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SAVE 47%: As of Dec. 31, you can get the ZOBER large Christmas tree storage bag for just $9.99, down from $18.99, at Amazon. That's a 47% discount or a $9 price cut.
ZOBER large Christmas tree storage bag $9.99 at AmazonDeciding when to take down the Christmas tree is the ultimate post-holiday Rorschach test. For some, the tree is "clutter" the second the clock strikes midnight on the 26th. For others, aka the "cozy" crowd (hi, it's me), it's a homey hill to die on that stays until Feb. 2 (also known as "Candlemas").
SEE ALSO: See 2025 New Year’s Eve fireworks, 2026 countdown livestreams around the worldWhenever you do decide to admit the holidays are over, you’re going to need a way to shove that 9-foot symbol of joy into a crawl space, storage unit, attic, etc. And right now, you can get the ZOBER 9-Foot Large Christmas tree storage bag on sale for $9.99, down from $18.99, at Amazon. That's a 47% discount (or $9 off).
The bag is made of waterproof polyethylene plastic, so it'll protect your tree from dust, moisture, and whatever else is living in your attic. It features stitch-reinforced handles for easy carrying and a dual zipper that opens wide so you don't have to wrestle the tree back into its original cardboard box. Plus, there's a label card slot on the side, so you don't accidentally pull down the Halloween decorations next December.
For many people, New Year's resolutions begin with an app download. Fitness trackers and habit builders have become the default way we mark January as a turning point, especially in the wellness space.
But resolutions, even when mediated by gentle push notifications, still arrive loaded with expectation.
SEE ALSO: I ran the NYC Marathon wearing 7 fitness trackers and they all watched me throw upAs TikTok creator @notwildlin put it in a video with more than 210,000 views, while the New Year is framed as a "chance for renewal," an "opportunity," even a "portal," there’s a moment where that mindset can turn inward. "At some point, you have to stop being the first person to abandon yourself," he says.
SEE ALSO: Huberman husbands and the rise of self-optimization"You can't keep throwing it all off the table and building it from scratch," he says in the video. "You are not a Phoenix, you're a human being. And the foundation that you built for yourself is not so insignificant that you should be so willing and eager to undermine it and to start over. You've done enough! You've done a lot!"
That tension becomes especially visible around fitness and wellness resolutions, which are often framed less around how we feel and more around how our bodies look — ideals that have long been shaped by white-supremacist beauty standards.
Still, if you’re entering the New Year with hope and curiosity about feeling better, there's an app designed to support that.
StravaThere's a reason Strava is so beloved by so many for so long. Part social media, part fitness tracker, Strava is a great way to track your workouts while staying connected with friends. Plus, with the premium subscription, you can compare your workouts week by week, month by month, and year by year.
SEE ALSO: With Strava, no one runs alone anymore. That's the problem.Strava is probably best suited for individuals who have a resolution tied to cardio, such as racing a 5K, biking to work once a week, or hiking 500 miles. It's great for keeping track of other workouts, including weightlifting or rock climbing, but the map tracking and mileage counter can't be beat.
ProductiveThis habit tracker is one of the most recommended in the self-improvement subreddit.
You can use the app to track almost any goal, from drinking a specific number of glasses of water daily to taking 10,000 steps. And you can see all of your progress over time, which makes it very fun — and validating! — to look at in March after you've really committed.
HevyThere are numerous apps for tracking weightlifting progress, from Hevy to Fitbod to Boostcamp. Hevy provides a detailed breakdown of your progress over the year, including the number of times you lifted, the number of PRs you achieved, and the total number of reps you completed.
One user says it has "great watch integration," while others find the free version sufficient. But you may eventually want to upgrade to the paid version, depending on the number of custom workouts you plan to use.
Apple FitnessIf you're looking for a fitness app that tracks your workouts and gives you workouts to try, Apple Fitness is the way to go. This app works particularly well if you have devices within the Apple ecosystem. (If you don't, you might want to try the Peloton app, which also has great workouts.)
CalmThis app, along with apps like Headspace, is ideal if your fitness goals are more closely tied to the health and well-being of your brain. If you want to get started with more meditation in the new year, try an app like Calm.
SAVE UP TO $180: Several new and unlocked Apple iPhone models are on sale at Best Buy in its year end sale. Save as much as $180 on a new iPhone 14, 15, 16, 16e, or 16 Plus as of Dec. 31.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Shop unlocked Apple iPhone deals at Best Buy Save up to $180 Shop NowLooking to start the new year with a new phone? Apple users are being blessed with a rare opportunity to score an unlocked iPhone at a discounted price.
Typically, you'll find unlocked phone deals on basically every brand except Apple when major sales like Prime Day or Black Friday happen — Samsung, Google, Motorola, and even the UK-based brand Nothing. Finding a meaningful discount on an unlocked iPhone, on the other hand, is practically unheard of. If you're looking for iPhone deals, you're usually still better off locking in a contract with a carrier or buying refurbished.
As of Dec. 31, however, Best Buy is offering a lineup of new, unlocked iPhones for up to $180 off in its year-end sale. While there are no brand-new iPhone 17 models in the sale, there are iPhone 16s, which honestly aren't too much different (and actually look better). There are also older iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 models available; they're still new (not refurbished) and unlocked. That means you don't need to coordinate a trade-in or data plan at a specific carrier, and you won't be carrier-locked when traveling abroad.
We've rounded up the best unlocked iPhone deals below — lock in the discount ASAP, as we can't guarantee it'll stick around long.
Best unlocked iPhone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 16 (128GB, Unlocked) $659.99 at Best BuyReleased in September of 2024, the iPhone 16 was Apple's most appealing entry-level model in years. It doesn't skimp on features compared to its Pro and Pro Max siblings; the basic 16 features the new Camera Control button, a tougher display, improved zoom up to 2X, the Action Button (inherited from the 15 Pro and Pro Max), three gorgeous new colors (Ultramarine, Pink, and Teal), and Apple Intelligence. Mashable's reviewer writes, "I suspect I'd be 'complete' with the iPhone 16, which is a rare feeling when it comes to entry-level smartphones these days." At only $659.99, it's also a hard deal to pass up — especially when you compare it to the iPhone 17 base model, which costs an extra $140.
