In BriefPosted:9:46 AM PST January 4, 2025Image Credits:Smith Collection/Gado / Getty ImagesLyft will credit NYC riders for congestion fee throughout JanuaryNew York Citys congestion pricing is scheduled to take effect Sunday but for the first month, Lyft said it will be crediting riders who pay the fee.New Yorks program, which is supposed to reduce traffic in lower Manhattan while also raising funding for mass transit, was paused by Governor Kathy Hochul in June, then eventually reinstated at a reduced price. There are different prices for different vehicles at different times during daytime hours, it will cost $9 to drive a regular car in Manhattan below 60th St, while someone using a ride-hailing service like Uber or Lyft will pay $1.50 per ride.Lyft passengers will be charged like everyone else, but the company said that throughout January, theyll get the money back in credits that can be spent on Lyft or Citi Bike for the following week.Lyft also noted that the new fee comes on top of an existing $2.75 congestion fee for rides that begin, end, or pass through Manhattan below 96th St. So it described the credit as a small gesture to help people adjust to another new expense even as we work to reduce the overall cost of rides.Topics

People make their way throgh showfloors at the Las Vegas Convention Center during the Consumer ... [+] Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada, on January 11, 2024. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty ImagesCES, the annual technology extravaganza hosted by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), kicks off the new year with over 150,000 industry attendees and 4,000 exhibitors converging in Las Vegas. Its not just the first big tech event of the yearits the one that sets the tone for the next twelve months of innovation.CTA Sr.VP Kinsey Fabrizio Speaking at CES Qualcomm Keynote 2024.CTAAs Kinzie Fabrizio, President of the CTA, put it in an interview last week, Every company is a tech company now, and CES reflects that reality. Weve gone from being the Consumer Electronics Show to the Consumer Everything Show. In fact, the CTA has fully embraced this evolution, officially dropping the phrase "Consumer Electronics Show" from its branding years ago.This transformation has been decades in the making. CES has grown far beyond its roots as a showcase for gadgets and electronics. Today, it spans categories as diverse as automotive, health tech, extended reality (XR), and wearables. From tractors by John Deere to AI-driven health diagnostics and prototypes of autonomous vehicles, CES is where the future comes to life, said Fabrizio.CTA President Kinzie Fabrizio with Forbes contributor Charlie Fink at CES Press Day, 2024. Charlie FinkBehind the Curtain: How CES Comes TogetherThe CTAs 155-person staff works year-round to make the worlds biggest trade show happen. According to Fabrizio, A core team of about 10 staff oversees operations for the entire event, managing 2.5 million net square feet of exhibit space. They handle everything from security to transportation logistics, even timing the traffic lights around the city.Las Vegas, a long-time partner of CES, plays a critical role in the event's success. This year, attendees will enjoy the newly renovated North Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center, an upgrade designed to elevate the overall experience. The city of Las Vegas has been a phenomenal partner, said Fabrizio. The Convention Center is undergoing a massive transformation, and its exciting to see how that space evolves to meet the needs of the show.CTA CEO Gary Shapiro. CTAMORE FOR YOUWhat to Expect at CES 2025CES 2025 promises to be an exciting blend of established tech trends and emerging innovations. Among the highlights are keynotes from two industry heavyweights: Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, and Samsung.Huangs keynote is expected to spotlight Nvidias role in powering the AI revolution. Were thrilled to have Jensen kick off CES, said Fabrizio. His insights into AI and its applications across industries are going to set the tone for the show. Nvidias influence spans far beyond gaming GPUsits shaping the future of generative AI, autonomous vehicles, and data centers.Meanwhile, Samsungs keynote may offer a glimpse into its much-anticipated AR headset, a move that could accelerate the adoption of extended reality technologies. As CES continues to be a launchpad for breakthroughs, this presentation is one to watch.Izumi Kawanishi, President and COO of Honda Mobility Inc., introduces the Afeela car, where Honda ... [+] teams up with Sony and Microsoft on AI and other tech for the mobility industry during the Sony press conference at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), January 8, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty ImagesThemed Zones to NavigateFor attendees navigating the sprawling CES footprint, knowing where to go is crucial. Heres a quick guide to some of the key zones and themes at CES 2025:Mobility: Automotive tech has become a centerpiece of CES. From EVs to autonomous systems, major players like BMW and Hyundai will showcase their latest innovations. Fabrizio highlighted this shift: CES went from featuring aftermarket car tech to full-scale OEM exhibits. Today, its a destination for transformative mobility stories.Health Tech: With AI-enabled diagnostics and remote monitoring