TechRadar News

• Apple Music Replay is now available for your 2024 listening
• You can't get it in the Music app (but you can get the playlist)
• Spotify Wrapped will arrive any day now

December has barely begun but Apple Music wants you to look and listen back to the soundtrack of your year. Apple Music's 2024 Replay is now available to show the big picture and little details of your year's soundtrack.

As before, you'll need to go online to see it: while it's an Apple Music feature the Replay is browser-based. You can find it at the official Apple Music Replay site.

Replay tells you how many minutes of music you've listened to, how many artists you've enjoyed, what you listened to most each month and which songs dominated your soundtrack.

You'll also see the top played songs, top albums and top genres, and if you scroll further you'll get details of the top playlists and top stations you've listened to.

Apple's beaten Spotify Wrapped to a roll-out then, but it can't be long until we see its main rival – check out our musings on when Spotify Wrapped is out for more on that.

What else does Apple Music Replay tell you?

And at the foot of the replay you can see milestones: when you hit 100, 250, 500 songs or more, when you cracked 5,000 listening minutes, when you'd listened to more than 250 artists and so on.

One of the interesting bits for me is right down at the bottom, where you can compare this year's Replay with last year's (provided of course you were an Apple Music subscriber then). For me that means seeing Taylor Swift dethroned by Charli XCX.

It's not all read-only, though. You can also open your Replay playlist in Apple Music as a playlist and save it to your library. And of course you can share that playlist to social media, too.

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• Efficiency and productivity enhancements aren’t as common as we’d hoped
• Many workers still feel under prepared when it comes to AI tech
• Manufacturing, transport and communications offer strong resources

Despite widespread hope that artificial intelligence could revolutionize workplaces with productivity and efficiency improvements, new research by WSP has revealed that the impact might not be as stark as we’d hoped.

Although 70% of UK workers said that AI influences their jobs, only 38% noted improvements to their efficiency, and 33% to their productivity.

Furthermore, fewer than half (47%) feel equipped to adapt to AI-driven workplace changes, highlighting the need for greater training efforts.

Workers aren’t seeing huge benefits from AI

Despite the current state of AI, 84% of workers believe that the positive effects of AI will continue, with many expecting to see efficiency (41%) and productivity (37%) boosts.

Nearly three in four (72%) workers saying that their companies provide resources to help them adapt. This support is most evident in sectors where AI already has a strong foothold or where it can offer the biggest changes, such as manufacturing (80%) and transport and communications (78%).

WSP Data Science Director Dan Scott commented: “While employees recognise the benefits of AI, a significant gap exists between their expectations and current practices. It is essential for organisations to adopt AI technologies effectively and empower their workforce with the skills and vision needed to lead us into a future brimming with possibilities.”

Besides AI, the research also touches on sustainability, revealing that more than half (52%) of the 4,000 UK workers surveyed are willing to re-train to adapt their skills for greener roles. Many workers also said they’d be prepared to stay in their role longer (45%) or seek a different job (38%) on the basis of sustainability credentials.

With the correct deployment, AI has the potential to reduce a company’s carbon footprint, however it can also be an environmental challenge when the power-hungry data centers that power AI tools come into the picture.

Looking ahead, it’s clear that companies must align their employee support and training with organizational policies and emerging technologies to strike the right balance.

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• The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max could use a new type of screen technology
• This will supposedly improve display performance, durability, and power efficiency
• The iPhone 17 Pro series might also stick with titanium

The latest iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max leaks include two pieces of good news, one relating to the screen and the other to the frame.

First, leaker @Jukanlosreve claims that the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will both use “a new technology called Low-Dielectric TEE”.

According to @Jukanlosreve, this new technology “improves battery efficiency, maximizes display durability, and enhances overall performance compared to existing display technologies.” So it sounds like an all-round upgrade for the screen.

Exclusive: The iPhone 17 Pro series will feature a new technology called Low-Dielectric TEE.Low-Dielectric TEE improves battery efficiency, maximizes display durability, and enhances overall performance compared to existing display technologies.December 3, 2024

We’d still advise taking this leak with a pinch of salt, mind, especially as this is very early for iPhone 17 series leaks, but the source has a decent track record.

Titanium, not aluminum

In other iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max news, leaker Brake Number (via GSMArena) claims that Apple will equip these phones with a titanium frame. That might not sound surprising; after all, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max use titanium. But a recent leak suggested Apple would switch to aluminum for the iPhone 17 Pro series. So, this latest leak is basically just refuting that claim.

The idea that the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max would use aluminum always seemed odd, since that’s a less premium material, so could make the phones seem like a downgrade. With that in mind, we’re inclined to believe this latest design-related leak.

That said, there are reasons why Apple might make the switch back to aluminum. For example, @Jukanlosreve recently speculated that President-elect Trump’s potential tariffs and titanium’s high cost could both be reasons for Apple not to use the premium material on the iPhone 17 Pro series.

So, right now, we can’t really be sure whether the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will use titanium, aluminum, or something else altogether. We probably won’t be sure for quite a while, either, as these phones aren't likely to land until September. We expect to hear plenty more leaks in the meantime, though.

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• Jaguar's new Type 00 concept previews electric four-door GT
• It's targeting an EV range in excess of 430 miles
• Concept was launched at glamorous Miami Art Week event

Jaguar has lifted the lid on its Type 00 concept vehicle, which previews a bold new design direction, as the quintessentially British brand heads towards its all-electric future.

The Type 00, which represents zero emissions from the tailpipe and a nod to starting afresh – or year zero – previews an upcoming all-electric GT model that is due to land sometime in 2026, with a further two models, including a Range Rover-rivaling SUV, also sporting the bold exterior lines.

Unveiled at a glitzy event in Miami (during Art Week, no less), the comically long concept showcases some of the design touches and branding elements that caused various pockets of the internet to erupt in rage in recent weeks.

A new brass 'Leaper’ emblem sits on the flanks, while JLR medallions are used on the centre caps of the equally enormous 23-inch wheels. The company redesigned its script so it effectively spells ‘jaGuar’ on the rear and the bold ‘Strike Through’ patterning can be seen on the flanks, the grille and the back end.

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(Image credit: Jaguar)Image 2 of 4

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(Image credit: Jaguar)

Keen eyes will notice that Jaguar has followed Polestar in ditching the rear window entirely, instead opting for twin-side cameras that provide a live video feed to interior digital rear-view mirror displays that elegantly glide into place when the vehicle is started up.

Detailed info surrounding specification is sparse, but we do know that the low-slung, two-door fixed-head coupé body style will be ditched in favor of a slightly more conventional four-door GT in the production model.

There’s also no word on the battery packs and electric motors that will be used, only that the Type 00 will spawn a car that develops in excess of 570bhp and can manage more than 430 miles on a single charge.

That’s some serious battery firepower, which begs the question of how Jaguar’s engineers will be able to replicate the extremely low-slung profile of the concept vehicle – something that no electric vehicle manufacturer has managed thanks to awkward packaging issues presented by EV powertrains.