More unlocked iPhone dealsApple iPhone 15 (128GB, unlocked) — $499.99 $629.99 (save $130)
Apple iPhone 16e (128GB, unlocked) — $549.99 $599.99 (save $50)
Apple iPhone 15 (256GB, unlocked) — $549.99 $729.99 (save $180)
Apple iPhone 14 (128GB, unlocked) — $549.99 $629.99 (save $70)
Apple iPhone 16 Plus (128GB, unlocked) — $759.99 $829.99 (save $70)
Apple iPhone 16 Plus (256GB, unlocked) — $929.99 $999.99 (save $70)
As we sit waiting for 2025 to end and 2026 to begin, a lot of us are dealing with a deep chill. It's cold all over the country, including in tropical Florida, where many of us flock to each winter for reprieve from the cold. Sure, we can re-watch "Heated Rivalry" to warm up, but you might also want to enlist the help of a space heater.
These portable appliances can transform a chilly bedroom, office, or nursery into something cozy and comfortable. Even if you've put on your warmest down jacket and wool socks, a space heater can help you shed those layers and get back to feeling normal. Your pets will also love the extra warmth. If you're suffering from a winter chill, check out these hot deals on space heaters. Then tuck in with your new Kindle or Nintendo Switch 2 from Christmas, and enjoy the final few days of vacation.
Best overall space heater deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat $249.99 at AmazonWhy get a space heater that you'll need to find a place to store in warmer months when you could get a year-round heater and fan? The Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat works to keep indoors at a comfortable temp all year long. Use it as a heater during winter months and switch to the versatile fan once spring and summer return.
I tested the Shark TurboBlade Cool + Heat for a few months earlier this year and loved its versatility. I'm always cold when I get up for work in the 5 a.m. hour, but that's much improved thanks to the heater function on the Shark TurboBlade. Extra points go to the heater and fan because of the incredible remote control, which allows me to turn on the heater in the other room while I'm still in bed.
Today's sale price of $249.99 matches the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.
SEE ALSO: We tested the most popular Ninja appliances in our own kitchens. Here's what we found. Best oil space heater deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dreo Dreo Oil-Filled Radiatior 153 $84.99 at AmazonIf you prefer to go the route of an oil-filled space heater, the Dreo Radiator 153 is a great model. Plus, it's on sale for under $85 today at Amazon. The Dreo Radiator 153 is a 1500W electric space heater that's designed to be ultra-quiet while saving you some money on your energy bill. Unlike tons of our gadgets these days, the Dreo Radiator is incredibly simple to use. It has two on-unit dials to control the temperature and heat level, including mid, low, and high.
An oil-filled heater is a great option if you live in a dry climate or suffer from dry skin during the winter. Since it doesn't use a fan, you won't be blowing air around. Another bonus on this model is the castors that make rolling it from room to room a no-hassle situation.
Best tower space heater deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lasko Lasko Oscillating Ceramic Tower Heater $69.99 at AmazonTower space heaters are especially friendly if you prefer a unit that takes up minimal space, and Lasko makes some of the best models available. The Lasko Oscillating Ceramic Tower Heater comes packed with warm features that are designed to heat medium and large rooms. It measures 29 inches tall, comes with a remote control, and has an on-unit remote control storage area, so you're less likely to misplace the remote.
You can take advantage of the oscillation function so everyone in the room gets warm air pointed in their direction. Plus, the eight-hour timer is a great safety feature.
2025 was the year a lot of people gave in and made generative AI part of their lives, for better or worse.
A major factor contributing to its proliferation was the spread of easily accessible image generators from the likes of Google and OpenAI. In particular, plenty of folks found time to mess around in Google's Nano Banana image tool in 2025, and the company dedicated a blog post to revealing several of the most popular prompts users tried out this year.
You can check out the full list on Google's blog, but here are some of our favorite popular Nano Banana prompts from 2025, courtesy of Google itself.
SEE ALSO: Google Photos and Nano Banana are coming to Samsung TVs Trying on clothesAccording to Google, lots of folks used Nano Banana to envision themselves wearing clothes they've never actually worn. Of all the ways to use AI image generation, this probably makes the most sense, to be honest. It can have actual, practical use in real life, or at the very least can just be amusing for a few seconds.
Surrounding yourself with dogsOne of the prompts Google shared involved people asking the generator to take an existing image and add a bunch of fake dogs around them. Admittedly, this seems less fun to me than actually being around a bunch of dogs in real life, but if you absolutely need to imagine yourself surrounded by friendly canines, this is a way to make your dream a reality. Sort of.
Photos of people with their younger selvesApparently, some people gave Nano Banana current images of themselves alongside older images from their childhoods and asked the generator to create a photo where both versions of themselves hang out with each other. To each their own, I guess.
Trying a new haircutImagining yourself with a different haircut or color is in the same vein as using AI to try on new clothes, in that it feels eminently useful in a way some of these other prompts maybe don't. It's no surprise that hair experimentation was popular on Nano Banana in 2025, and probably will be for as long as people feel like using AI image generation tools.
Creating fake holiday memoriesOne last kinda goofy example Google provided was people using Nano Banana to create phony holiday images of themselves. Why actually take a festive photo in front of a Christmas tree when you can make the computer generate one for you? There are plenty of reasons why you should maybe consider going for the real thing here, but 2025 proved that not everyone feels that way.
For a long period during the height of the NYT Games craze of 2020, new Wordle strategies appeared on the timeline like clockwork. But in the years since, players have honed their personal strategies in ways that have made keeping up with daily streaks a piece of cake.
That doesn't mean there's not more to mine from the game. This week, social media users came across an apparently foolproof way to whittle away at incorrect letters and make use of those anagram skills.
SEE ALSO: The 11 best video games of 2025According to a viral X post by user and Wordle strategist @rudy_betrayed, you can start by popping in these five words: CHUNK, FJORD, VIBEX, WALTZ, and GYMPS. The post has already racked up 22,000 bookmarks.
[Note: That last word is defined by Oxford Languages on Google as "twisted silk, worsted, or cotton with cord or wire running through it, used chiefly as upholstery trimming." But it's also listed as a potential derivative of a derogatory phrase. While it's a high-value Words With Friends entry, it's not valid in the Merriam Webster Scrabble dictionary. It may work for the dictionary's dupe Quordle, though.]
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.The strategy makes use of 25 unique letters in the game's first five rounds, only missing the ornery letter Q, giving users just one slot to guess the winning word. But according to the alphabet math and players who use the strategy, it's nearly impossible not to spot the word among the grey tiles.
