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With all the tech we have these days, it’s a good idea to invest in some type of power bank you can rely on when you’re on the go. Some of the ones that offer the most power can get pretty costly, but right now you can snag Anker’s 65W 537 power bank for just $35 at Woot. That’s half off the list price. Just note that this power bank won’t arrive until after the holidays, so check our roundup of last-minute gifts if you’re still working on your holiday shopping list.
This power bank has a massive 24,000-mAh capacity, which should let you charge your phone at least four times, making it a solid choice if you’re going to be on the go for a while or have multiple devices to charge. It has two USB-C ports and one USB-A port and is powerful enough to provide power to laptops and tablets, too.
The first USB-C has a maximum output of 45 watts while the second USB-C has a maximum output of 20 watts, but it is convenient to be able to simultaneously charge multiple devices. When the power bank runs low, it takes less than five hours to reach a full charge again.
This offer is only good until Jan. 2 or while supplies last, so we recommend making your purchase sooner rather than later to lock in this price.
Why this offer matters
This power bank lists for $70, so scoring one at a 50% discount is an impressive deal. It’s also from Anker, a brand we trust that frequently ends up on our best lists for various tech items. Plus, your purchase comes with an 18-month Anker manufacturer limited warranty, just in case.
I’m obsessed with robots and have been since I was a little boy watching Gigantor anime on my small tube TV. Back then, I dreamed of riding on the shoulders of my robot friend. I’ve since shed those boyish dreams in favor of a robot home companion along the lines of C-3PO, and part of me believes 2025 might be my year.
In 2024, we saw a lot of humanoid robot development from a growing number of companies. Market leader Boston Dynamics introduced the stunning Atlas 2, its most advanced and human-looking robot yet. Tesla trundled along with Optimus updates, Figure AI arrived with the remarkably bright Figure 01, and 1X Neo Beta‘s uncomfortable human/robot interactions will forever haunt our dreams. The slow pace of humanoid robotic development I’ve witnessed over the last three decades has accelerated partly because some are pairing their robot efforts with advancements in AI. Figure 01, for instance, partnered with OpenAI for some voice-based responses.
When asked, as I sometimes am, when we will have Star Wars-like robots in the home, I usually avoid giving a direct answer because there are too many variables. Everything I know about robotic development tells me the wait will be long.
That, of course, is not the outcome I want. Robots remain at the topic of on my tech wishlist, so I thought that maybe I could find some moral and intellectual support from a few accomplices in the robotics technology race, namely, Google Gemini, OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Siri, and Anthropic’s Claude AI.
A simple robot question
I asked each of them the same simple question: « Will I have a humanoid robot in 2025 »
Siri, even the Apple Intelligence upgraded one, was sadly useless. I kept trying to ask it this simple question, and each time, Siri thought I was in distress and told me, « If you think it could be serious, ask me to call Emergency Services or someone you trust. » I guess Siri assumed I was under robot attack.
I switched to ChatGPT 4o. As I mentioned, OpenAI is already deeply involved in the robot race, working with partners like Figure AI to enable smarter interactions with their existing humanoid robots. Perhaps I shouldn’t have been surprised by ChatGPT‘s largely optimistic response.
ChatGPT told me it was « quite possible that we’ll have advanced humanoid robots. Technology is moving quickly, so you might see some impressive robots by then! Would you be interested in having one? »
« Affordable » is not in the 2024 or 2025 humanoid robotics vocabulary. I’m sorry, ChatGPT, but I don’t think you fully understand this market.
I was tempted to tell ChatGPT to « chill » as it asked me what type of robot I wanted. This is a question I found odd since I already told it I wanted a humanoid one.
ChatGPT’s belief in the rise of humanoid robots surprised me, so I challenged it and asked what made it possible for me to have one.
« Well, » it started in its most casual and, yes, human-like voice, « robotics technology has been progressing rapidly, » true, true. « Companies are developing sophisticated robotics with advanced AI, » there it is, « that can perform a variety of tasks. By 2025, it’s likely we’ll see even more practical and affordable humanoid robots. »
That last bit set off a red flag. « Affordable » is not in the 2024 or 2025 humanoid robotics vocabulary. I’m sorry, ChatGPT, but I don’t think you fully understand this market.