systems, health tech is expected to be one of the fastest-growing sectors at CES. Gary Shapiro, CEO of the CTA, emphasized its importance: Technology is solving critical problems in healthcare, from addressing shortages of professionals to enabling aging populations to live independently.Wearables: This years wearables will focus on consumer-friendly devices like health trackers, smart glasses, and voice-enabled tools. Voice will become the operating system, said Fabrizio. This year, expect a lot of innovation around frames and wearables.XR: Augmented and virtual reality remains a hot topic, with new devices and platforms competing for attention. Samsungs rumored AR headset could be a major talking point.Xreal's booth dominated the show floor in the area designated for XR/gaming/metaverseat CES 2024.Charlie FinkPractical Tips for CES 2025With so much to see and do, its essential to plan your time wisely. CES veteran attendees recommend dedicating a full day to major venues like the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Sands Expo. I need a full day now just to see everything at the Sands, said Fabrizio, referencing the abundance of startups and AI-focused exhibits in that space.After decades of CES, I can offer these tips, which youll find everywhere, because theyre true for everyone, from bigwigs to little wigs.Dress in layers. Vegas in winter is hot inside, cold outside.Wear comfortable shoes. Youre going to walk miles.Stay hydrated. Youre in the desert.Be mindful of travel. Its going to take longer to get from place to place than you think.Hand sanitizer is a must. Masks should be considered. I am not careful enough, and always come home with a cold. Dont be like me.I have given up on most parties. Theyre all standing affairs, and you cant hear anyone.LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 10: The Wonder Globe, a 20-foot, spherical LED screen is shown at SK ... [+] Group's SK Wonderland booth during CES 2024 at the Las Vegas Convention Center on January 10, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. CES, the world's largest annual consumer technology trade show, runs through January 12 and features about 4,000 exhibitors showing off their latest products and services to more than 130,000 attendees. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThe Future Seen From Vegas CES 2025 captures the moment when technology permeates every aspect of our lives. Shapiro reflected on how CES has evolved alongside the tech industry: Its not just about the productsits about solutions for real-world problems. Whether its clean air, better healthcare, or smarter transportation, CES showcases how innovation is making the world better.As the tech world descends on Las Vegas, one thing is clear: CES isnt just a preview of the year ahead. Its a celebration of how far weve comeand a roadmap for where were going next.Gary Shapiro, CEO of the CTA, just released his fourth book. CTA

Editor's take: This likely won't be the last time a village, town, or city receives an unexpected delivery from the sky. As companies accelerate satellite launches and other orbital operations, the issue of excessive space debris is becoming an inevitable consequence. After all, what goes up must eventually come down. It was an ordinary day for the residents of Mukuku village in Kenya's Makueni County until an unexpected delivery from above disrupted the calm.On December 30, at around 3 pm local time, a massive metallic ring weighing approximately 1,100 pounds came crashing into the village. The loud impact startled residents, some of whom initially feared it was an attack or a bomb explosion.Joseph Mutua, a local villager, recounted the event to Kenyan news station NTV. While tending to his cows, he heard "a loud bang" and assumed it might be a car accident. However, there were no signs of a collision nearby.The source of the disturbance turned out to be space debris a separation ring from a rocket launch. These components are typically designed to burn up harmlessly in the atmosphere or fall into remote areas. Occasionally, however, they veer slightly off course.The Kenya Space Agency (KSA) was quickly alerted and sprang into action. Collaborating with local authorities, they secured the area and took the hefty ring into custody for further investigation. Preliminary assessments suggested the debris was from a launch vehicle re-entering Earth's atmosphere. The KSA also issued a statement assuring the public that this was an "isolated case" and that the metal object posed no threat to public safety.While rare, incidents like this are becoming more frequent as Earth's orbital paths become increasingly congested. As of last year, over 170 million pieces of space debris larger than a millimeter were orbiting our planet remnants of rockets, defunct satellites, and other space operations. Most of this debris burns up safely upon re-entry, but some make it uncomfortably close to the ground. // Related StoriesIn February of last year, the European Space Agency issued an alert about a satellite, heavier than a large car, making an uncontrolled re-entry to Earth. Additionally, in March, a piece of the International Space Station crashed through a family's house in Florida. At times, even the station itself has had to perform maneuvers to avoid incoming debris.For now, Kenyan authorities are still investigating the exact origin of the fallen ring.

