Category Archives: Blog

TL;DR: Looking for an affordable Apple Watch alternative? Through Jan. 7, snag the CMax Lite Smartwatch for just $39.99 instead of $59.99 — that’s a savings of 33%.

2024 has only just started, but the time is already ticking by. Whether you’re tracking your progress on a New Year’s Resolution or just relaxing after the holidays, a smartwatch could be the companion you need this year. 

You don’t need to shell out for an Apple Watch to get a high-quality smartwatch. Instead, just grab the CMax Lite Bluetooth Smartwatch. This Apple Watch alternative is a fraction of the cost with many of the same functions, and it looks pretty great too. For just one more day, this smartwatch has also been marked down to $39.99. No coupon needed. 

Celebrate 2024 with a smartwatch

The CMax Lite Smartwatch manages to do a lot while still costing only a little. This smartwatch has fitness functions like calorie counting, a step counter, a heart monitor, and even reminds you to drink water. Just keep in mind that this watch isn’t medical equipment, so the health functions may work better as estimates. 

You can set alarms and even use it to check the weather. Don’t worry about a little rain, though. The CMax is IP67 waterproof and equipped for adventures. You might be surprised how long the 220mAh battery lasts, too. 

An Apple Watch alternative under $50

Save this year on a great way to keep the time, count your calories, track your fitness, and more. 

January 7 at 11:59 p.m. PT is the deadline to get the CMax Lite Bluetooth Smartwatch on sale for $39.99 (reg. $59.99). 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

This feels significant: Disney has officially retracted a copyright claim on a third-party’s Steamboat Willie video on YouTube.

On Thursday, Mashable reported that YouTuber and voice actor Brock Baker had uploaded a video to his channel with over 1 million subscribers which was almost immediately hit with a copyright claim from Disney.

YouTube’s message to Brock Baker regarding Disney releasing the copyright claim on his “Steamboat Willie” upload.
Credit: Brock Baker

Baker’s video featured the entirety of the 1928 Disney animated short Steamboat Willie. He had remixed the film, which stars Mickey Mouse, with his own comedic audio track playing over the nearly 8-minute cartoon, and released it under the title “Steamboat Willie (Brock’s Dub).”

After being hit with the claim, Baker’s upload became demonetized, meaning the YouTuber could not make any money off of it. The claim also blocked the ability to embed the video on third-party websites. In addition, the YouTube video was given limited visibility, including being blocked from view entirely in certain countries. 

Baker disputed the copyright claim shortly after receiving it. His case appeared strong, as Steamboat Willie entered the public domain on January 1, 2024, allowing a broad range of creative usage of the film and its contents without Disney’s permission — including for profit.

He was successful.

“Disney released their claim and it’s now embeddable and shareable worldwide,” Baker told Mashable on Friday along with a screenshot of the email alert he received from YouTube letting him know the copyright claim was released.

“Good news! After reviewing your dispute, Disney has decided to release their copyright claim on your YouTube video,” reads the YouTube email message.

As a result of Disney pulling the claim, Baker’s video is now monetizable, embeddable, and viewable worldwide.

“I’m honestly glad it took 24 hours and not 30 days, still frustrating though,” Baker told us, referencing YouTube’s policies which gave Disney an entire month to respond to his dispute to their copyright claim. “I wish I knew what goes on behind the scenes.”

There has been lots of speculation online about what exactly can be done with Steamboat Willie that won’t draw the ire of or potential lawsuit from Disney, which still holds the trademark (which is different from a copyright) for uses of the iconic Mickey Mouse character in certain contexts. According to TechDirt, other Steamboat Willie videos have also reportedly received copyright claims over the past few days.

YouTube, for its part, historically asserts that it does not mediate copyright claims. It’s up to the copyright holder to make claims via its Content ID tool, and it’s up to uploaders to dispute those claims when they believe they were incorrectly made. According to YouTube, the responsibility to release claims on content that has fallen into the public domain is with the Content ID user, who in this case is Disney.

Based on how quickly Baker’s video was flagged, Disney’s copyright claim on his upload was likely automated, drawing from YouTube’s Content ID database. Mashable has reached out to Disney for more information and will update this piece if we hear back.

But, the way this has played out will likely be genuinely helpful to those looking to create new creative works based on the newly public domain title Steamboat Willie. By releasing the YouTube copyright claim on Baker’s video, Disney has made what could be its first official public action recognizing that Steamboat Willie along with this version of Mickey Mouse is indeed public domain.

