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Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier for who watch baseball.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight, and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections: Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. The sports Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Each puzzle features 16 words, and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake — players get up to four mistakes before the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Field day activities

• Green: US soccer

• Blue: Big hitters

• Purple: Sometimes "Y"

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Track and Field Equipment

• Green: Original MLS Teams

• Blue: Members of the 3,000-Hits Club

• Purple: Words in Which Y is the Only Vowel

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #743 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Track and Field Equipment: HURDLE, JAVELIN, POLE, STARTING BLOCK

• Original MLS Teams: CREW, GALAXY, RAPIDS, REVOLUTION

• Members of the 3,000-Hits Club: GWYNN, MAYS, SUZUKI, WINFIELD

• Words in Which Y is the Only Vowel: FLY, GYM, LYNX, SKY

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalog.

Released in August 2025, Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move on to the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity with how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 6, 2026

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible — and common — for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for October 6, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for October 6 Pips

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 0-0, placed horizontally; 2-4, placed vertically.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 2-4, placed vertically; 6-6, placed vertically.

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically; 5-3, placed vertically.

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 5-3, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for October 6 Pips

Less than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 5-0, placed horizontally; 5-2, placed horizontally.

Less than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 5-2, placed horizontally.

Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 6-1, placed horizontally; 1-3, placed vertically.

Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 6-1, placed horizontally; 6-2, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 6-2, placed horizontally; 1-3, placed vertically.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 5-5, placed vertically.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for October 6 Pips

Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 2-6, placed vertically; 3-3, placed horizontally; 3-4, placed vertically.

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 3-6, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 3-4, placed vertically; 4-6, placed vertically.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 4-6, placed vertically.

Number (24): Everything in this space must add up to 24. The answer is 2-6, placed vertically; 3-6, placed horizontally; 6-6, placed vertically.

Less than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 1-2, placed horizontally.

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 2-5, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 4-5, placed vertically.

Number (0): Everything in this space must add up to 0. The answer is 1-0, placed horizontally.

Less than (7): Everything in this space must be less than 7. The answer is 0-4, placed vertically; 2-2, placed horizontally.

Less than (5): Everything in this space must be less than 5. The answer is 2-2, placed horizontally; 4-2, placed vertically.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally; 4-2, placed vertically.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Retailers are beginning to prep for the holiday shopping season, with stores like Best Buy leading the way, slashing prices and adding on massive markdowns on tons of products and gear—good news if you're looking to get your shopping done early. A fantastic strategy is to look at products that are just slightly out of season, like this massive 77-inch OLED TV from LG.

Looking for spoiler-free NYT Connections hints or just wondering why Connections is trending today? We've got what you need to understand the clues for today's puzzle without spoiling any of the answers.

Of course, Mashable has also provided daily hints and answers for Connections, Wordle, and Strands for years, so we can help you if that's also what you need.

While we are focused more on meanings than hints in this story, sometimes learning that many of the words have completely unrelated meanings is a clue in and of itself. Connections frequently includes clues that involve words within words and other visual clues.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 5, 2026 Comfort meaning

A state of physical or mental ease, free from pain, worry or distress.

Days meaning

A measure of time equal to 24 hours.

Hampton meaning

A settlement near a homestead.

Holiday meaning

A day or period set aside for religious observance, national celebration, rest or recreation.

Catskill meaning

A geographic and cultural region and subrange of the Appalachian Mountains located in southeastern New York state.

Knickknack meaning

A small decorative object kept on display at home.

Pianoforte meaning

The original name for the modern piano.

Stability meaning

The quality or state of something remaining steady, firm, and unlikely to change.

Berkshire meaning

An American multinational holding company and investment conglomerate.

Citi meaning

An American investment bank and financial services corporation.

Goldman meaning

A large American investment bank and financial services company.

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

Merrill meaning

An English surname meaning "pleasant hill."

Adirondack meaning

A large mountain range in upstate New York.