Forward-looking: Researchers have achieved a breakthrough in extending the lifespan of EV batteries by adopting a single-crystal electrode design. This innovation not only holds the potential to significantly increase the longevity and range of electric vehicles but also paves the way for more seamless integration of renewable energy sources into power grids. The study, funded by Tesla Canada and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, was led by Professor Jeff Dahn from Dalhousie University in Halifax, and a team of researchers. Their innovative battery demonstrated exceptional durability, lasting over 20,000 charge-discharge cycles before reaching the industry-standard 80 percent capacity threshold.To put that into perspective, it equates to powering an EV for an extraordinary 8 million kilometers.The research focused on understanding how internal damage and fatigue accumulate in batteries over time and devising methods to prevent these issues, explained Dr. Toby Bond, a senior scientist at the Canadian Light Source. Using the advanced synchrotron light technology at the University of Saskatchewan, the team conducted detailed analyses of the battery's internal structures.The new single-crystal electrode battery was compared to a conventional lithium-ion battery, which typically lasts around 2,400 cycles before hitting the 80 percent capacity mark. With the CLS's ultrabright synchrotron light, researchers were able to study the internal structures of both battery types without disassembling them, ensuring the integrity of the long-cycled cells was maintained.The results were striking. While conventional batteries exhibited extensive microscopic cracking in their electrode material after repeated charging and discharging, the single-crystal electrode battery showed almost no signs of degradation. "In our images, it looked very much like a brand-new cell," said Dr. Toby Bond. "We could almost not tell the difference." // Related StoriesThe key to this durability lies in the structure of the electrode particles. Traditional batteries use electrodes composed of tiny particles made up of smaller crystal clusters. In contrast, the single-crystal electrode is a single, continuous crystal, making it far more resistant to mechanical stress and strain. Bond likened the difference to that between a snowball and an ice cube the latter being much harder to crush.This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for the EV industry and beyond. Current US regulations require EV batteries to maintain at least 80 percent of their original charge capacity after eight years of operation. However, industry experts are pushing for batteries that last decades, enabling "second-life applications" such as grid-scale energy storage for renewable sources like wind and solar.The extended lifespan of these new batteries could outlast other components of electric vehicles, representing a significant milestone in EV technology. "We really need these vehicles to last as long as possible because the longer you drive them, the better its improvement on the carbon footprint is," Bond explained.The research team reports that these advanced batteries are already in commercial production, with their adoption expected to grow significantly in the coming years. "I think work like this just helps underscore how reliable they are, and it should help companies that are manufacturing and using these batteries to plan for the long term," Bond said.