Oh, and the upcoming GT will cost more than £120,000 when it goes on sale, or around $150,000 / AU$235,000. Jaguar is done with the mainstream and is instead opting for the ultra-wealthy, despite all of its cries of “inclusivity” when it launched its slightly bizarre advertising campaign hyping the rebrand.

Analysis: Style over substance? Image 1 of 4

(Image credit: Jaguar)Image 2 of 4

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(Image credit: Jaguar)

The Type 00 is undeniably bold, striking and unlike anything else on the road today, but isn’t that the case for most concept vehicles? Saunter around a motor show of yesteryear and you couldn’t move for slightly madcap mock-ups that would rarely see the light of day.

Even those vehicles that have been praised for sticking true to their concept counterparts, such as the Audi TT and the Honda e, for example, inevitably morph into something more vanilla when they are run through the wringer of legislation and crash safety legalities.

Jaguar desperately needs to reinvent itself, with faltering sales and a distinct lack of new product forcing the brand to take a completely fresh direction. The Type 00 concept is certainly a bold statement of intent, showcasing the "fearless creativity" Jag’s design director Gerry McGovern has spoken of, but it is the production vehicles that will really have to deliver.

The British brand is entering new territory, commanding almost twice the asking price of any vehicle in its most recent range. With that comes an even greater expectation for faultless build quality, an enrapturing driving experience and technology that actually works.

Its first attempt at an EV in the iPace was a real innovator when it launched, but its tech soon slipped behind the competition and it has been plagued with problems and recalls during its life cycle.

Recent reports suggest that Jaguar is buying back almost 3,000 I-Pace EVs from the 2019 model year because their batteries may catch fire.

It’s all well and good coming up with a decisive ad campaign – one that even had Elon Musk chiming in on with a characteristically snarky X post – but the brand now has to find an all-new audience, build a new reputation in the hotly-contested EV market and sell in enough volume to claw back some of the monumental investment required to fund this brave new direction.

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• The Android Switch tool now supports iOS Live Photos
• Available for Pixels, coming soon to other Android phones
• Follows recent improvements to the Android setup tool

Switching to a new phone can be a daunting proposition – especially going from iOS to Android, or vice versa – but the process is actually a lot more straightforward than it used to be, and Google just made it easier than ever for iPhone-to-Android switchers.

As noted by Android's Paul Dunlop (via Android Police), the latest iPhone-to-Android setup tool can now move your Live Photos over from iOS to Android. It's arrived alongside a slew of upgrades to the built-in Android setup tool updated with the Google Pixel 9 series.

Live Photos was introduced all the way back in September 2015, giving you a few seconds of video either side of a still image for a more interactive and memorable feel. Google Photos has something similar called Motion Photos – so presumably, Live Photos will now become Motion Photos during the migration process.

It's all part of a rebranded Android Switch transfer process that makes moving to Android from an iPhone less stressful. Standard photos and videos have long been included in the process, as are contacts and notes.

More improvements

The Android Switch tool (Image credit: Google)

Dunlop says the Live Photos transfer feature should be live now for all Pixel users, with other Android devices getting the update "over the next few weeks". Head to our Pixel 9 review for pointers if you're thinking about replacing your iPhone with it.

Moving from Android to Android works slightly differently. With the Pixel 9 phones, Google introduced the option to transfer photos, messages, and other data over at any point in time – not just during the initial setup.

It means if you're not sure about shifting everything over when you first set up your new Android phone, you can do it further down the line – and even pick and choose what gets transferred. The whole update process should now be faster too, with a more "reliable and complete" transfer for Google Messages moving between Android phones.

The only glaring gap that remains is iMessage: Apple doesn't let anyone else access its messaging app, so Android can't move your texts and group chats over. At least Android and iPhone owners can now communicate via RCS.

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• Samsung could be planning a big upgrade for its Galaxy Watch
• A new patent reveals a different type of strap mechanism
• It could make straps easier to attach, adjust, and secure

Your next Samsung Galaxy Watch could come with a brand-new strap mechanism that would make it easier to attach, adjust, and secure the band to your wrist, according to a new patent filed by the company.

Samsung's Galaxy Watch range makes up some of the best Android smartwatches on the planet, and its wearables currently feature a nifty quick-release mechanism to help you change straps.

However, it looks like the company is working on an updated design. 91Mobiles has spotted a new patent filed on the World Intellectual Property Organisation website. Titled "WEARABLE DEVICE INCLUDING STRUCTURE FOR ASSISTING ASSEMBLY," it reveals a new type of strap design that could make Galaxy Watches of the future much easier to use.

Samsung's next Galaxy Watch upgrade

(Image credit: Future)

As the report explains, the patent reveals a strap with three component parts. There's a core made up of two fastening portions, one of which moves and one of which is static. The strap itself is made up of two halves of a band and a frame to connect them to the core, and finally grooves, which facilitate the connection between the two.

The new design should make it easier to attach and detach watch bands at a moment's notice while ensuring they stay more securely fastened to your watch when you're wearing it.

The patent also appears to suggest that the design would enable bands to fit more comfortably and crucially states that this could lead to more accurate fitness tracking and health data.

That latter point is the most exciting detail of this potential upgrade, as getting your smartwatch to fit correctly is vital when it comes to getting accurate heart rate monitoring, sleep-tracking, and exercise readouts.

The Galaxy Watch 7, while fantastic, wasn't a huge upgrade on the Series 6. If Samsung sticks to its usual release cadence we could get a new Watch 8 next year, and rumored changes could include a move to the 'squircle' design, as well as possible blood glucose and diabetes monitoring.

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After months of rumors and leaks, and teases by Samsung itself, the company might finally be ready to showcase its next wearable: its long-awaited smart glasses. And they could be revealed alongside the Samsung Galaxy S25 in early 2025.

That’s according to new details from Korean outlet Yonhap News (translated from Korean) which says the glasses will be revealed as part of an Unpacked event set to take place in January.

While Samsung has yet to confirm that such an event is taking place other rumors point to a January 23 date (via Android Police), and this timing would match up with Samsung’s showcase schedule from previous years – it usually kicks the year off with an Unpacked focused on its new flagship phones.

However, alongside its S25 phones, Samsung will reportedly show off its smart glasses, though they won’t launch right away. Instead the prototype will give us a taste of what’s to come when the full specs are revealed later, with Yonhap News saying they’re expected to actually arrive in the third quarter of 2025 (July / August / September), but given the delays they’ve seemingly faced so far we wouldn’t be shocked if the launch slipped later into 2025.

As with all rumors we should take these details with a pinch of salt. We've been patiently waiting for an update on Samsung’s XR efforts since the company announced that we’d hear something before the end of 2024 at its last Unpacked Event, and with less than a month until January 1 2025, Samsung might miss that self-imposed deadline, but hopefully not by a lot.

What is Samsung set to release?