Things got more real when I switched to Claude AI and later, Gemini.
(Image credit: X1)
Anthropic’s AI threw some cold water on my dream, telling me, « In 2025, it’s unlikely that most people will have a fully functional humanoid robot at home, » adding that « truly versatile humanoid robots are still in early stages of development. »
Instead of Rosey the Robot, Claude AI tells me 2025 will feature:
More advanced research and industrial robots
Limited functionality robotic assistants
More prototype humanoid robots in labs and tech demos
While I appreciated Claude AI’s more clear-headed view, I was also bummed out.
My dreams of a robot out in the backyard playing catch or cooking dinner while it regaled me with fantastic science fiction tales were fading.
Maybe Gemini would lift me up. After all, Google is the land of moonshot projects. Surely, they’d see the humanoid robot glass as at least half full.
Gemini, though, was even more taciturn than Claude AI. Here’s what it told me:
« While there are companies developing humanoid robots, such as Tesla’s Optimus and 1X’s Neo, it’s unlikely that they will be widely available to consumers in 2025. These robots are still in the early stages of development, and it may take several years before they are ready for mass production and commercialization. »
Image 1 of 4
Claude AI was pretty clear-headed about our robot future(Image credit: Future)
ChatGPT was almost fanciful(Image credit: Future)
Gemini knows what’s up.(Image credit: Future)
Siri was very confused.(Image credit: Future)
Frustrated mainly because I know Gemini is right, I asked about « the main hold up, » and Gemini had quite a list. What surprised me is that AI sits at the very top of it. Gemini said that building artificial intelligence that can « understand and respond to complex environments [read unpredictable homes] and tasks in a human-like way is still a significant challenge. »
Other challenges include:
Hardware that can handle all the different kinds of tasks we do in a home.
Battery tech that can last long enough.
Cost: It costs not only millions to develop and build these robots, but any humanoid robot you might try to buy in 2025 will cost tens of thousands of dollars.
It’s a harsh dose of reality from at least two of the world’s leading AIs and a lot of wishful thinking from one that should know better.
Despite all this, I look forward to an exciting 2025 in humanoid robotics. Sure, we won’t bring Optimus or Atlas home, but I guarantee we will see some eye-opening updates. That fun will probably start at CES 2025. At last year’s massive tech event, I danced with a humanoid robot. Who knows what they’ll be capable of this year.
When UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed in New York on Dec. 4, it kicked off a national conversation about how health insurance companies regularly deny patients life-saving treatments. Many people even celebrated the alleged shooter, 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, who awaits extradition to New York from where he was arrested last week in Pennsylvania. But UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare, appears to be using a peculiar tactic to fight back against anyone who celebrates Mangione online.
Internet users have created tributes to Mangione, including everything from songs to t-shirts. But one pro-Mangione design isn’t available on the internet anymore because UnitedHealth Group submitted a copyright complaint against it under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). The painting has been removed from Teepublic, which allows artists to sell their own designs on merchandise like t-shirts and sweatshirts. But it’s not clear how UnitedHealth could claim they have rights to something that doesn’t involve any of its intellectual property.
The design, which you can see below, doesn’t include any UnitedHealth logos or anything that would conceivably be interpreted as a trademark or image owned by the healthcare giant. It’s a watercolor painting of Mangione, clearly inspired by one of the security camera images released by police. Mangione is encircled in a heart but, again, there’s nothing that appears to have anything to do with UnitedHealth.
The creator of this image told Gizmodo it’s “pretty absurd” because she doesn’t understand how UnitedHealthcare would have any copyright claim on it. Rachel Kenaston, a 36-year-old filmmaker and comedian, said she was inspired by what she calls the the solidarity shown by the working class after the shooting
“I live in Brooklyn but grew up in Vienna, West Virginia so have experienced firsthand how the working class is struggling in rural and urban areas,” Kenaston told Gizmodo via email. “Luigi is a folk hero to me, I was raised learning about the Mine Wars and how heroes risk their lives to fight against corporate exploitation.”
