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If you install Windows 11 on your machine and don't activate it, you'll be locked out of surprisingly few features. While most of the regular stuff will keep working indefinitely, you will miss out on a handful of customization options. Aside from missing features, you'll also get a few bonus "features," such as the permanent "Activate Windows" watermark in the corner of the desktop.

There might soon be a time when seeing "no service" on your phone is a thing of the past. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon are forming a joint venture that aims to eliminate U.S. cellular dead zones.

Some of my favorite 3D prints serve no practical purpose and yet are entirely captivating. Optical illusions fall firmly into this category, challenging your perception, inspiring wonder, and hopefully teaching you a few things in the process.

HDDs are generally seen as super reliable. Their external variants are perceived as both reliable and optimal for cold storage. Fair—both of those things are generally true. But the problem is that when something goes wrong, it goes majorly wrong, and shockingly fast.

Amazon loves to keep us on our toes. We've been covering Prime Day for years, and even though the dates vary slightly, we expect Prime Day to fall in July. But this year, the retailer held its flagship sale in June, much to our surprise. This fall, however, things are back on schedule.

Amazon's biggest sale of the year may be over, but there's another one upon us. We're here to lay out all the details you need to know because, surprise — the early deals have started.

When is the next Prime Day?

While it may seem like Amazon holds sales every other month, Prime Day technically only happens once a year, in the summer. However, Amazon hosts a fall Prime event called Prime Big Deal Days, and it's coming up quickly. For all intents and purposes, it's colloquially known as October Prime Day. The official sale runs for 48 hours on Oct. 6 and Oct. 7 in 2026, but you can expect deals in the days leading up to and following those dates.

Amazon has also held a week-long shopping event in the spring, dubbed Amazon's Big Spring Sale, for the past three years. The deals aren't quite at the level of Prime Day, but it is considered Amazon's first major savings event of the year. After the October sale, it's the next time you'll hear the term "Prime Day" floating around.

Are Prime Day deals worth it?

Prime Day is notoriously full of great deals. Besides Black Friday, it's probably the best time of year to buy Amazon devices, Apple products, robot vacuums, everyday essentials, smartwatches, headphones, and more. If you're in the market for tech, it's certainly worth perusing. Mashable already has a running list of the best October Prime Day deals that can give you more in-depth analysis on what products are worth grabbing and which ones are worth passing on.

You should always update your smartphone to take advantage of the latest security patches…or maybe sometimes you should wait just a little bit?

According to user reports on forums such as Reddit, some Pixel owners are claiming that they are locked out of their devices after installing the September 2026 Pixel update.

Users with Pixel devices ranging from the Pixel 10 Pro XL to the Pixel 9a to the Pixel 8 Pro have reported a lockout issue on Reddit after downloading the September OS update.

"I updated my Pixel 10 Pro XL to the latest September 2026 update, and since then I've been completely locked out of my phone due to a really strange issue with the pattern unlock," shared one user on Reddit with a Pixel 10 Pro XL. "Whenever I try to draw my unlock pattern, the line disappears immediately after connecting the second dot. All nine dots reset as if I've lifted my finger, regardless of which dot I start from. It's literally impossible to complete the pattern."

Some other Pixel users claim that their phone immediately displays "PIN is wrong" after they enter just the first digit of their PIN. 

According to other users, the lock screen issue eventually triggers an emergency countdown timer after inputting the PIN number incorrectly too many times. However, one user on Reddit claims that the issue seemed to resolve itself after waiting out the timer, and that their Pixel phone finally accepted their PIN number.

Unfortunately, this hasn't worked for all Pixel owners. Some users have been forced to factory reset their devices just so they can keep using their smartphone, according to the user complaints shared online.

Google is apparently aware of the issue. Android Authority reports that the company has been reaching out to users who claim to be experiencing the problem on Reddit. However, the company has yet to address the issue publicly and has yet to release an update that fixes whatever the issue may be.

It should be noted that unless a fix is released that addresses whatever issue is causing the problem, Google cannot unlock your Pixel phone remotely, as the device is encrypted. So, unfortunately, those forced to factory reset their Pixel have lost photos and other files that weren't backed up or stored elsewhere. If you find yourself in this situation, you may want to wait until Google provides an answer to this specific problem before resetting the device.

Mashable highly recommends that users back up their devices before installing any update, even minor ones. Personally, I have automated updates turned off on my device specifically to avoid issues like this and to make sure there's always a recent backup before manually updating.

