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Updated: 8 min 56 sec ago

Moon phase today: What the Moon will look like on January 9

Fri, 01/09/2026 - 00:00

We're nearly at the Third Quarter, which means the Moon is almost half gone from sight. This will be the second-to-last phase before we reach the New Moon, where it will disappear from sight completely.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Friday, Jan. 9, the Moon phase is Waning Gibbous. According to NASA's Daily Moon Guide, 61% of the Moon will be lit up tonight.

You don't need any visual aids to spot features on the Moon's surface, with just your naked eye you'll be able to catch a glimpse of the Mares Imbrium and Vaporum, as well as the Aristarchus Plateau. If you do have visual aids, binoculars will help you see the Grimaldi Basin, Apennine Mountains, and the Mare Humorum, and a telescope will bring the Apollo 14 landing spot, Schiller Crater, and Rima Ariadaeus into view.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will be on Feb. 1. The last full moon was on Jan. 3.

What are Moon phases?

NASA explains that the Moon takes about 29.5 days to complete a full orbit, a period known as the lunar cycle. As it moves around Earth, the Moon goes through a series of distinct phases. While the same side of the Moon always faces our planet, the sunlight hitting it changes depending on its position in orbit. This is why the Moon can appear fully lit, partially lit, or completely dark at different times. The lunar cycle includes eight main 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.

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 9, 2026

Thu, 01/08/2026 - 22:00

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you're good with direction.

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

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

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

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

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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.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for January 9, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Same-colored

  • Green: A pickle

  • Blue: Famous musicians

  • Purple: Found on a compass

Here are today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Things that are red

  • Green: Used in metaphors for precarious situations

  • Blue: Musical artists minus starting numbers

  • Purple: Cardinal directions with first letter changed

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 #943 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Things that are red: 3 BALL, CARDINAL, HEART EMOJI, SOLO CUP

  • Used in metaphors for precarious situations: 8 BALL, DEEP END, LIMB, THIN ICE

  • Musical artists minus starting numbers: 6 MAFIA, CHAINZ, DIRECTION, NON BLONDES

  • Cardinal directions with first letter changed: COUTH, FORTH, LEST, OAST

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for January 9, 2026

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 January 9, 2026

Thu, 01/08/2026 - 22:00

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you love wildlife.

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.

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for January 9, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 9, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: For cubs fans

The words are related to animals.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe large, furry mammals.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Bears in Mind.

NYT Strands word list for January 9
  • Polar

  • Grizzly

  • Panda

  • Black

  • Brown

  • Spectacled

  • Bears in Mind

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 January 9, 2026

Thu, 01/08/2026 - 22:00

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you have a lucky number.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 9, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for January 9, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Before nine.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter E.

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

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

EIGHT

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for January 9, 2026

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.

The Pitt Season 2: Everything you need to remember from Season 1

Thu, 01/08/2026 - 22:00

What a year it's been for The Pitt! The new HBO Max series, starring and produced by ER alum Noah Wyle, not only became a hit with critics and audiences, but also scored five Emmy wins, two Golden Globe nominations, and three Critics Choice Awards. And now this top-notch hospital drama series is back with Season 2.

Judging by HBO Max's "Top 10 Series Today" ranking on their app, lots of fans have been rewatching Season 1 in anticipation for the second season. The Pitt's been near number two all week, topped only by the internet's newest obsession Heated Rivalry.

Credit: HBO Max

But in case you don't have the time (or emotional bandwidth) to revisit all 15 Season 1 episodes of The Pitt, we're recapping everything you need to know.

How long has passed between Season 1 and Season 2 of The Pitt?

About 10 months has passed between seasons, with Season 2 taking place on July 4. Like last season, each episode of The Pitt Season 2 will be one hour in a day shift at the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center. This Independence Day setting means that on top of the everyday emergencies coming into the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center, you can also expect fireworks-related mishaps and other summer heat shenanigans.

But fret not! Attending physician Dr. Robby (Wyle) is working the day shift. He's re-teaming with a bunch of familiar faces from Season 1, including doctors Samira Mohan (Supriya Ganesh), Cassie McKay (Fiona Dourif), Mel King (Taylor Dearden), Trinity Santos (Isa Briones), and Dennis "Huckleberry" Whitaker (Gerran Howell), and student doctor Victoria "Crash" Javadi (Shabana Azeez). And their ability to pull together in the face of a crisis has been so satisfying in a world gone mad that The Pitt fans have described the show "competency porn."

Where's Dr. Collins? Noah Wyle and Tracy Ifeachor lean on each other in "The Pitt," Season 1. Credit: John Johnson / HBO

In Season 1, Tracy Ifeachor played Dr. Heather Collins, a former flame of Dr. Robby's who suffered a miscarriage during her shift. From there, she understandably clocked out early, missing the flood of patients coming for the PittFest massacre. And she won't be seen in Season 2, as Deadline reported last July that Ifeachor would not be returning.

Does Dana come back? Katherine LaNasa as Dana in "The Pitt," Season 2. Credit: Warrick Page / HBO Max

Yes! Last season the charge nurse (Katherine LaNasa) with a heart of a gold and Yinzer accent threatened to quit her job after being attacked by a furious patient. Thankfully, Dana is back.

LeNasa won an Emmy and a Critics' Choice Award for her riveting performance in Season 1, so showrunner R. Scott Gemmill would be mad to write her off. And her return is good news for The Pitt, its fans, and Dr. Robby, who is the heart of the show, but also ever on the verge of bursting. Strong yet sensitive, sometimes raging but always resilient, it's impossible to imagine this place, or this show, without Dana.

Where has Dr. Langdon been? Brandon Mendez Homer and Patrick Ball in "The Pitt," Season 2. Credit: Warrick Page / HBO Max

In Season 2's premiere, The Pitt fans will see Dr. Langdon (Patrick Ball) return after some time away, as demanded by his behavior in Season 1.

