It’s relatively rare for a podcast to last 14 years, especially a fiction one. In fact, as far as I can tell, Welcome to Night Vale is the longest continually running fiction podcast out there. (Some will argue it’s actually We’re Alive, but that has taken a few significant breaks between seasons.) The story of Night Vale, the titular desert town, now spans 12 seasons, over 280 episodes, three books, and at least 10 live standalone shows. While dedicating several hundred hours of your life to listening to every episode might seem like a big ask, I believe you’ll be hooked once you dive in.
Technology
10 apps that will help make your New Year’s resolutions a reality
As we enter 2024, many of us have some goals and resolutions that we want to achieve in the new year. Whether it’s to improve our health, learn a new skill, or read more books, we all have something that we want to accomplish. But sometimes, it can be hard to stick to our resolutions and make them a reality. We might lose motivation, get distracted, or feel overwhelmed by the challenges that we face.
That’s why we’re here to help. We’ve compiled a list of apps that will help you make your New Year’s resolutions a reality. These apps are designed to help you with different aspects of your life, such as your mind, body, finances, and hobbies. They will also provide you with guidance, feedback, and support along the way. So, without further ado, here are 10 apps that will help you achieve your goals in the new year.
CLICK TO GET KURT’S FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS, QUICK VIDEO TIPS, TECH REVIEWS, AND EASY HOW-TO’S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER
1) Headspace to strengthen your mind
iPhone: 4.8 stars (at time of publishing)
Android: 4.5 stars (at time of publishing)
Headspace app (Headspace) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
The Headspace app can help you achieve your New Year’s resolutions of practicing mindfulness and meditation. You can access hundreds of tailored sessions, courses, and exercises for various topics, such as stress, sleep, focus, and happiness. Headspace can help you improve your mental health and well-being in 2024. You can try Headspace for free for 10 days and cancel anytime. Headspace offers discounts for students, educators, and health care professionals.
2) Duolingo to learn a new language
iPhone: 4.7 stars (at time of publishing)
Android: 4.7 stars (at time of publishing)
Duolingo app (Duolingo) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
If your New Year’s resolution is to learn a new language or improve your existing skills, the Duolingo app can help you accomplish your goals. With this app, you can set your own goals and track your progress as you learn from over 40 languages, including Spanish, French, Japanese, and more. Duolingo makes learning enjoyable and effortless with bite-sized lessons, games, and stories that fit your schedule and level. You can also use Duolingo for free with some limitations, such as ads, fewer lessons, and no offline access.
MORE: TOP 10 FUN AND FUTURISTIC TECH THAT DAZZLED 2023
3) Serial Reader to read more books in less time
iPhone: 4.8 stars (at time of publishing)
Android: 4.8 stars (at time of publishing)
Serial Reader app (Serial Reader) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
If one of your New Year’s resolution goals is to read more books, you might want to check out Serial Reader, a mobile app that delivers bite-sized portions of books to your phone every day. The app lets you choose from over 700 classic books, from “Pride and Prejudice” to “War and Peace,” and sends you a 10-minute portion of the book every day. You can read at your own pace, adjust the font size and theme, and sync your progress across devices. You can also earn achievements and badges as you complete books and challenge yourself to read more.
Serial Reader is a great way to discover new books, revisit old favorites, or catch up on the classics you’ve always wanted to read. It’s also a fun and easy way to make reading a habit and a part of your daily routine. You can start reading for free, or upgrade to Serial Reader Premium to unlock more features, such as offline reading, highlighting, notes, and more.
iPhone: 4.6 stars (at time of publishing)
Android: 4.4 stars (at time of publishing)
Yousician app (Yousician) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
If your New Year’s resolution is to learn and master musical instruments or vocals the Yousician app can help you do just that. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you can find the right lessons and songs for you. You can also practice with real-time feedback, track your progress, and challenge yourself with new goals. The app supports guitar, piano, ukulele, bass, and singing. You can choose from various genres, styles, and levels of difficulty.
The app is free to download and use, but it has some limitations. You can only access a limited number of lessons and songs per day, and you can only use one instrument at a time. If you want to unlock unlimited access to all the features and content, you need to subscribe to the premium plan.
MORE: TOP 10 WEIRDEST TECH INNOVATIONS OF 2023
5) Fitness Buddy to help get in shape
iPhone: 4.8 stars (at time of publishing)
Android: 3.7 stars (at time of publishing)
Fitness Buddy app (Fitness Buddy) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Fitness Buddy is a mobile app that can help you achieve your fitness goals in 2024. Whether you want to lose weight, build muscle, or improve your health, Fitness Buddy has everything you need to get started and stay motivated. You can choose from over 4000 exercises, 1000 workouts, and 75 training plans, or create your own custom routine. You can also track your calories, macros, and water intake, and sync your data with other fitness apps and devices. Fitness Buddy also provides you with tips, videos, and articles from experts and coaches to help you learn new skills and techniques. You can download Fitness Buddy for free, but you can also upgrade to Fitness Buddy Premium to unlock more features, such as HD videos, advanced stats, and unlimited access to all content.