October's barely off the starting line and Netflix has already got a dozen new documentaries and docuseries on the grid for U.S. subscribers. If you caught those Formula 1 racing references, then there's something particularly great in store for you below.

Home hubs are essential in a modern home, and it makes sense to get a current model with the latest features. Amazon's latest Echo Show 11 is one of the best choices because it has a vivid display, amazing sound quality, and access to the latest AI-powered Alexa+ voice assistant. It's also available at an unbeatable price with 40% off with a limited-time Amazon deal.

Nvidia might have released the Shield TV Pro in 2019, but even that device isn't immune to market pressure. The company has raised the price of the Shield TV Pro to $300, a $100 hike.

TL;DR: Amazon has launched a $100 Kindle Sling Bag with SCAD students, complete with a Kindle-inspired keychain and wristlet stand.

Kindle Sling Bag, SCAD Designer Collection $99.99 at Amazon
  Get Deal at Amazon

Ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, retailers (and Amazon itself) are trying to grab everyone's attention with new product drops.

This week, Amazon opened preorders for a $99.99 version of its Kindle Sling Bag, designed in collaboration with students at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). It comes in dune and cinder (which are basically just cream and black) and is set to ship Oct. 28.

SEE ALSO: I tested all of Amazon's e-readers, and this is the best Kindle to buy

It's made from GRS-certified recycled leather with 59 percent recycled content — if that helps you feel a little better about paying top dollar for what's essentially just a crossbody purse. The biggest difference between this and the original sling bag Amazon released last November is functionality: the new one includes a wristlet stand that props your Kindle up on any flat surface, plus a small Kindle-shaped charm.

It fits standard Kindles, the Kindle Aluminum, Paperwhite, and Colorsoft. (Note: It's not compatible with the Kindle Scribe or Kindle Scribe Colorsoft.)

Aside from being the family tech support guy, my job also has me testing a lot of software and operating systems. I end up installing a new OS every couple of weeks, whether I'm testing Linux, troubleshooting a PC, or working on one of my articles. That means I have to rely on a bootable USB tool pretty regularly.

The best early October Prime Day Deals at a glance: Best headphone deal Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) $319 (save $40) Get Deal Best Amazon device deal Amazon Echo Dot $39.99 (save $40) Get Deal Best TV deal Amazon Ember 55-inch Artline QLED 4K TV $499.99 (Save $400) Get Deal Best Deal Under $50 Soundcore P30i by Anker noise-cancelling earbuds $24.99 (save $25) Get Deal Best power station deal Bluetti Elite 100 V2 $499 (Save $400) Get Deal Best Memory deal SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD $251.93 (Save $48.06) Get Deal Best smartwatch deal Garmin Vivoactive 5 $181.97 (save $118.02) Get Deal Best Lego Deal Lego Botanicals Flower Arrangement $62.04 (save $47.95) Get Deal Best Apple deal to watch Apple AirPods Pro 3 $234 (save $15) Get Deal Best for Prime members Audible $0.99 per month for 4 months + $20 Audible credit Get Deal

Amazon's next Prime sale is on the horizon. Its fall savings event, Prime Big Deal Days (aka "October Prime Day"), is coming Oct. 6 and 7, with competing festivities at Target and Walmart.

The best October Prime Day deals will be your chance to get some relief from the RAMageddon price hikes impacting the tech industry this year. For its part, Amazon increased the prices of nearly two dozen Kindles, Fire TV Sticks, Echo smart speakers, and eero routers this summer because of rising component costs. Seasonal sales like Prime Big Deal Days (and later Black Friday) should cancel out some of those markups.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime in time for the next Prime Day

As we gear up for fall, Amazon is already dropping early October Prime Day deals, and we've sifted through hundreds to find the best ones for you. A quick word of warning that we do expect prices to drop even lower on select Apple products when the sale starts Oct. 6, so you might want to hold out until then. In the meantime, we'll be regularly updating our picks in the lead-up to Prime Big Deal Days. You can also check out our guide to the top October Prime Day tech deals for more savings.

Deals marked with a ✅ are Mashable editor favorites. Deals marked with a strikethrough are no longer available but could return once the sale starts.