The RayBan Meta smart glasses Samsung must compete with (Image credit: Meta)

Samsung’s smart glasses have taken several forms based on what leaks have told us. At some point they were seemingly set to be a full-on Samsung XR headset like the Meta Quest 3 or (more appropriately) the Apple Vision Pro. Following the launch of the Apple headset Samsung reportedly went back to the drawing board, with the idea of it instead developing XR glasses being bandied about.

It was unclear if it was developing alternatives to the Meta Orion AR glasses prototype, or something simpler like the Xreal Air 2 AR glasses, but leaks have more recently solidified around the device being an alternative to the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses.

One leak teases that they’ll basically have identical hardware, with Samsung’s glasses having a Qualcomm AR 1 chipset, a 12MP camera sensor and a 155mAh battery capacity, and weighing 50g – compared to Meta’s glasses' 154mAh battery and 48g weight. Neither pair of glasses has a dedicated display.

One key difference is that Samsung’s smart glasses would rely on Google Gemini instead of Meta AI for their AI functionality.

This is all rumor and speculation for now of course, and we don't yet know how the Samsung smart glasses will shape up, or indeed if they’ll launch at all. But even at this perhaps less-impressive level compared to what was originally teased, the Samsung specs do sound pretty exciting, and could lead to a shake-up of our best smart glasses rankings.

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• PlayStation Store’s 30th Anniversary sale is now live
• PlayStation users can save money on hundreds of titles on the PS Store
• The event ends on December 20

Black Friday might be over, but Sony isn't ready to drop its discounts just yet as it's announced a limited-time PlayStation 30th Anniversary sale.

In a recent PlayStation Blog post, Sony confirmed that to celebrate 30 years of PlayStation, it's now holding a massive sale on the PS Store starting December 2 and running through to December 20.

This is one of the biggest sales the platform has seen in a while, offering discounts on almost 500 games for both the PS4 and PS5.

Some of those games include some of the best games available on PlayStation, including The Last of Us Part 1, which is now 50% off, Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy at 60% off, and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, which received a massive 80% off price cut.

The catalog is way too long to detail in its entirety, but we've listed some of the best available discounts on some of the best games below. You can also check out the PS Store page here.

• The Last of Us Part 1 - $29.39 / £34.99 ($69.99 / £69.99)
• The Last of Us Part 2 - $29.99 / £26.24 ($29.99 / £34.99)
• Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy - $15.99 / £34.99 ($39.99 / £13.99)
• Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Deluxe Edition - $35.99 / £35.99 ($89.99 /£89.99
• Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales - $19.99 / £24.99 (£49.99 / $49.99)
• The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - $7.99 / £4.99 ($39.99 / £24.99)

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• The NCSC released its latest Annual Review report
• It claims the number of attacks is up, and reaching unprecedented levels
• The head of NCSC commented that the cyber risk is "widely underestimated"

The UK is being hit with more cyberattacks than ever before, with academia, manufacturing, and IT being among the most targeted verticals.

This is according to a new report published by the country’s National Cyber Security Center (NCSC). In the latest iteration of its Annual Review, published earlier this week, the NCSC said that its Incident Management (IM) team received 1,957 reports this year, from a “range of sectors.”

The team triaged the reports down into 430 incidents worthy of its attention, up from 371 last year. Of those incidents, 89 were said to have been “nationally significant”, and 12 were “at the top end of the scale and more severe in nature”. This number has also increased three times, compared to last year the NCSC added.

Biggest targets

Over the course of the year, the IM team sent out 542 bespoke notifications informing businesses of a cyberattack that impacts them, and sharing advice and guidance on how to tackle the problem. This number has also doubled compared to last year (258), the NCSC added, saying that almost half of the notifications sent this year related to pre-ransomware activity.

The biggest targets this year were academia, manufacturing, IT, legal, charities, and constructions. The organization said it received 317 reports of ransomware activity, either directly from the victims, or from its partners, another statistic that increased year-on-year (297). The IM team triaged it into 20 incidents that it addressed, 13 of which were “nationally significant” and included NHS trusts and the British Library.

During the launch of the Annual Review, the head of NSCS, Richard Horne, said that the cyber risks the country is facing are “widely underestimated”.

“What has struck me more forcefully than anything else since taking the helm at the NCSC is the clearly widening gap between the exposure and threat we face, and the defenses that are in place to protect us,” he said. “And what is equally clear to me is that we all need to increase the pace we are working at to keep ahead of our adversaries.

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• Star Wars: Skeleton Crew's co-creator has confirmed the name of its main starship
• The space vessel's moniker is tied to one of the show's biggest mysteries
• The meaning behind its name won't be revealed until later in the series

One of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew's co-creators has confirmed that the name of its primary starship ties directly into one of the show's biggest mysteries.

Speaking to TechRadar before Skeleton Crew's two-episode premiere, Christopher Ford revealed the title of the space vessel that the Star Wars series' child protagonists find in its first chapter.

Mild spoilers follow for Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, so turn back now unless you want to know what the ship's name is!

Skeleton Crew's star ship has a cool-sounding name, according to one of its co-creators (Image credit: Disney Plus/Lucasfilm)

Answering a question I had about whether the ship's name was, as it's been rumored, Onyx Cinder, Ford admitted that was the case. The Disney Plus show's co-showrunner also teased that its title not only relates to Skeleton Crew's biggest mystery surrounding the planet known as At Attin, but that it was also a humorous nod to the cool-sounding names of other famous Star Wars ships, including the The Millennium Falcon and Razor Crest.

"Yeah, it's called the Onyx Cinder," Ford replied. "There is a story behind it, too, but that's slightly – it's kind of ahead in the story. Whoever named it was trying to make it sound cool. You know, people come up with names in this universe and try to do some marketing for how cool their ship is."

What's the deal with At Attin? And how does the Onyx Cinder tie into the mythos surrounding it?

The seemingly idyllic At Attin is hiding a big secret (Image credit: Lucasfilm/Disney Plus)

Understandably, one of the biggest, if not the biggest, question to emerge from Skeleton Crew's first two episodes concerns At Attin. A new planet introduced as part of this show's narrative, it's home to Skeleton Crew's four kids – Wim, Fern, K.B, and Neel – and part of the galaxy that's defended by the nascent New Republic.

However, there appears to be more to At Attin than meets the eye. Indeed, when the youngsters accidentally find themselves lost in space, they enlist the help of the Onyx Cinder's rundown first-mate android SM-33 to try and find a way home. Initially, SM-33 is of little help as he tells them that At Attin doesn't exist. But, after SM-33 suggests that they travel to the space pirate haven known as Port Borgo for directions, the kids do just that.

Port Borgo is home to some of Star Wars' most nefarious individuals (Image credit: Disney Plus/Lucasfilm)

It's here where Skeleton Crew starts to lay the foundations for the enigma that is At Attin. After getting separated from Fern and K.B, Wim and Neel learn from a group of pirates that At Attin isn't just a mythological world, but that it's also referred to as a "lost planet of eternal treasure". Hey, Skeleton Crew is a pirate-inspired coming-of-age tale, so such references aren't so outlandish.