In other words, content like Baker’s is allowed, with or without Disney’s input.

UPDATE: Jan. 5, 2024, 3:30 p.m. EST This post has been updated with the latest list of Dyson vacuums and air-purifying fans still on sale after the end of Dyson’s huge holiday sale.

Best Dyson deals this week:

---

Best cordless Dyson vacuum deal

Dyson Gen5detect

$849.99 at Dyson
(save $100)

Get Deal

---

Best Dyson fan deal

Dyson Pure Hot + Cool HP07

$599.99 at Best Buy
(save $150)

Get Deal

The automated convenience of a robot vacuum is undeniably sweet, but for some, a Roomba just can’t compare to the rush or attention to detail of manual vacuuming. That’s where the iconic cyclonic suction of a Dyson comes in — and you can bring it home on a budget with this week’s deals on Dyson vacuums.

Looking for air care or hair care deals instead? We’ll keep you posted on those, too.

Our top pick

Why we like it

The more compact version of Dyson’s newest (and most powerful) line of vacuums is one of the only cordless Dysons still on sale in the first week of the 2024. (It was $200 off ahead of the holidays compared to the $100 discount now, but it’s still something.) The Gen5detect pumps out the same 262 Air Watts of suction power as the Gen5outsize but weighs almost a pound less due to a smaller dust bin. All of that extra oomph doesn’t take away from battery life — you can manage up to 70 minutes of cleaning before charging the Gen5detect Absolute.

The Gen5detect line also has whole-machine HEPA filtration and ships with two cleaning heads: the Fluffy Optic head with a laser for illuminating dust and a Digital Motorbar with automatic hair detangling.

More deals on cordless Dyson vacuums

• Dyson V11 Extra — $469.99 $599.99 (save $130)

Dyson fan deals

• Dyson Pure Cool AM11 — $324.99 $429.99 (save $105)

• Dyson Hot + Cool Jet Focus AM09 — $329.99 $469.99 (save $140)

• Dyson Pure Hot + Cool HP04 (refurbished) — $349.99 $549.99 (save $200)

• Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Gen1 HP10 — $499.99 $599.99 (save $100)

• Dyson Pure Hot + Cool HP07 — $599.99 $749.99 (save $150)

UPDATE: Jan. 5, 2024, 3:00 p.m. EST This story has been updated with the latest deals on 4K and 8K TVs in the first week of 2024.

Best 4K TV deals this week:

---

Best 55-inch TV deal

TCL 55-inch Q5 QLED TV

$299.99 at Best Buy
(save $150)

Get Deal

---

Best 65-inch TV deal

LG 65-inch 99 Series Mini-LED 8K TV

$1,499.99
(save $1,000)

Get Deal

---

Best 75-inch TV deal

LG 75-inch UQ70 4K TV

$549.99 at Best Buy
(save $200)

Get Deal

---

Best 85-inch TV deal

Samsung 85-inch Q80C QLED TV

$2,199.99 at Samsung
(save $1,100)

Get Deal

Upgrading to a 4K TV — even a QLED or OLED — no longer has to be an intimidating financial setback. High-quality TVs featuring punchy colors, decipherable shadows, and smooth transitions have become increasingly affordable for regular consumers, made even more budget-friendly by frequent sales from retailers like Best Buy, Samsung, Walmart, and Amazon.

We’ve pulled the best TV deals from across the internet as of Jan. 5. Deals are categorized by brand, then listed in order of size (smallest to largest) and price (lowest to highest).

Samsung TV deals

Why we love it

Of the handful of 85-inch Samsung TVs majorly discounted right now, we think the deal on the extra-large Q80C for more than $1,000 off is the best bang for your buck.

The Q80C is Samsung’s most advanced QLED (before meeting the Neo QLED side of the family), packing 96 precisely-lit local dimming zones for the meticulous brightness necessary for watching sports in the daylight. Also present are advanced gaming features like a 120Hz refresh rate and VRR support.