At the start of that shift, Langdon was a respected (albeit arrogant) senior resident, entrusted to introduce second-year resident Mel King to the ways of The Pitt. However, as the shift goes on, he blows up at wannabe maverick Santos, sparking a lecture from Dr. Robby. Then, Santos shares her suspicions that Langdon is stealing benzodiazepines. When Robby confirms this, he is furious and sends Langdon home. However, when Langdon hears about the shooting at PittFest, he returns to help however he can. Robby reluctantly allowed it.

Now in Season 2, he's back and not the cocky bastard we remember. With a sheepish demeanor, in episode 1, Langdon returns from 10 months of "rehab and counseling." Some of the nurses welcome him warmly, while Mel is so elated she almost hugs him in front of everyone. But Robby is less enthused, relegating the returning resident to triage and otherwise trying to avoid him.

Santos is still calling Javadi "Crash"? Shabana Azeez, Isa Briones, Gerran Howell, and Noah Wyle in "The Pitt," Season 2. Credit: Warrick Page / HBO Max

Yep. Within hours of meeting each other in Season 1, Santos had saddled her fellow student doctors with unwanted nicknames. Whitaker was mocked for being a farm boy with "Huckleberry," and Javadi was dubbed "Crash" for passing out during a particularly grisly medical moment. But by the end of Season 1, Javadi proved herself by making it through one hell of a first day, considering the PittFest carnage. She went out for drinks with coworkers in the park (don't tell her mom!) while Santos showed her softer side to Whitaker.

After being a jagoff to her peers all day, she discovered that Whitaker was unhoused and squatting in a closed section of the hospital. She offered him a room at her apartment for free. This was the most kind thing we'd seen her do yet, so there was the possibility Santos would be less of a bully in Season 2. But while Langdon is showing a newfound humility in this season, Santos is as cocky and cavalierly insulting as ever. She's still hyping herself up in front of superiors and undercutting her colleagues with snarky humor and antagonistic monikers. But even in this first episode, we're getting a better idea of why she's so determined to let no one get close.

Wait, where is Dr. Robby going? Noah Wyle as Dr. Robby in "The Pitt." Credit: Warrick Page / HBO Max

Instead of walking to work, as we saw at the start of last season, Dr. Robby rides a motorcycle to the ER. Last season, Dr. Jack Abbott (Shawn Hatosy) did recommend to his stressed friend that a hobby might help him cope with hard days at the hospital. So, the three-month sabbatical Robby promises he's starting at the end of this shift will be a long-distance motorcyle ride far beyond Pittsburgh's iconic yellow bridges to Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.

"It's an aboriginal UNESCO World Heritage Site in Alberta," Robby tells Langdon. "I've never seen the Badlands."

According to Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump's website, it's a place "that preserves and interprets over 6,000 years of Plains Buffalo culture. Through vast landscapes, exhibits, and diverse programming, learn about the cultural significance of this cliff to the Plains People."

So was Langdon right when he called this trip a "spirit quest?" We'll see.

Who is Louie? Gerran Howell, Lucas Iverson, and Ernest Harden Jr. in "The Pitt." Credit: Warrick Page / HBO Max

While most of the returning cast from The Pitt's first season plays doctors, nurses, or other hospital staff, Ernest Harden Jr. played the lovable alcoholic Louie Cloverfield. Like Earl (Hansford Prince), who liked sandwiches but not egg salad, and Myrna (Jeanette Tondino O'Connor), who liked calling Dr. Robby "fruitcake," Louie is a bit of a regular around this ER. Like Norm from Cheers, except everyone keeps telling him to drink less.

In Season 1, Louie came to the ER twice in 24 hours with issues related to his heavy drinking. Langdon had prescribed him "benzos" to ease alcohol withdrawal, but pocketed several of the pills for his own use. In this new episode for Season 2, the pair are reunited, as Louie comes in with a swollen belly and an infected tooth. Langdon takes the opportunity to come clean, offering a sincere and unvarnished apology. While Louis is shocked, he offers forgiveness. And as was true last time, he may be suffering from his symptoms, but he's a ray of sunshine to all who cross his path.

The Pitt Season 2 premieres Jan. 8 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO Max, with new episodes each Thursday.

CES 2026: Would you spend $9K on this OLED smart purse?

Thu, 01/08/2026 - 21:47

There are plenty of things with screens in them that don’t need screens, and now you can add handbags to that list. Created by Richard Peuty, Infinity is a high-end French purse that embeds an OLED display directly into its leather body, turning what is traditionally a static fashion accessory into a glowing, animated statement piece. I saw it up close at CES, where it immediately stood out as one of the show’s more delightfully unnecessary ideas.

SEE ALSO: The weirdest, wildest tech we saw at CES 2026

While the Infinity's entry-level Kickstarter tiers start at around $800, the top-end Atelier Edition surpasses $9,000, placing it firmly in the luxury handbag category. That highest tier is less about value and more about exclusivity, with limited production and hand-assembly in France. Such craftsmanship is where Infinity clearly wants to justify itself. The bag is made from full-grain leather sourced and assembled in Europe, with an emphasis on longevity and repairability rather than fast fashion. Peuty positions the OLED panel as something that allows the bag to evolve over time, rather than be replaced, adapting to trends digitally while the physical object remains the same.

Visually, Infinity appears to be a structured, high-end leather handbag at first glance. The OLED panel is flush with the front, framed by clean stitching and metal hardware, so the tech doesn’t overpower the design.

The display can be changed on your phone through the Infinity app. Credit: Chance Townsend / Mashable

The OLED panel sits beneath a textured protective layer designed to feel like leather rather than glass, so you never feel as though you’re touching a screen. The bag supports wireless charging, offers six to eight hours of continuous display time, and connects over Bluetooth Low Energy. The idea is that the technology disappears until you want it, leaving the craftsmanship to do most of the talking.

It’s undeniably a little ridiculous, but it’s also very intentional. It’s aiming at buyers who already spend thousands on handbags and want something no one else at dinner has.