Best headphone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort (2nd Gen) Headphones $319 at Amazon
$359 Save $40   Get Deal Why we like it

Ahead of October Prime Day, we spotted the first deal on the second-generation Bose QuietComfort headphones. Mashable's audio expert Bethany Allard says that the Bose QuietComfort (2nd gen) are the best combination of comfort, noise cancellation, sound quality, and value. And right now, they're on sale for the first time ever and an even better value as they're 11% off. Get them for $319, and save $40 on the headphones that are usually $359.

More headphone deals

• JBL Tune 730BT headphones — $59.95 $89.95 (save $30)

• Beats Solo 4 wireless headphones — $149.95 $199.95 (save $50)

More wireless earbuds deals

• Soundcore P30i by Anker noise-cancelling earbuds — $24.99 $49.99 (save $25) ✅

• Beats Fit Pro (1st Gen) sports earbuds — $124.95 $199.95 (save $75)

• Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 — $189.99 $229 (save $39.01) ✅

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) — $249.99 $299 (save $49.01) ✅

Best Apple deal to watch Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 ✅ $234 at Amazon
$249 Save $15   Get Deal Why we like it

The basic AirPods just got an upgrade with the new AirPods 5, and last year's Apple AirPods Pro 3 are back on sale. Ahead of October Prime Day, shop the Apple AirPods Pro 3 for $234, a $15 discount. The price isn't bad for an early deal, but we recommend waiting for Prime Big Deal Days to begin, when we expect the price to drop to $199 or lower. The earbuds have ANC, a more comfortable fit, and bring live translation to the AirPods experience. They're perfect for commuters and even measure your heart rate, which is great for athletes who love a good workout playlist.

More early Prime Day Apple deals

AirPods

• Apple AirPods 4 — $99 $129.99 (save $30.99)

• Apple AirPods Max 2 — $509.99 $549 (save $39.01)

iPads

• Apple iPad (A16, 128GB, WiFi) — $427 $449 (save $22)

• Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 512GB) — $1,299 $1,499 (save $200)

• Apple iPad Pro, 11-Inch (M4, WiFi, 2TB, nano-texture glass) — $1,899 $2,099 (save $200)

MacBooks

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,449 $1,599 (save $150)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,839 $1,999 (save $160) ✅

• Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M5 Max, 48GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $4,499 $4,999 (save $500)

Apple accessories

• Apple MagSafe Charger — $39.99 $49 (save $9.01) ✅

• Apple Pencil USB-C — $69.98 $79 (save $9.02)

• Apple AirTag 2 (4-pack) — $89 $99 (save $10) ✅

Best Amazon device deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Dot $39.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $40.00   Get Deal Why we like it

Finally! Amazon's Echo devices are officially on sale ahead of Prime Big Deal Days. Right now, grab the Amazon Echo Dot for just $39.99. While that's not the lowest sale price we've ever spotted on the Echo Dot, it's the best price since Amazon increased prices on its devices.

The Echo Dot is a perfectly compact smart speaker. Plus, it's compatible with Alexa+, a smarter home assistant that helps you do everything from meal planning to booking dinner reservations.

More Amazon device deals

Echo devices

• Amazon Echo Glow — $22.99 $29.99 (save $7)

• Amazon Echo Show 5 — $59.99 $99.99 (save $40)

• Amazon Echo Dot Max — $79.99 $119.99 (save $40)

• Amazon Echo Show 11 — $149.99 $249.99 (save $100)

• Amazon Echo Show 21 — $349.99 $499.99 (save $150)

Fire tablets

• Amazon Fire HD 10 (32GB) — $72.99 $154.99 (save $82)

• Amazon Fire HD 8 (64GB) — $79.99 $129.99 (save $50) ✅

• Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids (64GB) — $94.99 $169.99 (save $75)

Fire TV Sticks

• Amazon Fire TV Stick HD — $15.99 $39.99 (save $24)

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select — $17.99 $49.99 (save $32)

• Amazon Fire TV Stick Voice Remote Pro — $19.99 $34.99 (save $15)

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $37.99 $69.99 (save $32)

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max — $44.99 $84.99 (save $40)

• Amazon Fire TV Cube — $89.99 $199.99 (save $110)

Blink cameras

• Blink Mini Pan-Tilt Camera — $23.99 $39.99 (save $16)

• Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera — $39.99 $99.99 (save $60)

• Blink Outdoor 4 (5+camera system) + Battery Doorbell — $104.99 $369.98 (save $264.99)