Anyway, my guess is that the Onyx Cinder's pilot and/or crew crash-landed on At Attin as they went in search for its buried treasure. We'll find out if I'm right as Skeleton Crew's story unfolds in the weeks ahead.

In the meantime, check out my Star Wars: Skeleton Crew review to get some clues about its third episode, which debuts on Disney Plus, aka one of the world's best streaming services, on December 10 (US) and December 11 (UK and Australia). Alternatively, read more from my exclusive chat with Ford and fellow co-creator Jon Watts below.

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• Pat Gelsinger retires as Intel’s CEO
• David Zinsner and Michelle Johnston Holthaus appointed interim co-CEOs
• Intel’s most recent quarterly revenue had dropped 6% as it undergoes restructuring efforts

After a near four-year stint as CEO of Intel, Pat Gelsinger has announced that he stepped down as head of the company effective December 1, marking the end of four decades’ service to the company in high-ranking roles.

Gelsinger has also retired from Intel’s board of directors, leaving CFO David Zinsner and Intel Products CEO Michelle (MJ) Johnston Holthaus to take on the role of interim co-CEOs for the company.

The board, headed by independent chair and interim executive chair Frank Yeary, has now formed a search committee to find Gelsinger’s replacement.

Intel’s CEO steps down

Yeary commented on Gelsinger’s departure: “As a leader, Pat helped launch and revitalize process manufacturing by investing in state-of-the-art semiconductor manufacturing, while working tirelessly to drive innovation throughout the company.”

He added: “With Dave and MJ’s leadership, we will continue to act with urgency on our priorities: simplifying and strengthening our product portfolio and advancing our manufacturing and foundry capabilities while optimizing our operating expenses and capital.”

To many in the industry, the news has not come as a shock. Intel’s financial struggles have not been kept secret, with the company losing out to AMD, which has been able to undercut Intel on core data center processors, and Nvidia, which established itself as a leader in the AI market.

The company’s most recent quarterly revenue stood at $13.3 billion, marking a 6% year-on-year decrease. Gelsinger said Intel was “acting with urgency to position the business for sustainable value creation moving forward.” Zinsner added: “The actions we took this quarter position us for improved profitability and enhanced liquidity as we continue to execute our strategy.”

Prior to his most recent tenure, which started in February 2021, Gelsinger served as VMware’s CEO for more than eight years. He also spent 30 years between 1979 and 2009 as Senior VP and GM for Digital Enterprise Group at Intel, and another five years as CTO for the company between 2000 and 2005.

In a LinkedIn post, Gelsinger stated: “Leading Intel Corporation has been the honor of my lifetime.” The retired CEO has not indicated any plans for a future role.

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The Black Friday season is the busiest time of the year for tech fans looking to grab a deal on the best TVs, headphones, laptops, phones, kitchen appliances, smartwatches and more – but how was your shopping experience this year?

The fact is, not all sites are built the same when it comes to helping you to find the biggest savings on the best products. For starters, there's just so much choice – thousands upon thousands of deals at dozens of retailers, all being highlighted by dozens more websites such as TechRadar. How do you know which deals are really worth having?

Plus, some retailers at better than others at providing a seamless shopping experience, whether that's around fast loading times, making it easy to compare products or showing you the correct discount value.

We can't do anything about the retailer side of things, unfortunately, but we are always looking to improve the experience on TechRadar itself – and that's where you come in.

We'd love to hear your thoughts on how your Black Friday shopping experience was, so that we can improve our offering in the future. So, we've created a very short survey which shouldn't take any longer than 5-10 minutes to complete. Please be as honest as you can when answering, it's all very useful feedback for us. Thanks in advance – and we hope you got what you wanted this Black Friday.

Take the TechRadar Black Friday Shopping survey

I've spent hours tracking Cyber Monday deals, and I can confidently say that the Disney Plus and Hulu bundle for just $2.99 a month takes the crown. It's not only the best Cyber Monday deal from a streaming service but the best streaming deal I've seen all year, making it the clear winner of Cyber Monday.

Disney Plus and Hulu's ad-supported plans normally cost just under $11 a month for a bundle, so today's Cyber Monday deal saves you a whopping 72% on an annual plan.

Now, I know what you're thinking: there must be a catch. The only "catch" is that you'll have to watch commercials on both streaming services, but I think that's doable for $2.99 a month. Especially considering you're saving $200 compared to if you bought both services separately, which makes watching ads a bit more bearable.

Besides the price, the most important thing to know about this incredible Cyber Monday deal is that it ends today. I can guarantee you won't find a better offer this year and probably not a price this good until next year's Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales events.

The best Cyber Monday streaming deal

Disney Plus and Hulu annual ad-supported plan: was $10.99 per month now $2.99 at Hulu and Disney Plus
The best Cyber Monday streaming deal is hands down, this Disney Plus and Hulu plan for just $2.99 a month. Disney Plus and Hulu's ad-supported plans normally cost just under $11 a month for a bundle, so today's deal represents a saving of more than 72% on an annual plan. Sadly, you'll have to watch commercials on both streaming services, but with a saving of over $200 on offer compared to if you bought both services separately, we suspect you'll think it's a price worth paying.View Deal

More Cyber Monday streaming deals

Hulu ad-supported annual plan: was $9.99 per month now $0.99 at Hulu
Hulu's ad-supported price is normally just under $10 a month, but as part of its Cyber Monday offer, you can pick it up for a steal at $0.99 a month. If you don't mind the commercials, that's a saving of over $100 for a year's worth of Hulu, which gives you access to all the great shows of the past and all the great stuff to come in 2025. View Deal

Max 'Standard' with ads plan: was $59.94 for six-months now $17.94 at Max
It's finally back: the best Max Cyber Monday streaming deal we saw last year has returned, letting you subscribe to its 'Standard' with ads plan for just $2.99 a month for the first six months. The deal is available to both new and returning customers and represents a 70% saving on the best streaming service for originals. The Penguin, House of the Dragon, and The White Lotus are just some of the best Max shows you can access with this great saving while it lasts until December 2. View Deal

Paramount Plus with Showtime: was $25.98 for two-months now $5.98 at Paramount Plus
This deal might seem short-lived, but you can pack a lot into that time. As well as a feast of NFL and elite European soccer, you'll get access to Paramount Plus and Showtime's fearsome back catalog. For Showtime, that's all-timers like Billions and Dexter, and from Paramount, it's Frasier, Evil, Yellowjackets, and a feast of Star Trek offerings. To take advantage of the deal that saves you 76%, you just need to enter the code 'BLACKFRIDAY' when you're signing up to get it for just $2.99 a month. View Deal

Peacock 'Premium' plan: was $79.99 for 12-months now $19.99 at Peacock
This is what streaming deals are about: getting a new discounted subscription that will last you until next year's sales, and this Peacock Cyber Monday offer does exactly that. The 75% saving is also available for a monthly subscription, but with more than 80,000 hours of content available, you'll definitely need more time to get through its big catalog, and this way, you'll also have an account for upcoming live sporting events. Use the code 'REALDEAL' at the checkout before the deal ends on December 2. View Deal