Its playoffs time — how to watch every NFL game this postseason

Thu, 01/08/2026 - 19:28
Streaming deals to watch the NFL playoffs in 2026, at a glance: Prime Video $8.99 per month (save $6 compared to full Prime membership) Get Deal Fox One + ESPN Unlimited bundle $39.99 per month (save $9.99 per month) Get Deal Peacock Premium annual plan $109.99 per year (save $21.89) Get Deal Paramount+ Essential annual plan $59.99 per year (until Jan. 15) (save $35.89) Get Deal YouTube TV 21-day free trial, then $59.99 per month for 2 months (save $23 per month) Get Deal

The most unhinged part of the NFL season is here. That's right — it's playoffs time, baby.

Whether your team is in or out, you're probably wondering what kind of streaming madness the NFL has in store for this postseason. The good news is there are no more out of market games to confuse and frustrate viewers. The bad news is if you don't have cable (or a cable replacement), you're going to need a bunch of streaming services. Fear not; I've done the annoying research for you already. It's better than wallowing in self pity because my team didn't make the playoffs (I'm a Ravens fan — IYKYK).

Here are all the details you need to watch the NFL playoffs in 2026, including the tentative schedule, which streaming services you need, which ones offer free trials, and the best streaming deals to save you some money.

What is the 2026 NFL postseason schedule?Wild Card Round

Saturday, Jan. 10

  • Rams at Panthers at 4:30 p.m. ET — Fox (stream on Fox One)

  • Packers at Bears at 8 p.m. ET — Prime Video

Sunday, Jan. 11

  • Bills at Jaguars at 1 p.m. ET — CBS (stream on Paramount+)

  • 49ers at Eagles at 4:30 p.m. ET  — Fox (stream on Fox One)

  • Chargers at Patriots at 8 p.m. ET — NBC (stream on Peacock)

Monday, Jan. 12

  • Texans at Steelers at 8 p.m. ET — ESPN / ABC (stream on ESPN Unlimited)

Divisional Round

The Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos are the No. 1 seeds in their respective divisions, so they earned a first-round bye. In the Divisional Round, the lowest seed remaining in the AFC after the Wild Card weekend will play Denver for a spot in the AFC Championship. The lowest remaining seed in the NFC will face off against Seattle for a spot in the NFC Championship. These games are TBD, but will fall on Jan. 17 and 18.

Saturday, Jan. 17

  • AFC or NFC divisional matchup, 4:30 p.m. ET — TBD

  • AFC or NFC divisional matchup, 8 p.m. ET — TBD

Sunday, Jan. 18

  • AFC or NFC divisional matchup, 3 p.m. ET — TBD

  • AFC or NFC divisional matchup, 6:30 p.m. ET — TBD

Championship Round

Sunday, Jan. 25

  • AFC Championship at 3:00 p.m. ET — CBS (stream on Paramount+)

  • NFC Championship at 6:30 p.m. ET — Fox (stream on Fox One)

Super Bowl

Sunday, Feb. 8

  • 2026 Super Bowl at 6:30 p.m. ET — NBC (stream on Peacock)

Which streaming services do you need?

If you don't have cable or a digital antenna (more on this below), you'll need quite a few streaming subscriptions to watch the playoffs. It should come as no surprise, considering how many different channels and subscriptions were required to watch the regular season. The good news is you can easily sign up for a single month of each service and then cancel if you don't want to keep paying. Plus, some even offer free trials.

You'll need Fox, NBC, CBS, and ESPN/ABC networks to watch every postseason game, plus Prime Video. Fortunately, all of these channels have streaming counterparts for folks without cable.

For the NFL 2026 playoffs, you'll need the following streaming services:

Another option, albeit an expensive one, is to sign up for a live TV cable replacement service, like YouTube TV or Fubo, which includes all of the networks you'll need to watch live games (except Prime Video). The monthly cost for these services is higher than paying for all five of the streamers above, but most come with free trials. If you've never signed up for YouTube TV before, for example, you'll get a 21-day free trial. That gets you all the way through the Championship Round. You'd still need to pay separately for a Prime Video subscription for a wildcard game, but this is your best bet to watch the most games for the cheapest price.

Live TV cable replacement options:

Which streaming services offer free trials?

Of the streaming services and cable replacement options above, here's a breakdown of which ones offer free trials and how long those trials last. Just remember, these trials are only available to new users in most cases (and sometimes returning users).

Are there any streaming deals for the NFL playoffs?

If you've already exhausted most of the free trial options, fret not. There are some options to save money on select streaming services in time for the playoffs. We've rounded up the best streaming deals for each service below.

Fox One streaming deals

Fox One and ESPN bundle

Opens in a new window Credit: ESPN / Fox One Fox One and ESPN Unlimited bundle $39.99/month (save $9.99/month) Get Deal

Save $10 and kill two birds with one stone by signing up for the ESPN Unlimited and Fox One bundle. You'll get both streamers for just $39.99 per month (rather than $49.98), which will unlock access to three games in the wild card round, likely a game or two in the divisional round, as well as the NFC championship game.

Fox One annual plan

Opens in a new window Credit: Fox One Fox One annual plan $199.99/year (save $39.89) Get Deal

Another way to save on Fox One is by signing up for the entire year upfront for $199.99. Paying monthly adds up to $239.88 across 12 months, so you'll end up saving nearly $40 with an annual plan.

Prime Video streaming deals

Prime Video only

Opens in a new window Credit: Prime Video Prime Video only $8.99/month (save $6/month compared to Prime subscription) Get Deal

If you don't care about being a Prime member, you can save yourself $6 per month by signing up for Prime Video only. You won't get the perks of being a member (like free shipping and Prime Day access), but if you only want to stream sports and other content, this is your best bet.

Of course, Amazon makes it unnecessarily complicated to sign up for Prime Video on its own. When you go to sign up for a subscription, be sure to select the option to "see more plans" or "change plans." Then, navigate to the option for Prime Video on its own. You can still cancel whenever you want, just as you would a full Prime membership.

More Prime Video deals:

Peacock streaming deals

Peacock annual subscription

Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock annual subscription $109.99/year (save $21.89) Get Deal

The best Peacock deal for most people on any given day (when Peacock isn't running any sort of special) is the annual subscription plan. You'll get 12 months for the price of 10 when you pay upfront for the whole year. While a monthly subscription with ads usually costs $10.99 per month, that price drops to $9.17 per month with the annual plan. Live sports include ads regardless of which tier you choose, so you might as well opt for the cheaper Peacock Premium plan for the playoffs. A Peacock subscription grants you access to not only a game during wild card weekend, but also the Super Bowl itself.

