Nick so his family won't harp on his recent heartbreak. As soon as he arrives, however, Peter's family sets him up with a hunky local spin instructor. And when things go well, Peter begins to wonder if maybe it’s time to move back to New Hampshire for good. Will Nick agree?
Written by Chad Hodge and directed by Michael Mayer — Broadway veterans, both! — 2021's Single All the Way is an excellent romantic comedy for the holidays. It's funny, it's charming, and it's got the right amount of true human emotion to make this a new feel-good Christmas classic. Oh, and the absolutely stacked cast (which includes Jennifer Coolidge, Kathy Najimy, and Luke Macfarlane) doesn’t hurt! — K.G.
How to watch: Single All the Way is now streaming on Netflix.
What is a "good movie," really? Does it need a coherent plot, believable stakes, and characters that act like human beings? Sure. So, by that metric, Falling for Christmas is not a good movie. And yet, it is the movie that ushered in the Lindsay Lohan renaissance of the 2020s, and for that, we are extremely grateful! Yes, it's silly — but it's the best kind of silly, mindless fluff.
Lohan is wooden but charming as Sierra Belmont, a wealthy, disconnected heiress about to get engaged to her flighty, absurd influencer BF Tad (George Young). But then she falls off a mountain (seriously) and wakes up in the care of down-to-earth widowed dad Jake (Chord Overstreet), with no memory of what happened! You heard that correctly; this is not a drill! It's a Christmas-amnesia-rom-com, people!!!! — K.G.
How to watch: Falling for Christmas is now streaming on Netflix.
In the same fictional Christmas-verse as Netflix's A Christmas Prince, Stacy (Vanessa Hudgens) is an American chef on her way to the made-up European country of Belgravia for a baking competition. There she runs into Lady Margaret Delacourt (also Hudgens), future wife of Belgravia's crown prince, who is looking for a break from the country's rabid media. Her solution? That she and Stacy switch places, of course! What could go wrong? Surely, no one will notice an American nobody pretending to be a duchess! Surely, these two women won't definitely fall in love with the men in each other's lives... right? Right?!
Zany, bubbly, and the opposite of subtle, The Princess Switch — along with sequels The Princess Switch: Switched Again and The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star — is a perfect watch for when you're in the mood for some sugary-sweet nonsense. — K.G.
How to watch: The Princess Switch is now streaming on Netflix.
Brooke Shields is Sophie, an American novelist looking to escape the PR frenzy around her newest book. She absconds to a small town in Scotland where her grandfather once lived, and after feeling a connection to the place, promptly tries to buy the rundown castle. (Sure!) The catch? Current owner Myles (Cary Elwes) refuses to sell unless Sophie can survive both of them living there together for 90 days. It's like an only-one-bed situation, but with an entire castle. Myles hopes he can scare Sophie off… but as time goes on, does he still want her to go?
So many Christmas romantic comedies feature stiff acting, but Shields and Elwes both abound with energy and charisma. A Castle for Christmas is a no-brainer holiday watch: It's cheerful, it's charming, and you're genuinely rooting for these two to get together! — K.G.
How to watch: A Castle for Christmas is now streaming on Netflix.
The Knight Before Christmas has all your favorite holiday movie tropes: a precocious little girl, a woman who no longer believes in love, and the man who is going to change her mind. Except the man in question here is Sir Cole (Josh Whitehouse), a medieval knight who has been transported to the present and doesn't understand a thing about this new world. Good thing the woman, Brooke (Vanessa Hudgens, Netflix Christmas queen!), is there to help him figure it all out. The Knight Before Christmas is just as cheesy as you think it is, but that doesn't mean it's not a fun watch! It’s like a Christmas-y Kate & Leopold, but with less gravitas and more hijinks. — K.G.
How to watch: The Knight Before Christmas is now streaming on Netflix.
Lindsay Lohan brings her winsome energy to Our Little Secret, a cute comedy about past loves, big secrets, and the absolute awkwardness of meeting your partner's family for the first time. Once childhood sweethearts, Avery (Lohan) and Logan (Ian Harding) were everything to each other. After a surprise holiday wedding proposal goes badly, they lose touch for 10 years, only to turn up at the same family gathering — because they're dating siblings! With shades of Anyone but You, Our Little Secret has the pair hiding their past relationship to keep things chill and avoid the ire of an intense mother hen (Kristin Chenoweth). Amid holiday hijinks and incredible social pressure, will these old flames re-ignite like a Yule log? — K.P.