There's still a bit of brainwork needed, of course, like parsing letter groups that have multiple anagrams. It's not going to always help if you don't know the word to begin with, because that's just how Wordle works. And, as many social media users argued in the post's quotes, maybe it's sucking the fun out of thing to try to "hack" the game in the name of a higher score.
But if you're a pretty good Wordler already — and especially if it's a week like "MYRRH" — this is definitely a trick worth trying.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.
SAVE $15: As of Dec. 31, get a $100 Uber Gift Card (Digital) for $85, down from its usual price of $100. That's a discount of 15%.
Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy $100 Uber Gift Card (Digital) $85 at Best BuyThe new year is nearly upon us. That's right, 2026 is officially hours away, and this New Year's Eve is the time to celebrate. If you're heading out to any parties or planning to throw your own, however, you should of course keep safety in mind when it comes to transportation. That's where rideshares like Uber come into play. Whether you'll be sending people home or hailing a car yourself, you can save some cash on Uber rides now thanks to this deal at Best Buy.
As of Dec. 31, get a $100 Uber Gift Card (Digital) for $85, down from its usual price of $100. That's $15 off and a discount of 15%. Since this is a digital gift card, you can buy it online now and get your code via email before New Year's Eve celebrations officially kick off. Plus, it covers both Uber and Uber Eats if you decide you want to go somewhere or get some takeout.
SEE ALSO: Rough night? These movies will cure your New Year's Day hangover.To use the gift card, wait for the code to arrive in your email after purchase, and enter it into the Uber app. Your gift card balance is as good as cash on Uber and Uber Eats and can be used for either service, just as if you were using a bank account or credit card.
If you want to give the gift card as a gift to help someone else get home OK on New Year's Eve or as a late holiday present, just share the code or forward your redemption email, and they can enter the code into the app.
Whatever you need to do to be safe this New Year's, make sure you do it — even if that means grabbing a discounted rideshare gift card. And there's always using it next year for your next adventure, too.
SAVE $50: As of Dec. 31, you can get the Oral-B iO Series 5 electric toothbrush for $99.99, down from $149.99, at Amazon. That's a 33% discount or $50 in savings.
Oral-B iO Series 5 $99.99 at AmazonIf you’re trying to make healthy changes for the new year, starting with your dental routine is an easy way to do it. It’s one of those small daily habits that actually makes a massive difference in how you feel, and you don’t have to overhaul your entire life to see the results.
SEE ALSO: The best fitness resolution deals to snag before we ring in 2026As of Dec. 31, the Oral-B iO Series 5 electric toothbrush is on sale for $99.99, down from $149.99, at Amazon. That's 33% off the list price or $50 in savings. It's also the lowest price we've tracked for this bundle.
The iO Series 5 uses artificial intelligence to track where you're brushing in real-time through the Oral-B app, so you never miss a spot. It also features a visible pressure sensor that lights up to let you know if you're brushing too hard, too soft, or just right (a must-have for anyone worried about their gum health). With five different cleaning settings (including Daily Clean, Whiten, and Sensitive), you can personalize the experience to whatever your teeth need that day. Plus, this bundle includes three brush heads and a travel case.
Well, Hellfire Club, it's finally here.
The very, very end of Stranger Things, after almost 10 years and five seasons of the Duffer Brothers' smash Netflix series. We've ridden our bikes through Scoops Ahoy sundaes and Spider Monster battles in the Starcourt Mall, through Billy's Mind Flayer recruitment drive, all the way to shredding Metallica in the Upside Down and staring into the Abyss.
SEE ALSO: Gaten Matarazzo hoped 'Stranger Things' fans would be conflicted about Dustin in Season 5The final battle against Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) looms for our Hawkins heroes, with the penultimate episode bringing everyone together in the Squawk radio station, ready to face the mind-bending villain once and for all. But when, exactly, can you settle in with your Demogorgon plushie for the last stand?
Featured Video For You Gaten Matarazzo on 'Stranger Things' 'SNL' shoutout, Dustin and Steve's big fight, and why AI is 'lame' What exact time does the Stranger Things finale air?The series finale of Stranger Things premieres Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on Netflix.
Of course, you can also watch it in the cinema (but by this time, you'll be lucky to get a seat).
If you're not into crowds, streaming the New Year’s Eve fireworks from home has become a bit of an annual hack. HUNTR/X gets it — ringing midnight from your couch is highly underrated, toasting what was and could be ahead with an actual glass, not an overpriced plastic cup whose crappy contents are inevitably destined for the front of your shirt in the chaos.
Thankfully, digital streams of the iconic and deeply expensive fireworks from around the globe are easily accessible, from the iconic lit-up vista of Sydney Harbour to London's Thames affair. Here's a guide to where you can watch the countdowns live or on demand — this is your 2026, you can decide when midnight happens for you.
SEE ALSO: The 15 best British TV shows of 2025 and where to stream them New Year's Eve fireworks live streamsThe key to figuring out New Year's Eve celebrations is knowing your timezones. Mashable's Chance Townsend spelled it out last year, writing:
Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is the world’s standard time system and each location’s time zone is measured as an offset from UTC. For example, UTC+0 includes cities like London, meaning their clocks align exactly with UTC. Cities to the east, like Dubai (UTC+4), are ahead of UTC, celebrating earlier, while those to the west, like New York City (UTC-5), are behind, ringing in the New Year hours later.
Starting at UTC+14 in Kiritimati (a tiny island country in the Micronesia region of Oceania and the first to celebrate) and ending in Hawaii at UTC-10 (the last), this time zone progression lets us follow the global party as midnight strikes in each region.
You can also find a global list of live cams on Earthcam.com.
UTC +12:00
UTC +11:00
UTC +8:00
UTC +9:00
UTC +8:00
UTC +7:00
UTC +5:30
UTC +4:00
UTC +2:00
UTC +1:00
UTC 0:00
UTC -3:00
UTC -5:00
The first Full Moon of 2026 is keeping the supermoon streak alive. After a string of them to end 2025, we get one more to kick off the new year. October, November, and December all saw beautiful, large moons in the sky, and January will be no different.
A supermoon is really what the name suggests, a Full Moon that appears bigger and brighter in the sky than usual, perfect for late-night stargazing. There's lots happening with the January Full Moon, so keep reading to find out what it means.