Samsungs Galaxy Unpacked event is less than three weeks away, but much like the years, the leaks just keep coming. Though weve seen potential renders of the Galaxy S25 Ultra in the past, have been few actual photos of one. Now a leaked image shows the phone and its incredibly-thin bezels, giving us a better idea of what to expect at launch.The picture was shared on X by known tipster Jukanlosreve (who also credited Ice Universe, another leaker). It depicts the right side of what is supposedly the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the slender bezels on its side and corners. The photo appears to possibly be cropped from a larger picture, with parts of the background blurred out.Recommended VideosS25 UltraSource: Ice Universe pic.twitter.com/cIAbJuoTlu Jukanlosreve (@Jukanlosreve) January 4, 2025Please enable Javascript to view this contentThe pictures line up with the last supposed photos of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, enforcing the idea of ultra-thin bezels. Theres still no exact measurement, but Jukanlosreves picture is clearer than previous shots and make it easy to see where the bezels begin and end.RelatedThe leak also confirms the S25 Ultra will have more rounded corners than its predecessor, but the other design details appear to be relatively the same.As we draw closer and closer to the unveiling of the S25 series, more details about the upcoming devices continue to emerge. We already know a lot about what to expect from the Galaxy S25 Ultra, including a few less-than-fortunate details like not tracking devices that have no battery. There have been enough leaks that corroborate specific details that we can make a relatively confident assumption they are correct, but well know more when Samsung holds its showcase.Galaxy Unpacked is expected to be held on January 22.Editors Recommendations

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsApple Vision Pro and visionOSMeta Quest and Horizon OSSamsung Moohan and Android XRAn exciting year for XR headsetsFor years, it felt like VR headsets were a technology that would never break through. Fun, yes but game-changing? No.2025 just might be the next big test for the technology, as more companies than ever invest in the future of the technology. Apple, Meta, Google, Samsung, and many more will all be attempting to plant their flag this year, and the amount of interest is a good sign. Heck, even Microsoft is rumored to get back in the game at some point.Recommended VideosMany of the best VR headsets already support mixed reality, and with the launch of high-end color passthrough in headsets like the Meta Quest Pro or Apple Vision Pro, the hardware is finally in place to make XR headsets take the next big leap forward.Heres where the fun begins. I enjoyed the Vision Pros look and pinch user interface. Photo by Tracey Truly / Digital TrendsWhen Apple enters a market, it brings great hardware and integrated software that often gives it the edge over competing solutions. Apple worked in secret for many years designing and developing an XR headset. The result is the Vision Pro, an impressive device thats even better thanks to the refinements brought by visionOS.RelatedAs part of the Apple ecosystem, the Vision Pro can access iCloud and seamlessly syncs photos, music, notes, logins, and more. Some iPad apps can run on the Vision Pro, and you can even access printers and security cameras from the headset. Its almost like a multi-screen iPad Pro.Still, theres room for improvement. The Vision Pro could get access to Apple Intelligence in 2025. Notification summaries, image generation, writing help, and more would be a welcome improvement to streamline visionOS so you can focus on what you want to do in XR.Immersive gaming will get a big boost if rumors are true that Apple might add support for Sony PSVR2 controllers. Hand-tracking can be used for gaming, but most VR developers design games for more popular headsets that use controllers. Porting to a hands-only system is difficult, so a motion controller option could greatly expand the number of games available to Vision Pro owners.A simulated view of Apples Vision Pro showing the interface for Apples Immersive Videos. AppleApple has released more immersive content but its still a relatively small library. You can expect to see more 3D movies and videos, as well as live sports, possibly from stadiums fitted with spatial cameras for immersive video.Beyond software, weve heard rumors of two new Apple XR headsets, a more affordable version of the Vision Pro and a second-generation model thats even more powerful. Its unclear which will arrive in 2025 but one seems likely.A less expensive Apple Vision might sell for as low as $2,000, making it much more attractive to shoppers despite some inevitable tradeoffs. The external EyeSight display will probably be cut, the internal display resolution could be reduced, and Apple might optimize its algorithms to minimize tracking cameras.A good fit and the right head strap are essential