More Peacock deals:

Paramount+ streaming deals

Paramount+ Essential annual subscription

Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ Paramount+ Essential annual subscription $59.99/year (save $35.89) Get Deal

Paramount+ is still one of the cheapest streaming services at just $7.99 per month with ads, but the price is about to jump to $8.99 per month come Jan. 15. In order to lock in a deal, we suggest signing up for the annual subscription before that price hike takes place. You'll get an entire year of streaming for only $59.99, which breaks down to just $5 per month. You'll get access to a few different playoff games, including the AFC Championship game, as well as in-network AFC games throughout the regular season.

More Paramount+ deals:

ESPN Unlimited streaming deals

See Fox One bundle above.

ESPN Unlimited annual subscription

Opens in a new window Credit: ESPN ESPN Unlimited annual subscription $299.99/year (save $59.89) Get Deal

If you're a huge sports fan, you can save about $60 by signing up for a full year of ESPN Unlimited instead of paying monthly. It'll cost you $299.99 in total, which breaks down to only $24.99 per month instead of $29.99.

Another way to watch the NFL playoffs

Want to avoid signing up for a million streaming services just to watch the playoffs? I highly recommend getting a digital antenna. I have this cheap one from Amazon, and I'm able to access ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox live for free — no streaming subscription required. Just be sure to check how far the range is for whichever antenna you choose, as well as how far you are from your local broadcast towers. If you're in that range, you should be able to watch live TV for free. Of course, you'll still need that pesky Prime Video subscription, but for the other networks, you're golden.

Fix your PDF headaches with this all-in-one editor, now $24 for life

Thu, 01/08/2026 - 18:00

TL;DR: Make nice with PDFs forever thanks to this lifetime license to PDF Converter and Editor for just $23.99 (reg. $99.99) with code CONVERT until Jan. 11.

Opens in a new window Credit: Acethinker PDF Converter & Editor: Lifetime License $23.99
$99.99 Save $76   Get Deal

Tired of constantly running into problems with PDFs? There’s now an app ready to help — PDF Converter and Editor. This app provides everything you need to deal with PDFs in just a few taps.

Right now, you can secure a lifetime subscription to PDF Converter and Editor for just $23.99 (reg. $99.99) with code CONVERT until Jan. 11.

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Fans think mysterious countdown on Amazons website teases a Fallout 3 remaster

Thu, 01/08/2026 - 14:34

Prime Video's hit Fallout TV series is now driving speculation about the future of the Fallout video game series.

As spotted by PC Gamer and other outlets, the home page for the Fallout show on Amazon's website features an intriguing Easter egg that has piqued the interest of fans of the games. It's done up in the style of the in-game maps in the last few Fallout games, with each icon hiding behind-the-scenes info about the second season of the show. If you scroll to the upper right corner of the map, there's a mysterious countdown timer that ends on Feb. 4, the day that the final episode of Season 2 airs. Of course, everyone is wondering what will happen when that timer expires.

SEE ALSO: 'Fallout' Season 2 review: Our introduction to New Vegas is a blast, and more relevant than ever

Occam's razor suggests it will either be a tease for the already confirmed Season 3 of the Amazon show or a behind-the-scenes featurette on the finale of Season 2.

However, it's been a decade since the last proper Fallout game came out, so fans of the games are speculating on Reddit and elsewhere that there could be a remaster of 2008's Fallout 3 and/or 2010's Fallout: New Vegas in the works, to be announced when the timer goes up.

SEE ALSO: 'Fallout' Season 2, episode 1 includes an iconic 'New Vegas' needle drop

While that may seem like wishful thinking by fans who have been dying to return to post-apocalyptic America in video game form, there is a tiny bit of hope here. Leaked documents suggested the existence of a Fallout 3 remaster a couple of years ago, and those same documents proved correct regarding an Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion remaster that was eventually released in 2025.

Additionally, Windows Central reported this week that remasters of Fallout 3 and New Vegas will eventually be released, but the Amazon countdown timer has no connection to these releases.

So, in short, fans may be half-right. Those two games could definitely come back in some form in the near-ish future, but this countdown timer may have nothing to do with that. It's only a few weeks until someone is proven right or wrong, in any case.

CES 2026: We tried an AI supercomputer that fit in our pocket. Meet Tiiny AI.

Thu, 01/08/2026 - 14:02

Unsurprisingly, AI is everywhere at CES 2026 and they usually come in the form of wearables.

However, AI PCs, computers built to handle all types of Large Language Models (LLMs) are also having a moment at CES.

One of those products making its debut at CES, the Tiiny AI Pocket Lab, has created a portable AI supercomputer that's not quite a wearable, but its so tiny that you can fit it in your pocket.

Tiiny AI Pocket Lab Credit: Mashable

Tiiny AI's AI supercomputer, called the Tiiny AI Pocket Lab or Tiiny for short, was first shown to media at the Pepcom event at CES this week. Mashable was able to get a hands-on and try out Tiiny's capabilities and also observe just how tiny it is.

SEE ALSO: CES 2026 live updates: See the latest news, surprises, and strange tech from LG, Samsung, Lego, and new startups

The first thing we noticed at the Tiiny AI booth was its Guinness World Records certificate naming the Tiiny AI Pocket Lab the official "world's smallest mini PC."

Tiiny AI booth at CES Credit: Mashable

At first glance, Tiiny AI could be confused for a portable power bank. It's rectangular in shape and looks a bit brick-like. It's so small that it fits in the palm of your hand. It's also extremely light.

Again, we're talking about a computer here. Tiiny AI has managed to pack in a whopping 80GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage into this miniature device in order for it to actually be able to handle intensive AI processing. 