The Mine Wars is a reference to the labor actions of the 1910s in West Virginia, where coal miners demanded better pay and working conditions. Police and mine owners tried to break the workers through violence, and the workers fought back.
Kenaston said she didn’t expect any kind of intellectual property claim to be made and told Gizmodo she was filing a counterclaim to the copyright notice.
“For my design, I chose to watercolor Luigi and use pretty pastel colors to appeal to the feminine sensibility,” Kenaston said. “I honestly expected the design to be pulled for condoning violence or something, but found it really wild that UnitedHealth Group Inc is claiming to have any intellectual rights over a picture of Luigi.”
Kenaston has her own struggles with the U.S. healthcare system, which is notorious for being the most expensive in the world while delivering much poorer health outcomes than other wealthy nations.
“I had a very serious bone tumor on my ribs a few years ago. I’ve had 5 chest reconstructive surgeries at Memorial Sloan Kettering and without the Affordable Care Act and expanded Medicaid in NY I would be unable to pay for any of the treatment,” Kenaston told Gizmodo. “I’m missing three of my ribs and have chronic pain now so I’ve unfortunately had a lot of experience navigating the healthcare industry and empathized with Luigi’s struggle with back pain.”
Kenaston explained how her upbringing in a town polluted by a large company has also shaped her perspective on these issues.
“In my hometown, DuPont is responsible for dumping C8 in our water supply and causing thousands of cancer deaths and other health issues,” said Kenaston. “It is extremely frustrating to know that companies are responsible for so many deaths and the only justice Americans can expect is a negligible fine.”
Kenaston has other designs available online, including watercolors of cats and dogs along with more political art like a Donald Trump-theme “Dick-tator” design. In that case, Trump’s body appears to be a scrotum made out of a potato.
GoFundMe has shut down at least two fundraisers for Mangione, as public interest in his case has become widespread. And a woman was arrested and charged last week after allegedly saying the words “delay, deny, depose” to her health insurance company which had denied her coverage. And there are already multiple documentaries about Mangione reportedly in the works, including one from Alex Gibney, director of Taxi to the Dark Side, which won the Oscar for Best Documentary in 2008.
UnitedHealth Group didn’t respond to questions emailed on Monday about how the company could possibly claim a copyright violation had occurred. Gizmodo will update this post if we hear back.
Workers at two of Amazon’s warehouses in New York City are set to go on strike after the company failed to come to the bargaining table by a December 15 deadline. Unionized workers at the JFK8 facility on Staten Island and DBK4 depot in Queens voted « overwhelmingly » to authorize strikes in protest against « Amazon’s illegal refusal to recognize their union and negotiate a contract addressing the company’s low wages and dangerous working conditions, » according to the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT). Engadget has contacted the Teamsters and Amazon Labor Union (ALU) for more details about the strikes.
“Our members are ready to do whatever it takes to get a contract,” Connor Spence, president of ALU-IBT Local 1, said in a statement. “While Amazon continues to disrespect us by refusing to listen to our concerns, our movement is only growing stronger.”
As for DBK4 — which the Teamsters say is Amazon’s biggest delivery station in NYC — workers there voted almost unanimously for strike authorization. Meanwhile, workers at the DIL7 delivery depot in Skokie, Illinois, also voted « overwhelmingly » to approve a strike. The Teamsters represent hundreds of workers at that station as well. “Amazon is one of the biggest companies on Earth, but we are struggling to pay our bills,” Riley Holzworth, a DIL7 worker, said in a statement.
Amazon has lodged legal challenges against the union election win at JFK8, but it has been unsuccessful in its efforts to overturn results thus far. The company has appealed a ruling by the National Labor Relations Board that certified the union. As ABC News reports, workers claim that Amazon is using the challenges as a tactic to illegally delay union contract talks.