Smart home

• Amazon Smart Plug — $12.98 $24.99 (save $12.01)

• Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor — $46.99 $69.99 (save $23)

• Amazon Smart Thermostat — $56.99 $79.99 (save $23)

Best TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Ember 55-inch Artline QLED 4K TV ✅ $499.99 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $400   Get Deal Why we like it

"If you want an aesthetic TV that doubles as artwork on your wall, but don't quite have the budget for Samsung's The Frame, Amazon's new Ember Artline TVs are a solid alternative. The 55-inch model is on sale for less than $500 ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, which is 44% off and its best price on record. While Amazon's art TV isn't quite as impressive in the specs department as Samsung's, it does offer a free art gallery and a wide selection of frame options at no extra cost. It's not our top pick at full price, but at $400 off? It's hard to pass up." — Christina Buff, Mashable Contributor

More TV deals

Under 50-inch TV deals

• Amazon Ember 40-inch 2-Series Fire TV — $179.99 $249.99 (save $70) ✅

• Roku 43-inch Select Series 4K TV — $179.99 $249.99 (save $70)

• Sony 48-inch Bravia 6 OLED 4K TV — $1,098 $1,299.99 (save $201.99)

50 to 55-inch TV deals

• Insignia 50-inch F50 4K TV — $159.99 $299.99 (save $140)

• Samsung 55-inch M70H Mini-LED 4K TV — $299.99 $347.99 (save $48)

• Hisense 50-inch S7 Canvas Hi-QLED 4K TV — $797.99 $1,299.99 (save $502)

• LG 55-inch LX7B Gallery Mini LED 4K TV — $899.99 $1,299.99 (save $400)

65-inch TV deals

• Roku 65-inch Plus Series QLED 4K TV — $449.99 $649.99 (save $200)

• Hisense 65-inch E7 Mini-LED Hi-QLED 4K TV — $597.99 $999.99 (save $402)

• Toshiba 65-inch G700 ArtVision QLED 4K TV — $1,097.99 $1,999.99 (save $902)

• Hisense 65-inch S7 Canvas Hi-QLED 4K TV — $1,197.99 $1,999.99 (save $802)

• Samsung 65-inch S85H OLED 4K TV — $1,397.99 $1,999.99 (save $602)

• TCL 65-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $1,497.99 $2,499.99 (save $1,002) ✅

• Samsung 65-inch S90H OLED 4K TV — $1,697.99 $2,699.99 (save $1,002) ✅

• Sony 65-inch Bravia 8 II QD QLED 4K TV — $2,498 $3,299.99 (save $801.99)

75-inch TV deals

• Samsung 75-inch M70H Mini-LED 4K TV — $547.99 $729.99 (save $182)

80 to 85-inch TV deals

• Hisense 85-inch S7 Canvas Hi-QLED 4K TV — $1,998.99 $3,999.99 (save $2,001)

• TCL 85-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $2,797.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,202)

Over 85-inch TV deals

• Hisense 100-inch E7 Mini-LED Hi-QLED 4K TV — $1,996.96 $2,999.99 (save $1,003.03)

• TCL 98-inch QM7L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $2,497.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,502)

Best outdoor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Coleman Coleman Sundome 4-Person Camping Tent $81.68 at Amazon
$117.99 Save $36.31   Get Deal Why we like it

This four-person Coleman tent, designed for warm-weather camping, sets up easily in 10 minutes and has an E-port to run power inside. It's marked down to just $81.68 right now, which is a 31% savings and its lowest price of the year so far. It was about $2 more expensive during Amazon's summer Prime Day sale.

More outdoor deals

Cooler deals

• Igloo Trailmate Cooler (50 quart) — $99.99 $119.99 (save $20)

• Coleman Marine Cooler (100 quart) — $119.99 $134.99 (save $15)

• Igloo Maxcold Glide (110 quart) — $152.99 $179.99 (save $54)

• Yeti Roadie 15 (tropical pink) — $160 $200 (save $40)

• Ninja FrostVault (Spanish moss, 50 quart) — $199.99 $249.99 (save $50)

Camping deals

• Coleman Triton 2-Burner Propane Stove — $83.99 $129.99 (save $46)

• Kelty Trash Pak — $90.93 $129.95 (save $39.02)

• Sea to Summit Frontier Ultralight One Pot Cook Set — $99.95 $114.95 (save $15)

