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Claim Your Complimentary $200 Verizon Gift Card Before the Deal Expires Tomorrow

If you’ve been thinking about switching to Verizon, now is an ideal moment to take the leap. Verizon is currently running a limited-time offer where new customers can get a complimentary $200 gift card when they buy a new phone and add a line at Verizon.com. However, this promotion is set to end tomorrow, January 14th, so swift action is required.

This deal is especially attractive because it can be stacked, meaning you can combine it with other Verizon promotions to enhance your savings. For example, you can acquire a free Google Pixel 10 Pro with qualifying trade-ins or benefit from an offer that provides four Galaxy S25 phones with four lines for only $25 per month.

Verizon’s myPlan options, including the Unlimited Welcome plan and the Unlimited Ultimate tier, qualify for this promotion. These plans deliver unlimited talk, text, and data on Verizon’s expansive 5G network, as well as extra perks like premium mobile hotspot data, international coverage, and entertainment benefits.

The $200 gift card can be utilized on Verizon’s website for a range of products, such as devices, cases, and accessories, or even to reduce your phone bill. It’s an excellent opportunity for anyone already contemplating a switch to Verizon, as the gift card amounts to essentially free money.

While many of Verizon’s specials may persist beyond the January 14th date, the opportunity to combine these offers with a free $200 gift card is a time-sensitive chance. If you’re intending to change wireless providers, move quickly to take advantage of this promotion.

Ongoing Promotions: $400 Discount on M4 iPad Pro, $150 Price Reduction on M4 Pro Mac Mini, AirTags Priced from $16 Each, Powerbeats Fit, and Additional Offers

### Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break: Significant Price Cuts on Apple Goods

In this edition of the 9to5Toys Lunch Break, we showcase considerable markdowns on a range of Apple goods, such as the M4 Pro Mac mini and the 13-inch M4 iPad Pro, along with promotions on accessories like AirTags and Powerbeats Fit ANC earbuds.

#### Apple’s M4 Pro Mac mini: $150 Off

B&H is presently providing a **$150 reduction** on the **M4 Pro Mac mini** featuring 24GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, lowering the cost to **$1,249**. This offer is especially appealing as it beats Amazon’s ongoing price of **$1,269**. The typical price for this variant is **$1,399**, making this a compelling deal from a reliable Apple retailer. This price reduction follows a series of promotions during Black Friday and the holiday season, during which the price briefly fell to **$1,199**.

#### Apple’s 13-inch M4 iPad Pro: $400 Off

Amazon has reduced the cost of the **13-inch M4 iPad Pro** by **$400**, now priced at **$2,199**. This model comes with 2TB of storage and a Wi-Fi + Cellular configuration. While it remains a luxurious price for a tablet, it signifies a notable decrease from its original price of **$2,599**. With the recent release of the M5 model, these discounts on the M4 are anticipated to attract buyers seeking high-performance tablets.

#### Apple AirTag 4-Pack: $65

Amazon is providing the **Apple AirTag 4-pack** for **$64.98**, which amounts to **$16.25 per tag**. This offer reflects a **34% discount** from its retail price of **$99**. The prices of AirTags have varied, but this current offer is among the best observed in recent months, particularly with the buzz surrounding a second-generation model.

#### Powerbeats Fit ANC Buds: Price Reduction

The **Powerbeats Fit ANC buds** in Spark Orange are currently available for **$177**, reduced from the standard price of **$200**. This marks one of the lowest prices recorded for this model, which features Active Noise Cancellation and a versatile design suitable for workouts. The earbuds provide six hours of battery life with ANC activated, extending to 30 hours when used with the charging case.

#### Additional Accessories and Charging Offers

Alongside the featured products, there are numerous accessories and charging promotions on offer. Noteworthy is Apple’s official **6-foot 240W USB-C Woven Charge Cable**, now available at a low price of **$18** on Amazon.

### Conclusion

Today’s promotions provide fantastic opportunities for anyone aiming to enhance their Apple devices or accessories. With considerable markdowns on premium items like the M4 Pro Mac mini and the 13-inch M4 iPad Pro, as well as budget-friendly options like the AirTag 4-pack and Powerbeats Fit ANC buds, there’s something for everyone in this assortment of deals.

“Apple Glasses Anticipated to Drive Substantial Product Expansion via Three Main Benefits”

### Fresh Report Anticipates Substantial Expansion in AI Smart Glasses

A newly released report by Smart Analytics Global (SAG) predicts remarkable growth in the AI smart glasses sector, estimating that sales will leap from 6 million units in 2025 to 20 million in 2026. This increase is expected to be further accelerated by the projected introduction of Apple Glasses to the market around 2027.

#### Primary Growth Catalysts

As per SAG, Apple Glasses are projected to be a significant driver of this expansion owing to three core advantages:

1. **Industrial Aesthetics**: Apple is well-known for its outstanding industrial aesthetics, which are likely to be reflected in its smart glasses. Even with recent shifts in its design team, the company maintains its high design standards.