How to watch: Our Little Secret is now streaming on Netflix.
The Full Monty meets holiday rom-com in The Merry Gentleman. When her big-city dreams take a big hit, professional dancer Ashley (Britt Robertson) finds fresh purpose in her small hometown. There, her parents' performance venue, The Rhythm Room, is at risk of closing. But perhaps one hit show could save the theater? More specifically, an all-male dance review combining Christmas music and strapping hunks ready to strip down from their gay apparel for a whooping audience. While counting down to a Christmas that'll make or break her family, Ashley gets her groove back, not only by throwing herself into this creative Christmas production but also by falling for a buff — and a bit gruff — handyman (Chad Michael Murray). Heads up: The Merry Gentleman is nowhere near as flashy or smoking hot as Magic Mike. But if you're seeking to get a bit heated in these chilly months, it'll go down like a cup of cocoa. — K.P.
How to watch: The Merry Gentlemen is now streaming on Netflix.
There are plenty of Santa stories to choose from each winter. (Heck, there are several on this list!) But only one has a script co-written by Love, Actually's Richard Curtis — and a Father Christmas voiced by Succession's Brian Cox! Based on Curtis' adorable children's book trilogy, That Christmas is an animated adventure that features a debonair Santa Claus and a wise-cracking reindeer sidekick, as well as a mighty blizzard that pitches parents into peril, leaving their kids to band together to save the holiday. And hey, maybe they'll get a little help from a certain icon of gift-giving and goodwill. — K.P.
How to watch: That Christmas is now streaming on Netflix.
What if Frosty was a hunk? That's the premise of this cheeky holiday rom-com that's a mix of festive, funny, and mildly horny. Mean Girls Lacey Chabert and Schitt's Creek's Dustin Milligan star in this tale of Girl Meets Snowman. She's a small-town diner owner whose heartbreak doesn't stop her from giving plenty of warmth and joy to others. He is a buff snowman, carved — complete with nipples and rippling abs! — for a winter festival display. But a holiday wish brings him to life, turning him into a flesh-and-blood himbo/Golden Retriever boyfriend... who melts if he gets too hot. (Hm. Well, that's less than ideal.) Will love find a way? And did screenwriter Russell Hainline mean to reference Terminator with a nude intro that leads into a festive crime spree?
If you're intrigued, you'll treasure Hot Frosty. — K.P.
How to watch: Hot Frosty is now streaming on Netflix.
A festive tale of fate, love, and music frolics forth in Meet Me Next Christmas. Christina Milian stars as Layla, a gorgeous and generous "miracle worker" whose not-for-profit work secures scholarships for students to attend HBCUs. She deserves a holiday that's out of the movies... And it will be.
Screenwriters Molly Haldeman and Camilla Rubis cleverly pluck elements from The Holiday, Serendipity, and Sleepless in Seattle to create an NYC-set fairy tale about taking a chance on a new romance. After a meet-cute with a dashing man (Kofi Siriboe) in an airport lounge, lovelorn Layla becomes convinced that tickets to see Pentatonix at a sold-out Christmas Eve show will be all she needs to make a love connection that will last. To get this hot ticket, she'll need the help of a committed (and cute) broker (Devale Ellis), who will be her guide through the decadent halls, quirky characters, and oddball antics that is Christmas in New York City. — K.P.
How to watch: Meet Me Next Christmas is now streaming on Netflix.
UPDATE: Dec. 16, 2025, 3:30 p.m. EST This list was originally written by Alison Foreman and published on Dec. 21, 2020. It has been updated by Kristy Puchko and Kristina Grosspietsch to reflect current Netflix offerings.
NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 22, 2025Connections: Sports Edition is a New York Times word game about finding common sports threads between words. How to solve the day's puzzle.
Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you know team names.
As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a 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.
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.
Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Play time
Green: Ball movement
Blue: Legends
Purple: Missing something
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Section of a game
Green: Soccer passes
Blue: Hall of Fame Orioles
Purple: NFL starting QBs, minus their first letter
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 #455 is...
Section of a game - HALF, INNING, PERIOD, QUARTER
Soccer passes - BACKHEEL, CHIP, CROSS, GIVE-AND-GO
Hall of Fame Orioles - MURRAY, PALMER, RIPKEN, WEAVER
NFL starting QBs, minus their first letter - ARNOLD, ART, AYE, OFF
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports 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 today's Connections.