when wearing a heavy Vision Pro. Zeke Jones / Digital TrendsThe Vision Pro 2 will definitely come with a faster processor, likely an Apple M5 chip with stronger neural and graphics performance. It should offer better comfort, solving a common complaint about the Vision Pro. Apple will continue to push the limits of display technology, likely giving the second-generation Vision Pro sharper optics and brighter panelswithout increasing the price.2025 could see a flood of XR headsets that aim to match or exceed many of the unique features of Apples first-generation Vision Pro, but the advances coming to the Vision Pro 2 should keep it at the top of the list of the best ultra-premium XR headsets.Scanning Microsofts Mixed Reality Link QR code with a Meta Quest 3. Photo by Tracey Truly / Digital TrendsMeta is an old pro at VR, acquiring Oculus in 2014 and releasing the first consumer VR headset with a passthrough camera in 2019. That laid the groundwork for Meta to take the lead in mixed reality and led to a thriving marketplace of third-party developers and accessory manufacturers.The affordable Meta Quest 3 and low-cost Quest 3S provide an unbeatable combination of price and performance, ensuring Metas reign as the XR headset leader for a few years at least.Metas most expensive headset, the $1,500 Quest Pro that launched in 2022, flopped, and it seems the company is content with promoting the Quest 3 as its top solution at least for now. That doesnt mean its surrendering the high ground to Apple though.Meta is opening up Horizon OS to other manufacturers, and several tech leaders have signed on including Lenovo and Asus ROG. That opens up possibilities for high-end productivity and gaming headsets that dont fit Metas plans to keep Quest prices incredibly low.Meanwhile, Horizon OS continues to evolve into a robust platform that features remarkably smooth hand-tracking, undistorted passthrough views, voice recognition, and even multimodal AI via Metas advanced LLaMA 3 model.Since Meta demonstrated lifelike avatars on its low-power Orion AR glasses prototype, we may get similar upgrades for messaging in Horizon OS in 2025. While the Meta Quest 3 and 3S lack the look and pinch interface of the Vision Pro, the latest updates make Horizon OS similar to visionOS in many ways with up to six adjustable windows appearing in a more attractive design.I can adjust virtual screens with my hands while using my Windows PC, keyboard, and mouse via a Meta Quest 3. Photo by Tracey Truly / Digital TrendsHorizon OS even supports quick connection to a Windows PC just by looking at and tapping a button, matching Apples Virtual Display feature. Its a quick, convenient way to extend your desktop to multiple screens without the cost and space of physical monitors.Moving to hardware, Meta isnt in a rush to launch the Quest 4, which might not arrive until 2026. Since the Quest 3 was such a big upgrade over the Quest 2, focusing on software improvements and leaving 2025 VR headsets for other manufacturers makes sense.However, serious competition is arriving from another Android-based platform with a big 2D software advantage. Meta might accelerate its headset rollout if its hardware partners delay manufacturing.Samsungs Project Moohan XR headset looks similar to Metas Quest Pro. GoogleAndroid XR is the culmination of over a decade of Google research in AR and VR. In 2014, Google published a guide showing how to build a DIY VR headset out of cardboard. Aptly named Google Cardboard, the key components include your phone, which runs a companion app, and lenses that let you focus when the screen is about an inch from your eyes.Google advanced beyond Cardboard with its Daydream headset in 2016. Lenovo joined the Mirage headset on the Daydream platform and even launched a Mirage camera that recorded 3D videos in VR180 format in 2018.While Daydream never took off, Google continued developing XR software for Android phones with AR features in Google Maps, 3D flythroughs with Google Earth, and ARCore APIs that any Android developer can use to make spatial apps.Android XR, like visionOS benefits from the Android ecosystem and Google apps like Chrome, YouTube, Google TV, Google Maps, Google Photos, and the Play Store where you can install more. Headsets built on this platform will benefit from Quick Share, Find My Devices, Family Link, multi-user support, and more.Android XR can show multiple virtual windows. GoogleAndroid XR headsets will be able to run Android apps, unlocking a library of over a million games and apps. As mobile apps theyll appear in resizable 2D windows, hovering in space around you.While Meta still holds a massive lead with hundreds of immersive VR games and mixed reality experiences that blend virtual worlds into your room, Android XR could catch up quickly since Horizon OS is also based on Android and uses Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 chips. Unity already supports Android XR, simplifying porting Quest games built with Unity and OpenXR.While the