2. **Style Appeal**: The visual appeal of Apple products has consistently been a major attraction. The stylish design of Apple Glasses is expected to draw in a diverse consumer base, boosting their market appeal.

3. **Ecosystem Synergy**: Apple’s capability to integrate its devices smoothly within its ecosystem is an essential aspect. This synergy is anticipated to encourage user adoption and improve the functionality of the glasses in conjunction with other Apple devices.

These advantages mirror those that facilitated the success of the Apple Watch, suggesting that Apple will likely apply its wearables expertise to create a significant impact in the smart glasses arena.

#### Long-Term Industry Perspective

SAG’s report also indicates that smart glasses will complement smartphones rather than replace them. By 2030, it is expected that annual sales of smart glasses will hit 75 million units, with heads-up display (HUD) versions emerging as the favored option from 2028 onwards.

The anticipated growth in the AI smart glasses sector signifies a tremendous opportunity for both established technology firms and new players. As consumer interest in augmented reality and wearable tech continues to grow, the market is set for significant evolution.

For further insights into the latest news regarding Apple Glasses, readers can check out rumored features and updates from various technology news outlets.

Reasons to Steer Clear of Linking Your Smart TV to Wi-Fi

if the Wi-Fi seems inconsistent frequently, you ought to begin connecting your TV with an Ethernet cable. This cable provides a wired link between your internet modem or router to your smart TV, computer, and other gadgets, making it perfect for those desiring a dependable internet connection to prevent potential speed variations from your ISP due to various factors, such as network congestion or your router’s performance.

Users may experience the same speed with Ethernet as they would with Wi-Fi, and an Ethernet cable that supports up to 100Mbps is sufficient for streaming your favorite Netflix series in 4K. According to Netflix, 15Mbps is adequate for 4K streaming, while 25Mbps offers enhanced buffering, allowing your content to load more quickly. Thus, to enjoy a dependable and high-definition TV experience, a fraction of what an Ethernet cable typically delivers is typically sufficient.

This is the recommendation from TV manufacturers like Samsung. Samsung indicates that although a wireless connection provides users with more flexibility in positioning their TVs as they wish, an Ethernet connection is more robust and stable, which means that if your internet connection is sufficiently fast, you’ll be able to stream content in 4K, switch between streams, and easily watch your preferred live content in real time without long buffering periods or loss of picture quality.

Which Ethernet cable should you choose for a smart TV?

Apple’s Creator Studio Package Offers Nine Professional Applications at a Reduced Price

Following the reveal that Google’s Gemini models will drive the new Siri, Apple today announced its latest Creator Studio bundle: A subscription featuring nine Pro applications, including Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion Compressor, Mainstage, Keynotes, Pages, Numbers, and soon, Freeform. With this announcement, Apple is hinting at one of the most significant updates to its creator tools to date, as it unveils a Liquid Glass treatment, AI features, and enhanced software integration across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Apple indicates that the Apple Creator Studio app will launch by the end of the month on January 28, with a subscription priced at $12.99/month (or $129/year). The company will also provide a substantial discount for college students and educators, making this creative bundle available for $2.99/month (or $29.99/year).

Interestingly, Apple has begun offering subscriptions for most of its services and software. Users can subscribe to Apple One, which includes Apple TV, Music, Arcade, Fitness+, News+, iCloud+, and AppleCare One, which provides coverage for at least three devices with AppleCare Theft and Loss; and now Creator Studio, which provides Apple’s flagship software at a new price.

Detailing the apps in Apple Creator Studio

According to Apple’s press release, Apple Creator Studio will be accessible on select Intel Macs and pre-M1 iPads. However, the company’s primary emphasis is on Apple Silicon Macs, iPads equipped with the A17 Pro chip or newer, and iPhone 15 Pro or newer devices, as they are all capable of Apple Intelligence.

Regarding the AI features, Apple announces the introduction of contextual capabilities within a new search box, enabling users to find key moments, select which portion to cut, and quickly identify when significant events occur with Transcript Search, Beat Detection, and Montage Maker in Final Cut Pro. The company also continues to integrate Motion, Compressor, and MainStage deeply into Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro; each available on both Mac and iPad devices, along with unique benefits. Importantly, Apple states it will keep providing new features for both subscribers and one-time purchasers of these software products.

It is also worth mentioning that Pages, Numbers, and Keynote will remain free applications within the Apple ecosystem, although additional features will be accessible to subscribers, including new templates and themes, along with a new Content Hub. Apple asserts that Freeform will eventually be included in the bundle with further advantages.