Eames meaning

A husband-and-wife duo of 20th-century designers.

Windsor meaning

A historic town in England.

Wingback meaning

A classic upholstered armchair.

Have you learned the meanings and still want the things? Check out the hints and answers for today's NYT Connections puzzle.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're good with money.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for October 6, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Money

• Green: Have a seat

• Blue: Stay awhile

• Purple: Craft

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Financial firms, for short

• Green: Kinds of chairs

• Blue: ___ inn hotels

• Purple: Ending in talents

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #1212 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Financial firms, for short: BERKSHIRE, CITI, GOLDMAN, MERRILL

• Kinds of chairs: ADIRONDACK, EAMES, WINDSOR, WINGBACK

• ___ inn hotels: COMFORT, DAYS, HAMPTON, HOLIDAY

• Ending in talents: CATSKILL, KNICKKNACK, PIANOFORTE, STABILITY

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

Today's NYT Strands hints will be easy if you're indecisive.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 6, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Changing course

The words are related to switching up.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe shifts.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is The Old Switcheroo.

NYT Strands word list for October 6

• Backpedal

• Reverse

• The Old Switcheroo

• Overturn

• Undo

• Flip

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you don't use the big light.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 6, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Lacking light.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter D.

The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

DIMLY

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

The best Walmart Fall Deals: Best TV deal 65-inch Vizio Class Quantum 4K QLED HDR Smart TV (VQD65R-10) $328 (save $170) Get Deal Best earbuds deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $179 (save $70) Get Deal Best gaming deal Super Mario RPG $34.87 (save $24.13) Get Deal Best Lego deal Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle and Grounds (76419) $136.99 (save $33) Get Deal Best vacuum deal Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum (NV380) $118 (save $61) Get Deal Best kitchen deal Ninja Foodi DualZone Air Fryer (8-quart) $109 (save $40) Get Deal

Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days runs Oct. 6-7, which means every other major retailer is currently scrambling to steal your attention with competing sales. (Honestly, in this economy, I definitely don't blame them.)

Walmart is taking on the retail giant with its own "Fall Deals" event that officially kicked off at 12 a.m. ET on Oct. 5 and runs through Oct. 11. The best part about Walmart's event is that you don't have to be a paid member to shop. With the main event officially started, we're seeing 50% off home goods, 40% off tech, and 30% off toys.

SEE ALSO: Target Circle Deal Days also runs Oct. 6-7

A word of caution: If you see a deal that's too good to be true while you're perusing the site, it most likely is. We've found tons of sketchy, third-party sellers selling items with inflated list prices. (Anything you buy should have a little note that reads "Sold and shipped by Walmart.com.") That said, all of the deals in this roundup are legit — it's literally our job to find them for you.

Best Walmart TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Vizio 65-inch Vizio Class Quantum 4K QLED HDR Smart TV (VQD65R-10) $328 at Walmart
$498 Save $170   Get Deal Why we like it

Whether you like sports or not, you can't argue this deal. The 65-inch Vizio Class Quantum 4K QLED HDR Smart TV (VQD65R-10) is currently on sale for $328, down from $498. That's a $170 price cut and a damn good deal for a vibrant QLED display with enhanced Dolby Vision HDR.

More TV deals

• 65-inch onn. 4K (65S4V4) — $258 $278 (save $20)

• 65-inch Samsung Class M70HB Series Mini LED 4K — $428 $478 (save $50)

• 55-inch TCL QM6K Series QD-Mini LED 4K TV (55QM6K) — $497.99 $649.99 (save $152)

Best Walmart headphones and earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $179 at Walmart
$248.95 Save $69.95   Get Deal Why we like it

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are some of the best noise-cancelling earbuds in the biz, especially if you're an Apple user. They have class-leading ANC, great battery life at eight hours per charge, clear and detailed sound out of the box, and unique additional features like live translation and a built-in heart rate monitor. At $179, they're just $10 away from their lowest price ever.