Why would you need a high-performance PC for AI? Tiiny AI does all of its AI processing right on the device. Nothing leaves this mini supercomputer. If you're privacy-minded and don't want all of your data uploaded to the cloud or just don't want to pay for any more subscriptions, an AI computer is what you want. Tiiny AI wants to provide the most portable solution.

Tiiny AI has also built a corresponding desktop app to work with Tiiny so you don't have to be an AI developer or programmer to know how to run AI models on your device. Tiiny's app provides simple use for dozens of different models, including generative AI models that create images and video.

Tiiny AI is no bigger than a power bank Credit: Mashable

Testing out the Tiiny AI Pocket Lab's capabilities, it responded to prompts quite quickly and generated content just as fast, if not faster, than many popular cloud AI services. The Tiiny device I used had been running throughout the day and, surprisingly, it wasn't hot at all. It wasn't even that warm. This is interesting because a common feature for full-sized AI PCs is the ability to handle the high temperatures these computers can reach due to the intrusive AI processing. For a mini computer to be able to pull this off is pretty impressive. 

The Tiiny AI Pocket Lab will be launched on Kickstarter within the next few months and will retail for $1,399 – pricey for a mini-computer, but in the more affordable range when it comes to AI computers. 

Grab Nothings CMF Watch 3 Pro for its near-lowest price yet

Thu, 01/08/2026 - 12:51

SAVE $37.40: As of Jan. 8, get the Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro for $61.60 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $99. That's a discount of 38%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro $61.60 at Amazon
$99 Save $37.40   Get Deal

When it comes to smartwatches, there are tons you can choose from. But have you ever considered adopting one from Nothing's product line? If not, and a smartwatch under $100 sounds like a good idea, we've got a great deal for you.

As of Jan. 8, get the Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro for $61.60 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $99. That's $37.40 off and a discount of 38%.

SEE ALSO: My favorite smartwatch for working out is on a major discount ahead of 2026

This watch is an absolute gem, and according to Mashable's Lauren Allain's review, it "looks, feels, and functions like a smartwatch that costs hundreds more." Its long-lasting battery gives you two weeks of use per charge, it has a slew of health tracking and fitness features, and it gives you the same array of options you'd get in a much pricier smartwatch.

The health features include heart rate monitoring, a blood oxygen function, stress tracking, and much more. There's also a GPS functionality if you want to keep an eye on your runs (or your locations) and ways to text and keep in touch with everyone while on the go.

Best of all, this watch is available for less than $100 with all of these niceties intact. It's made even cheaper thanks to the Amazon deal, but even at its normal price it's a stunner that's a great idea for any type of user. If you want some new wrist candy, getting it at its next-to-lowest price yet is a no-brainer.

I found the headphones Ilya Rozanov wears in "Heated Rivalry" and theyre on sale at Amazon for $100 off

Thu, 01/08/2026 - 12:45

SAVE $100: The Marshall Monitor III headphones are on sale at Amazon for $279.99, down from the list price of $379.99. That's a 26% discount that matches the record-low at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Marshall Marshall Monitor III headphone $279.99 at Amazon
$379.99 Save $100   Get Deal

We're living at the cottage from now on. It's the safest and most comfortable place we've ever been. Plus, the burgers are great and there's that "stupid Canadian wolf bird" to lull us to sleep. Without a doubt, Heated Rivalry has been one of the most popular shows to drop in the last decade. While most of the official merch is sold out and we're still waiting to hear if Team Canada will grace us with Shane's Olympic fleece, there is one way to get a piece of the show in your own hands, and it's on sale today.

As of Jan. 8, the Marshall Monitor III headphones are on sale for $279.99 at Amazon, down from the list price of $379.99. That works out to a savings of $100 thanks to a 26% discount that matches. Today's sale price matches the record-low at Amazon.

Ilya Rozanov, played by Connor Storrie, sports the Marshall Monitor III headphones in several episodes of Heated Rivalry, and notably wears them as he slyly leaves the airport, heading to the cottage in the final episode of season one. And some of the specs are spot-on for Ilya's character.

SEE ALSO: All 6 of the books that inspired "Heated Rivalry" are over half off at Amazon

For one, these Marshall headphones get up to 100 hours of battery life, which seems very Ilya to not be willing to deal with constant recharging. If you opt to listen with the ANC, you'll be able to get about 70 hours of life. They're also lightweight and have a compact, foldable design which must have been nice while traveling to the away games and back home to Russia. The carrying case is also great to have included.

Of course, the Marshall Monitor III headphones come with the brand's iconic high-quality sound. They use Marshall's Dynamic Loudness feature which adjusts the treble, base, and mids at every volume.

Tune into the show's soundtrack or rewatch the whole season again (we don't judge) with Ilya's Marshall Monitor III headphones while they're on sale for $100 off at Amazon. And remember, we all deserve sunshine.

Heated Rivalry star Connor Storrie embraces childhood YouTube videos as self-acceptance

Thu, 01/08/2026 - 12:20

In today's fame economy, visibility comes with excavation. Right now, no one understands that more than the stars of Heated Rivalry.

When someone breaks out the way Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams have after Heated Rivalry, fans don't just follow their work — they scroll backward, digging through old usernames, forgotten uploads, and half-formed versions of the person they've just discovered. The internet, after all, never forgets. It just waits.

For Storrie, that excavation led straight to YouTube. A channel he launched a decade ago, when he was just 12 years old and growing up in Odessa, Texas, resurfaced online in the wake of Heated Rivalry's overnight phenomenon. Back then, the motivation was simple: he wanted to be an actor. The videos were earnest and unmistakably the product of a kid trying something out in public.

SEE ALSO: 'Heated Rivalry's Hudson Williams teases Season 2, explains 'c*ck sock' to Fallon

In a new interview with People, Storrie reflected on what it's been like to watch those childhood videos resurface and go viral. "It's weird to see them going viral," he said, explaining that he initially considered taking them down.

A fan even offered to help remove them through a contact at YouTube, and Storrie went through the process. But instead of relief, he felt something closer to resistance. "Honestly, it felt like the end of a sort of self-acceptance ritual," he said.