The Pixelmator Pro app lives on

After the acquisition of Pixelmator software and integration of its team in 2024, it was uncertain what Apple’s plans were for this top-tier photo editing app. Thankfully, the company is not only preserving Pixelmator but also incorporating it into the new Creator Studio bundle.

Apple is rolling out updates to Pixelmator Pro with a Liquid Glass design and expanding the software to the iPad, claiming it has been “built from scratch” for iPadOS 26. In addition to Apple Pencil capabilities, including hover, squeeze, and double-tap, users on Mac and iPads will gain access to a new Warp tool, allowing them to twist and manipulate layers.

At this point, it remains unclear what direction Apple will take with Photomator, a Pixelmator product available for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The fate of the original Pixelmator software, offered for Mac and iPad, is also uncertain. However, some questions, including whether Apple will eventually shift towards subscriptions instead of one-time payment versions, will likely remain unanswered for now.

CES 2026 Showcases Significant Progress in OLED Display Innovations

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) offers a glimpse into the future of consumer technologies, and this year’s exhibition has generated significant excitement among consumers and critics alike. Alongside some must-know tech for 2026, one manufacturer showcased ideas for a display that could fundamentally alter your laptop usage — an innovative solution perfect for anyone who has ever yearned for a second monitor during work or gaming.

Among the most thrilling tech devices we encountered at CES 2026, Lenovo revealed two new concept Windows laptops equipped with extendable OLED screens. One laptop expands its display vertically while the other extends it horizontally, with both distinct devices designed with consumers in mind — particularly gamers and professionals who need additional screen space.

While it might appear to be a novelty, a screen capable of resizing brings several advantages. For gamers and individuals with heavy workloads, Lenovo already has strategies in place for how a rollable screen can assist in particular scenarios. Moreover, for the typical consumer, this type of screen scores high for portability and minimalism, all while offering an adjustable display size. Although you may need to wait before purchasing these laptops, there’s a wealth of gadgets from CES 2026 available to buy right now.

Lenovo reveals two laptops with rollable displays at CES

Back in 2023, we had a hands-on experience with a Lenovo concept laptop that showcased a rollable OLED display, a precursor to the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6. Now, Lenovo is presenting two new laptop concepts that could potentially transform how consumers perceive their screen space. Thanks to the extreme thinness and flexibility of OLED displays, Lenovo is testing the limits of their capabilities.

Focusing on the Legion Pro Rollable concept, it boasts a rollable Lenovo PureSight OLED Gaming display, which can expand horizontally from both edges of the screen via a tension-driven, dual-motor mechanism. It offers three distinct display modes: a 16-inch Focus Mode for precision gaming; a 21.5-inch Tactical Mode to enhance “peripheral awareness”; and a 24-inch Arena Mode, designed for traveling gamers requiring large screens on the go. In addition to the rollable screen, the concept laptop is equipped with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU and Intel Core Ultra processors.

For business users, Lenovo also introduced the ThinkPad Rollable XD Concept. This concept laptop, which extends vertically, begins with a 13.3-inch screen that enlarges to a 16-inch workspace via voice commands or Swipe to X touch controls. When retracted, the screen displays information on the device’s front lid. When closed, the lid additionally provides touch functionality. Furthermore, the 180-degree Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protecting the display allows users to observe how it extends. As both are concept devices, there is currently no information regarding a release date.

Meta to Cut 1,500 Positions in Plan to Terminate Gaming Social Network

Horizon Worlds Developers Confront Job Reductions Amid Meta’s Strategic Transition

Meta’s Reality Labs segment, which is tasked with the creation of virtual reality (VR) innovations and platforms, is experiencing major transformations as the company realigns its strategic priorities. Reports suggest that Meta intends to eliminate roughly 10% of its Reality Labs personnel, equating to about 1,500 positions. These layoffs mainly focus on the metaverse sector, impacting staff involved in developing VR headsets and the VR-centric social platform, Horizon Worlds.

This move follows an earlier budget cut in December 2025, which redirected resources towards artificial intelligence (AI) and smart eyewear, instead of VR. Even though Meta Quest headsets saw robust sales during the holiday period, Horizon Worlds has faced difficulties in competing with rivals such as Roblox, Fortnite, and Minecraft.

Meta’s Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth, has scheduled an important meeting for January 14, 2026, to discuss these developments. The company is said to be shifting its focus towards creating an ultralight VR headset, which may debut in late 2026 or 2027. This forthcoming device is anticipated to boast premium features and a corresponding price, marking a shift away from Horizon Worlds and external Horizon OS development.

As Meta reorients its focus on first-party VR headsets and gaming, the prospects for Horizon Worlds and its developers remain unclear. The forthcoming meeting is expected to shed more light on the company’s trajectory and its implications for its workforce.