When is the January Full Moon?January's full Moon will occur on Saturday, Jan. 3. Time and Date estimates it will peak at 5:02 a.m. ET.
What is the January full Moon called?Full Moons all have their own names, and January's is traditionally known as the 'Wolf Moon'. Time and Date explains that this is because wolves were typically thought to be more active, and howling, in January.
January's Full Moon is also another supermoon, the fourth in a row. It will appear bigger and brighter in the sky because it sits closer to Earth in its orbit. A supermoon occurs when the Moon reaches its full phase at or near lunar perigee, the point where it comes closest to our planet, which creates a noticeably larger view, Royal Museums Greenwich tells us.
When is the next Full Moon?The next Full Moon is predicted to occur on Feb. 1, 2026.
What are the lunar phases?The Full Moon is just one of eight phases in the Moon’s 29.5-day orbit around Earth. All of the different phases show how much of its surface is lit up from our point of view. We always see the same side of the Moon, but as it moves around Earth, the sunlight falls on it differently, so that's why sometimes we see it looking full, sometimes half, and sometimes it looks like it has disappeared completely.
The phases are:
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.
Last Quarter (or Third 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.
Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you know American baseball.
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.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections: Sports Edition?The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.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.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Movies
Green: Major stars
Blue: Venues
Purple: Letter subtraction
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Sports films of 2025
Green: MVPs of 2025
Blue: SEC football stadiums
Purple: Starts with an MLB team in singular form
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 #464 is...
What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?Sports films of 2025 - F1, HAPPY GILMORE 2, MARTY SUPREME, THE SMASHING MACHINE
MVPs of 2025 - A'JA WILSON, CONNOR HELLEBUYCK, SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER, SHOHEI OHTANI
SEC football stadiums - BRYANT-DENNY, JORDAN-HARE, KYLE, SANFORD
Starts with an MLB team in singular form - ANGEL REESE, RAY ALLEN, RED AUERBACH, TIGER WOODS
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 yesterday's Connections.
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.
How to play PipsIf 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.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 30, 2025The 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.
SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for December 31, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 31 PipsNumber (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 1-5, placed vertically.
Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally.
Number (18): Everything in this space must add up to 18. The answer is 2-6, placed horizontally; 6-3, placed horizontally; 6-0, placed horizontally.
Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-3, placed horizontally.
Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 6-3, placed horizontally.
Medium difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 31 PipsEqual (4): Everything in this purple space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-5, placed vertically; 4-4, placed horizontally.
Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 5-6, placed horizontally; 3-3, placed vertically.
Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 5-6, placed horizontally; 1-6, placed horizontally.
Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 6-6, placed vertically; 1-6, placed horizontally.
Hard difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 31 PipsGreater Than (1): Everything in this space must be greater than 1. The answer is 2-4, placed horizontally.
Equal (4): Everything in this red space must be equal to 4. The answer is 2-4, placed horizontally; 4-5, placed horizontally; 4-3, placed vertically.
Equal (5): Everything in this light blue space must be equal to 5. The answer is 4-5, placed horizontally; 5-6, placed horizontally; 5-3, placed vertically.
Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 5-6, placed horizontally.
Equal (3): Everything in this dark blue space must be equal to 3. The answer is 1-3, placed horizontally; 4-3, placed vertically; 5-3, placed vertically; 3-3, placed horizontally.
Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 2-6, placed vertically; 6-3, placed horizontally.
Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 6-3, placed horizontally.
Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 1-2, placed horizontally.
Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 1-2, placed horizontally.
Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Donald Trump's golden smartphone won't be arriving anytime soon.
Trump Mobile, announced in June and run by the president's children Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, has yet again delayed shipping of its flagship device, the T1, according to a report by the Financial Times.
SEE ALSO: Trump Mobile shares T1 model, but something doesn't look rightSpeaking to the news publisher, Trump Mobile's customer service team blamed this year's U.S. government shutdown for the phone's delay — without further detail. This follows a previously unaddressed delay in November, in which the Trump Mobile team quietly removed shipping dates from its website as the deadline sailed by and began listing refurbished Samsung and Apple phones.
In fact, the T1 was originally set to ship in August, was then pushed to October, went AWOL in November, and will now be shipped...sometime in 2026? Maybe?
Featured Video For You Slow internet on your iPhone? Try clearing your cacheCurrently still available for preorder on the Trump Mobile website, the smartphone retails for $499 and is set to run on its "47 plan" including unlimited talk, text, and data for $47.45 a month (Trump is the 45th and 47th U.S. president). Down payments cost $100, with a message on the website fittingly reading, "Getting in line is easy."
In June, Trump Mobile was pitched by the Trump Organisation's trademark licensing arm DTTM Corporation as "a transformational, new cellular service designed to deliver top-tier connectivity, unbeatable value and all-American service for our nation’s hardest-working people" — with emphasis on the American-made element. Following Trump's chaotic global tariffs odyssey earlier this year, the president's aim of bringing manufacturing back into the U.S. has seen pressure on Big Tech leaders like Apple to produce their devices in America instead of China — though whether the T1 could actually entirely be made in America is a major question mark.
The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.
With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.
So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT gameHere are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025:
AcrossMany a participant in the 2025 "6-7" trendThe answer is Kid.
The answer is Fini.
The answer is Penny.
The answer is Hugs.
The answer is IDs.
The answer is Kings.
The answer is Inns.
The answer is DIY.
The answer is Feud.
The answer is Phi.
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 yesterday's Mini Crossword.
Like every year, a slew of new TVs are waiting to be unveiled at CES. Unlike every other year, the big TV brands seem to have quite similar ideas on how to innovate. To sum it up, everyone and their mother is releasing an RGB TV, and CES 2026 is setting the stage for Samsung, LG, Hisense, and more to duke it out in very direct head-to-head comparison.
Typically, there's a decent amount of variety between the new TVs from each brand: In 2025, LG's main thing was an expansion of its best-in-class OLED TVs, TCL went hard on mini-LED, and Samsung's claim to fame was a Neo QLED version of The Frame. Of course, there will be no shortage of new OLEDs and QLEDs in 2026. But the suddenly-crowded RGB TV market is easily the most noteworthy plot point.
The year of RGB TVs and the inevitable OLED x mini-LED collabFor most of the 2020s, new TVs announced at CES have mostly fallen under one of two categories: fancy new OLED or fancy new mini-LED. TV innovation at CES this year finally deviates from those two buzzwords, though they both walked so RGB TVs could run.
