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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.

Alternative Configuration Options for Enhancing Your Mounted TV Presentation

manage all those chaotic television cables a wall-mounted television typically leaves behind.

However, if you’re determined to remove the feet or tabletop stand your television arrived with for an elevated arrangement, you might want to consider a universal TV stand. A universal stand is a tabletop solution with a base that rests on a flat surface or entertainment unit. The upper portion of the stand features a VESA-certified mount from which your television hangs, similar to how it would if attached to a wall. Frequently, the column extending from the base to the mount is both height-adjustable and designed for concealing cables.

Universal TV stands are excellent for maximizing space on your TV furniture. The majority of models are easy to set up, though not all units include the clearest instructions. It is also important to note that most mounts included with a universal stand are either stationary or tilt-only — which means you can adjust your television only up and down. This doesn’t imply there are no any universal stands with swivel capabilities, but if you aspire to tilt and swivel your television in any direction, you’re likely better off opting for a full-motion wall mount.

Enhance your television viewing experience effortlessly

Crucial Costco Devices for Every Home Workspace

gadgets that simplify the work-from-home experience, along with devices to enhance productivity while working remotely. They encompass everything from ergonomic office furniture to electronics you can utilize daily. However, there are specific gadgets that we believe every home office ought to have, and several of them can be found at Costco.

The wholesaler doesn’t solely focus on bulk buying, especially if you’re exploring the Costco online store. It’s a dependable source for home office necessities, providing quality items from well-known brands. Prioritizing functionality, affordability, and reviews from Costco members, we’ve sifted through Costco’s offerings and selected some essential home office gadgets that we think every individual with a designated home workspace should have. Whether you’re a remote worker or operate your business from home, let’s look into some must-have gadgets available for purchase in Costco’s home office section.

ApexDesk ZT electric desk riser

Although there are numerous desk accessories and gadgets designed to alleviate back discomfort during the workday, a desk riser is a tool everyone ought to think about. They’re generally more affordable than many complete standing desks, and they offer a wonderful way to enhance your current work setup. The ApexDesk ZT electric desk riser is listed at $250 at Costco, and over 730 customers have rated it with a 5-star review for an average of 4.5 stars. It’s fully motorized and even includes a USB port built into its design. It arrives completely assembled and has ample space for two monitors.

Of course, this gadget might not suit your requirements. Desk risers can create a sense of clutter on a desk, and they might not be easy to store away when not in use. Some