Looking for more headphones deals? Check out our Prime Day headphones deals guide.

More headphones and earbuds deals

• JBL Tune 520BT — $34.95 $59.95 (save $25)

• Apple AirPods 4 — $79 $129 (save $50)

• JBL Endurance Peak 4 — $89.95 $129.95 (save $40)

• Beats Studio Pro — $119 $299.99 (save $180.99)

• Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation — $119.97 $179 (save $59.03)

• Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $179 $249 (save $70)

Best Walmart video game deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Super Mario RPG $34.87 at Walmart
$59 Save $24.13   Get Deal Why we like it

Anything Mario Bros-related is definitely worth snagging while it's on sale. If you're looking for something else to play on your Switch (and you haven't experienced the Mushroom Kingdom, Walmart has the Super Mario RPG game on sale for $34.87.

More video game deals

• Stray (Switch) — $28.49 $39 (save $10.51)

• Luigi's Mansion 3 (Switch) — $48.99 $59.99 (save $11)

Best Walmart Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle and Grounds (76419) $136.99 at Walmart
$169.99 Save $33   Get Deal Why we like it

The Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle and Grounds (76419) is a big-ticket holiday gift. It's currently on sale for $136.99, down from $169.99. It's possible this will get cheaper the closer we get to the actual sale, but a $33 isn't too shabby.

More Lego deals

• Lego Botanicals Daisies — $9.89 $14.99 (save $5.10)

• Lego Classic Medium Creative Brick Box — $21.42 $34.99 (save $13.57)

• Lego Speed Champions Time Machine from Back to the Future — $22.49 $27.99 (save $5.50)

• Lego Minecraft The Creeper — $31.99 $39.99 (save $8)

Best Walmart vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum $118 at Walmart
$179 Save $61   Get Deal Why we like it

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum (NV380) is ideal for pet owners or parents who need an easy-to-maneuver vacuum for quick cleanups. And, right now, you can get it for $118, down from $179. That's a $61 savings, but stock is low, so this discount may not last until Oct. 5.

More vacuum deals

• Dyson V10 Konical cordless — $399.99 $499.99 (save $100)

• Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones cordless — $479.99 $599.99 (save $120)

Even more deals

• Ninja Foodi DualZone Air Fryer (8-quart) — $109 $149 (save $30)

• Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ — $219.99 $299.99 (save $80)

The best early October Prime Day Deals at a glance: Best headphone deal Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) $319 (save $40) Get Deal Best Apple deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $179 (save $70) Get Deal Best Kindle Deal Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $169.99 (save $80) Get Deal Best TV deal Amazon Ember 55-inch Artline QLED 4K TV $499.99 (Save $400) Get Deal Best Vacuum Deal Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum $149.99 (save $150) Get Deal Best power station deal Bluetti Elite 100 V2 $499 (Save $400) Get Deal Best Memory deal SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD $251.94 (Save $48.05) Get Deal Best smartwatch deal Garmin Vivoactive 5 $181.97 (save $118.02) Get Deal Best Deal Under $50 Amazon Echo Dot $39.99 (save $40) Get Deal Best Deal Under $25 Apple AirTag (2nd Gen) $24 (save $5) Get Deal

Another Amazon Prime Day is upon us. Prime Big Deal Days (aka "October Prime Day") runs Oct. 6 and 7, with competing festivities at Target and Walmart. Deals are underway, delivering major sales across all categories.

October Prime Day deals could be a 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) could offset some of those markups.

SEE ALSO: Try Amazon Prime for free for 30 days to get access to October Prime Day 2026

We've sifted through hundreds of October Prime Day deals to find the best ones for you. With the sale ramping up, prices are dropping. Kindles are now on sale, and the AirPods Pro 3 are $70 off. We'll be regularly updating our picks throughout 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. An right now, they're $319, down from $359 — a $40 saving that makes them an even better value.