6) QUITNOW to kick the smoking habit
iPhone: 4.7 stars (at time of publishing)
Android: 4.6 stars (at time of publishing)
QUITNOW app (QUITNOW) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
If one of your New Year’s resolution goals is to quit smoking, you might want to try QUITNOW, a mobile app that helps you break free from nicotine addiction. QUITNOW is an app that tracks your progress, shows you how much money you save, and rewards you with achievements and health benefits as you quit smoking. You can also join a community of over 2 million quitters, chat with other users, and get support and advice from experts and coaches. QUITNOW is a free app, but you can upgrade to QUITNOW PRO to access more features, such as personalized plans, motivational quotes, and advanced stats.
7) Todoist to help organize tasks and goals
iPhone: 5.0 stars (at time of publishing)
Android: 4.4 stars (at time of publishing)
Todoist app (Todoist) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Todoist is a mobile app that can help you organize your life and achieve your New Year’s resolutions in 2024. Todoist lets you create tasks, projects, and subtasks, and assign them due dates, priorities, and labels. You can also sync your tasks across devices, collaborate with others, and integrate with other apps and services. Todoist also gives you feedback, reminders, and statistics to help you stay motivated and productive. Todoist is free to download, but you can upgrade to Todoist Premium, or Todoist Business, to access more features, such as comments, attachments, filters, and templates.
MORE: HARDEST LESSON I LEARNED ABOUT GIFT CARDS THIS PAST HOLIDAY SEASON
iPhone: 4.8 stars (at time of publishing)
Android: 4.6 stars (at time of publishing)
YNAB app (You need a budget) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
The YNAB app is a great mobile app for helping you create a budget, plan your spending, and save more money in 2024. YNAB lets you connect your bank accounts, credit cards, and loans, and track your transactions and balances. You can also set goals, assign categories, and prioritize your expenses. YNAB also provides you with reports, feedback, and coaching to help you improve your financial skills and habits. YNAB is not free, but you can get a 34-day free trial to use the app.
iPhone: 4.8 stars (at time of publishing)
Android: 4.2 stars (at time of publishing)
Skillshare app (Skillshare) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Skillshare is a great app for helping you keep your New Year’s resolution of learning something new. You can discover new passions, hobbies, and interests with the app. You can access thousands of online classes on various topics, such as photography, design, business, and more. You can also watch videos, do projects, and get feedback from experts and peers. The app also offers live sessions, workshops, and challenges to keep you motivated and engaged. The app is perfect for anyone who wants to learn something new, explore their creativity, or advance their career.
The app is free to download and use, but it has some limitations. You can only watch a limited number of classes and videos per month, and you can’t access the premium features and content. If you want to unlock unlimited access to all the classes, videos, and features, you need to subscribe to the premium plan.
10) Lumosity to sharpen your brain
iPhone: 4.7 stars (at time of publishing)
Android: 4.5 stars (at time of publishing)
Lumosity app (Lumosity) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to improve your cognitive skills and mental fitness? Well, then the Lumosity app might be worth downloading. Lumosity is a brain training app that offers personalized and adaptive exercises that challenge your memory, attention, speed, flexibility, and problem-solving abilities. You can track your progress and compare your results with others. Lumosity also provides insights and tips on how to optimize your brain health and performance. Whether you want to sharpen your mind, boost your productivity, or have fun, Lumosity could be the app for you. Lumosity has different subscription plans to suit your needs and budget. You can try Lumosity for free for 7 days and cancel anytime.
Kurt’s key takeaways
These are some of the apps that can help you achieve your New Year’s resolutions and make 2024 your best year yet. The most important thing is to stay committed, consistent, and positive, and you will see the results you want. Remember, you have the power to change your life for the better, and these 10 apps are here to help you along the way. I wish you all the best and hope you have a wonderful new year.
What are some of the benefits and challenges you’ve faced by using apps like these to achieve your New Year’s resolutions in the past? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.
Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.
Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:
Ideas for using those Holiday Gift cards
Copyright 2023 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
The show is written by Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor, who draw heavily on the work of H.P. Lovecraft. Every season has its own arc, but broadly, the show tells the story of a town that exists in an alternate version of Earth. In this town Angels are real, but acknowledging their existence is illegal; librarians are dangerous creatures with “thousands of spiny legs” and “pincers”; and there is a Faceless Old Woman who secretly lives in your home.