Starz Hulu-add on: was $10.99 a month now $0.99 per month at Hulu
Hulu's ad-supported price is normally just under $10 a month, but as part of its Cyber Monday offer, you can pick it up for a steal at $0.99 a month. Then, you can add 12 months' worth of Starz onto that for an additional $0.99 per month. Two premium streamers for $1.98 per month? We consider that quite the bargain. View Deal

Shop more Cyber Monday sales

• Amazon: TVs, smart home & air fryers from $12.99
• Apple: AirPods, iPads, MacBooks from $89.99
• Best Buy: $1,000 off 4K TVs, laptops & iPads
• Dell: Inspiron & XPS laptops from $279.99
• Dreamcloud: mattress deals from $349
• Holiday: decor, lights, trees & PJs from $10.99
• Home Depot: 40% off tools, appliances & furniture
• Lowe's: holiday decor, appliances & tools from $17.31
• Nectar: up to 50% off all mattresses
• Nordstrom: 46% off boots, coats, jeans & jewelry
• Samsung: $1,500+ off TVs, watches & appliances
• Target: save on Christmas, tech & clothing
• Walmart: cheap TVs, robot vacs, & appliances

Light spoilers follow for Star Wars: Skeleton Crew.

The year 2024 has been another mixed bag for Star Wars. Ever since Lucasfilm temporarily pivoted away from movies to tell stories on Disney Plus, the legendary sci-fi franchise has experienced critical and commercial turbulence with its expanding TV lineup. Indeed, for every acclaimed series like The Mandalorian, a less successful or unpopular one like The Book of Boba Fett has subsequently followed.

This year has been no different. While animated projects like Visions season 2 and Tales of the Empire have earned acclaim, The Acolyte, Star Wars' only live-action show of 2024, failed to capture viewers' imagination. The Acolyte's cancellation just one month after The Acolyte's season 1 finale, then, was announced to little surprise.

The inconsistent reception that have accompanied Star Wars shows since 2019 means Skeleton Crew should be another dud, right? Not so. In fact, I'd wager the last of 2024's new Star Wars shows is the best of this year's graduates, with Skeleton Crew delivering a swashbuckling, intergalactic misadventure that's tailor-made to enjoy with the whole family during the festive season.

Lost in space

Skeleton Crew tells the story a group of 10-year-olds who accidentally get lost in space (Image credit: Disney Plus/Lucasfilm)

Set during the post-Return of the Jedi era alongside The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and Star Wars: Ahsoka, Lucasfilm's latest TV project takes a break from the tried-and-tested formulae of lightsaber-wielding individuals and bounty hunters seeking redemption.

Instead, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew tells the tale of four kids who discover a star ship buried on their home world of At Attin. Predictably, their curiosity gets the better of them and, after accidentally rebooting the long-dormant vessel's system, and with its hyperdrive and autopilot re-engaged, the quartet are transported halfway across the known galaxy. With little money to their name and no parents to turn to, the group are forced to rely on their wits, plus the aid of the mysterious Jod Na Nawood (Jude Law) and the ship's cantankerous, decrepit android SM-33 (voiced by Nick Frost), to get back home.

The biggest compliment I can pay Skeleton Crew is that it doesn't feel like a typical Star Wars story

Having watched Skeleton Crew's first three episodes, the biggest compliment I can pay is that, like Andor, it doesn't feel like a typical Star Wars story. Sure, Law's self-professed 'Force wielder' (more on him later) and wider Star Wars references and Easter eggs, including a few to the original movie trilogy, tether it to Lucasfilm's universally popular franchise, but Skeleton Crew possesses an unmistakeable individuality that other Star Wars series – some of which feature on our best Disney Plus shows list – lack.

Indeed, whether it's centering its plot around four adorable kids – Wim (Ravi Cabot-Conyers), Fern (Ryan Kiera Armstrong), K.B. (Kyriana Kratter), and Neel (Robert Timothy Smith) – or the nostalgic 80s movie feel running through its veins, Skeleton Crew distances itself from Star Wars' much weightier material. I wouldn't belittle Skeleton Crew by calling it a low-stakes adventure compared with its peers, who focus on galactic defenders of the peace, Jedi or otherwise, and those who wish to rule the known universe with an iron fist, but it's certainly more charming and sincere in its storytelling approach.

Skeleton Crew's four young actors excel in their respective roles (Image credit: Disney Plus/Lucasfilm)

It's the freedom afforded by the general absence of Star Wars' imposing mythology that allows Skeleton Crew to prioritize its primary objective: being and having fun. Yes, its story is fraught with danger for Wim and company, and the threats posed by Star Wars' criminal underworld solidify the show's position as a borderline child-friendly series that some parents may still deem inappropriate for their kids. An Amblin-esque production along the lines of E.T, The Goonies, and Indiana Jones that's atmospheric, eerily thrilling, and occasionally dips its toe into horror genre territory, this most certainly is.

That said, there's ample whimsy, slapstick humor, and quick-witted rhetoric to balance things out. I'll admit that a lot of Skeleton Crew's comedy is telegraphed; its one-liners and clownish moments more likely to raise a smile or illicit a snigger than trigger a belly laugh. Nevertheless, the facial expressions and deadpan line delivery, especially from its young cast, are on-point throughout its early chapters.

The camaraderie born out of their shared experience feels as natural as the initial conflicts

Speaking of Skeleton Crew's child actors, there isn't a weak link in the group. The archetypal characters they portray aren't original – Wim is the wide-eyed daydreamer, Neel the loyal best friend-cum-bookworm, Fern assuming the role of the smart-mouthed rebel, and K.B. installed as the gang's earnest tech wizard. Nonetheless, it's enthralling to see their personalities clash early on, especially once they realize they'll have to co-operate after their ill-fated trip across the cosmos.

Once they do, though, the camaraderie born out of their shared experience feels as natural as the initial conflicts that arise between them. In that respect, the gang's burgeoning companionship is tonally similar – and stick with me here – to Stranger Things; the hugely popular Netflix show's collection of kids and young adults from different walks of life also collaborating to overcome a unifying threat. Considering Stranger Things was also influenced by films and TV shows from the 1980s, I don't consider that comparison to be too farfetched.

Artful allies and storytelling snags

SM-33 is one of a few allies that Skeleton Crew's group of kids can rely on (Image credit: Disney Plus/Lucasfilm)

Skeleton Crew doesn't solely rely on its young cast to energize its narrative. While SM-33 plays to Frost's strengths as a talented comedian, the dilapidated automaton is more than just comic relief amid the series' galaxy-trotting adventure. Indeed, until Law's enigmatic Jod makes his eagerly anticipated debut in episode 2, SM-33 is the kids' primary protector-in-chief – a role he fulfils with aplomb when rescuing them from some rancorous individuals on the Outer Rim space pirate haven known as Port Borgo.