« For more than a year now, the Teamsters have continued to intentionally mislead the public — claiming that they represent ‘thousands of Amazon employees and drivers’. They don’t, and this is another attempt to push a false narrative, » Amazon spokesperson Eileen Hards told ABC News. « The truth is that the Teamsters have actively threatened, intimidated, and attempted to coerce Amazon employees and third-party drivers to join them, which is illegal and is the subject of multiple pending unfair labor practice charges. »
News of the impending strike comes just after a Senate committee released a report regarding an investigation into safety at Amazon facilities. The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions claimed the company ignored internal research indicating that there was a high level of injury rates at its warehouses.
The clock is ticking on the child tax credit, which will see its value decrease significantly if it isn’t expanded by 2026, but has the incoming administration of Donald Trump indicated anything about their plans for it?
Vice President Kamala Harris, the 2024 Democratic nominee for president, made the expansion of the credit, especially for families with newborns, a major part of her economic platform, but the future of it now lies in the hands of President-elect Trump’s forthcoming administration and its potential plans for new tax breaks. Trump, as well as his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, have floated similar hopes about expanding the credit, though these ideas have been less concrete than Harris’s, with a recent New York Times report shedding light on the disparity between their views and Harris’s.
The child tax credit offers an amount of tax relief to parents for each child under 17 years of age that they claim as a dependent. First introduced in 1997, the credit currently offers $2,000 per child, with only $1,600 of that amount being refundable, which means that you can receive that amount even if you don’t owe that much in taxes. The remaining $400 is nonrefundable, so it can only be used to lower your tax burden.
In 2021, President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan was passed and brought with it substantial increases to the child tax credit. Under the law, the credit was expanded to pay out $3,600 per child under 6 years old and $3,000 per child age 6 to 17. The credit was also fully refundable and partially payable as a monthly benefit.
Studies indicate that the 2021 temporary increase of the credit had a significant impact on childhood poverty. Columbia University’s Center on Poverty and Social Policy found that the payments reduced the monthly rates of child poverty by nearly 30%, with payments reaching roughly 61 million children.
Efforts to expand the credit since 2021 haven’t panned out, including a Senate vote on Aug. 1 that failed 48 to 44, with all but three Republicans voting against it.
What have Republicans proposed for the child tax credit?
Vance said in an Aug. 11 interview with CBS News that he would work to make the credit bigger, if such a thing could be worked out with Congress. Trump’s official « Issues » page for his 2024 campaign did not single out the child tax credit, suggesting in only one section lowering taxes in general terms.
« I’d love to see a child tax credit that’s $5,000 per child, » Vance said in the interview. « But you, of course, have to work with Congress to see how possible and viable that is. »
The child tax credit was raised from $1,000 to $2,000 in 2017 when Trump signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which expires in 2025. His 2024 campaign said in a comment to CNBC that Trump « will consider a significant expansion of the child tax credit, » but did not elaborate on his plans. A recent piece on the fate of the child tax credit from the New York Times noted that Trump is keen to boast that during his administration, he « doubled » the credit, however, the piece explained that since Trump’s policy treats the child tax credit more as a tax cut than a credit that anyone can apply for, it was not applicable for the poorest 25 percent of families that made too little to report taxes.
If you’re still searching for the perfect last-minute gift, an Apple device would surely bring a smile to anyone’s face. Luckily for you, there are some Apple devices still available that arrive before Christmas and are on sale at retailers like Amazon and Walmart.
Today’s last-minute Apple deals include a wide range of devices that start at just $24.99. You can splash all out for an older-model MacBook or snag Apple’s latest and greatest smartwatch. The one thing in common for all the Apple gadgets below, aside from their excellent prices, is that they all arrive before December 25.
Shop more of today’s best Apple deals below, and keep in mind that as we get closer to Christmas Day, it will be harder to find devices that arrive in time.
Last-minute Apple deals that arrive before Christmas
For years, portable Bluetooth speakers have promised big sound in small packages, but few have delivered like the new Beats Pill. This updated version of the iconic portable speaker brings meaningful improvements in sound quality and features, making it a serious contender in the crowded portable audio market. And it’s also on sale right now, so that’s a win for you as well.