• Jackery SolarSaga 40W Air — $108.99 $129 (save $20.01)

• Renogy 100W Portable Solar Panel — $109.99 $124.99 (save $15)

• Klymit Insulated Double V Inflatable Sleeping Pad — $136.19 $179.99 (save $43.80)

• Coleman 4-Person Instant Cabin — $149.99 $218.49 (save $68.50)

• Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite NXT Ultralight Camping Pad — $199.95 $239.95 (save $40)

• Big Agnes Copper Spur HighVolume Ultralight Tent (2 person) — $444.56 $599.95 (save $155.39)

Best power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Elite 100 V2 ✅ $499 at Amazon
$899 Save $400   Get Deal Why we like it

"Ahead of [October] Prime Day, this Bluetti power unit has $400 off the list price. It comes with a 1,024Wh capacity and 1,800W output, with 11 ports so you can charge multiple devices at once. It can also fully recharge in about 70 minutes with TurboBoost AC charging, making it a great option for last-minute use.

The 10-millisecond UPS (uninterruptible power supply) means this is a great model for plugging into your workstation or the WiFi router at home when a storm threatens to take out grid power. A 10 UPS means the Ecoflow will take over providing power within 10 milliseconds of losing wall power." — Lois Mackenzie, Mashable Contributor

More power station deals

• Jackery Explorer 300 — $259 $289 (save $30) ✅

• Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 — $499.99 $599 (save $99.01) ✅

• Jackery HomePower 1000 v2 — $549 $649 (save $100) ✅

• Bluetti Elite 100 V2 with 200W Solar Panel — $698.98 $999 (save $300.02)

• Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 and 200W Solar Panel — $699 $879 (save $180)

• Anker Solix S2000 — $679.99 $1,199 (save $519.01)

• Bluetti FridgePower — $898.97 $1,499 (save $600.03)

• Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 — $898.99 $999 (save $100.01) ✅

• Bluetti Elite 200 V2 — $899 $1,199 (save $300) ✅

• Ecoflow Delta 2 Max — $1,029 $1,399 (save $370)

• Bluetti Elite 300 — $1,098.99 $1,499 (save $400.01)

• Jackery HomePower 3000 — $1,349 $1,499 (save $150)

• Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus — $1,709 $1,899 (save $190)

• Anker Solix F3800 — $2,479.99 $2,799.99 (save $320)

Best memory and SSD deals Opens in a new window Credit: SanDisk SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD ✅ $256.98 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $43.01   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: SanDisk SanDisk 512GB microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2 $159.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $40   Get Deal Why we like it

"SanDisk is a favorite of mine when buying memory products, and I use their Extreme portable SSDs to back up my own photo and video collection. (As a tech editor, I take a lot of photos and videos.) Thanks to RAMageddon, you have to take any opportunity you can find to save on portable SSDs, flash drives, microSD cards, and hard drives. Already, some of SanDisk's most popular memory products are on sale, like their microSD Express card for the Switch 2 and the new version of their popular Extreme drive." — Timothy Beck Werth, Mashable Tech Editor

More SSD and hard drive deals

MicroSDs

• SanDisk 128GB High Endurance Video microSDXC — $36.99 $60.99 (save $24)

Portable SSDs

• SanDisk 500GB Portable SSD — $109.99 $128.99 (save $19)

• Samsung T7 Portable SSD 1TB — $229.99 $274.99 (save $45)

• Samsung T9 Portable SSD 2TB — $984.93 $1,144.99 (save $160.06)

Portable HDDs

• Seagate 2TB Portable Hard Drive — $129.99 $149.99 (save $20)

Internal hard drives

• Samsung SSD 990 PRO 2TB, PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 — $389.99 $639.99 (save $250) ✅

Best fitness tracker and smartwatch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Vivoactive 5 $181.97 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $118.02   Get Deal Why we like it

Many runners believe Garmin is the gold standard of smartwatches and fitness trackers. And ahead of Amazon Prime Big Deal Days, you can grab the Garmin Vivoactive 5 for just $181.97. That saves you over $118 off its retail price.

The Vivoactive 5 features an AMOLED display and up to 11 days of battery life, so you can wear it around the clock. It provides energy monitoring and a sleep score, so you get personalized tips to improve your sleep. Plus, it has 80 built-in types of sport tracking.