More Samsung TVs on sale

• Samsung 50-inch TU690T 4K TV — $279.99 $379.99 (save $100)

• Samsung 50-inch QN90C QLED TV — $1,199.99 $1,599.99 (save $400)

• Samsung 55-inch The Frame QLED TV — $1,119.99 $1,499.99 (save $300 plus get a free $100 Best Buy gift card)

• Samsung 55-inch QN85C QLED TV — $1,199.99 $1,499.99 (save $300)

• Samsung 55-inch QN90C QLED TV — $1,497.99 $1,997.99 (save $500)

• Samsung 55-inch S90C OLED TV — $1,599.99 $1,899.99 (save $300)

• Samsung 55-inch S95C OLED TV — $1,999.99 $2,499.99 (save $500)

• Samsung 65-inch Q60C QLED TV — $749.99 $999.99 (save $250)

• Samsung 65-inch S90C OLED TV — $1,599.99 $2,599.99 (save $1,000)

• Samsung 65-inch QN85C QLED TV — $1,499.99 $1,999.99 (save $500)

• Samsung 65-inch QN90C QLED TV — $1,599.99 $2,799.99 (save $1,200)

• Samsung 65-inch The Terrace Full Sun Outdoor QLED TV — $7,499.99 $9,999.99 (save $2,500)

• Samsung 75-inch Q80C QLED TV — $1,499.99 $2,199.99 (save $700)

• Samsung 75-inch QN85C QLED TV — $1,999.99 $2,699.99 (save $700)

• Samsung 75-inch QN90C QLED TV — $2,397.99 $2,997.99 (save $600)

• Samsung 77-inch S89C OLED TV — $1,999.99 $3,599.99 (save $1,600)

• Samsung 77-inch S90C OLED TV — $2,499.99 $3,599.99 (save $1,100)

• Samsung 85-inch CU800 4K TV — $1,199.99 $1,599.99 (save $400)

• Samsung 85-inch Q60C QLED TV — $1,599.99 $2,299.99 (save $700)

• Samsung 85-inch Q70C QLED TV — $1,799.99 $2,799.99 (save $1,000)

• Samsung 85-inch QN85C QLED TV — $2,299.99 $3,799.99 (save $1,500)

LG TV deals

Why we love it

This 2021 65-inch QNED TV is one of the few LG TVs still at their holiday sale price — and the reigning discount happens to be an impressive 40% off. QNED is a mashup of LG’s NanoCell technology and quantum dots (which amp up color depth using an extra light filter of nanoparticles) and the backlighting of mini LEDs (like regular LEDs, but smaller for extra precision).

The 99 Series of LG QNEDs also happens to be 8K instead of 4K. That doubled resolution isn’t yet necessary for most streaming content that’s available right now, but this large, ultra-bright TV is sitting at such a good price that most similarly-sized 4K models from LG won’t be cheaper.

More LG TVs on sale

• LG 42-inch C3 Series OLED TV — $899.99 $1,149.99 (save $250)

• LG 42-inch Flex bendable OLED TV — $1,996.99 $2,499.99 (save $503)

• LG 48-inch A2 OLED TV — $549.99 $1,299.99 (save $750)

• LG 65-inch B3 Series OLED TV — $1,499.99 $1,999.99 (save $500)

• LG 65-inch C3 Series OLED TV — $1,599.99 $2,099.99 (save $500)

• LG 70-inch UQ70 TV — $498 $648 (save $150)

• LG 75-inch UQ70 4K TV — $549.99 $749.99 (save $200)

• LG 77-inch B3 Series OLED TV — $1,999.99 $2,899.99 (save $900)

• LG 77-inch C3 Series OLED TV — $2,499.99 $3,199.99 (save $700)

• LG 77-inch G3 Series OLED TV — $3,799.99 $4,299.99 (save $500)

• LG 86-inch UR7800 4K TV — $899.99 $1,249.99 (save $350)

• LG 86-inch 80 Series QNED TV — $1,899.99 $2,299.99 (save $400)

Sony TV deals

Why we love it

Of the several 4K TVs that Sony released in 2023, the X90L is the most premium regular LED model before the lineup switches over to mini-LED. Still, the X90L features full-array backlighting with local dimming that offers more precise brightness across the entire screen than a cheaper edge-lit LED TV. (That’s particularly helpful when the screen is so massive.) With better-than-basic lighting plus a high contrast ratio, low input lag, and VRR support, this 85-inch X90L is a great option for a big-screen budget gaming TV.