Currently priced at $100, down from its regular $150, the Beats Pill is on sale for a 33% discount that makes it even more worth picking up for a great holiday gift for yourself or for others. Saving $50? Yes please!
Crank up the volume on the go or at home
At the heart of the Pill’s improved performance is its redesigned audio system. The speaker produces rich, clear sound with deeper bass than its predecessor, thanks to a new woofer design that moves more air for better low-end response. Whether you’re playing music at background levels or cranking it up for a party, the sound stays clean and balanced.
Battery life stretches to 24 hours, plenty for a weekend away or long days outside. The speaker can even charge your phone in a pinch through its USB-C port. Its IP67 rating means it’s both dustproof and waterproof, while the included lanyard and grippy silicone backing make it easy to carry or secure. Or just toss in a bag and go.
Pairing is simple with both Apple and Android devices, and you can link two Pills together for bigger sound or true stereo. The speaker also handles calls and voice assistants, adding practical functionality to its musical capabilities. And it has plenty. You’d be surprised at everything this portable but very powerful speaker is capable of.
For those who want high-quality audio, the Pill can play lossless music when connected via USB-C to a compatible device. This feature sets it apart from many Bluetooth-only speakers, offering a path to better sound quality when you want it. And you can link multiple speakers together if you want as well, so you can have even richer, more fuller sound that envelops you wherever you are or whatever kind of music you like to listen to.
Apple TV+ has its hit sci-fi show Silo for two more seasons. However, the show will end at that point after telling the full story of the Hugh Howey novels on which it’s based.
“Excited to share that Silo will return for a third AND fourth season! We’re thrilled to support the imagination and inspiration out of the UK as they continue to create world-class films and series,” Apple CEO Tim Cook wrote on X, perhaps in an attempt to butter up the creative industry in the UK.
Apple doesn’t tend to share viewership data for its shows and movies. However, Nielsen said soon after the show premiered last year that Silo was a breakout hit. The series debuted as the platform’s number-one drama, per Nielsen data. Viewership is said to have grown in the following weeks. ()
The second season of the dystopian drama is streaming on Apple TV+ now with new episodes arriving each Friday until January 17. Silo depicts a future in which there are only 10,000 people left on the planet and they’re housed in a mile-deep bunker to protect them from a seemingly toxic surface. Anyone who tries to find out when or why this silo was constructed tends to meet their demise, so clearly there’s more going on than might first meet the eye.
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If you didn’t get a chance to shop for your favorite gaming devices during Black Friday or Cyber Monday, you still have a chance to lock in serious savings on holiday gifts for gamers. Fans of virtual reality experiences will enjoy this Meta Quest 3S deal that’s chock-full of goodies that no gamer will want to miss. Amazon is currently offering a $30 digital credit when you buy the 256GB version of the headset and redeem the coupon code QUEST30. Need more options? Target is offering a $30 credit, too. In any case, you’ll also get Batman: Arkham Shadow and three months of Meta Quest Plus included with your purchase for a gift that keeps on giving.
Though this discount isn’t the same as Black Friday or Cyber Week, it’s still an excellent chance to score this VR headset without paying full price.
While the standard Meta Quest 3 is undoubtedly the better headset, the Quest 3S isn’t as far behind as you might think. The picture quality isn’t as good, but you can still enjoy all of the same games and experiences. At essentially $370, there’s frankly no competition when it comes to price. The 256GB capacity helps you multitask as you play or take part in Meta experiences.
As well as the free credit, you’ll score Batman: Arkham Shadow and a three-month trial of Meta Quest Plus with its revolving catalog of games, so you’ll have plenty to play right away.
Over at Amazon, you’ll receive a $30 digital credit to Amazon.com, which will be automatically applied to your account.
If you choose to purchase via Target, you can simply add it to your cart. Once you’ve made your purchase, you’ll receive a $30 digital gift card added directly to your Target account. This offer is good both online and in stores.
This deal will only last until the end of the month and makes for a great piece of giftable tech, whether for yourself or someone else. Don’t miss out on it if you’re looking for your first foray into the world of VR headsets.