These are clearly unsettling concepts when taken at face value. But rather than trying to scare the listener, Cranor and Fink lean into the natural absurdity of cosmic horror and refuse to take themselves too seriously. They also routinely subvert the bigotry of their inspiration, using Lovecraftian creations to tell stories rich with LGBTQ+ characters.
Of course, having well-written scripts and telling a compelling story is only part of the equation. What elevates Welcome to Night Vale to true greatness is the cast, especially narrator Cecil Baldwin, who plays the host of the central radio show, Cecil Palmer. Cecil’s voice has the gravitas to tell ominous stories of secretive government agencies and ancient gods. But he has the range to deliver light-hearted banter with a sentient patch of haze (her name is Deb, in case you were wondering).
Cecil Baldwin has the charisma to make even the reading of a repair manual for a toaster compelling. He can be creepy, funny, or soothing, often all within the same episode. (For this reason, I don’t suggest listening to Night Vale at night. I have fallen asleep to the dulcet sounds of Baldwin’s voice several times, only for the more unsettling parts of the show to make their way into my dreams.)
Every episode also features a musical interlude in the guise of “The Weather.” The show mostly features lesser-known artists, but alumni include Jason Isbell, The Mountain Goats, Waxahatchee, Angel Olsen, Open Mike Eagle, and Sylvan Esso.
Welcome to Night Vale is also a great way to introduce younger listeners to horror. I would never suggest my eight-year-old read H.P. Lovecraft. Partly because the man’s unrepentant racism is baked into the very fabric of his stories, but also because the violence is often too much for children. Night Vale, on the other hand, takes those horrors and exposes them for what they are: entertainment. I can put the podcast on, bond with my kid over their burgeoning love of all things creepy and weird, and trust that they’ll walk away with a good message.
Welcome to Night Vale is available on most podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Pocketcasts, YouTube, and Spotify.
Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Personal electric aircraft have teased us for years. They look futuristic, promise freedom from traffic, and usually come with prices that put them out of reach or timelines that feel uncertain. Recently unveiled at CES 2026, the Rictor X4 entered that conversation with some bold claims.
It is a single-passenger electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft designed to make short-range personal flight more accessible and far more affordable. If those promises hold up, it could change how we think about flying for everyday trips.
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter
CES 2026 put health tech front and center, with companies showcasing smarter ways to support prevention, mobility and long-term wellness. (CES)
TECH STARTUP, MAJOR AIRLINE PARTNER TO LAUNCH ELECTRIC AIR TAXI SERVICE
What the Rictor X4 actually is
The Rictor X4 uses a multirotor design with eight propellers spread across four carbon fiber arms. Those arms fold inward when the aircraft is not in use, allowing it to fit in the bed of a pickup truck. The aircraft focuses on low-altitude flight and short hops rather than long journeys.
Key specs include:
- Top speed of about 50 mph
- Maximum flight time of 20 minutes
- Payload capacity of up to 220 pounds, including the pilot
It can lift off and land vertically like a helicopter, then transition into forward flight once airborne. Rictor describes its mission as light aerial mobility, which essentially means short-distance commuting and professional applications.
Inside the X4’s propulsion and power system
According to Rictor, the X4’s propulsion system is built around stability and redundancy rather than raw speed. Each axis uses a coaxial dual-motor configuration designed to provide consistent thrust during low-altitude flight.
Key propulsion details include:
- Rated thrust of up to 165 pounds per axis
- Peak thrust exceeding 285 pounds per axis
- Maximum continuous power output of 10 kW
- 120-volt operating system designed for outdoor conditions
Together, these systems aim to deliver controlled, predictable flight with built-in safety margins, especially during takeoff, landing and hover.
The Rictor X4 is a single-passenger electric aircraft designed for short-range, low-altitude flight with a folding multirotor layout. (Rictor)
Safety systems and flight control in the Rictor X4
Rictor puts safety at the center of the X4’s design. The aircraft uses a semi-solid state battery system with dual battery redundancy, which helps enable a controlled landing if one battery module fails. In addition, an emergency parachute system provides backup protection during critical situations. At the same time, a centralized flight control system actively manages propulsion, attitude and overall system health. This system continuously monitors key flight data to help maintain stability in changing conditions.
Beyond software, the hardware plays an important role. The X4 features 63-inch carbon fiber folding propellers in a 4-axis, 8-propeller configuration. Together, they support a payload of up to 220 pounds, including the pilot. According to Rictor, the aircraft is designed to operate at noise levels below 65 decibels, although independent testing has not yet been published. Finally, Rictor’s proprietary Dynamic Balance Algorithm adjusts the output of all eight motors in real time. As a result, the X4 can maintain a stable hover even in side winds rated up to Level 6.