Best Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Flower Arrangement $62.04 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $47.95   Get Deal Why we like it

"The Lego Botanicals Flower Arrangement is an absolute delight for adult builders, with its 1,161 pieces coming together to create a display of 14 flowers (including camellias, peonies, hydrangeas, baby’s breath, ranunculus, bouvardia, and lilies) in a white vase. If it's one you've had on your radar, Amazon has a sweet little early October Prime Day treat for you: it's currently at its lowest-ever price of $62.04. It's retiring soon, making now an excellent time to grab it for less.

It's not the only Botanicals deal we've spotted, either. You can see even more of our favorite floral sets on sale below." — Hannah Hoolihan, Mashable Contributor

More Lego deals

• Lego City Advent Calendar 2026 — $25 $34.99 (save $9.99)

• Lego Botanicals Flowering Cactus — $27.95 $34.99 (save $7.04)

• Lego Botanicals Succulents — $34.99 $49.99 (save $15)

• Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar 2026 — $35 $44.99 (save $9.99)

• Lego Marvel Advent Calendar 2026 — $35 $44.99 (save $9.99)

• Lego Super Mario: Mario Kart — Wario & King Boo — $39.95 $49.99 (save $10.04)

• Lego Star Wars Darth Vader Bust — $39.99 $49.99 (save $10)

• Lego Super Mario: Mario Kart — Interactive Mario & Standard Kart — $41.99 $54.99 (save $13)

• Lego Super Mario: Mario Kart Baby Peach & Grand Prix Set Home Circuit — $44.79 $79.99 (save $35.20 with on-page coupon)

• Lego Star Wars SMART Play: Yoda’s Hut and Jedi Training — $49.99 $69.99 (save $20)

• Lego Botanicals Hibiscus Flower — $55.95 $69.99 (save $14.04)

• Lego Star Wars SMART Play: Mos Eisley Cantina — $63.95 $79.99 (save $16.04)

• Lego Star Wars: Andor K-2SO Security Droid — $71.99 $89.99 (save $18)

• Lego Star Wars SMART Play: Millennium Falcon — $79.95 $99.99 (save $20.04)

Best streaming and subscription deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Audible $0.99/month for four months + free $20 credit Get Deal Why we like it

Right now, Prime members can save 80% on four months of Amazon's audiobook service, paying just $0.99 for their first four months. On top of that, you get a free $20 credit to spend on the title(s) of your choice.

Your membership lets you download one audiobook per month. including classics, new releases, and BookTok faves like the ACOTAR series. And if 99 cents feels a little high, you can also sign up for a 30-day free trial.

More Amazon subscription deals

• Kindle Unlimited — 3 months free

• Amazon Music Unlimited — 4 months free with Prime

• Save $20 on your next Grubhub+ order with Prime

• Buy or lease a new car, get a $1,500 gift card for free with Prime

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

The Star Trek universe is huge and full of different media. I've watched the shows, played the video games, read a ton of the novels (Star Trek: Titan is a personal favorite), and have even written about Trek-related songs. Since this year is the series' 60th Anniversary, I thought I'd celebrate with these tech-related StarTrek hobbies.

TL;DR: Live stream Pakistan vs. India in the 2026 Asian Games for free on MeWatch (Singapore) / KBS, MBC, SBS (South Korea) / VTV (Vietnam). Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

This weekend's sport schedule is extremely busy. We've got NFL, international soccer, F1, and so much more, but there's one event that stands out above the rest: Pakistan vs. India in the final of the Asian Games cricket tournament. It really doesn't get any bigger than this.

India were expected to reach this stage. They brought a very strong squad to Japan, but they still had to deliver on those lofty expectations. Pakistan will provide a tough test in the final. India haven't secured a gold medal just yet.

If you want to watch Pakistan vs. India in the 2026 Asian Games for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Pakistan vs. India?

Pakistan vs. India in the 2026 Asian Games cricket final starts at 12:30 a.m. ET on Oct. 3. This fixture takes place at Korogi Sports Park.

How to watch Pakistan vs. India for free

Pakistan vs. India in the 2026 Asian Games cricket final is available to live stream for free on MeWatch in Singapore, KBS, MBC, and SBS in South Korea, and VTV in Vietnam.

These free streaming platforms are geo-restricted, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your digital location and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can gain access to Pakistan vs. India from anywhere in the world.