Rather than erasing them, Storrie chose to leave the videos up. "It felt cool to be like, 'Yep, that was me. And this is me now,'" he explained, framing the decision not as a branding move but as an act of acceptance.

That acceptance has come with time. In a Dec. 26 interview with Variety, Storrie spoke more candidly about his younger self. "I love that little guy. I love him. I used to not like him," he said.

SEE ALSO: 'Heated Rivalry' fans, we've got your next must-see MLM romance

Growing up as "this artist, sissy boy in West Texas that didn't want to play football," Storrie found refuge in imagination instead. "I wanted to play pretend and play dress up and disappear into weird worlds and entertain and try to connect with people that way, and that was just not the norm out there."

If he could offer that young YouTuber any advice now, it wouldn't be to shrink himself. Instead, it would be the opposite. Storrie said he’d tell him to be bigger, bolder, and more proactive in creating his own opportunities instead of waiting to be chosen. "Try putting yourself in your own things," he said.

While announcing the nominations for the 32nd Annual Actor Awards (formerly known as the SAG Awards) on YouTube, Storrie paid quiet homage to his younger self, introducing himself the same way he had more than a decade ago. The delivery was intentional, the smile playful.

As digital footprints are increasingly treated as liabilities, Storrie's response offers a gentler model: not hiding where you started, but standing by it.

Psst: You can still get 3 months of Audible Premium Plus for 99 cents per month

Thu, 01/08/2026 - 12:20

SAVE $41.88: Through Jan. 21, new and select returning subscribers can still score three months of Audible Premium Plus for just 99 cents per month (a grand total of $2.97). Typically $14.95 per month, that's a total savings of over $40.

Opens in a new window Credit: Audible Audible Premium Plus $0.99/month for your first three months (save $13.96/month) Get Deal

If you've ever been the least bit curious about audiobooks, Audible's holiday offer — which is still live for the next couple of weeks — lets you explore that curiosity for less than 3 bucks.

Through Jan. 21, new and select returning subscribers can get three months of Audible Premium Plus for only 99 cents per month for a grand total of $2.97. A Premium Plus subscription usually costs $14.95 per month, so you'll be saving a total of $41.88. Of course, you'll want to be sure to cancel before your three-month promotional period is up to avoid further charges. I suggest setting a calendar alert once you sign up.

I always take advantage of this deal when I'm eligible — so, of course I snapped it up in December. While I am a huge fan of Libby (free with your library card), the wait times for new books can be a drag. Audible's Premium Plus membership allows you to "buy" whatever Premium title you want with zero waiting involved. That means you can easily enjoy 2026 releases, last year's Goodreads favorites, BookTok gems, and more on your own time.

While all Audible subscribers get access to the Plus catalog, which features thousands of audiobooks, podcasts, originals, and more, Premium Plus members also unlock access to the Premium selection. You'll get a credit each month to "buy" one of these Premium titles. So, with this three-month promotional offer, you'll essentially get to "buy" three different audiobooks, plus enjoy other Plus titles and Audible Originals. Occasionally, Audible will also run a 2-for-1 credit sale, where you can purchase two different audiobooks with a single credit.

Whichever way you slice it, three months of audiobooks for less than 3 bucks is a pretty damn good deal. Just be sure to sign up by Jan. 21 to lock it down.

Get this Levoit 2.5L Top Fill Humidifier for its lowest price ever at Amazon and save your dry winter skin

Thu, 01/08/2026 - 12:10

SAVE $12.03: As of Jan. 8, save $12.03 on the Levoit 2.5L Top Fill Humidifier. It's now 30% off bringing it down to $27.96. That's the humidifier's lowest price ever.

Opens in a new window Credit: Levoit Levoit 2.5L Top Fill Humidifier $27.96 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $12.03   Get Deal

I'm known as the product girl in my friend group. That means I'm always down to give a product recommendation, but it also means friends come to me with their own recs. That's what happened when I walked into my friend's apartment and she said, "Oh, I have something for you to write about." That something? The Levoit 2.5L Top Fill Humidifier. Little did my friend know, I was already a fan, as this humidifier has saved my parched skin during brutal dry winters. And right now, the Levoit humidifier is on sale.

As of Jan. 8, get the Levoit 2.5L Top Fill Humidifier for $27.96 and save $12.03. That's 30% off its $39.99 list price and according to Camelcamelcamel, its lowest price ever.

The Levoit 2.5L Top Fill Humidifier is a small but mighty device. Despite holding 2.5L of water at once, it's still a fairly compact humidifier; I can easily fit it on my nightstand along with a lamp, alarm clock, and all my other knick knacks. When filled to the brim, the humidifier runs for hours — up to 25 hours to be exact. But even just halfway filled, gives you plenty of hours of runtime. I can fill it up halfway, crank it up to max power when I get into bed at 10 pm, and when I wake up at 6 am, it's still running.

It can handle large rooms and delivers cool mist quiet, providing much needed humidity for skin and sinuses in the dry winter climate. The controls are unfussy, a simple, easy to use knob to adjust the mist flow. Plus, I find that it's easy to clean with not too many nooks and crannies for mold and mildew to hide in.

Get the Levoit 2.5L Top Fill Humidifier for just $27.96 at Amazon and secure it for its lowest price ever.

Upgrade your setup with the Samsung Odyssey G8 QD-OLED gaming monitor for its lowest price yet

Thu, 01/08/2026 - 12:03

SAVE $530: As of Jan. 8, get the Samsung Odyssey G8 QD-OLED gaming monitor for $769.99 at Woot, down from its usual price of $1,299.99. That's a discount of 41%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Woot Samsung Odyssey G8 QD-OLED gaming monitor $769.99 at Woot
$1,299.99 Save $530   Get Deal

The new year is finally here, and that means it's the perfect time to try out some new equipment, whether that means a new computer setup entirely or just some peripherals. If you're a gamer, you might want to give a gaming monitor a spin since there are so many excellent titles out right now. We've found one that you can score some significant savings on right now.

As of Jan. 8, get the Samsung Odyssey G8 QD-OLED gaming monitor for $769.99 at Woot, down from its usual price of $1,299.99. That's $530 off and a discount of 41%.