Did you know that the bulbs in most QLED or mini LED TV backlights are only emitting white or blue light? This isn't visible to the viewer, of course. It's actually the layer of quantum dot crystals sandwiched on top that are reflecting white or blue light into all of the colors that appear on the TV screen. RGB TVs do things a little differently on the backend. "RGB" refers to thousands of microscopic red, green, and blue LEDs lighting the TV — these true red, green, and blue light sources are said to cover 100 percent of the color gamut (or the full possible spectrum of visible colors) and greatly expand the TV's color accuracy.
SEE ALSO: What to look for when buying a TV, as told through this easy TV specs guideEach of those red, green, and blue LEDs are individually controlled like OLED pixels, offering much more precision than even the most densely-packed mini LED dimming zones can offer. So, micro RGB TVs shouldn't fall victim to mediocre contrast and imperfect black levels like many non-OLED TVs do, while simultaneously achieving higher peak brightness than OLED can provide.
Remember that the main trend here is RGB technology itself — the term "Micro RGB" is merely the marketing name that Samsung and LG are using. So far, Hisense is going with "RGB mini-LED" while Sony is rumored to have coined "True RGB." We expect other top TV brands to reveal their version of RGB at CES 2026 as well (TCL launched two RGB TVs in China in Sept. 2025 that could make their U.S. debut at CES.) Regardless of nomenclature, as long as RGB is involved, just think "the most colorful TV you've ever seen."
Big TVs are getting bigger, small TVs are getting betterBrands are likely to load the 85- to 100-inch (or bigger) end of the spectrum with their 2026 flagship TVs, whereas TVs near the 100-inch mark were more of an outlier in previous years. Samsung's CES TV lineup, much of which got leaked in early December, shows a new 98-inch version of The Frame. Even wilder, LG's 2026 Micro RGB line is apparently only available in 75, 86, and 100 inches.
It's hard to fathom a 75-inch TV being the smallest option, considering 65 inches has been a staple size in the TV market forever. Mashable currently recommends 65-inch TVs as the best size for most people, but will that be considered "small" soon?
But you're not being left in the dust if your living room or bedroom requires a smaller TV footprint. We're continuing to see the yassification of small TVs, a trend currently represented with 32-inch and 43-inch versions of Samsung's The Frame or 42-inch and 48-inch versions of LG's flagship C5 OLED TV. So far, Samsung has confirmed that it's extending its premium Micro RGB tech to a 55-inch model in 2026, and it wouldn't be surprising if other brands offered similarly versatile sizing. Ahead of CES, Hisense just released the S5 DécoTV, a 32-inch QLED TV that's much more affordable than the smallest The Frame TV.
SEE ALSO: If dark scenes are too dark on your TV, play around with these settingsThe aforementioned Samsung TV leak also alludes to some slightly more affordable OLED TVs on the horizon, including a 55-inch S85H model allegedly priced around $1,000. That'd end up being slightly cheaper than the current sale price on the 42-inch version of Samsung's premium S90F OLED.
That's a prime example of the classic trickle down TV tech that we've seen with QLED and mini-LED over the past few years. Both of those started out as novel high-end TV technologies only to be found in the most expensive bracket. But as QLED and mini-LED panels gradually got easier and cheaper to manufacture, the tech was eventually tweaked over time to come in more budget-friendly forms. 2026 could be the year that OLED TVs get a taste of real accessibility, as Samsung is probably far from the only brand entering a more budget-friendly take on OLED.
New art TVs have the Frame Pro shaking in its bootsIt seems like Samsung is taking a break from The Frame at CES 2026 after announcing the Frame Pro at CES a year ago. Naturally, LG is taking the opportunity to slide in with its very first iteration of an art TV (finally). Announced on Dec. 30, the LG Gallery TV will feature the hallmark glare reduction finish that separates art TVs from regular TVs, plus the expected ambient light sensor. It'll feature LG's MiniLED tech and full-array local dimming — a major blow to The Frame Pro's edge-lit mini-LED lighting. The full selection of artwork will require a $5/month LG Gallery+ subscription, matching the monthly price for the Samsung Art Store.
That's not the only Frame Pro competitor we could meet this year. The TCL Nxtvision A400 Pro, another new art TV with local dimming zones instead of edge lighting, is already available in China, and could be officially announced for the U.S. at CES. Will Hisense throw in a new CanvasTV, too?
As one of Mashable’s sex, dating, and relationships writers, I’ve tested dozens of apps over the past few years, and Hinge is easily the one I get asked about most. Why? Because it’s the landing spot for everyone who's too horny to admit it (and wouldn't be caught dead on Tinder) and for the people who are genuinely ready to swap keys and get a dog together. It’s the app famously "designed to be deleted," and for better or worse, it’s where people go when they want to have an actual conversation IRL.
SEE ALSO: All your Hinge questions, answeredSome of my closest friends — and some Mashable staff members — have found love on Hinge (one is even engaged to her match now), so I know it can work. To help you decide if it’s worth the download for you, I’ve broken down everything you need to know about the app, from the sign-up process to the features that actually help you connect.
Getting started on HingeThe onboarding process for Hinge is super easy. Once you've downloaded the app, just click “Create Account,” enter your phone number, and type in the verification code. There isn’t a Facebook login or any kind of Google or Apple login option right upfront, but I think that’s OK. It’s not like your phone number is viewable anywhere on the platform.
The first screen that pops up says, “You’re one of a kind. Your profile should be, too.” This immediately shows that Hinge is serious about getting to know you a little better than most mainstream dating apps.
The first question? What’s your name? Easy enough. There’s a little note at the top that says “NO BACKGROUND CHECKS ARE CONDUCTED,” which is honestly a little weird, but reassuring, I guess? There’s also a note that says your last name is optional, so if you’re wary about sharing your full identity, you can opt to omit it.
(After entering your name, you do get the option to connect a Google or Apple account. I’m not sure why this isn’t an option on the main login screen, but nevertheless, it’s there if you want it.)
Next, Hinge requests your email and asks for a verification code again. The fact that the app does two-step verification twice is pretty impressive; it makes it much less likely for someone to create a fake profile.
Defining who you areOf course, your birth date (which Hinge says is only used to “calculate your age"), location, and gender identity are standard questions. Hinge lets you select up to four pronouns (e.g., they/them, she/her).