More Sony TVs on sale

• Sony 65-inch X80L OLED TV — $1,999.99 $2,299.99 (save $300)

• Sony 75-inch X90L 4K TV — $1,699.99 $1,999.99 (save $300)

• Sony 77-inch A80L OLED TV — $2,899.99 $3,299.99 (save $400)

More TV deals from Amazon, TCL, Hisense, and more

Why we love it

TCL’s Q5 series came out in late summer 2023 and knocked the Q6 Series out of its spot as the brand’s most affordable QLED. And with Best Buy’s discount pushing this model under $300, it’s easily the cheapest 55-inch QLED on our list.

A quick scroll up to our mid-size QLED picks from Samsung, Sony, and LG make the rarity of a 55-inch QLED TV under $350 palpable. The Q5 has most of the same specs as the Q6 including HDR PRO+ with Dolby Vision, Motion Rate 240 motion smoothing technology (a win for gamers on a budget), three HDMI ports, and built-in Google Assistant.

More TCL TVs, Vizio TVs, Fire TVs, and other TVs on sale

• TCL 43-inch S4 4K TV — $199.99 $249.99 (save $50)

• Insignia 43-inch F30 4K Fire TV — $189.99 $269.99 (save $80)

• Pioneer 50-inch 4K TV — $199.99 $299.99 (save $100)

• Vizio 50-inch V Series 4K TV — $248 $319 (save $71)

• TCL 50-inch Q5 QLED TV — $249.99 $399.99 (save $150)

• Insignia 55-inch F30 4K Fire TV — $239.99 $349.99 (save $110)

• Pioneer 65-inch 4K TV — $299.99 $499.99 (save $200)

• Insignia 65-inch F30 4K Fire TV — $349.99 $499.99 (save $150)

• TCL 65-inch Q5 QLED TV — $399.99 $599.99 (save $200)

• Toshiba 75-inch C350 4K Fire TV — $539.99 $799.99 (save $260)

• TCL 85-inch S4 4K TV — $799.99 $999.99 (save $200)

• TCL 85-inch Q6 QLED TV — $999.99 $1,299.99 (save $300)

• TCL 85-inch QM8 Mini-LED TV — $1,999.99 $2,399.99 (save $400)

• TCL 98-inch S5 4K TV — $2,999.99 $4,999.99 (save $2,000)

White Lotus fancasts are out. (Yes, even ours.) White Lotus official casting announcements are in.

HBO revealed in a press release that six new cast members are joining Season 3 of The White Lotus, Mike White’s award-winning social satire set at high-end vacation resorts. Among the new arrivals are Leslie Bibb (Jupiter’s Legacy, Iron Man), Dom Hetrakul (Bangkok Dangerous, The Outrage), Jason Isaacs (the Harry Potter films, The Crowded Room), Michelle Monaghan (Nanny, the Mission: Impossible films), Parker Posey (Beau Is Afraid, Party Girl), and Tayme Thapthimthong (Skin Trade, Farang).

These six be joining a familiar face, and the only other announced cast member: Natasha Rothwell, who played Season 1’s put-upon spa manager Belinda.

Apart from casting news and the revelation that Season 3 will be set in Thailand, details are few and far between. Will there be another unfortunate murder? Will Belinda learn about the death of Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge)? And will we get another line as iconic as “These gays are trying to murder me”?

We’ll have to wait a while to find out: The White Lotus Season 3 begins filming in February, and audiences won’t be jetting off to Thailand until 2025.

Google’s cookiepocalypse has begun, but so far only one percent of Chrome users have been raptured away to privacy heaven. 

Google announced its plan to stop supporting third-party cookies back in 2020. In the years since, EU and UK regulators intervened to prevent Google from killing them too quickly on the basis that the plan would be unfair to Google’s competitors. Thanks to the slow rollout, it may have seemed like annoying cookie consent pop-ups would be a permanent feature of life on planet Earth.

But the day has arrived: Google disabled cookie support for about one percent of Chrome users on Thursday according to the Wall Street Journal — which is about 30 million people. If you weren’t included in the party on day one, your invitation will arrive sometime in the coming months. Are you patient enough to wait?

Why is Google killing cookies?

Cookies, as you’re probably aware, are small chunks of data stored on users’ devices by the websites they visit, and in theory they’re used to make things more convenient — storing logins and other useful information like website preferences so that they’ll be there on every subsequent visit. But cookies are more famous for their spying activities. They can track users’ consumption and personal habits to compile detailed and sometimes profoundly invasive user profiles. Companies profit from the sale of that information, and it can then spread well beyond users’ control.