NYT Pips hints, answers for December 22, 2025The New York Times' latest game, Pips, brings domino fun to your desktop. How to play Pips as well as hints in case you get stuck.
Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.
Released in August 2025, the Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.
Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move onto the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.
If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity for how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.
The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible – and common – for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.
Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:
Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.
Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.
Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.
Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.
Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.
If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.
Number (6): Everything in this space must add up to 6. The answer is 2-6, placed horizontally; 0-6, placed vertically.
Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 0-6, placed vertically; 1-6, placed vertically.
Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-5, placed horizontally.
Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 1-2, placed horizontally.
Greater Than (1): Everything in this space must be greater than 1. The answer is 1-6, placed vertically.
Greater Than (5): Everything in this space must be greater than 5. The answer is 6-4, placed horizontally.
Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 6-4, placed horizontally; 0-5, placed horizontally; 3-1, placed horizontally; 2-4, placed horizontally; 1-5, placed horizontally.
Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally.
Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-3, placed vertically.
Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 4-3, placed vertically; 3-1, placed horizontally.
Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 5-5, placed horizontally; 2-4, placed horizontally.
Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 5-5, placed horizontally.
Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 1-5, placed horizontally.
Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 0-1, placed horizontally.
Less Than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 0-1, placed horizontally.
Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-2, placed vertically.
Number (0): Everything in this yellow space must add up to 0. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically.
Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 6-0, placed horizontally; 6-1, placed vertically.
Number (0): Everything in this green space must add up to 0. The answer is 6-0, placed horizontally.
Less Than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 3-1, placed vertically.
Equal (2): Everything in this red space must be equal to 2. The answer is 4-2, placed vertically; 2-2, placed vertically; 0-2, placed horizontally.
Greater Than (8): Everything in this space must be greater than 8. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically; 5-6, placed vertically.
Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 6-1, placed vertically; 3-1, placed vertically; 1-1, placed horizontally.
Number (30): Everything in this space must add up to 30. The answer is 5-6, placed vertically; 6-6, placed horizontally; 6-2, placed horizontally; 3-6, placed horizontally.
Number (4): Everything in this red space must add up to 4. The answer is 6-2, placed horizontally; 2-5, placed horizontally.
Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-3, placed horizontally; 3-6, placed horizontally.
Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 2-5, placed horizontally.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for December 22, 2025Answers to each clue for the December 22, 2025 edition of NYT's The Mini crossword puzzle.
The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.
With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.
So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.
Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, Dec. 22, 2025:
The answer is HiHo.
The answer is Carol.
The answer is Ankle.
The answer is Noel.
The answer is Tidy.
The answer is Hanoi.
The answer is Irked.
The answer is Holly.
The answer is Ole.
The answer is Whap.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Mini Crossword.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 stripped of Indie Game Awards due to generative AI useThe Indie Game Awards has revoked 'Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's Game of the Year and Debut Game awards, citing its use of generative AI.
The Indie Game Awards has stripped Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 of both its Game of the Year and Debut Game awards, citing the roleplaying game's use of generative AI.
Run by Six One Indie, the annual Indie Game Awards aims to highlight excellence in independent video game development. Titles are eligible for consideration in the Indie Game Awards if their developers are outside the "traditional publisher system," and were not owned or financially controlled by a major corporation. Said games also must not have used any generative AI in their development process, which would make them "strictly ineligible for nomination."
Unfortunately, it appears that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's developer Sandfall Interactive did indeed use generative AI, disqualifying them from the Indie Game Awards.
"The Indie Game Awards have a hard stance on the use of gen AI throughout the nomination process and during the ceremony itself," the Indie Game Awards wrote, announcing its decision over the weekend. "When it was submitted for consideration, a representative of Sandfall Interactive agreed that no gen AI was used in the development of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
"In light of Sandfall Interactive confirming the use of gen AI art in production on the day of the Indie Game Awards 2025 premiere, this does disqualify Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 from its nomination. While the assets in question were patched out and it is a wonderful game, it does go against the regulations we have in place."
The Indie Game Awards' Game of the Year and Debut Game will now be awarded to the second-highest scoring titles in each respective category. As such, Debut Game goes to à la mode games' survival horror Sorry We’re Closed, while the Indie Game Awards' Game of the Year 2025 is Dogubomb's puzzle adventure game Blue Prince.