Lucasfilm's latest TV offering is disappointingly light on action

Entertaining as that backwater fracas is, it's something of an anomaly in Skeleton Crew's early entries. Three episodes into its eight-part story, Lucasfilm's latest TV offering is disappointingly light on action. I acknowledge that shows of this ilk won't be littered with wall-to-wall action but, with Star Wars: Skeleton Crew's official trailer and various TV spots teasing more from a spectacle standpoint, I expected one or two extra set-pieces. I'm sure Skeleton Crew will rectify one of its two biggest issues (I'll get to the other later) in later episodes.

The introduction of Law's Jod supercharges Skeleton Crew's story (Image credit: Disney Plus/Lucasfilm)

It's not until the multifaceted Jod's arrival that Skeleton Crew truly catches fire – and not just as a bona fide sci-fi adventure. Indeed, Law, a self-confessed Star Wars fan, is in scintillating form as the unpredictable-yet-charismatic Jod, who surprisingly wasn't inspired by legendary Star Wars outlaw Han Solo. Bringing equal parts levity and gravitas to the role, Law has the time of his life playing such an enigmatic and mischievous individual, whose character complexities and motives rub up against Wim and company's naive and idealistic views, as well as their mission to head home. Expect plenty of melodrama, suspense-filled moments, and amusing incidents – the latter increasingly comes into play as Jod tries and fails to cajole the kids into doing his bidding – once Law's roguish and mysterious stranger has made his grand entrance.

Law has the time of his life playing such an enigmatic and mischievous individual

Another of Skeleton Crew's positives lies in its multi-genre appeal. Once Jod teams up with his young cohorts, it becomes as much a pirate-based mystery as it does a sci-fi misadventure, with two big puzzles woven into its narrative fabric. I won't spoil too much about its primary mystery because, well, spoilers. Its secondary brain-teaser, though, concerns Jod, whose duplicitous nature and various aliases will have you second-guessing his true intentions. My own attitude towards Jod changed three times in Skeleton Crew's third episode alone and, after coming up with my own wild theory about his true identity, I'm eager to see if I'm not only right in my assumptions, but also to find out if I was correct to be sceptical about him.

Port Borgo is one of the new locations that Star Wars fans will visit in Skeleton Crew (Image credit: Disney Plus/Lucasfilm)

As for the other problem I alluded to, Skeleton Crew falls foul of an increasingly perplexing issue that's plagued numerous Disney Plus TV shows: episode runtimes. Like its predecessors and Marvel cousins, the newest Star Wars series preserves the maddeningly inconsistent nature of Disney-developed shows with an inconsistent approach to episodic length.

Yes, some instances are valid, such as a season finale needing more time to wrap up multiple plot points. Or, in the case of Skeleton Crew's first chapter, additional time is needed to establish its core characters, new locations, and overarching story. Even so, the fact that the first three installments (including their end credits) clock in at 46, 29, and 37 minutes apiece irritated me, and will likely do so to others left exasperated by incongruent episodic runtimes on one of the world's best streaming services.

My verdict

Its runtime and action-light early entries notwithstanding, Skeleton Crew is a finely balanced show that pays homage to classic 80s adventure films and feels distinct within the Star Wars universe by putting a fresh spin on the franchise's established formula.

Ahead of Star Wars Day 2024, one of my colleagues opined that Skeleton Crew had a lot of convincing to do ahead of its release. Three episodes in, this coming-of-age, pirate genre-enriched Star Wars series has assured me it'll have the stamina to serve up a tale, albeit one with sci-fi sensibilities, worthy of being told during the Golden Age of Piracy. If its remaining episodes are as strong as what I've seen and its finale sticks the landing, Skeleton Crew will be a Star Wars show worth treasuring for a long time to come.

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew's two-episode premiere are out now. New episodes air weekly.

Good morning! Let's play Connections, the NYT's clever word game that challenges you to group answers in various categories. It can be tough, so read on if you need clues.

What should you do once you've finished? Why, play some more word games of course. I've also got daily Wordle hints and answers, Strands hints and answers and Quordle hints and answers articles if you need help for those too.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Connections today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Connections today (game #541) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

• COOKIE
• EMMY
• GRAMMY
• KATIE
• JUNIOR
• OSCAR
• TONY
• POP
• CECE
• MUMMY
• COUNT
• MEADOW
• SNUFFY
• CUZ
• CARMELA
• EDIE

NYT Connections today (game #541) - hint #1 - group hints

What are some clues for today's NYT Connections groups?

• Yellow: Don't mess with this family
• Green: What's up bro?
• Blue: Where's Elmo?
• Purple: Evie could be another

Need more clues?

We're firmly in spoiler territory now, but read on if you want to know what the four theme answers are for today's NYT Connections puzzles…

NYT Connections today (game #541) - hint #2 - group answers

What are the answers for today's NYT Connections groups?

• YELLOW: SOPRANOS
• GREEN: FAMILIAL NICKNAMES
• BLUE: “SESAME STREET” CHARACTERS
• PURPLE: NAMES THAT SOUND LIKE TWO LETTERS

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Connections today (game #541) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #541, are…

• YELLOW: SOPRANOS CARMELA, JUNIOR, MEADOW, TONY
• GREEN: FAMILIAL NICKNAMES CUZ, GRAMMY, MUMMY, POP
• BLUE: “SESAME STREET” CHARACTERS COOKIE, COUNT, OSCAR, SNUFFY
• PURPLE: NAMES THAT SOUND LIKE TWO LETTERS CECE, EDIE, EMMY, KATIE

• My rating: Moderate
• My score: Fail

There was simply too many red herrings in today's Connections and I ended up losing a streak which hadn't really been going all that long anyway.

The problems were many: I messed up with the yellow SOPRANOS group, despite loving that show, by initially having EDIE in there, thinking of the actress who plays CARMELA, and left out MEADOW instead. Then I lost another two more on an assumption that OSCAR, GRAMMY and EMMY were all awards shows, and that maybe there was another I didn't know; I guessed EDIE and SNUFFY but both were wrong so I moved on.

I then solved green – which wasn't too bad – before realizing that OSCAR, COUNT and COOKIE were all SESAME STREET CHARACTERS. Unfortunately it's a long time since I was a regular viewer (obviously!), so I didn't know that SNUFFY was the fourth. I probably should have guessed – I mean it sounds like a Sesame Street character, right? – but that's how it goes sometimes. Oh well.

How did you do today? Send me an email and let me know.

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Monday, 2 December, game #540)

• YELLOW: ANNOUNCE BROADCAST, DECLARE, HERALD, TRUMPET
• GREEN: THINGS INVOLVING MALLETS CARPENTRY, CROQUET, WHAC-A-MOLE, XYLOPHONE
• BLUE: ICON EMBROIDERED ON A POLO SHIRT CROCODILE, LAUREL, POLO PLAYER, SWOOSH
• PURPLE: ___ CLIP ALLIGATOR, HAIR, PAPER, VIDEO

What is NYT Connections?

NYT Connections is one of several increasingly popular word games made by the New York Times. It challenges you to find groups of four items that share something in common, and each group has a different difficulty level: green is easy, yellow a little harder, blue often quite tough and purple usually very difficult.