As cookies taper off, Google hopes to scale up a new project it calls the “Privacy Sandbox initiative.” This effort is aimed at creating a new system for ad customization that doesn’t involve everyone vaguely consenting to mysterious data tracking tools, while nonetheless keeping “online content and services free for all,” according to Google’s Privacy Sandbox info page. 

How can I tell if Google has killed cookies for me?

If you’re already included in the cookie-killing rollout, then when you update to version 115, you’ll get a popup with the title “Enhanced ad privacy in Chrome.” Last year, there were already whispers about this popup materializing, but millions of users started seeing it yesterday as cookies started being scaled down. 

This popup marks the beginning of the transition from cookies to the Privacy Sandbox, and the most crucial part of this rollout from Google’s standpoint will be shepherding users into the new “Ad Topics” API feature, because in essence, that’s the cookie replacer. Rather than tracking users personally, Ad Topics sorts users into categories based on their interests and presents catered ad experiences based on these myriad overlapping categories — all through data that’s stored on the user’s device, and theoretically never ends up in the hands of mysterious ne’er-do-wells.  

The rollout has already been a bit bumpy. Last year, when the “Enhanced ad privacy in Chrome” popup started showing up, at least 116 enterprise Chrome professionals complained that if users didn’t consent to join Ad Topics, they’d be shown the popup every time they opened Chrome.

How to kill cookies in Google Chrome

All Chrome users are supposed to have had their cookie’s killed by the end of 2024, but if you’re antsy, and just can’t wait to stop having your activities tracked, you can kill them right now.

Total Time

• 2 minutes

What You Need

• Google Chrome

Step 1:
Go to the menu in the top-left corner of Chrome and click ‘Preferences.’

This will launch your settings and preferences menu.

Credit: Screengrab from Chrome

Step 2:
Click the ‘Privacy and Security’ tab on the left side.

This brings up a bunch of little menu bars.

Credit: Screengrab from Chrome

Step 3:
Click to expand the ‘Third-party cookies’ bar.

By default it will say third-party cookies are allowed.

Credit: Screengrab from Chrome

Step 4:
Click the bubble that says ‘Block third-party cookies.’

…and you’ve just killed cookies.

Credit: Screengrab from Chrome

You may now run into issues like sites not storing your login, or customization settings not being retained each time you visit a site, but if you value privacy over convenience these are decent trade-offs, right?

Amid customer complaints, lawsuits, and a DOJ investigation, it appears that Tesla has reduced the range estimates for many of its electric vehicles.

Elon Musk’s EV company has recently updated its range estimates across the board on Tesla Model Y, S, and X vehicles, according to a new report from Electrek. These changes see range estimates reduced by as much as 6 percent.

According to Drive Tesla, internal documents from Tesla claim that the company made the changes for two reasons. One reason is listed by Tesla as “comfort and functionality improvements” that require more energy from the car’s battery, thus reducing its range. As the outlet points out, these documents do not specify exactly what those improvements were. The second reason, according to the Tesla documents, is due to EPA testing cycle changes, which saw reduced ranges in the vehicles.

As The Verge points out, Tesla’s website now shows that the Model Y’s estimated range is 285 miles. The Model Y’s Performance range previously shows a 303 mile estimate, a change of 18 miles. The Model Y Long Range also took a 20-mile hit, after the update changed its 330 mile listing to 310 miles. Model X Plaid and Model S Plaid have also been updated from 333 miles to 326 miles and 396 miles to 359 miles, respectively.

These updates have not been made on other Tesla models nor have the changes been made on Tesla’s UK and EU website listings.

As Mashable previously reported, Tesla customers have long complained about the range exaggerations. “Range anxiety” is a major barrier for EV companies when selling cars to consumers. So, a higher range means more sales. 

A report from Reuters last year says Musk himself specifically directed the company to inflate range numbers. Furthermore, these exaggerated estimates led many Tesla customers to believe that there was something faulty with their specific car when it would not reach those range numbers. Due to the uptick of Tesla drivers requesting car service for this issue, the company went ahead and created a “Diversion Team” tasked with canceling as many of these appointments as possible.

Lawsuits and a DOJ probe into these issues soon followed.