More headphone deals

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

• Beats Solo 4 wireless headphones — $99.95 $199.95 (save $100)

• Beats Studio Pro — $149.95 $299.99 (save $150.04)

• Sony WH-1000XM5 — $198 $248 (save $50)

• Sony WH-1000XM6 — $378 $459.99 (save $81.99)

More wireless earbuds deals

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

• Nothing Ear (3) — $99 $149 (save $50)

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

• Soundcore Sleep A30 Special — $168.99 $199.99 (save $32)

• Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 — $179.95 $249.95 (save $70)

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

• Technics EAH-AZ100 — $234.99 $299.99 (save $65)

Best Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 ✅ $179 at Amazon
$249 Save $70   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. They were $234 in the lead-up to October Prime Day, but have since dropped to $179 — $70 off their $249 list price. The earbuds have ANC, a more comfortable, redesigned fit, and support for live translation with a compatible iPhone. They're a good pick for commuters and even measure your heart rate during workouts, which is great for athletes who love a good workout playlist.

More Prime Day Apple deals

AirPods

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

• Apple AirPods Max 2 — $429 $549 (save $120)

iPads

• Apple iPad (A16, 128GB, WiFi) — $399 $449 (save $50)

• 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) — $1,099 $1,299 (save $200)

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,399 $1,599 (save $200)

• 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 Kindle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $169.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $80   Get Deal Why we like it

If you've been patiently waiting for Kindle deals to drop, the wait is over. The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is my favorite e-reader, the one I use every day. With 32GB of storage, it has space for thousands of books. It also has an auto-adjusting front light and wireless charging. It's exceptionally fast, too, with smooth page turns and quick-loading books in my experience.

In August 2026, the e-reader's MSRP rose to $249.99 from its previous list price of $199.99. Now, the Paperwhite Signature Edition has dropped back down to $169.99. That's 32% off its new list price, a saving of $80 — or $30 compared with its old list price. I'd typically advise you to buy the standard Paperwhite, but right now, it's more expensive than the Signature Edition.

Plus, when you buy a new Kindle, check whether you're eligible for three free months of Kindle Unlimited with your purchase. Check the renewal terms before signing up.

More Kindle deals

• Amazon Kindle (16GB) — $103.99 $149.99 (save $46)

• Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids — $169.99 $229.99 (save $60)

• Amazon Kindle Colorsoft (16GB) — $189.99 $289.99 (save $100)

• Amazon Kindle Scribe (32GB) — $379.99 $499.99 (save $120)

• Amazon Kindle Scribe Colorsoft (32GB) — $479.99 $629.99 (save $150)

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

Kindles aren't the only Amazon devices on sale: You'll also find deals on Amazon's Echos, Fire TVs, and tablets. Our favorite deal is on the Amazon Echo Dot, which is down to just $39.99. That's not the lowest price we've ever spotted, but it's still worth a look if you need a compact smart speaker.

It's also compatible with Alexa+, Amazon's AI assistant, which 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 devices and accessories

• 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 — $998 $1,299.99 (save $301)

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 — $697.99 $1,299.99 (save $602)

• LG 55-inch LX7B Gallery Mini LED 4K TV — $699.99 $1,299.99 (save $600)

65-inch TV deals

• Roku 65-inch Plus Series QLED 4K TV — $429.99 $649.99 (save $220)

• Hisense 65-inch E7 Mini-LED Hi-QLED 4K TV — $579.99 $999.99 (save $420)

• Toshiba 65-inch G700 ArtVision QLED 4K TV — $999.99 $1,297.99 (save $298)

• Hisense 65-inch S7 Canvas Hi-QLED 4K TV — $949.99 $1,999.99 (save $1,050)

• Samsung 65-inch S85H OLED 4K TV — $1,297.99 $1,999.99 (save $702)

• TCL 65-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $1,197.99 $2,499.99 (save $1,202) ✅