Vision Pro lacks even the somewhat limited AI of Apple Intelligence, Googles Android XR will have Gemini fully integrated. It goes further than Metas current Horizon OS implementation, accepting virtual and passthrough input. Gemini will have contextual awareness of everything you see when wearing an Android XR headset.Android XR will come with Google apps and more Android apps available via the Play Store. GoogleAlongside Android XR, Samsung introduced Project Moohan, an XR headset that could challenge Apple. Samsung has shared limited details about the device, so its unclear whether Moohan will be strong enough to compete with the Vision Pro. However, we know it will have at least some features the Quest 3 lacks.We had a hands-on demo of Samsungs Project Moohan running Android XR. In our brief time with the device, it seems like an impressive headset with many of the qualities that make the Vision Pro stand out from other VR headsets.For example, it features high-resolution displays and eye-tracking with pinch gestures similar to Apples Vision Pro. However, the physical design is closer to Metas Quest Pro. A forehead pad and halo strap remove cheek pressure and the open sides let you see your actual surroundings in peripheral vision. There will be spatial controllers like Meta Quest headsets, but its unclear if these will be included or sold separately.Samsungs Project Moohan sounds awesome, and officially its coming in 2025. Were eager to learn more details such as the price, full specifications, and launch date. Stand by for more information in a few weeks. We dont expect Samsung to launch its XR headset that soon, but well probably learn more about Project Moohan at Galaxy Unpacked.Sony, Xreal, and Lynx are also working on Android XR devices. While Sony and Lynx are most likely to launch headsets, Xreal is a smart glasses manufacturer and is the first Android XR glasses partner announced. Google is working on Android XR glasses as well.2025 will be one of the most exciting years for XR headsets in many years, as multiple tech giants stake their claims on the next frontier in computing.Hardware is important, but software and content are what make a new platform successful. While Apple and Google can lean heavily on big libraries of 2D apps and content, Meta has a significant lead in VR games. My guess is that the Quest 3 and Quest 3s will continue to be the XR headsetsthat will be hard to beat.Competition will be a great motivator, inspiring developers and content creators to triple their efforts to create XR games, apps, and experiences to run on visionOS, Horizon OS, and Android XR.The best VR headsets already include mixed reality capabilities, but those innovations need more games, apps, operating system refinements, and content to become engaging and useful enough to sway the masses. With several new devices arriving in the coming year, 2025 could be the dawn of a new era for XR headsets and AR glasses.Editors Recommendations

Next year is shaping up to be the most important for Xbox ever. A number of significant titles that could finally give Microsoft a foothold during this console generation are scheduled to release in 2023. We'll also likely learn whether or not Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard will go through. As such, there's a lot for Xbox fans to look forward to in 2023.

During the pandemic, when we couldn't travel, I told my sons they could pick a trip for their birthdays.My oldest picked Seattle, and my youngest picked Disney. It's a gift to me being able to spend time with them and letting them call the shots. In a few days, I'll leave my husband and 15-year-old son at home while I board a plane bound for Orlando with my 13-year-old son. We're going to the most magical place in the world at the busiest time of the year, and while I'm dreading the crowds, I can't wait for the experience.In those early days of the pandemic, when all of our travel plans had been canceled, and it felt like we'd never escape our four walls, I told my two sons that we would make up for the lost time when we could. I made them a promise: when they each turned 13, we'd take a trip anywhere they wanted to go in the United States. It was a way to dream about brighter days and celebrate their milestone birthdays.I got to see them in a different wayMy older son, the quieter and more reserved of the two, turned 13 in December 2022. When we started brainstorming potential destinations, he was surprisingly decisive: Seattle. It was an unexpected pick for a teenager from Virginia who doesn't know anyone in Washington state. Then I remembered all those nights he caught glimpses of the Seattle skyline while his father and I watched "Grey's Anatomy." Maybe that image stuck with him, or maybe it was just his love of big cities and rainy landscapes. Whatever the reason for his choice, we were bound for the Emerald City.When we arrived in Seattle, I saw a different side of my son, a quiet confidence that is often overshadowed by the chaos of daily life