Sandfall Interactive had previously disclosed its use of AI in a July interview with Spanish newspaper El País, though did not explicitly confirm that the tools they used were generative in nature. At the time, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's producer François Meurisse merely stated that they had used "some AI" in the game's production.
In a later update to El País' article, Sandfall Interactive claimed that no generative AI assets currently remain in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. However, it confirmed that generative AI was used to create placeholder textures during development, not all of which were removed prior to release due to oversights in the quality assurance process. Sandfall Interactive states that such AI-generated textures were replaced within five days of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's launch, and were never intended to be included in the final game.
Players did indeed spot AI-generated textures in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 upon its April 24 release, quickly calling out suspicious in-game posters on social media. Less than a week later, patch notes for a hotfix noted that the developers had "replaced a placeholder texture with the correct visual asset."
Even so, the Indie Game Awards were apparently unaware of these events, as it did not discover Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's AI use until Dec. 18, the day the winners were announced.
Reaction to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's disqualification from the Indie Game Awards has been mixed. While some fans appreciate the awards' strict stance against generative AI, others feel that Sandfall Interactive's use of the technology to create a few placeholder poster assets was relatively minor and should be permissible in this case. Still, the Indie Game Awards' criteria requires that no generative AI be used at all, regardless of the extent of such use.
"Thank you for standing up and speaking out for a more ethical games industry," wrote @erin-hallow on Bluesky. "In a time where authentic human creativity is under threat and big players perpetuate that issue, it means a lot to see an awards show that truly cares about the authenticity of the games it showcases."
"Considering a single placeholder asset made it into the final version, entirely by mistake, it seems a bit silly but rules are rules I guess," Redditor u/Caridor wrote on the r/expedition33 subreddit. (Note: Technically at least two placeholder assets were spotted, but their sentiment stands.)
While Sandfall Interactive hasn't directly commented on the retraction of its Indie Game Awards at time of writing, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 still has plenty of other wins to keep it warm. The highly lauded French game swept the 2025 Game Awards earlier this month, taking home Game of the Year as well as eight other trophies. It also took six wins at the Golden Joystick awards, including Ultimate Game of the Year.
Use of generative AI in game development is a contentious issue. Though some see it as a tool to increase efficiency, many others are concerned that generative AI will replace real artists, eliminating jobs from an already struggling industry while flooding the market with low-quality, soulless AI slop.
Hurdle hints and answers for December 22, 2025Hints and answers to today's Hurdle all in one place.
If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.
There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.
An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.
If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.
To hover.
FLOAT
To break
BURNT
Two times.
TWICE
To raise.
HOIST
Shiny and solid.
METAL
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Moon phase today: What the moon will look like on December 22See the moon phase expected for December 22, 2025 as well as when the next full moon is expected.
The Moon is coming back from complete darkness, but it's still showing just a hint of light. Over the next few nights, it will get bigger and brighter, and soon we'll be able to spot craters, mares, and other interesting features on its surface.
As of Monday, Dec. 22, the moon phase is Waxing Crescent. According to NASA's Daily Moon Observation, 6% of the moon will be lit up tonight. So little of the Moon is lit up that nothing on its surface is visible tonight. Check back again tomorrow.
The next full moon will be on Jan. 3. The last full moon was on Dec. 4.
According to NASA, the Moon takes around 29.5 days to complete one full cycle. This is known as the lunar cycle. Throughout this time, it passes through a series of phases as it orbits Earth. Although the same side of the Moon always faces us, the amount of sunlight reflecting off its surface changes, which is why it can appear fully illuminated, partly lit, or completely invisible at different points in the cycle. This process is divided into eight main lunar phases:
New Moon - The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).
Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
First Quarter - Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-moon.
Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.
Full Moon - The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.
Waning Gibbous - The moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.
Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.
How to watch Mali vs. Zambia online for freeHow to watch Africa Cup of Nations for free. Live stream Mali vs. Zambia in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free.
TL;DR: Live stream Mali vs. Zambia in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free on Channel 4. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The Africa Cup of Nations is up and running. Morocco and Comoros kicked things off, but now it's time for the other Group A teams to take each other on. Mali face Zambia in a fascinating matchup. Fans will be expecting Morocco to top this group, so every point is going to be vital in the battle to progress to the knockout rounds.