As soon as the ball drops, the energy and excitement of a new year immediately triggers something inside of us. We start setting intentions, proclaiming our commitment to better habits, and of course, declaring our New Year’s resolutions. It comes as no surprise that a Forbes survey found the majority of people setting health-based resolutions for 2024 (physical and mental), but there are plenty of other goals you can focus on in the new year.

Perhaps you want to expand your mind by reading more books or learning to meditate. Maybe getting your finances in shape is a top priority. Or maybe you simply want to stop losing your keys every time you set them down. Regardless of the resolution, sticking to it often requires more than just willpower alone. What you really need is the right tool(s) to lend a helping hand.

Don’t let your New Year’s resolutions fail to come to fruition. We’ve rounded up a dozen different resolutions along with the products to help you commit and conquer them in 2024. Most of them are even on sale.

Build a consistent workout routine: Fitbit

Workout resolutions often fail after the first month or two of a new year. Why? Accountability. Slapping a fitness tracker onto your wrist, like the Fitbit Inspire 3, can help keep you accountable for your daily habits — from how many steps you take each day to how much cardio you complete in a week. And good news for resolutioners, the Inspire 3 is back at its all-time low price of $69.95 at Amazon. That’s 30% off its usual cost.

Read more: Kindle

If your main reason for not using an e-reader to tackle more books is because you can’t scribble in the margins and take notes as you read, may I present to you the Kindle Scribe? While it’s not a perfect device, it does bridge the gap by offering a stylus to mark up a book to your heart’s content. Plus, it’s on sale for $269.99 at Amazon instead of its usual $339.99 — that’s $70 in savings.

Be more mindful: Headspace

Headspace is the ideal companion for those looking to approach 2024 with more mindfulness. The app can help you build a mindfulness practice, plus improve your sleep, de-stress daily, and improve productivity. It features hundreds of guided meditations and mini exercises to complete whenever your thoughts feel particularly messy. Kickstart your New Year’s resolution with 40% off an annual subscription.

Learn something new: MasterClass

Whether you want to expand your cooking skills, finally learn how to use your DSLR camera, tackle songwriting, or even polish up a business plan for the new year, a MasterClass subscription gives you unlimited access to thousands of lessons led by celebrities and experts in their fields. Currently 40% off for your first year, you’ll be paying just $6 per month for an individual subscription.

Drink more water: Stanley reusable bottles

If upping your water intake is on your resolution list for 2024, you should most definitely grab yourself a reusable water bottle. And no, it doesn’t need to be the trendy $50 TikTok-favorite tumbler. You can snag a different Stanley bottle — like the IceFlow or Adventure To Go — on sale at Amazon for up to 25% off instead and fuel your hydration habit without spending a fortune.

Get organized: The Home Edit collection

Remember when everyone was obsessed with The Home Edit in 2020? Well, in case you missed it, the organization duo has its own product line that has something to help you organize literally every single thing in your home. Check out their products at Walmart if you’re looking for a little push in the direction of your New Year’s resolution.

Get better sleep: Hatch Restore

While it’s not currently on sale, the Hatch Restore is a great way to improve your sleep habits in 2024. It simulates a real sunrise by slowly increasing its warm glow and playing cozy wake-up sounds. You’ll even get a free trial of the app, where you can access sleep stories, meditations, soundscapes, and more. If money is no issue, the Hatch Restore 2 ($199.99) offers even more features for sleep improvement.

Travel more: Frontier Airlines GoWild! All-You-Can-Fly Pass

More travel generally requires more money to blow. But with Frontier’s All-You-Can-Fly passes, you can unlock unlimited flights over the span of a year for a one-time payment of $599. The pass starts May 1, 2024, and runs through April 30, 2025, and includes domestic and international Frontier destinations. Sure, $599 seems like a lot to pay upfront, but in reality, that’s about the cost of two roundtrip flights. Just be sure to read the terms before you commit.

Save money: Acorns app for iPhone or Android

Financial resolutions are the least fun kind, to be honest. But that’s generally because they’re the most stressful. Acorns takes some of that stress out of saving money by investing your change into stocks automatically. The app offers two different tiers for your financial needs: Personal ($3/month) or Family ($5/month). A personal account includes all-in-one investment, retirement, and checking, bonus investments, education, and more. If you have kids, the family account offers unlimited kids per family plus the personal account benefits. You can download the Acorns app for iOS on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android.