It offers “Man,” Woman,” and “Nonbinary” gender options, and from there you can add your gender identity, which includes a comprehensive list like genderfluid, genderqueer, trans, and others. If you don’t see yours, you can request it using the “Tell us if we’re missing something” button. You can also toggle whether or not these are visible on your profile.
Following this, you’ll be able to choose your sexuality. The options include:
Straight
Gay
Lesbian
Bisexual
Allosexual
Androsexual
Asexual
Autosexual
This is also optional to show on your profile. You’ll then be asked who you want to date, and nicely, you can select multiple options (some apps restrict you to just one).
The app asks for your relationship type next. You can choose from “Monogamy,” “Non-monogamy,” and “Figuring out my relationship type.” If you choose “figuring out,” you’ll be prompted to write up to 160 characters describing exactly what you’re looking for.
Within your profile, you can select your gender, sexuality, and who you're looking to meet. Credit: Screenshot: Hinge Dating intentionsNext are your intentions, and Hinge lists several options to choose from. One of the things I noticed here is that if you choose “prefer not to say,” a little note appears: “This will limit who sees your profile.” This is a good reminder of just how serious Hinge is about helping you meet the right match. If someone can’t share their intentions, they’re probably shady AF, and Hinge is recognizing this out loud.
SEE ALSO: Cuffing season is here! The best dating apps for serious relationships, reviewed.Once you’ve gotten through that, you’ll be asked to fill in more details about yourself, including:
Height (which is always visible on your profile)
Ethnicity
Children (another answer that will limit your profile if you don’t disclose this info)
Family Plans (yet another answer that’ll limit who sees you)
Virtues: Hometown, workplace, job title, school, education level, religious beliefs, and political views
Finally, it hits you with the vices: Do you drink, smoke tobacco, smoke weed, or use drugs? Note that for almost all of these, choosing “prefer not to say” will limit who sees your profile.
While it may seem a little invasive to limit profile views based on your answers, I think this is a really good way for people to meet the ones they’re actually meant to be with. This screening process is way more in-depth than most. It also makes it a good option for people who are sober or conscious about their alcohol intake (which a good chunk of Gen Z are).
Creating your profileOK, now that you’ve gotten through the basic info, Hinge wants you to “show off” the person behind the screen.
PhotosFirst up: profile pics and videos. (It’s pretty cool that the app lets you upload videos, too.) There are six spaces for images or videos, and if you’re unsure of what to upload, Hinge offers a “see what works based on research” feature that guides you.
You're required to submit all six photos to move forward. I didn’t love this because I hate photos of myself, but I did love it for filtering others. The fact that users have to do this is a pretty good sign that there will be fewer bots and catfish on this app (and honestly, in my past testing, I never encountered a bot).
Fill out your profile with photos/videos and prompts. Credit: Screenshot: Hinge PromptsAfter you’ve uploaded all six images/videos, you’ll be asked to write profile answers. You need to pick three prompts to start.
Some options include:
This year, I really want to...
I go crazy for...
Give me travel tips for...
Do you agree or disagree that...
Don’t hate me if I...
My last journal entry was about...
Together, we could...
There are tons more across different categories, such as “self-care” and “date vibes.” You can write up to 225 characters for each. Once you fill out a prompt from one category, Hinge suggests filling out prompts from other categories to mix it up. And if your content is thin, Hinge’s AI will nudge you to “go a little deeper.”
You can also add an optional voice prompt to record up to 30 seconds of audio.
After all of that, Hinge gives you your first “Subscriber” pop-up. You can “Check it out” or click “Maybe later.” I’m super appreciative that this is the first time I’ve seen a push toward a paid subscription. Some apps (cough, eharmony) constantly push paid subscriptions.
And, voila! You’re finally finished setting up your profile.
Matching on HingeWhether you decide to keep going with your profile is up to you. You can see potential matches after the initial setup, or you can go back and edit details, add more, and see where things go. Of course, the app notes that to improve your match quality, you should complete more sections of your profile.
If you click “edit profile,” you’ll find the option to add a “Match Note,” which is a private message you can share with matches before you start chatting. Examples of what could go in here include things like whether you’re just getting out of a divorce, are recently sober, or are looking for a polyamorous relationship. It’s a dedicated space for the "need-to-know" info you might not want on your public profile.
Hinge also lets you add a poll, a video prompt, a voice prompt, and additional photos. If you’re wondering, the bare minimum we did above gets you to an 89 percent complete profile.
Unlike some other apps, Hinge lets you see full profiles and photos of potential matches for free. You can filter matches by gender, age, height, dating intentions, and more. This helps narrow your search down. More advanced filtering options are available only to paid subscribers (which I’ll cover in a bit).
On the main dashboard, you’ll have a home feed and a “Standouts” section (the star icon). These are people whom Hinge’s algorithm thinks you’d “be most excited about,” based on who’s getting the most attention, your dealbreakers, and your recent activity. “Standouts” are refreshed every 24 hours, so you can always browse new people the next day.
You’ll also see a “Likes You” section (the heart icon) where you can view profiles that have “liked” you. The cool thing here is that these people cannot connect with you unless you give the go-ahead. However, there’s a catch: free users can only view one incoming “like” at a time. You have to make a decision (match or skip) before you can see the next one. (If you have a paid subscription, you can see everyone who’s “liked” you at once.)
Also, once you send a “like,” you won’t see that profile again until they choose to match with you. And, you can only send eight "likes" per day. To prevent ghosting, Hinge also enforces "Your Turn Limits." If you have eight or more conversations where it's your turn to reply, you won't be able to send any new "likes" until you message back or unmatch.
It’s all part of Hinge’s “intentional” philosophy: If you’re forced to really think about who you’re matching with, you’re less likely to just mindlessly swipe on everyone just because (looking at you, Tinder).
Safety and securityIn addition to the standard chat features, Hinge has a surprisingly robust safety suite designed to keep the scammers (and creeps) at bay.
Selfie verificationIf you click on your profile photo and hit the “Safety” tab, you’ll see “Selfie Verification” first. To get that coveted checkmark, you have to take a quick video selfie to prove you’re a real person. Hinge promises the video is private, but here’s the fine print: according to the pop-up, Hinge keeps three screenshots from that video for the life of your account to audit the feature. It also keeps the results, whether you pass or fail.