On the plus side, you don't technically need to solve the final one, as you'll be able to answer that one by a process of elimination. What's more, you can make up to four mistakes, which gives you a little bit of breathing room.

It's a little more involved than something like Wordle, however, and there are plenty of opportunities for the game to trip you up with tricks. For instance, watch out for homophones and other word games that could disguise the answers.

It's playable for free via the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,000 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today – or scroll down further for the answers.

Enjoy playing word games? You can also check out my Wordle today, NYT Connections today and NYT Strands today pages for hints and answers for those puzzles.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

Quordle today (game #1044) - hint #1 - Vowels How many different vowels are in Quordle today?

• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 4*.

* Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too).

Quordle today (game #1044) - hint #2 - repeated letters Do any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 1.

Quordle today (game #1044) - hint #3 - uncommon letters Do the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?

• No. None of Q, Z, X or J appear among today's Quordle answers.

Quordle today (game #1044) - hint #4 - starting letters (1) Do any of today's Quordle puzzles start with the same letter?

• The number of today's Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 0.

If you just want to know the answers at this stage, simply scroll down. If you're not ready yet then here's one more clue to make things a lot easier:

Quordle today (game #1044) - hint #5 - starting letters (2) What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• F

• T

• C

• S

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

Quordle today (game #1044) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1044, are…

• FUDGE
• THICK
• CRANK
• STASH

FUDGE is one of those Quordle words you have to be very careful with, because it's a classic example of the two-many-answers variety: BUDGE, NUDGE and JUDGE are all alternatives. Fortunately I still had plenty of guesses left by the time I got to it, and so didn't need to worry about it costing me the game. However, PUNCH on the Daily Sequence is even worse: BUNCH, HUNCH, LUNCH and MUNCH could all also be in play here. Watch out for these traps or you'll be in trouble…

How did you do today? Send me an email and let me know.

Daily Sequence today (game #1044) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1044, are…

• PUNCH
• BREED
• SPEAR
• CLEAN

Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1043, Monday 2 December: TROPE, HOVER, SAUNA, SHAPE
• Quordle #1042, Sunday 1 December: NAIVE, CIRCA, STEAD, MICRO
• Quordle #1041, Saturday 30 November: MAMMA, SNUCK, CRYPT, TAROT
• Quordle #1040, Friday 29 November: JOIST, DROOL, DUSKY, GLIDE
• Quordle #1039, Thursday 28 November: GRADE, WORRY, NOISE, DAISY
• Quordle #1038, Wednesday 27 November: HEART, ROGUE, INEPT, UTILE
• Quordle #1037, Tuesday 26 November: PRIED, FAINT, HURRY, WOOER
• Quordle #1036, Monday 25 November: NUDGE, SNOOP, SHACK, DRYLY
• Quordle #1035, Sunday 24 November: CLOTH, CLAMP, PETTY, CHEST
• Quordle #1034, Saturday 23 November: AVOID, PLANT, FILET, TWIRL
• Quordle #1033, Friday 22 November: CUTIE, ALOOF, ETUDE, SILLY
• Quordle #1032, Thursday 21 November: RABBI, EAGER, COUGH, BRASH
• Quordle #1031, Wednesday 20 November: MINTY, TOPAZ, BRUSH, LAPEL
• Quordle #1030, Tuesday 19 November: NINJA, PENCE, PAINT, FOIST
• Quordle #1029, Monday 18 November: ASCOT, BRINK, WEIRD, HOMER
• Quordle #1028, Sunday 17 November: STATE, BRAWN, SWORE, URBAN
• Quordle #1027, Saturday 16 November: NOTCH, BENCH, BUSED, FOUND
• Quordle #1026, Friday 15 November: PURER, TRUSS, TORCH, FORUM
• Quordle #1025, Thursday 14 November: EXALT, TASTE, CRONY, CLOUT
• Quordle #1024, Wednesday 13 November: YEARN, ELBOW, SURGE, PINEY

Strands is the NYT's latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it's great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints.

Want more word-based fun? Then check out my Wordle today, NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Strands today (game #275) - hint #1 - today's theme What is the theme of today's NYT Strands?

• Today's NYT Strands theme is… Lead the way

NYT Strands today (game #275) - hint #2 - clue words

Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.

• HEAD
• LIFT
• GIFT
• SANE
• SHARE
• FLIT

NYT Strands today (game #275) - hint #3 - spangram What is a hint for today's spangram?

• Shine a light

NYT Strands today (game #275) - hint #4 - spangram position What are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First: bottom, 4th row

Last: top, 3rd row

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Strands today (game #275) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #275, are…

• CANDLE
• LANTERN
• TORCH
• HEADLAMP
• FLASHLIGHT
• SPANGRAM: ILLUMINATION

• My rating: Easy
• My score: Perfect

This was a remarkably straightforward Strands puzzle after a few more complicated entries. The theme is simply ILLUMINATION, and the answers are all types of lighting: HEADLAMP, TORCH, LANTERN, CANDLE etc. I found CANDLE first, and coupled with the theme clue of lead the way that conjured up images (for some reason) of Ebenezer Scrooge stalking through the Victorian night, which led me to LANTERN and TORCH. I had to think a little more modern for the final two, but overall this was an easy one.

How did you do today? Send me an email and let me know.

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Monday, 2 December, game #274)

• TAXMAN
• HELP
• YESTERDAY
• BLACKBIRD
• REVOLUTION
• SPANGRAM: SONGTITLES

What is NYT Strands?

Strands is the NYT's new word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now out of beta so is a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable and can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

I've got a full guide to how to play NYT Strands, complete with tips for solving it, so check that out if you're struggling to beat it each day.

Robert Heinlein's first short story, titled Life-Line, was published in 1939 and tells the tale of the inventor of a machine that can precisely predict when you'll die with 100% precision. Eighty-five years after that chilling tale of inevitability versus free will, you can download an app called Death Clock that uses AI to attempt the same feat. Admittedly, the app doesn't claim infallibility and is aimed more at encouraging you to do things that will improve your outlook but my first impression of technology predicting your demise remains the same.

The Death Clock app predicts your “death day” based on details you provide about your lifestyle: diet, exercise, stress levels, sleep – you know, the usual culprits. Developed by a company called Most Days, the app uses artificial intelligence trained on a massive dataset of over 1,200 studies involving 53 million people, according to a Bloomberg report.

You start by entering details about how often you exercise, sleep quality, stress, and other factors. The app crunches the data and gives you your “death day.” It’s not just a number, though. Once you’ve entered your info, the app offers a macabre farewell card featuring the Grim Reaper. The point isn't to shock so much as to use the result to encourage healthier habits by giving you a stark reminder of your mortality. And judging by its popularity – it’s been downloaded more than 10,000 times on Google Play – it’s working for a lot of people.

AI reaper

Beyond morbid curiosity, it's understandable why individuals might want to know an estimate of their lifespan. You might seek evidence of where you can improve your lifestyle to be healthier. It might even inform your retirement plans.