and squabbles with his brother. It took a couple of days for him to stop asking, "What are we doing next?" and to believe me when I told him that we could do whatever he wanted. He selected our meals and set our schedule, and we lingered for as long as he wanted at his favorite places the top of the Space Needle, among the sculptures of the Chihuly exhibit, among the fishmongers flinging their catch at Pike Place Market.It felt different than a regular vacationI was charmed by the things my son found interesting and the details he noticed. Walking in the rain back to our hotel one afternoon, I was struck by how different it felt from our usual family vacations. Those trips are wonderful in their own way, but they often involve a lot of compromise and juggling everyone's interests. This trip, though, was tailored entirely to my son's curiosity and pace, and it gave us a chance to connect in a way that felt new. We ate a lot of pizza, claimed a favorite doughnut place, and since he's as much of a night owl as I am stayed up far later than we should have, giggling over late-night TV that I hadn't watched since before he was born. Our trip reminded me that he's not just my child but his own person with a growing sense of identity and independence.I'm grateful for the time I get with themNow, I'm gearing up for my younger son's birthday trip. He turned 13 in September, and his destination of choice was EPCOT in Florida to "eat around the world" in the World Showcase. We'll also be spending a day at Magic Kingdom and a day resort hopping to see the holiday decorations, and we'll rate and review our meals and snacks as we go. Compared to his older brother's urban excursion, this feels a little less bold, especially since he's typically the more adventurous of the two, and we've done Disney as a family. But I'm looking forward to seeing this trip through his eyes and being surprised by what he chooses and what holds his interest when it's just the two of us.I'm grateful for the opportunity to share these moments with my sons. What started as a pandemic promise has become a tradition I love. I've already floated the idea of doing international trips for their 16th birthdays. My older son wasted no time declaring that he wanted to go to Australia, while my younger son is leaning toward Paris. Wherever we go, being able to travel with them is a privilege that I don't take lightly. What I hope they someday realize is that sharing these birthday trips with them is a gift for me, too.

Lemon8, TikTok's sister app, is surging in popularity ahead of a possible TikTok ban.Lemon8 uses TikTok's algorithm and is owned by the same Chinese company, ByteDance.The Supreme Court will decide this month on the fate of the law that could ban TikTok and Lemon8.TikTok owner ByteDance's other social media company, Lemon8, is growing in popularity amid confusion over a possible TikTok ban in the United States.This week, Lemon8 shot to the No. 1 spot for free apps on Apple's App Store.What users might not realize is that the law that would ban TikTok, if it is held up by the Supreme Court and then enforced by the administration of President-elect Donald Trump, would also likely ban Lemon8.Lemon8 is the "sister app" to TikTok. It's a social media platform for photo slideshows, more similar to Pinterest or Instagram than TikTok, which is an exclusively short video platform. Lemon8 uses the same algorithm as TikTok. It is now the No. 2 free app, beating out competitors like ChatGPT.But, like TikTok, its future is tenuous.Congress passed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act in April. The law gives ByteDance, TikTok's Chinese parent company, until January 19 to sell TikTok. If a sale doesn't take place, TikTok will be banned in the United States.TikTok filed a lawsuit in May, arguing that the law violates the First Amendment. The DC Circuit Court upheld the law on December 6. TikTok then filed an appeal to the Supreme Court on December 18. The court is expected to hear arguments on January 10.Trump filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court on December 27, asking the justices to pause the law until after his inauguration so he could "pursue a political resolution."The law would also likely ban Lemon8. The bill's text specifically names TikTok and ByteDance as covered companies. However,its language is broad and could affectany company owned by a foreign "adversary" that permits users to "create an account or profile to generate, share, and view text, images, videos, real-time communications, or similar content."Experts previously told Business Insider that Lemon8's success indicates that ByteDance is willing to introduce new apps to keep growing despite a TikTok ban."This is a huge business for ByteDance. They're not gonna go down without swinging," David Glancy, a professor at the Institute of World Politics, previously told BI.

The theater chain's celebrating January's National Popcorn Day with a Bring Your Own Bucket promo to get more butts in seats.