If you want to watch Mali vs. Zambia in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
Mali vs. Zambia in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off at 9 a.m. ET on Dec. 22. This fixture takes place at the Mohammed V Stadium.
Mali vs. Zambia in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is available to live stream for free on Channel 4.
Channel 4 is geo-restricted to the UK, 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 the UK, meaning you can unblock Channel 4 to stream AFCON for free from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Mali vs. Zambia for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit Channel 4
Watch Mali vs. Zambia for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of AFCON without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Mali vs. Zambia (plus more 2025 Africa Cup of Nations fixtures) before recovering your investment.
ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Channel 4, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).
Watch Mali vs. Zambia in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free with ExpressVPN.
Make an old laptop feel new again with this $35 Microsoft Office dealUpgrade an old PC with this Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows license, on sale now for just $34.97 (reg. $219.99).
TL;DR: Upgrade an old PC with this Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows license, on sale now for just $34.97 (reg. $219.99).
The holiday season isn’t a great time to need a new laptop. If you have an older device, getting a Microsoft Office license for it is the next best thing. It gives you some essential tools that can give your productivity a much-needed boost during this busy time of the year.
Right now, you can refresh your computer with this Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows license for only $34.97 (reg. $219.99).
If you’ve been living without Microsoft Office, it’s time to make life a little easier. Whether you counted on some of the classic ones to get you through school or you’re totally new to these tools, these apps can help you tackle professional and personal tasks, and this license gives you eight of them.
For just $5 each, you can create documents in Word, build a budget in Excel, manage your emails in Outlook, and design eye-catching presentations in PowerPoint. Teams can keep you connected to coworkers, Access helps you manage large databases, OneNote organizes your digital notes, and Publisher can help you design professional documents.
Don’t worry about this edition hailing from 2021; all the apps have been redesigned. They’re ready to improve your daily workflow, whether you’re a data analyst or designer. Purchases come with an instant delivery and download, so you can install them directly on your device without the need for a cloud connection.
Note: Make sure your device is running Windows 10 or 11 before you purchase. Get a Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows license for only $34.97 (reg. $219.99).
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Meet the Eureka Floorshine 880: The self-cleaning, deodourising hero every house needsSay goodbye to lingering smells and back-breaking work with this hybrid vacuum that tackles spills and pet hair with ease.
When it comes to tackling the inevitable spills and messes of modern life, the convenience and power of a wet/dry vacuum cleaner are unparalleled. This category has completely revolutionised the way we approach general cleaning, allowing users to handle everything from dust to thick liquids in one go. Rendering the traditional mop obsolete, one machine that can clean up any household accident is the way of the future. So, if you are searching for a high-performance cleaning tool, a hybrid vacuum should be at the top of your list. And when it comes to leading the pack with next-generation cleaning technology, you can’t go past the Eureka Floorshine 880.
The feature that sets the Floorshine 880 apart is its Industry-Exclusive Odour Removal Technology. Anyone who has used a hybrid vacuum before, knows the frustrating and unpleasant issue of the lingering odour from the dirty-water tank. Because these machines are designed to tackle anything, at any viscosity, that life throws at it, that tank can get smelly – fast! And with fast-paced modern life, cleaning the machine after every use is just not always feasible. There is nothing worse than reaching for your wet-dry vac to tackle a mess and realise the machine itself needs cleaning, or where you house your machine has a lingering smell.
Recognising the issues, Eureka engineered a first-of-its-kind solution for modern life. The Floorshine 880 goes beyond standard cleaning by incorporating a built-in deodouriser that actively targets and neutralises odours at the source, ensuring the machine itself stays fresh.
Beyond solving the odour problem, the Eureka Floorshine 880 is designed to make cleaning effortless. Unlike most upright wet-dry vacs on the market, the Floorshine 880 boasts an impressive 180-degree lie-flat capability. Ensuring you can tackle dirt in all those hard-to-reach places, users no longer have to change machines or strain their backs as the unit provides effortless access to clean under low-lying furniture, beds and right spaces.
Complementing this flexibility is the Anti-Tangle 4.0 brush-roller design. Pet owners, this one is for you. Featuring a new stainless steel design, 104 comb teeth, this newly designed brush roll ensures seamless continuous cleaning performance without the constant need for manual hair removal and maintenance.
The Eureka Floorshine 880 is the ultimate all-in-one cleaning tool, eliminating the need for secondary cleaning items. While traditional wet/dry vacuums often struggle to clean flush against baseboards and into corners, the Floorshine 880 triple-side edge cleaning removes the hassle of bending down on your hands and knees to scrub corners manually.