Verify your profile to let people know that you're real. Credit: Screenshot: Hinge Comment filterThe comment filter is another safety option that even free Hinge users can activate. You can set an “auto” filter to catch disrespectful comments, or use "Hidden Words" to block specific words, phrases, and emoji from ever appearing in your notifications. (Goodbye, eggplant emoji.)
Hinge tucks these away in a “Hidden Likes” section, so you can still view them if you really want to check if the algorithm got it right. I like that it gives you the final say without forcing you to see the trash upfront.
Block listYou can also sync your phone contacts to your "Block List." This is a must-have feature if you want to preemptively ensure you never see your ex, your boss, or your cousin on the app.
Underneath these features, there’s a direct button to contact the Crisis Text Line and a Help Center with safety tips. It feels comprehensive without being too in-your-face.
How much does Hinge cost?OK, so I’m pretty impressed with the free features, but if you’re interested in seeing what else this app has to offer, Hinge+ and HingeX are the paid subscription tiers that’ll get you extra perks and advanced filtering.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll get with each:
Hinge+Cost: Starts at $19.99 per week
What you get:
Unlimited “likes”
See everyone who “likes” you at once (no blurring)
Additional dating preferences (height, family plans, politics, vices)
Sort all incoming “likes” by compatibility or recent activity
If you live in a big city and are overwhelmed by likes, this is worth it just to see everyone at once.
HingeXCost: Starts at $24.99 per week
What you get: Everything in Hinge+, plus:
Enhanced recommendations: Better quality profiles in your Discover feed.
Skip the Line: Your profile is shown to people you like sooner.
Priority Likes: Your "likes" stay at the top of potential matches’ lists (so they see you first).
You can also buy à la carte options like "Boosts" (which increase who sees you by 11 times) and "Roses" (which, according to Hinge, are two times more likely to land you a date).
Is downloading Hinge worth it?If you’re looking for a relationship (and not just a late-night “u up?” text), yes, Hinge is absolutely worth the download. There are so many features that come standard for free users, which is rare. Plus, the app’s clear focus on helping people actually meet someone right for them (and its dedication to making you feel safe and supported) is unmatched.
I’ve tested this app in multiple towns, from small suburbs to big cities, and I’ve consistently had better results here than anywhere else. As a bisexual person, I also appreciate that it doesn't pigeonhole me; I always have plenty of options across the board. If you're ready to delete an app for the right reasons (i.e., actually meeting someone), Hinge is still your best bet.
Opens in a new window Credit: Hinge Hinge Hinge has a comprehensive free version, but paid subscriptions start at $19.99 per week Learn MoreCES 2026, the world's most important consumer tech show, kicks off in just a few days. If you're not in Las Vegas to see it live, don't worry: You can watch the key presentations on your phone or computer.
To make it easier for you, we've assembled an overview of the key events, livestreams, and presentations.
What/when is CES 2026?CES, or Consumer Electronics Show, is an annual technology convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, one of the largest such events in the world. Numerous consumer tech manufacturers bring their new wares to the event; typically, this includes everything from TVs to gaming consoles, phones, chips, robots, cars, and a multitude of battery-powered gadgets of all shapes and sizes.
This year, CES starts on January 6 and ends on January 9. Do note that the program, including live-streamed sessions, actually begins one day earlier, on January 5.
There are also numerous pre-announcements and teasers that happens days or even weeks ahead of the event. Check out our coverage so far.
CES 2026 exhibitorsBasically ever tech company under the sun will be there, except for Apple which typically does its own events.
This includes Samsung, LG, Nvidia, AMD, Qualcomm, Alphabet, Meta, Sony, Hyundai, Hisense, Lenovo, TCL, and many others.
CES 2026 full scheduleThe official schedule for CES is available here. Note that it doesn't say anything about embargoed events (only the media gets invites and info on those ahead of time).
Where can I tune in online?Given that the physical CES event is for industry-affiliated folks and not the general public, most people will be following it online.
Your first resource should be the official CES video library, where you'll be able to see all of the video content, with videos of keynotes and sessions uploaded at the end of each day. The library also hosts a number of supporting video content such as countdowns and recaps.
The official CES YouTube channel is another must-have resource. It will host live keynotes, events, and interviews, as well as shorts and other official videos.
Finally, the major keynotes and events will be livestreamed through the companies' channels. We'll link some of the most interesting ones as we list them below.
What are the must-see keynotes at CES 2026?Nvidia CES 2026 keynote Nvidia will host more than 20 demos during CES 2026. Credit: NvidiaEver since it became clear Nvidia is the company that powers the bulk of the AI revolution, everyone's been waiting (again and again) to see what the company CEO Jensen Huang has to say.
As is appropriate, Huang will deliver a keynote at 4PM ET on January 5.
There are currently no specific product announcements lined up, and Nvidia says its presence at CES will be about "cutting-edge AI, robotics, simulation, gaming and content creation." But make no mistake, his keynote is always an interesting watch, and the company says more than 20 demos will be shown at CES 2026.
You can watch the event live over at Nvidia's website. It will probably be available on YouTube as well, but we don't have the link for that yet.
LG CES 2026 keynote CES officially starts on January 6, but there's a lot happening on January 5, including LG's keynote. Credit: LGLG is hosting its traditional CES 2026 keynote at 11 a.m. ET on January 5., under the tagline "Innovation in tune with you."
A lot of it will be about artificial intelligence, but given that LG is known for bringing its bleeding edge display solutions to CES, we expect the company to spend some time talking about its OLEDs and Micro RGB TVs.
You can watch the keynote on LG's website, on the company's YouTube channel, or on X.
Samsung CES 2026 keynoteSamsung's CES keynote has an interesting tagline: The First Look, indicating that the company will have new products to show. The keynote, hosted by TM Roh, CEO and Head of Samsung's Device eXperience (DX) Division, kicks off at 10p.m. ET on January 4.
Officially, Samsung will "unveil its vision for the DX (Device eXperience) Division in 2026, along with new AI-driven customer experiences."
You can watch the event live over at Samsung's Newsroom or at the company's YouTube channel. We've embedded the official trailer for the presentation above.
AMD CES 2026 keynoteAs one of the most important chip makers out there, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) will have a large presence at CES 2026. The company CEO Dr. Lisa Su will kick CES 2026 off on Monday, Jan. 5 with a keynote address.