• Samsung 65-inch S90H OLED 4K TV — $1,497.99 $1,897.99 (save $400) ✅

• 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 — $1,797.99 $3,999.99 (save $2,202)

• TCL 85-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $2,297.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,702)

Over 85-inch TV deals

• Hisense 100-inch E7 Mini-LED Hi-QLED 4K TV — $1,697.99 $2,999.99 (save $1,302)

• TCL 98-inch QM7L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $2,197.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,802)

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 in about 10 minutes and has an E-port for threading an extension cord inside. It's marked down to just $81.68 right now, a 31% discount. 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) — $99.99 $134.99 (save $35)

• 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 — $89.99 $129.99 (save $40)

• 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 — $109 $129 (save $20)

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

• Klymit Insulated Double V Inflatable Sleeping Pad — $136.11 $179.99 (save $43.88)

• 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) — $467.96 $599.95 (save $131.99)

Best power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ecoflow Ecoflow Delta 3 Classic with 220W Solar Panel ✅ $699 at Amazon
$1,099 Save $400   Get Deal Why we like it

"One of the major benefits of a portable power station is the ability to recharge using solar power. The EcoFlow Delta 3 Classic bundle with a 220W solar panel is a great choice ahead of Prime Day. You'll get the 1,024Wh portable power station with a 1,800W output that can power even big appliances like fridges. It has X-Boost providing up to 2,600W for higher-power devices.

With full sun, EcoFlow says the Delta 3 Classic can recharge in about six hours with the 220W solar panel. Of course, you can also recharge using standard wall power or a generator. When plugged into a wall outlet, the EcoFlow can reach 80 percent capacity in just 45 minutes." — 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 — $699 $999 (save $300)

• 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 — $899 $1,499 (save $600)

• 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 — $1,099 $1,499 (save $400)

• 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 ✅ $251.94 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $48.05   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 — $229.90 $274.99 (save $45.09)

• Samsung T9 Portable SSD 2TB — $999.99 $1,144.99 (save $145)

Portable HDDs

• Seagate 2TB Portable Hard Drive — $119.99 $149.99 (save $30)

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 in smartwatch mode, so you can wear it around the clock. It provides Body Battery energy monitoring along with a sleep score and personalized tips to improve your sleep. Plus, it has more than 30 built-in sports apps.

Best Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Smart Play: Millennium Falcon $79.95 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $20.04   Get Deal Why we like it

"If you've got a Lego Smart Brick on hand, this deal is well worth checking out: Lego's Star Wars SMART Play: Millennium Falcon set has plummeted to its lowest-ever price at Amazon for Prime Big Deal Days.

This Lego set does not come with the Lego Smart Brick, but it is compatible with it. If you already have one that comes included with the All-in-One sets, then you'll be able to enjoy the sounds of the Millennium Falcon and crew from this 885-piece build. As for what crew comes with the set, you'll get SMART Han Solo, SMART Chewbacca, SMART Luke Skywalker, and SMART C-3PO minifigures, alongside four SMART Tags to use with the Smart Brick." — Hannah Hoolihan, Mashable Contributor

More Lego deals

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

• Lego Botanicals Flowering Cactus — $26.37 $34.99 (save $8.62)

• Lego Super Mario: Mario Kart — Interactive Mario & Standard Kart — $29.39 $54.99 (save $25.60)

• 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 — $39.99 $49.99 (save $10)

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

• 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 Super Mario: Mario Kart Baby Peach & Grand Prix Set Home Circuit — $63.99 $79.99 (save $16)

• 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, eligible Prime members can get four months of Audible Standard for $0.99 per month — $3.96 total. 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.

Amazon will host its annual Prime Big Deal Days sale on Oct. 6 and 7, and Mashable shopping experts will be bringing you live updates on all of the best October Prime Day deals. If you're looking to save on essentials or desperately need some relief from this year's tech price hikes, this is your chance to save some serious cash.

