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Apple USB‑C Magic Mouse drops to $68 — a solid deal with a notable caveat Amazon is selling Apple’s USB‑C Magic Mouse for $68 — about 14% off its usual $79 price. The deal currently applies to the white model and represents a near‑record low for this official Apple accessory. If you want a compact, Apple‑branded mouse for a Mac desktop or laptop, this is one of the rare times the Magic Mouse goes on sale. The mouse charges over USB‑C and Apple claims a single charge can last around a month depending on usage. That’s convenient compared with the era of disposable AAs, and the USB‑C change is a welcome update for users who prefer a wired charging option. Important caveat Port placement: The USB‑C port is located on…

ChatGPT Go launches in Germany — a new €8/month entry tier OpenAI has made its new entry subscription, ChatGPT Go, available in Germany. Priced at €8 per month, the tier slots between the existing Free access and the higher-cost Plus and Pro plans. The move follows earlier tests of new pricing tiers in other markets and expands OpenAI’s range of paid options. ChatGPT Go provides a lower-cost pathway for users who want enhanced access beyond the free tier without committing to the more expensive plans. OpenAI first signaled experiments with tiered subscriptions in other regions this year and is now rolling this specific option out to German users. What to know Price: €8 per month in Germany. Positioning: Sits between the Free plan and Plus/Pro in OpenAI’s lineup. Availability: This…

HiFidelity: New open-source offline music player for macOS HiFidelity is a newly released open-source music player for macOS that intentionally focuses on playing local audio files. The app drops streaming services, user accounts and online libraries in favor of giving listeners full control over their own music collections and playback. The project is aimed at users who prefer offline listening for privacy, archival collections or simply better control of metadata and file-based libraries. Because HiFidelity is open-source, technically minded users can inspect the code, contribute or build it themselves. What to expect Strictly local playback — no streams or cloud libraries. Designed for users who manage their own music files and want a lightweight, privacy-first player. Open-source distribution — check the project repository for releases and build instructions. Before installing,…

TikTok to spin off U.S. business — ownership split, Oracle to host US data, deal expected Jan 22 TikTok has signed agreements to spin off its U.S. business into a new entity with a split ownership structure intended to address long‑running national‑security and regulatory concerns. Under the reported deal, Oracle, Silver Lake and Abu Dhabi’s state investment firm MGX would each control roughly 15% of the new company, while ByteDance — TikTok’s China‑based parent — would retain about a 20% stake. The arrangement reportedly places U.S. user data under an Oracle‑operated system and establishes a seven‑member board to manage U.S. platform operations, with a U.S. majority on that board. TikTok’s internal memo set a target closing date of January 22. Key facts Ownership: Oracle, Silver Lake and MGX each ~15%;…

Wuben X4 Mini: iPhone charges the flashlight — it doesn’t work as an emergency power bank Many readers wondered if the compact Wuben X4 Mini flashlight could double as an emergency power bank for an iPhone — after all, it uses a removable 18650 cell and charges over USB‑C. In practice, the X4 Mini behaves differently: its USB‑C port is for charging the lamp (power in), not for providing power out to charge phones. That means plugging your iPhone into the X4 Mini won’t top up your phone. In fact, the connection can go the other way in some cases — the phone may supply power to the lamp. A red status LED and the lamp’s behavior indicate power flow, so don’t assume the flashlight will rescue a drained phone…

Monarch Money 50% off: get an annual subscription for $50 with code MONARCHVIP Monarch Money is offering 50% off annual subscriptions for new users — use code MONARCHVIP at checkout to pay just $50 for a year of the service (down from $100). Monarch was a runner‑up in recent budgeting app roundups and the discount makes it a compelling option if you want to start 2026 with better money habits. The app is feature‑rich, with tools for setting and tracking goals, a detailed month‑in‑review recap, and the ability to grant account access to others. These capabilities make Monarch a strong choice for people who want a full‑service budgeting platform rather than a simple tracker. Key features Customizable budgets and financial goals Comprehensive month‑in‑review reports Account sharing for partners or accountants…

Engadget Podcast: 2025 in Review — gadgets, AI PCs, smart glasses and industry shakeups Engadget’s year‑end podcast looks back at the biggest tech stories of 2025, guided by Managing Editor Cherlynn Low and host Devindra Hardawar. The episode mixes gadget picks, industry analysis and cultural takeaways — from standout devices to surprising shifts in corporate behavior. Highlights include the editors’ favorite hardware of the year (like the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft and AirPods Pro 3), a discussion of why AI‑powered PCs underwhelmed, and the notable rise of smart glasses as a recurring theme across hardware and fashion. The podcast also examines how major tech companies adjusted to political pressures in 2025. Top topics covered Best gadgets: Editors name top devices of 2025, including unexpected sleeper hits such as Anker’s laptop power…

MasterClass holiday sale: 50% off annual subscriptions MasterClass is offering a 50% discount on its subscription plans for the holidays. The All‑Access annual plan — which supports offline viewing and up to six devices — is reduced from $240 to $120. The entry‑level plan is also halved from $120 to $60. The promotion runs through December 24. MasterClass features over 200 classes taught by well‑known instructors across topics like cooking, screenwriting, entrepreneurship and sports. Classes typically include high‑production video lessons and downloadable workbooks, making them suitable for both beginners and hobbyists. What to know Plans & price: All‑Access annual: $240 → $120 (up to 6 devices, offline mode). Individual: $120 → $60. Content: 200+ classes from notable creators (e.g., Gordon Ramsay, Aaron Sorkin, Richard Branson). Gifting: You can buy and…

13 subscription box gift ideas for 2025 — gifts that keep on giving Subscription boxes make memorable presents because they arrive again and again. For 2025, curated boxes range from electronics kits and puzzle challenges to international snacks, specialty coffee and themed collectibles — perfect for recipients who value discovery over more gear. Below we summarize the types of boxes that stood out and why they work as gifts. Whether you want something educational, edible or just plain fun, there’s a recurring box to match the recipient’s interests. Popular subscription types Electronics & maker kits: Monthly projects for tinkerers and learners — great for STEM fans and hobbyists. Puzzle & mystery boxes: Escape‑room style challenges and collectibles that encourage group play and long‑term engagement. International snacks & treats: Curated food…

Mozilla charts an AI-first future for Firefox under new CEO Mozilla has announced a strategic direction under new CEO Anthony Enzor DeMeo to evolve Firefox into an AI-powered browser. The shift is framed as a multi-year effort to adapt to an internet increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence — affecting how content is discovered, ranked and used. The plan centers on integrating AI capabilities across the browsing experience: smarter search and discovery, AI-assisted summaries and workflows, and deeper personalization. Mozilla positions this as a response to the broader web ecosystem changes and as an attempt to keep Firefox competitive and relevant. Key goals and focus areas AI-enhanced discovery: use machine learning to surface relevant content and reduce noise for users. Integrated AI workflows: inline summaries, automated tasks and browser-side assistants that…