Will this item arrive in time for Christmas?
If you’re ordering this as a holiday gift, you probably want to know if it’s going to arrive on time. With Christmas and Hanukkah both taking place on Dec. 25 this year and Kwanzaa kicking off the day after, it’s important to note shipping deadlines for USPS, FedEx, UPS, Amazon and others.
Guaranteed shipping deadlines at some of these delivery companies arrived as soon as Dec. 16, with others offering expedited services that may allow you to order as late as Dec. 23 or even Dec. 24. Where delivery is no longer possible, be sure to assess your in-store pickup options or check out these great digital deals for the holidays.
The Meta Quest 3S will arrive before Christmas, according to both Amazon and Target. For Amazon shoppers, it’s best to order soon so the company can start preparing your order. Target shoppers have the option of delivering to a store or coordinating in-store pickup, which could speed up delivery.
CNET is always covering a wide array of deals on tech products and much more. Start with the hottest sales and discounts on the CNET Deals page, and sign up for the CNET Deals Text to get daily deals sent straight to your phone. Add the free CNET Shopping extension to your browser for real-time price comparisons and cash-back offers. And peruse our gift guide, which includes a full range of ideas for birthdays, anniversaries and more.
Our Favorite Tech Gifts Under $100 We’re Giving for the Holidays
Genmoji works offline, requires Apple silicon Macs, and expands emoji use with personalized designs from prompts or photos
Available to developers now, Genmoji will roll out to public beta and future macOS updates soon
Apple has released its first beta for the upcoming macOS Sequoia 15.3 update for developers, and it reportedly brings a feature powered by Apple Intelligence that the company has been hyping up for some time now: Genmoji. This developer beta follows swiftly on the heels of the release of macOS Sequoia 15.2, which came out about a week ago.
Genmoji will allow Mac users to generate their own unique emojis based on a prompt and this is also the first time we’ll see it on a desktop (the feature was already available on iOS 18.2 for iPhones and iPadOS 18.2 for iPads and now Mac users get to join in on the party), as reported by MacRumors.
To access this developer beta version (and future developer beta releases), you have to register with Apple as a developer (which comes with a subscription fee).
Genmoji is meant to expand the way people can express themselves via custom emojis. On the support page for the feature on iPhone, Apple claims that you can give Genmoji a simple description of what you want your custom Genmoji to look like or create one based on a photo of a person, such as a friend or family member.
Once you generate a custom emoji, you’ll be able to use it like other emojis that are included in Apple software by default. These emojis will then work across devices running iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 or later. For those using older versions or an Android device, custom-generated emojis will still show up, but as an image rather than an emoji (which are distinct as far as Apple OSs are concerned).
You can create a Genmoji and use it via the emoji palette on Mac. Here are some ways you can access Genmoji on Mac:
Use a keyboard shortcut: Press Control + Command + Space in any app that supports text input, like Notes or Messages
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Click the emoji icon: If you’re using an app like Messages, look for the smiley face emoji button in the text bar
When the emoji palette is opened, you’ll apparently be able to see options to create and use Genmoji alongside your standard emoji.
Keep in mind that Genmoji is part of Apple’s shiny new Apple Intelligence suite of AI-powered features, which means it will require your Mac being fitted with an Apple silicon chip (like the M1, M2, or newer).
All Genmoji generation happens on whatever device you’re using without needing an internet connection so you can use it offline.
If you are particularly expressive when it comes to using emojis, I can see this being fun to try, even just to see what Genmoji spits out and how fitting it is to your prompt. It can make messaging and note-taking more personal and expand the possibilities of how people can express themselves. I don’t know if I would use this every time I wanted to send a message or even use an emoji, so it’ll be interesting to watch if it catches on with users.
As Genmoji is currently in the macOS Sequoia developer beta, it has a little way to go before rolling out to the public. It’ll have to go through a public beta, which you can enroll in for free, and then if Apple thinks it’s ready to go, it’ll be added to a future macOS Sequoia update in the next couple months.