We know that shoppers are keeping an eye on the build-up to Black Friday, but we expect this event to drop deals in just about every category. We're already seeing price drops on Apple MacBooks, first-ever deals on new Bose headphones, and huge discounts on top TVs from brands like Samsung, LG, and TCL. Our shopping experts are ready to help you save, and we'll be cross-checking prices at Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart to make sure you know where to find the lowest prices.

Keep scrolling for the full schedule of events and the latest Prime Day deals, live updates, price drops, low-stock alerts, and news from the Mashable shopping team.

I can't count how many side projects I've killed so far. Some never even saw the light of day. Others were abandoned at the initial stage. There were many reasons, but one common reason was my fear of breaking the rules professional software engineers follow.

A week in a Los Angeles mansion, dating lessons, a wardrobe upgrade, and PowerPoint presentations about plastic surgery. Welcome to Camp Looksmax.

Hosted by streamer Braden Peters, AKA Clavicular (who was charged with rape in Massachusetts on Sept. 8; Peters’ attorneys have denied the allegations in a related civil lawsuit), and fellow creator Hexumlite, the seven-day residential program promises coaching on appearance, confidence, and dating skills.

You don’t need a spot in the mansion to follow along. The first session began Oct. 1 and is being broadcast around the clock on Clavicular’s Kick channel, where he has nearly 450,000 followers.

But joining the lessons comes at a considerable cost. According to the camp’s website, the first session sold out in 72 hours, and a second begins Oct. 8 at $7,500 per attendee. Here's what that gets you.

Credit: Screenshot/CampLooksmax.com

If "looksmaxxing" hasn’t made its way onto your feed, the term refers to attempts to improve physical attractiveness. Some advice covers familiar territory: grooming, exercise, skincare. Other parts of the subculture promote extreme interventions and rigid beliefs about how much appearance determines success.

Camp Looksmax turns that online pursuit into an in-person curriculum. Its website advertises mentorship with one of the trend’s best-known creators, Clavicular, alongside Hexumlite, plus classes, outings, and guided practice approaching unassuming women on the street.

SEE ALSO: Who is Clavicular, and why is he everywhere right now? What is happening at "camp?"

A lot. For starters, there are online dating lessons and practice dates. In one clip, the date, a local college girl, advises a campgoer to say "um" less frequently while Peters and the other attendees watched closely. "You're just not flowing," Clavicular added.

Then there’s the wardrobe. A day-three itinerary outlined a Zara shopping challenge, with a cash reward for the best outfit, followed by a visit to Tall Men Shoes for footwear that adds height, otherwise known as "lifts." In clips from the stream, Peters talked to his pupils all about "height frauding," and even said that he was "really off-put how few people were wearing lifts on the first day of camp."

The styling feedback can get quite specific, and focuses mainly on looking "high class." In one exchange, Clavicular approves a participant's H&M shirt but tells him to lose the shorts because they make his shoe lifts more noticeable. He also has a distaste for sagging pants.

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Physical appearance is essential, beyond what you wear. During introductions, Clavicular gets in detail about his height, deltoid width, and "bone-pressed penile length." He encourages participants to share similar measurements, including their height. Clavicular suggests to do "spinal deadhangs" before going out in order to make yourself taller. He also encouraged participants to share their most "blackpilling" moment. (In the incel vocabulary, the "blackpill" refers to the belief that appearance determines a person’s prospects in life and with women.)

The dating lessons also take participants outside the mansion to practice "cold approaching," or starting conversations with unassuming women on the street. "Sorry, you caught me off guard," one girl replies to streamer Hexumlite, who approached her in the middle of a crowded street. Others simply walk past the group of men, who often approach one or two women in a large group (with a running start).

After one woman rejected Hexumlite, he told her, "I’m starting to get pissed the f-ck off not gonna lie to you, because at the end of the day if it was a 6’8” f-cking Chad."