The FAA rule that could make personal flight easier
One of Rictor’s most attention-grabbing claims involves regulation. The company says the X4 is designed to comply with FAA Part 103, which governs ultralight vehicles in the U.S. If operated within Part 103 limits, the X4 could be flown legally without airworthiness certification or a pilot’s license. Rictor says this is enabled by autonomous pre-programmed flight paths and very low altitude operation, reportedly as low as three meters above ground. It is worth noting that Part 103 still carries operational restrictions, including where and how flight can occur. Final compliance depends on real-world use and FAA interpretation.
Designed to fold, transport, and recharge
Portability is a major focus. Rictor says the X4 folds down to about 42 cubic feet, which makes it compact enough to transport in the bed of a pickup truck. The company also highlights in-vehicle charging support while parked or on the move, positioning the X4 as something that can be transported and recharged alongside ground vehicles rather than stored at an airfield.
AIR TAXI SERVICE PLANS EVTOL RIDES FROM ALL THREE NYC AIRPORTS
The price that resets expectations
The Rictor X4 carries a launch price of $39,900 with a $5,000 deposit. That alone separates it from most personal eVTOLs currently discussed in the market. The aircraft is produced by Kuickwheel Technology, Rictor’s parent company. According to the company, first customer deliveries are scheduled for Q2 2026. As with any aircraft launch, timelines remain aspirational until production units reach customers.
Why this matters now
Personal eVTOLs have lived in a narrow space between concept and reality. High costs, regulatory hurdles and safety concerns have slowed adoption. If Rictor delivers an aircraft that performs as described while operating within ultralight rules, it could expand personal flight beyond niche enthusiasts and into practical short-range use. Now it comes down to whether the company can deliver on what it’s promising.
Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?
Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com
Kurt’s key takeaways
The Rictor X4 brings together aggressive pricing, compact design and regulatory positioning in a way we have not seen before. Folding propellers, redundant safety systems and Part 103 alignment make it one of the most ambitious personal eVTOL launches to date. The unanswered questions center on real-world performance, regulatory interpretation and production readiness. Until aircraft are flying outside controlled demonstrations, healthy skepticism remains warranted. Still, this is one of the most compelling personal flight announcements to come out of CES in recent years.
Would you trust a personal eVTOL like this for everyday trips, or does flight still feel like a step too far for now? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter
Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Microsoft has identified issues upon installing the January 2026 Windows security update. To address these issues, an out-of-band (OOB) update was released today, January 17, 2026.
– Connection and authentication failures in remote connection applications: This issue affects multiple platforms including Windows 11, version 25H2; Windows 10, version 22H2 ESU; and Windows Server 2025. See the bottom of this message for the complete list of affected products.
-Devices with Secure Launch might fail to shut down or hibernate: This issue only affects Windows 11, version 23H2.
Entertainment25 seconds ago
Review: Julia Bullock’s song recital, ‘From Ordinary Things,’ is anything but ordinary
Lifestyle6 minutes ago
Will unseasonably hot weather dash Southern California’s hopes for a 2026 superbloom?
Politics12 minutes ago
Explaining California’s billionaire tax: The proposals, the backlash and the exodus
Sports24 minutes ago
Super Bowl LX possibilities: Would Matthew Stafford retire if Rams win it all?
World36 minutes ago
Key EU transport network projects set to miss 2030 targets
Florida1 year ago
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Connecticut2 years ago
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
Oregon2 years ago
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
Virginia1 year ago
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Education2 years ago
Video: ‘It Didn’t Have to Happen This Way:’ U.Va. Faculty Call for Review of Police Response to Protests
World36 minutes ago
Key EU transport network projects set to miss 2030 targets
News1 hour ago
Woman died after riding Revenge of the Mummy coaster at Universal Orlando, report says
Politics12 hours ago
Nancy Pelosi faces social media backlash over behavior at Bob Weir tribute event
World13 hours ago
Billionaires have more money and political power than ever, Oxfam says
News13 hours ago
Parts of Florida receive rare snowfall as freezing temperatures linger
-
Montana1 week agoService door of Crans-Montana bar where 40 died in fire was locked from inside, owner says
-
Virginia1 week agoVirginia Tech gains commitment from ACC transfer QB
-
Montana1 week ago‘It was apocalyptic’, woman tells Crans-Montana memorial service, as bar owner detained
-
Minnesota1 week agoICE arrests in Minnesota surge include numerous convicted child rapists, killers
-
Lifestyle4 days agoJulio Iglesias accused of sexual assault as Spanish prosecutors study the allegations
-
Oklahoma1 week agoMissing 12-year-old Oklahoma boy found safe
-
Oregon1 week agoDan Lanning Gives Oregon Ducks Fans Reason to Believe
-
Politics1 week agoSan Antonio ends its abortion travel fund after new state law, legal action