Stop losing your keys: Tile trackers

Tile trackers were made for those who lose their keys and other belongings as soon as they set them down. These little trackers can help you keep track of your stuff on the regular via Bluetooth or the Tile app (when out of Bluetooth range). Even better, they work in reverse to help you find your phone with a double click of the Tile.

Spend less time on social media: Opal

If your screen time was through the roof in 2023, your resolution might be to stay off of social media a bit more this year. Try an app blocker like Opal, which helps you gradually decrease your dependence on Instagram, X, TikTok, and other social apps. Opal sets controlled access times to help you manage your time better and create better digital habits. There’s a free version or a paid version, which offers more features (like Whitelist mode and Deep focus mode) for $8.25/month.

Keep your house clean: Shark Matrix Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum

Keeping your house clean might be an easy resolution for the first month or two of the year, but it’s really easy to get off track. All it takes is one weekend of laziness to deter your goals. That’s where a robot vacuum really comes in handy. Let a robot take over at least one household chore this year. This model from Shark features home mapping with virtual boundaries, a 120-minute battery life, a HEPA filter, and a self-emptying dock that holds up to 30 days’ worth of debris. Plus, it’s on sale for only $329.99 at Best Buy.

Folks, if aliens ever do make their presence known on Earth, I think it is wildly safe to assume the extraterrestrials capable of interstellar travel wouldn’t pop-up at a Miami strip mall. And yet, that’s what the internet convinced itself this week.

Earlier this week — on New Year’s Day — there was a brawl at Bayfront Marketplace in Miami. Teens reportedly lit fireworks, which sparked a fight and a bit of chaos as some folks seemed to assume there was a shooting. Four people were arrested after dozens of police cars rushed to the scene.

Somehow, this turned into people speculating there were aliens…at…the mall. This TikTok from @jackmacbarstool walks through the conspiracy, though perhaps providing with a bit too much credence.

The whole conspiracy started, it seems, on the back of two ideas. One: That the police presence was too heavy for a simple fight. And two: A video that people said showed a looming, massive figure.

The large police presence is pretty easy to explain. This is America and, unfortunately, we have mass shootings in public places all the time. If there was panic-ridden scene, fights, and loud bangs, it makes sense that all the police in the area would rush to the scene.

As for the big “aliens” in the videos. They’re not alien shadow people. They’re just shadows, people.

“What is seen on this clip is the shadow of someone walking,” a Miami police spokesperson told TMZ. “If you look at the bottom of the shadow, you can see the person. No creature.”

But this is the internet, and once people latch onto something, it becomes A Thing. There were lots of conspiracy theorists on TikTok and X (Twitter) claiming it was everything from an alien invasion to a Biblical event. There were also lots of jokes about how ridiculous it all was.

Tweet may have been deleted

Tweet may have been deleted

Tweet may have been deleted

So no, aliens did not invade a Miami mall. But the internet can and will believe anything.

In 2023, cinema was so back with cultural moments like Barbenheimer and new releases from Greta Gerwig, Martin Scorsese, and Yorgos Lanthimos, making it a busy year for Letterboxd’s 11 million users.

The social media platform used by online cinephiles to log, rate, and review films just dropped its Year in Review, revealing which movies its users watched and loved the most. Unsurprisingly, Gerwig’s Barbie was the most popular “based on volume of activity” and the most obsessively rewatched. Its star Margot Robbie had the most eyes on her, as she was the platform’s most-watched actress.

But fear not, Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer got its flowers too: It was the third highest-rated film, highest-rated drama, and Nolan was the most watched director for the third year in a row.

The second animated Spider-Verse movie, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, was the highest-rated flick followed by Poor Things. The highest-rated directorial debut and romance movie was Celine Song’s gorgeous Past Lives. The most watched actor was Jason Schwartzman — who certainly got a boost from his starring role in Wes Anderson’s latest, Asteroid City.

Poor Things was the highest-rated comedy, fantasy, and sci-fi movie and Talk To Me the highest rated horror film. And Beyoncé beat out Taylor Swift for the highest-rated concert film.

Despite Scorsese joining Letterboxd to promote it, Killers of the Flower Moon didn’t rank in any category, but this data only speaks to the kind of person attracted to the platform.

And what are Letterboxd users are most looking forward to in 2024? Dune: Part Two, of course.