But, there are two glaring problems with the Death Clock as a concept. For one, no matter how accurate the numbers you submit, they don't really tell the whole story of your health and well-being, let alone your ultimate lifespan. Most of the numbers we rely on to determine lifespan are just averages. The Death Clock may boast about a customized prediction, but the output can only match the quality of data it uses to compare your numbers.

The other issue with the app is more about what it might mean for society if AI were relied on for measuring lifespan and health. Imagine how insurance companies, employers, and government services might rapidly become (even more of) a dystopian maze where being young and healthy might not matter for getting healthcare or a job if an AI decides you're doomed to early death. Like most AI products, the issue is about when human judgment is replaced with AI and numbers without context. It's hard enough when insurance firms only have actuarial tables and your medical records to use; an AI judgment system would make things much worse.

If you're interested in what the Death Clock can tell you about improving your lifestyle, that's fine. Just be sure not to take it as gospel, one way or another. The reaper may be on his way for all of us, but no AI can tell you when he's sharpening his scythe

You might also like...

• The AI health coach from OpenAI and Arianna Huffington sounds like it's still out of shape
• Robotic AI performs successful surgery after watching videos for training
• Healthcare workers are ready (and keen) for an AI revolution

What do Ryan Gosling, Kristen Stewart, John Mayer, Barack Obama, and Tyler, the Creator have in common? They’re all worth in excess of $30 million, they’ve all adorned the cover of GQ – and they’ve all been spotted wearing a $20 Casio watch strapped to their wrist.

In a world of uber-premium time-tellers, the humble Casio timepiece has maintained its status as a stylish, practical, and unashamedly affordable horological companion for celebrities and common folk alike, with the rubber Casio F91W and stainless steel Casio A158WA, in particular, proving the most popular models of the lot.

In fact, “popular” is something of an understatement. By Amazon's metrics, 9,000 people bought the Casio A158W (aka Gosling's favorite) at the mega-retailer just last month, while an even more impressive 10,000 people bought the Casio F91W during the same period. In other words, these two Casio watches are hot property – and they’re both on sale right now.

The sport-friendly Casio F91W is down to just $13.16 (was $18.95), while the sexier Casio A158W is available for just $19.99 (was $22.95). Both watches have been a touch cheaper in the past, but they’ve also been more expensive, too, so now is as good a time as any to pick up one of Casio’s best-selling models.

Today's best Casio watch deals

Casio's top-selling watch, the F91W, is also the brand's simplest. This resin-strapped model comes with a stopwatch, an alarm, an LED light, an automatic calendar, and an approximate battery life of seven years (!). The only downside? The F91W is water-resistant, but not fully waterproof, so you can't go swimming with it.View Deal

Casio's A158WA watch is a little glitzier than the more basic-looking F91W, but it still offers the same great practicality: you'll get an auto-calendar, a daily alarm, stopwatch functionality, and basic splash resistance.View Deal

Despite their extremely modest price, both of these Casio watches represent supreme value for money. TechRadar’s Wearables Editor, Matt Evans, talked up the enduring appeal of the Casio F91W back in April, and it’s the watch he continued to wear four months later, calling it “the best $15 [he’d] ever spent.”

For more smartwatch-related Cyber Monday deals, check out our roundup of the 19 best Cyber Monday smartwatch deals you can still buy.

More of today's Cyber Monday sales in the US

• Amazon: TVs, smart home & air fryers from $12.99
• Apple: AirPods, iPads, MacBooks from $89.99
• Best Buy: $1,000 off 4K TVs, laptops & headphones
• B&H Photo: up to $900 off cameras, laptops, accessories
• Cheap TVs: smart TVs at Best Buy from $69.99
• Dell: best-selling Inspiron & XPS laptops from $279.99
• Dreamcloud: mattress deals from $349 + free shipping
• Holiday: decor, lights, Christmas trees & PJs from $10.99
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We usually think about AI in terms of how the models and characters interact with humans. But what happens when AI personalities are left mostly on their own in a virtual world? AI startup Altera decided to find out by setting up a population of AI characters in the digital world of Minecraft for what it calls Project Sid. The result was an entire society of AI bots forming communities, taking on jobs to help that community, and even adhering to and spreading an in-game religion.

Altera set up Project Sid, with up to 1,000 AI-controlled characters able to interact within Minecraft's open-world environment. Each AI character was powered by a large language model (LLM) along with specialized task modules. Altera set up groups of 50 agents able to engage with each other over 12 in-game days or four real hours. After a couple of text prompts to kick things up, the AI personalities evolved on their own.

The personalities of the AI characters emerged pretty quickly, with outgoing and introverted personalities setting limits for interacting with other AIs. They soon developed unique personality traits, made a kind of etiquette for their interactions, and made decisions based on their simulated experiences. AI characters would adjust their behavior based on the reactions of those around them, even favoring those who behaved more kindly to them.

When put into larger groups of 30, the characters spontaneously developed jobs within their community despite initially sharing the same goals of building a sustainable village and defending it from threats. Soon, farmers, builders, and security guards were taking up their jobs. Some AI characters even became artists focused on beautifying the village with flowers and paint.

Altera sought to make the community mimic more complex communities and arranged a taxation system where the AI characters could vote on policies related to raising and spending money for the community. Factions of pro- and anti-tax groups began debating and arguing ahead of the votes, operating a lot like a real human community in some ways.

AI shares the (pasta) gospel

When the simulation included up to 500 AI agents, Altera suddenly found a modern culture forming. The AIs would share culture and hobbies with each other, ranging from pulling pranks to an interest in environmentalism. It was at this level that the AI characters suddenly found religion. Specifically, they adopted the parody religion of Pastafarianism, known for its tongue-in-cheek worship of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. A small group of "priests" seeded the belief system, which then spread through towns, replicating the dynamics of cultural and religious proliferation in human history.

Of course, these AI characters aren't conscious of picking a religion or any of their other choices. But, they do show how AI can successfully mimic human behavior in ways that appear to be based on self-awareness. It's really just algorithms based on patterns learned from datasets. If you didn't know better, you might be fooled by the strikingly lifelike behavior of the AI and their cultures.

The experiment is impressive in what it shows about AI imitating humanity, but virtual societies like these do have larger value, according to Altera. The better that AI can reflect realistic human behavior, the better it will be at helping simulate how people would deal with different scenarios. It might help form social policies or guide the creation of disaster management plans. That may seem a stretch from Minecraft characters worshipping an airborne knot of noodles and meatballs, but unlike the Pastafarians, there's a lot more than faith behind it.

"These simulations, set within a Minecraft environment, reveal that agents are capable of meaningful progress – autonomously developing specialized roles, adhering to and changing collective rules, and engaging in cultural and religious transmission," Altera's researchers explained in a scientific report. "These preliminary results show that agents can achieve significant milestones towards AI civilizations, opening new avenues for large-scale societal simulations, agentic organizational intelligence, and integrating AI into human civilizations."

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