Watch Pakistan vs. India in the 2026 Asian Games cricket final by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Singapore, South Korea, or Vietnam

4. Visit MeWatch, KBS, MBC, SBS, or VTV

5. Watch the 2026 Asian Games cricket final from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By making the most of these offers, you can secure access to Pakistan vs. India without committing with your cash. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch the 2026 Asian Games cricket final before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the Asian Games?

ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices, including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Watch Pakistan vs. India in the 2026 Asian Games for free with ExpressVPN.

For over three months, I have been running 12 speed tests per day every single day. It's added up to over 1,200 tests spanning over 100 days, using nearly 2.5TB of data. What did I learn from this endeavor? Actually, way more than I imagined I would.

Losing cell service mid-drive is a big deal because it can mess with your maps, music, and a whole lot of other things, and then you're stuck looking at the screen instead of the road. Most people don't notice how much Android Auto leans on the internet until they're staring at a frozen screen somewhere outside coverage. The good news is that you can prepare and use your apps in places where you have no reception, as long as you know where to look.

TL;DR: Ninja is launching the Ninja PREPi Precision-Powered Prep and Store System — a compact 5-in-1 device built to chop, purée, slice, shred, and cut french fries directly into a serve-and-store container.

Ninja PREPi $229.99 at SharkNinja
  Shop Now at SharkNinja

If you are tired of spending half your paycheck on mediocre takeaway salads, Ninja wants a word. The appliance brand known for cluttering up your counter in the best way possible is officially dropping its next kitchen fix — the Ninja PREPi Precision-Powered Prep + Store System, retailing for $229.99.

Designed specifically for cramped apartments, tiny counters, and tight cabinet space, the PREPi packs full-size food processing muscle into a footprint that won't swallow your entire kitchen. Instead of dragging out three different chopping boards and dirtying half a dozen plastic containers, this compact unit lets you process, serve, and snap a lid on to store your food in the same container.

SEE ALSO: The best early October Prime Day kitchen deals: We found live deals Ninja and Keurig deals worth grabbing

Powering the device is a 500-watt motor capable of handling heavy-duty food preparation without stalling. The system relies on a versatile set of attachments, starting with a single Chop & Purée blade that handles everything from coarse salsa prep to smooth dips without making you swap parts midway through. A reversible disc handles uniform slicing on one side and flips over for shredding cheese or veggies on the other.

For fry lovers, the PREPi includes a dedicated French fry disc that lets you drop a whole potato down its three-part feed chute and spit out perfectly even, air-fryer-ready cuts in a few seconds flat. If you pick up the PN351 model, you also get a built-in dicing kit for fast, uniform salad prep.

Welcome to October. It's spooky season, and we have a new Halloween-themed show for you to watch this weekend. It's a dramedy involving teenage witches coming to Disney+ and Hulu. As for the non-spooky shows to watch this weekend, a new thriller starring an Academy Award-winning actress premieres on AMC+.

TL;DR: Watch Colombia vs. Paraguay in an International Friendly for free on Caracol TV. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We're not too far removed from the 2026 World Cup, so the appetite for international football might not be that great. That is until you see some of the fixtures on the schedule this weekend, starting with Colombia vs. Paraguay.

Both sides reached the knockout stages of the World Cup and will come into this matchup hoping to win. It's going to be a real battle between two physical sides.

If you're interested in watching Colombia vs. Paraguay in an International Friendly from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Colombia vs. Paraguay?

Colombia vs. Paraguay in an International Friendly kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on Oct. 2. This fixture takes place at the Sports Illustrated Stadium.

How to watch Colombia vs. Paraguay for free

Colombia vs. Paraguay in an International Friendly is available to live stream for free on Caracol TV.

Caracol TV is geo-restricted to Colombia, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Colombia, meaning you can live stream Colombia vs. Paraguay for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Colombia vs. Paraguay for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Colombia

4. Visit Caracol TV

5. Watch Colombia vs. Paraguay for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Colombia vs. Paraguay without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Caracol TV?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Caracol TV, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries, including Colombia

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices, including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream Colombia vs. Paraguay for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Mac minis with Apple Silicon are some of the best compact desktop computers on the market, but their Intel-based predecessors aren't ready for the landfill just yet. While they're too old to get new versions of macOS and too feeble to use as your main PC, they still have enough fuel in their tanks to work as home servers. Put Linux on one, start self-hosting, and you'll be able to save wads of cash you're now spending on various subscriptions.