SEE ALSO: CES 2026 live updates: See the latest news, surprises, and strange tech from LG, Samsung, Lego, and new startups

This slimline Samsung monitor boats 32 inches of screen real estate that anyone can appreciate sitting atop their desk. It offers bright, crisp colors and deeper shades of black, with a QD-OLED panel and glare-free tech to improve the way your games and other content looks.

With a 240Hz refresh rate and a 0.03ms response time, it's responsive and quick enough to get you together in terms of screen quality for all those fast, twitch-centric games you might be playing. It also has support for both AMD FreeSync Premium Pro as well as NVIDIA G-Sync.

It's the perfect option for peak performance, the kind you absolutely want out of a gaming monitor, and it's the lowest price it's been right now thanks to Woot. If you want to claim yours, be sure to do it quickly so you can snag one of the best deals we've seen on this particular model.

South Park drops into Fortnite on Jan. 9 with Quints, Cartmanland, and more

Thu, 01/08/2026 - 12:01

After spending 2025 satirizing President Donald Trump's administration, South Park kicks off 2026 with a new chapter: a Fortnite collab.

Launching Friday, Jan. 9, and running until Thursday, Feb. 5, Fortnite's South Park: Born in Chaos crossover event ushers in a whole host of new features. Players can don Cartman, Kyle, Stan, Kenny, and Butters mech suit outfits in Fortnite's shop. (Meaning, yes, you can kill Kenny over and over again.) They can also explore a new Point of Interest in Cartman's own personal theme park, Cartmanland.

SEE ALSO: 'South Park' closes Season 28 with a horrifying Jeffrey Epstein twist

In a major development, the South Park crossover introduces Quints, a five-player playlist that lets you add a new member to your squad. That's great news for South Park's Butters, who, in the collab's announcement video, finally gets to play Fortnite with his buddies instead of remain stuck as the fifth wheel.

The event also includes several South Park-themed gameplay items. Cheesy Poofs allow you to restore health, heal allies, or damage enemies, while the one-time use Kenny's Respawn Token lets you reboot automatically after elimination. Plus, if you retrieve the single-use Stick of Truth (from the 2014 video game South Park: The Stick of Truth), you'll be able to control where the Storm goes.

For even more South Park goodies, players can get the free Born in Chaos pass and complete South Park-themed quests to unlock 13 items, like the Cheesy Poofs Rocketship Emote, and a Terrance and Phillip Pickaxe. If you complete all of the quests, you'll earn the Imaginationland Airship Glider.

Towelie will also be available as a sidekick, and you know what they say: If you choose to embark on Fortnite's chaotic new South Park journey, don't forget to bring a towel.

JBLs Endurance Peak 3 earbuds are down to a record-low $60

Thu, 01/08/2026 - 11:48

SAVE $40: As of Jan. 8, the JBL Endurance Peak 3 earbuds are on sale for just $59.95 at Amazon. At 40% off their list price, they're down to their best price on record.

Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Endurance Peak 3 earbuds $59.95 at Amazon
$99.95 Save $40   Get Deal

Premium audio brand JBL announced a slew of new headphones and earbuds at CES 2026 — from a variety of open earbuds to new upgrades to its iconic Endurance line. Among the many new additions is the Endurance Peak 4, which means the last-generation Endurance Peak 3 just dropped in price. Don't you love how that works?

As of Jan. 8, the JBL Endurance Peak 3 earbuds are on sale for only $59.95 at Amazon. That's 40% off their list price of $99.95 and the lowest price on record. For what it's worth, the new Peak 4 earbuds (set for release this month) will retail for $129.95. That's more than double the cost of opting for the previous generation.

JBL's Endurance line is built for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, and the Peak earbuds are designed for the most demanding active lifestyles (and for anyone who just can't keep normal earbuds in their ears). The bendable TwistLock ear hook enhancer offers a secure and comfortable fit that actually stays put. I personally own the even older Peak 2s and can confirm these things do not move once they're in place. The Peak 3s also feature up to 50 hours of playback (10 in each earbud, 40 in the case), rich JBL Pure Bass Sound, and an IP68 dust and waterproof rating. Sweaty runs or dusty bike trails? No problemo.

Ambient Aware and Talk Thru modes also ensure you can stay alert to your surroundings without removing your headphones and make and hear calls anywhere. While there's no noise-cancellation feature (the Peak 4s will feature that for the first time), there doesn't really need to be. These earbuds are built for being active out in the world, where you need to stay aware.

Whether you simply can't wait for the new JBL earbuds to drop to buy a new pair or you'd rather save some cash, the JBL Endurance Peak 3s on sale for $59.95 certainly won't disappoint.

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked rumors: When it is, what well see

Thu, 01/08/2026 - 11:32

Samsung has some new phones to show off, and by all accounts, we'll see them pretty soon.

The Korean tech giant just got done showing off its vision for an AI-powered future at CES 2026, but it isn't done. Rumors are swirling around about an upcoming Unpacked showcase that will theoretically focus on at least the new Galaxy S26 phones. There's just one big question, though: When exactly is the Samsung Unpacked showcase for early 2026?

Let's dig in and find out.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold hands-on: I'm excited, but it's got quirks Samsung Unpacked 2026 rumors: When is it? This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

This question is (seemingly) pretty easy to answer because one of the more reliable tipsters in the realm of phone rumors has nailed down a supposed date for Samsung Unpacked. In this case, it's Evan Blass, who has a pretty sterling record of being right on this stuff. On X, Blass corroborated some Korean media reporting that the event would take place on Feb. 25, saying that date is "100 percent correct."

In the absence of any contradictory reporting from other sources, all we can do is assume the showcase will take place on that date or close to it right now. It's a bit odd because that's a full month after when Samsung typically does its early-year Unpacked events, but if it were happening in January this year, we probably would've heard about it by now. For the time being, let's just operate under the assumption that it's happening in late February.

Samsung Unpacked 2026 rumors: What will be shown?