This innovative system ensures the brush roller actively cleans along all three edges of the unit, left, right, and front, allowing the machine to tackle dirt right up against walls and into tight spots where dirt and debris commonly accumulate. Providing a true edge-to-edge clean.
The core of the Floorshine 880’s convenience stems from its Smart DualDrive for effortless movement. No longer do you have to physically lug a machine around your home. The powerful Smart DualDrive offers forward and reverse assistance, effectively turning the weight of the machine into an advantage and making manoeuvring across large spaces feel almost self-propelled.
This easy movement is paired with Smart Dirt Detection, as the machine glides along your floor, the machine will automatically sense the level of debris and stains, adjusting water flow and suction required to tackle the mess. This means you no longer have to fiddle with buttons as you move from carpet to tiles or adjust settings when you roll over spillages. The machine does it all for you. Not only does this save you time, but it also always ensures optimal resource use, so you don't waste water or battery life on light messes, while still delivering maximum scrubbing power exactly where you need it. All in real-time. Paired with the automatic detergent dispenser, you never have to guess how much cleaning fluid you need – and you only need to top up every 45 days.
Finally, its innovative design is rounded out by Triple-Side Edge Cleaning, which ensures that tight corners and baseboards are just as clean as the open floor, guaranteeing that no spot is missed.
The Floorshine 880's commitment to low-effort cleaning doesn't end when the floors are spotless, it extends to the machine's maintenance itself.
Alongside the odour removing technology, after every use, the unit simplifies cleanup with a comprehensive One-Step Self-Cleaning and Hot-Air Drying system.
Instead of dismantling and hand-washing dirty components, you simply place the unit on its charging base, hit the pedal with your foot and let the machine do the heavy lifting. Automatically deep-cleaning the brush roller and internal tubing, the machine flushes out dirt and debris.
Crucially, the system then uses hot air to thoroughly dry the brush roller. This hot-air drying function not only prevents lingering moisture but also works in conjunction with the industry-exclusive odour reducing technology to stop the growth of mildew and bacteria. This final step guarantees that the Floorshine 880 is completely clean, fresh, and ready for the next use.
The Eureka Floorshine 880 is certainly a top contender for modern, multi textile households. It’s bringing truly impressive industry-leading features into a consumer-friendly package.
Busy mums will particularly like the self-cleaning function and the leading technology in odour reduction. The ability to effortlessly mop up your toddlers' spilt yoghurt in the kitchen and glide over the rug to suck up dog hair in one swoop is the ultimate cleaning hack.
The Eureka Floorshine 880 retails at A$1,099, but right now (between December 24 – December 30) you can pick up the wet/dry vacuum discounted on Amazon, 27% off down to just $799. See it here.
Instacart to pay $60 million to customers in FTC settlementThe grocery delivery service Instacart will pay $60 million to consumers in an FTC settlement.
Grocery delivery service Instacart will pay $60 million in consumer refunds to settle a lawsuit over unlawful tactics, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shared on Thursday.
The FTC lawsuit claimed that Instacart engaged in several deceptive methods, including:
Falsely advertising "free delivery" to customers' first order when they actually needed to pay a service fee as much as 15 percent
Falsely advertising a "100 percent satisfaction guarantee," implying full refunds that Instacart didn't offer
Failing to disclose the terms of Instacart+ membership enrollment, such as that consumers would be charged at the end of their free trials
"Instacart misled consumers by advertising free delivery services — and then charging consumers to have groceries delivered — and failing to disclose to consumers that signed up for a free trial that they would be automatically enrolled into its subscription program," director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, Christopher Mufarrige, stated in the FTC's press release. "The FTC is focused on monitoring online delivery services to ensure that competitors are transparently competing on price and delivery terms."
On Thursday, Instacart released its own press release concerning the FTC lawsuit. In it, the company states that although it reached this settlement, "We flatly deny any allegations of wrongdoing by the agency, and we believe the foundation of the FTC's inquiry was fundamentally flawed. And to avoid potential confusion, we want to clarify that, as of this settlement announcement, we are not aware of any other pending FTC investigations. We stand firmly behind the integrity, transparency, and value of our programs."