According to the company, Su will "highlight (...) the AMD vision for delivering future AI solutions – from cloud to enterprise, edge and devices."
You can watch the keynote address on YouTube. It's scheduled to start at 9:30 p.m. ET on Monday, Jan. 5. We've also embedded the livestream above.
Lenovo CES 2026 keynoteChina's Lenovo is a respected manufacturer of laptops, tablets, phones, and other devices. If you've seen a ThinkPad computer or a Moto Razr phone, those were made by Lenovo.
The company Chairman & CEO Yuanqing Yang will deliver a keynote at 19:45 p.m. ET on January 7. The company calls its CES event "Tech World," and it typically uses it to unveil new tech, products, and solutions.
The Lenovo keynote can be streamed on YouTube; we've also embedded the stream above.
When a couple is apart from each other, it's traditionally considered a nuisance at best. And you only have to look at Carrie Bradshaw's despairing response to Big moving to Paris in Sex And The City to know that being separate is often thought to be the kiss of death for a romantic relationship.
But Gen Z are not only optimistic about the potential of long-distance relationships, but some online are also claiming it's preferable to a traditional relationship. One TikTok user, @brooklyn_crosby, described long-distance relationships as "the healthiest thing a relationship can go through," explaining that they can help to improve communication and encourage you to appreciate each other more. Another user, Dani Friedmann, made a TikTok video claiming that she loves her long-distance relationship because it allows her to focus on self-improvement. The text of her video reads: "sleep more, WAY more productive, eat healthier, go out with the girls, locked TF in, consistent schedule, and talk to my man on ft every night. Like this is GOATED."
Clearly, people online believe that a long-distance relationship is all about growth — relationship growth, but also personal growth, which is something of the utmost importance for Gen Z. Social media is flooded with productivity and self-help content. There are over 53,000 posts with the tag #5to9 in which people document their hyper-productive pre-work routines between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m.. On top of that, 39 percent of British and American Gen Z strongly agree that goal-setting is linked to success, either in the workplace or their personal life. Young adults are presenting long-distance relationships as the answer for those who don't want a relationship to get in the way of self-development but still want to experience romantic relationships.
SEE ALSO: Cuffing season is here! The best dating apps for serious relationships, reviewed. Independent womenTwenty-eight-year-old Sarah* has been with her partner for 10 years, four of which were long-distance and she says that having time and energy for their own lives and careers was one of the biggest benefits: "We both had ambitions and continued to pursue our own lives even while being in a relationship," she tells Mashable. "We both have respect for each other and want each other to do well."
Similarly, 26-year-old Thea has been in a long-distance relationship for four years, and she says that the biggest benefit has been having time to focus on personal development. "It allows you to lead the life you want to without having to compromise," she says. "Being in your 20s is all about exploring what you want to do and how you want to lead your life."
The impetus for self-growth while in a relationship might feel particularly pressing for women, who still face gendered expectations in their relationships at home and at work.
"Distance can be one way to obtain the space for people to have more autonomy [...] which will likely appeal to women, who have been historically prevented from establishing independent work and personal lives," he explains.
"It means you don't compromise on any of your aspirations.""In the back of my head, I was conscious that I wanted to have new experiences and not having my boyfriend to come back to every night would be a good opportunity to meet more new people," Sarah says, explaining that she thought it would be beneficial to go long-distance originally. Thea adds that: "Having that loving and supporting person there but also being fully selfish and making decisions thinking of yourself rather than as a two has great benefits while we are young as it means you don't compromise on any of your aspirations."
Why Gen Z decenters romanceThe preference for a long-distance relationship perhaps also reflects how young people are decentering romantic love from their lives, focusing on friendships and other relationships instead. In fact, according to a 2025 report by YPulse, only 27 percent of Gen-Z are actively looking to date. Living in a different city or country from your partner allows you to experience some of the benefits of a romantic relationship without other commitments. "I know friends who can get wrapped up in a relationship. [Long distance relationships] avoids [you and your partner] becoming one person so early on in your adult development," Thea says.
And the sacrifice of long-distance may not feel as significant as it did in the past, with so many ways to communicate digitally. In fact, an Ofcom report found that 71 percent of older children and teens (aged 11-18) feel more confident communicating online than in person. Another survey found that 31 percent of American adults prefer texting to talking on the phone. This is another reason why people are idolising long-distance relationships. There's even a dating app, Bumpy, which is specifically designed for people who want to date internationally. According to Bumpy, the app has had 20 million downloads, and 60 percent of their users are women. It's not designed for holiday flings or casual texting either – Bumpy claims that 70 percent of users are looking for a serious relationship with someone who lives in a different country to them.
But as Gen-Z's lack of social connection is regularly associated with their worsening mental health levels, should we be worried about the rise of long-distance relationships? Brunning says the increasing interest in long-distance relationships is an example of "adaptive preference," a concept that explains why desires subconsciously change due to the way people are forced to work and live in modern times. "When work is increasingly flexible, remote, or precarious, and when housing is hard to afford, it is unsurprising that more people might embrace alternatives: they have little choice," Brunning explains.
SEE ALSO: What is attachment theory and how does it impact sex and relationships?It might also have something to do with attachment styles, according to relationship therapist Georgina Sturmer. "If our attachment style is avoidant, then we might struggle when relationships become too close. We might push people away or seek space, in order to feel more comfortable," she explains. "It is these attachment behaviours that might make a long-distance relationship feel more appealing."
"The whole absence makes the heart grow fonder is definitely something that applies to us."In a healthy relationship, it's important to be able to focus on yourself, without having to put distance between you and your partner, Sturmer says. "This ability to be united, but retain our own identity, is an important part of adult relationships," she explains, adding that it's essential to have, "honest and assertive conversations about how we can maintain a relationship while also holding space for ourselves."
However, that's not to say that long-distance relationships are inherently toxic, particularly if they allow you and your partner to pursue things you feel strongly about for yourselves, whether that's work, friendships, or hobbies. Sarah is living with her partner now, and she says that long-distance ultimately shaped what a healthy and loving relationship is.
"I valued having that experience of growing up separately and coming together and now we're pretty much inseparable," she says, adding, "The whole absence makes the heart grow fonder is definitely something that applies to us. It's been something that's strengthened the relationship and made us realise what we value in a partner and how much we do love being together."
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