The question of what will be shown at this Unpacked event is also fairly easy to answer based on precedent from previous years. In short, expect a lot of information about the Galaxy S26 phones. Just like in previous years, there will be three of them: A base Galaxy S26, a middle-ground Galaxy S26 Plus, and a premium Galaxy S26 Ultra.

Recent reports point to a pretty incremental refresh of the Galaxy S line this year, which is interesting because there were rumblings several months ago that Samsung would shake things up in 2026. The company was allegedly going to replace the Plus model with a new ultra-thin Edge phone, but Apple's success with the iPhone 17 strategy of putting pro-level features in the base phone without raising the price reportedly caused Samsung to pull back and just go with what has worked in previous years this time.

Last year's early Unpacked event was almost entirely focused on Galaxy phones and AI features for said phones, with a very brief surprise appearance by Samsung's XR headset at the end. I would expect this year's showcase to be similarly focused on Galaxy S26 phones, but the fact that the Galaxy TriFold is also set to launch in early 2026 in the United States could justify some time being given to that phone, as well. Samsung has already shown off that device in Korea and at CES, though, so maybe it gets a quicker mention with a price and release date instead of a full, blown-out debut.

At any rate, we've apparently got several weeks to sit and think about it.

Bluetti just launched four new power solutions at CES 2026 — heres how to upgrade

Thu, 01/08/2026 - 11:20

The tech world is seeing one of its most exciting weeks right now at the annual CES in Las Vegas. We've already seen fresh launches like an Acer monitor with a 1000Hz refresh rate, upgraded Soundcore sleep earbuds, and new robot vacuums, of course (spoiler: there's another grabby arm). But if you're all-eyes on portable power solutions to take camping, on RV trips, or for keeping the home online when the power goes out, Bluetti brought exciting new launches to the massive consumer electronics show.

Bluetti is a front-runner in the great world of improving battery power, making some of the industry's top models for whole-home backup and RV life. Not to mention, Bluetti is the brand if you want a colorful portable power station. But at this year's CES, Bluetti debuted four new portable power solutions. These will especially appeal to those with RVs or anyone who's live out the van life. Plus, some models are already available to purchase. Here are all the details of what Bluetti showcased at CES 2026.

Bluetti Charger 2

In an industry first, the Bluetti Charger 2 harnesses both solar power and car alternator power. Recharging via a cigarette lighter socket is notoriously slow, so Bluetti set out to change how quickly we can recharge batteries while driving. The Charger 2 system uses alternator and solar power at the same time to output up to 1,200W, which Bluetti says will recharge batteries 13 times quicker compared to traditional car outlets.

The new Bluetti Charger 2. Credit: Bluetti

This one-and-done setup will be great for RVs, vans, overlanders, and digital nomads. Plus, Bluetti made this model capable of reverse-charging. If your van or RV battery dies, the hub Charger 2 can enter an emergency jumpstart mode. It'll also ensure trickle charging is activated, never allowing your vehicle battery to drop below 100W while parked in a long-term storage situation.

You can already purchase the Bluetti Charger 2 from Amazon or Bluetti's website. It usually sells for $599 but it's on sale during its initial launch period for only $349 which is a massive 43% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Charger 2 $349 at Amazon
$599 Save $250   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Charger 2 $349 at Bluetti
$599 Save $250   Get Deal Bluetti Elite 100 V2 Bio-Based Edition

Without sacrificing durability, the Bluetti Elite 100 V2 Bio-Based Edition uses bio-circular plastics in the power station's chassis. Boiled down, this leads to a 25% reduction in carbon emissions during production. But it still maintains Bluetti's UL94 V-0 flame retardancy and a 10-year expected lifespan. The Bio-Based Edition also has a fresh colorway of Earth Deep Blue and it's labeled with a green leaf icon.

The Bio-Based version of the Bluetti Elite 100 V2 comes with the same specs and the standard version, meaning you're in for 1,024Wh of battery capacity that are excellent for camping or when the power goes out. Its weight of about 25 pounds means it's a highly portable model with four AC ports, two USB-A, and two USB-C with a max a 140W max.

You can already buy the new environmentally-friendly Bluetti Elite V2 at both Amazon and Bluetti's website. It comes with a standard list price of $799 but we're already seeing discounts on this new model.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Elite 200 V2 Bio-Based Edition $409 at Bluetti
$799 Save $390   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Elite 200 V2 Bio-Based Edition $459 at Amazon
$799 Save $340   Get Deal Bluetti Elite 300 and Elite 320

More power means a larger size. Not only do portable power stations increase in physical size with larger battery capacity, they get heavier. Bluetti says the new Elite 300 has a smaller footprint compared to other models that offer a 3000Wh capacity. That will be especially important for those taking it in the RV, camping, or in the van where extra space is in short supply. There's also a 30amp plug and a 10 millisecond UPS for an unnoticeable switch from grid power to the Bluetti Elite 300.

The Bluetti Elite 320 is a new wheeled portable power station that's designed for home backup should the power cut out. Its 3,200Wh capacity will be ideal for larger appliances like the keeping the refrigerator cooling while also using the espresso machine or a hair dryer. The wheels make this model especially ideal for homes where you'll want to take the power station from room to room.

Bluetti has yet to release launch dates or pricing details for both the Elite 300 and the Elite 320. We'll keep this page updated once we have that info.

Additional Bluetti showcases at CES 2026

In addition to these new launches, Bluetti packed some of the brand's favorites to showcase at CES. Now that we're in January, it's a great time to consider the Bluetti Pioneer Na(Sodium) portable power station which is ideal for extra cold temps. This is the model you'll want if you're going ice fishing or camping in the snow this winter. Bluetti launched the Pioneer Na(Sodium) this past September at IFA in Germany.

The Bluetti FridgePower is another great innovation which offers a slim profile to keep your refrigerator cooling in the event of a power cut. You can mount the FridgePower either vertically next to the fridge or horizontally. It offers 2,016Wh of power with a maximum pull of 1,800W.

The Bluetti FridgePower can mount horizontally above a fridge. Credit: Bluetti

No word yet on when we'll be able to purchase the Bluetti FridgePower or pricing. We'll update this page as soon as we hear more about availability.

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