Instacart shared that:
It clearly displays all fees before checkout, and is clear on what "$0 delivery" means
The Instacart+ membership complies with regulatory standards and is one of the most "clear, straightforward, affordability-focused, ad consumer-friendly subscription programs on the market"
It's easy to try and cancel the Instacart+ membership
In addition to the $60 million settlement, Instacart agreed to stop the practices alleged in the FTC's lawsuit, including misrepresenting delivery costs. The company must also clearly outline its subscription terms and obtain express consent for transactions of its subscriptions.
Waymo cars stall, causing traffic jams, during San Francisco blackoutWaymo suspended service of its self-driving cars amid a blackout that hit a third of San Francisco residents Saturday night.
Waymo suspended service of its driverless robotaxis in San Francisco during a blackout that hit many of the city's residents on Saturday night.
Around a third of San Francisco residents were without power for hours due to a fire at a Pacific Gas and Electric substation, The San Francisco Standard reported. During the blackout, people noticed that Waymo vehicles appeared to be blocking intersections and causing traffic congestion. Waymo announced that evening that it had suspended service in the city due to the power outages, Mission Local reported.
San Franciscians shared photos and videos on X:
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
Autonomous Waymo vehicles are designed to treat non-functional signals as four-way stops, but the scale of the blackout led to instances of cars stalling for longer than usual to confirm the state of affected intersections, according to Waymo. The majority of active trips were successfully completed before the cars pulled over or returned to depots.
The company didn't share with Mashable what percentage of the self-driving fleet was impacted, or why the driverless vehicles stopped working during the blackout.
Waymo's spokesperson, Suzanne Philion, told Mashable in an emailed statement that, "We have temporarily suspended our ride-hailing services in the San Francisco Bay Area due to the widespread power outage. Our teams are working diligently and in close coordination with city officials, and we are hopeful to bring our services back online soon."
While power began to be restored around 9:10 p.m. last night, some outages remain early Sunday morning according to PG&E's map.
Around 4 p.m. PT Sunday, a Waymo spokesperson updated Mashable and stated, "We are resuming ride-hailing service in the San Francisco Bay Area. Yesterday's power outage was a widespread event that caused gridlock across San Francisco, with non-functioning traffic signals and transit disruptions. While the failure of the utility infrastructure was significant, we are committed to ensuring our technology adjusts to traffic flow during such events."
"Throughout the outage, we closely coordinated with San Francisco city officials," the spokesperson continued. "We are focused on rapidly integrating the lessons learned from this event, and are committed to earning and maintaining the trust of the communities we serve every day."
This is the latest in a recent series of Waymo incidents. Just this month, a viral video showed a driverless Waymo seemingly driving straight into traffic, a Los Angeles woman discovered a stranger in the trunk of her Waymo, and Waymo issued a software recall following reports of the cars illegally passing school buses in Austin.
Back in November, Waymo was hit with a wave of criticism in San Francisco after an autonomous car struck a beloved neighborhood cat.
UPDATE: Dec. 22, 2025, 9:26 a.m. EST This article has been updated with further information and an updated statement from Waymo.
SNL Delta sketch is a thinly-veiled goodbye to Bowen YangBowen Yang bids farewell to 'Saturday Night Live' in his last sketch, where he plays an employee at an airport Delta lounge.
Last night's episode of SNL was Bowen Yang's last as a cast member. He announced his departure from the show on Instagram just a day before the show, after the release of a teaser with him and host Ariana Grande, and musical guest Cher.
Yang's final sketch featured him as an employee of the Delta One Lounge, pouring eggnog for flyers for one final shift.
"I'm going to miss everything about this place. The way it smells. Celebrities would come through. Just last week, Josh O'Connor was here," he said, referring to the actor and last week's host.
He gets a call from an elderly-looking Ariana Grande who tells Yang she's proud of him for everything he's done (with eggnog, of course) over the years — even when the eggnog was rotten. He and Grande then sing a rendition of "Please Come Home for Christmas," and he's eventually joined by Grande in the lounge.
"I just feel so lucky that I ever got to work here," Yang said, definitely not referring to the Delta One Lounge. "And I just wanted to enjoy it for a little bit longer. Especially the people. I've loved every single person who works here because they've done so much for me, especially my boss."
But within the sketch, Yang wasn't referring to Lorne Michaels but Cher, who emerges as the "CEO of Eggnog at Delta." The three of them close out the song and the sketch with a teary farewell to Yang.