Apple TV Reveals Comeback of Beloved Sci-Fi Series Launching Next Month

**Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Season 2 Overview**

Apple TV’s renowned sci-fi series, *Monarch: Legacy of Monsters*, is poised to make its return for a second season on **February 27, 2026**. Following the triumph of its inaugural season, which enthralled viewers with its fusion of human drama and monstrous action, the series continues to delve into the intricate realm of Titans, featuring legendary figures like Godzilla and King Kong.

**New Titan Unveiled**

The freshly released trailer for season 2 reveals a new entity, termed ‘Titan X,’ amplifying the excitement surrounding the series. This new Titan is anticipated to play a crucial role in the evolving narrative, which promises to investigate further into the mythology of the Monarch organization and its relationship with these gigantic beings.

**Plot Summary**

The initial season of *Monarch: Legacy of Monsters* centered on two siblings exploring their family’s connections to the secret organization Monarch. Their adventure plunged them into a realm filled with monsters and the intricate history of Army officer Lee Shaw, depicted by the father-son pair Kurt Russell and Wyatt Russell. The tale traversed the 1950s and the contemporary era, uncovering the organization’s concealed truths.

As season 2 commences, the fate of Monarch and the world is uncertain. The plot will uncover hidden secrets that unite heroes and villains on Kong’s Skull Island and within a mysterious village where a new Titan surfaces. The series will persist in blurring the distinctions between family, friends, and adversaries, all while a titan event approaches on the horizon.

**Release Schedule**

*Monarch: Legacy of Monsters* season 2 is set to debut on February 27, 2026, with new episodes airing weekly until May 1, 2026.

**Viewing Options**

Viewers can catch up on the first season of *Monarch: Legacy of Monsters* on Apple TV, available for **$12.99 per month** or via the discounted Apple One bundle.

As excitement heightens for the new season, fans are invited to share their opinions on the series and their intentions to watch the forthcoming episodes.

Apple Unveils Anticipated Launch of Pixelmator Pro for iPad

Apple acquired the team responsible for developing the app at Pixelmator in late 2024, with the acquisition concluding nearly a year ago. Now, in the first significant update since the acquisition, Pixelmator Pro is set to launch on iPad in conjunction with the debut of Apple Creator Studio.

### Pixelmator Pro Arrives January 28 on iPad Alongside Apple Creator Studio

From Apple’s press announcement regarding the upcoming Apple Creator Studio:

> For the first time, Pixelmator Pro is making its way to iPad, featuring a completely new touch-optimized workspace, comprehensive Apple Pencil support, the capability to work seamlessly between iPad and Mac, and all the robust editing tools that users have come to value on Mac. Pixelmator Pro for iPad delivers fast and effective image editing, harnessing the high-speed capabilities of Apple silicon and designed from the ground up for the latest iPadOS.

User-friendly touch controls enhance the ability to create desktop-level designs wherever users take their iPad. The comprehensive Layers sidebar enables creators to assemble designs using a variety of distinctive elements like images, shapes, text, and even video. Intelligent selection tools assist users in isolating and modifying specific sections of images with ease, and with advanced bitmap and vector masks, they can conceal or display specific areas of their designs. The profound integration of hardware, software, and Apple silicon activates features such as Super Resolution for intelligently enlarging photos, Deband for eliminating compression artifacts, and automatic composition prompts with Auto Crop. With complete Apple Pencil support, digital artists can enjoy a natural painting experience with a stunning array of pressure-sensitive brushes. The unparalleled precision of Apple Pencil—combined with features like hover, squeeze, and double-tap—equips creators to produce pixel-perfect designs.

In other words, the complete functionality of the Pixelmator Pro application for Mac seems to be incorporated into the new iPad app. The updated iPad version of Pixelmator Pro will be available **Wednesday, January 28**. It necessitates hardware with an A16, A17 Pro, or M1 chip or newer running iPadOS 26 or above.

According to the press release, it remains somewhat unclear if Apple Creator Studio is needed to access the new iPad app. The Mac version will be obtainable as a one-time purchase of $49.99, but Apple doesn’t specifically indicate a comparable purchase option for iPad.

Pixelmator Pro has consistently been exclusive to Mac, despite the original Pixelmator app being accessible for both iPhone and iPad as well. However, that application has seen minimal updates in recent years. Even prior to the Apple acquisition, the team behind Pixelmator primarily concentrated on Pixelmator Pro for Mac.

Interestingly, even if you acquire the Mac version through a one-time purchase, Apple is restricting at least one Pixelmator Pro feature to subscribers of the new Apple Creator Studio.

> Moreover, for subscribers of Apple Creator Studio, both Pixelmator Pro for Mac and iPad introduce a powerful new Warp tool for twisting and shaping layers in countless creative ways, accompanied by a stunning collection of Warp-powered product mockups.

Certain unique features are also offered in the Apple Creator Studio subscription for other applications, such as Pages, Keynote, and Numbers.

Are you eager to utilize Pixelmator Pro on iPad? Share your thoughts in the comments.