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

After the day of attempting to pick up women, Clavicular praised the participants. "Only about 5 percent of people have the balls to actually go up to a girl in the middle of the day without being intoxicated," he said. "I really applaud you guys for cold approaching today." (There is no evidence that statistic is accurate.)

Camp Looksmax is $7,500, paid upfront after acceptance (according to the site). Applying is free, and prospective attendees speak with a camp counselor before securing a place. The package includes mansion accommodation, chef-prepared meals, mentorship, camp-organized activities, and custom-tailored clothing. Getting to and from Los Angeles is the attendee’s responsibility and costs extra.

There’s a competitive element, too. Organizers advertise a $25,000 prize for one participant, plus the possibility that selected attendees could return to teach future cohorts as "professors." As of Oct. 5, the website lists the second session as 65 percent sold.

SEE ALSO: Clavicular and the online culture that turns humiliating women into content

With another cohort scheduled to arrive Oct. 8, the camp offers a literal example of creators becoming teachers for a largerly Gen Z and Gen Alpha following, some of whom look up to Clavicular and his theology. For boys still developing and figuring out dating and relationships, these lessons may last far after the stream, or week, ends.

It's the beginning of a new month, and dedicated Lego fans know what that means: new sets are here.

Though there aren't a ton of October Lego releases, this is very much a quality over quantity situation. Yes, there are standard holiday rollouts ahead of December, but a few sets we've been eyeing since their announcement are finally available to the public. Hint: They include Star Wars, retro gaming, and a classic work of claymation.

SEE ALSO: Our 17 favorite Lego sets, sourced from actual Lego fans

All told, there are seven new Lego sets that stand out this month — check them out below:

Lego Up-Scaled Mrs. Claus Minifigure A Christmas queen. Credit: Lego

Santa got the new set love last month, and this month, it's Mrs. Claus's turn. This super-sized minifig can be a nice addition to your holiday decor that doesn't require hours of building, with the set topping out at 904 pieces.

Pieces: 904 pieces Recommended age: 10+

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Up-Scaled Mrs. Claus Minifigure $59.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Ideas Wallace & Gromit Have you ever seen a windowsill look so whimsical? Credit: Lego

The Mashable team has had its eyes on this Wallace & Gromit set since its announcement last month, and can you blame us? From the sidecar to Gromit's posable ears and the impressively brickified creation of the iconic duo, you can practically create your own stop motion adventure starring the pair.

Pieces: 1,038 Recommended age: 18+

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas Wallace & Gromit $99.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Icons Holiday House A guaranteed white Christmas. Credit: Lego

Ceramic winter village sets are classic, but this Lego Icons set allows for a fun (less fragile) twist. This holiday house set in particular draws some inspiration from a favorite carol of many (hint: note the horse and the sleigh), plus a light-up brick you can turn on to give the house an extra cozy atmosphere. All told, the set comes with four minifigures, interior and exterior decorations, and plenty of potential for getting into the holiday spirit.

Pieces: 1,354 pieces Recommended age: 18+

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Holiday House $119.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Icons Bookstore: Book Nook Bookception. Credit: Lego

Book nooks are kind of a must for any reader, and though this isn't Lego's first (we still clock every time the Balrog one is on sale), this one feels like an extra special homage to book lovers. Closed up, this nook provides a peek through the window storefront of the world's coziest-looking bookstore. Opened up, the bookstore expands, featuring a spiral staircase, a reading area, and a cat — in other words, bookworm essentials.

Pieces: 1,690 pieces Recommended age: 18+

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Bookstore: Book Nook $149.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego PlayStation The nostalgia of the PlayStation: captured. Credit: Lego

I'm half convinced that if you didn't look at this set too hard, you could easily mistake it for a real PlayStation. From the console to the controller, Lego could've easily stopped at the faithful recreation and called it a day, but being the brand they are, they decided to add two mini dioramas of the games Gran Turismo and Ape Escape in the interior of the console. Though it was announced a month ago, this set hasn't been available to preorder, so we're thrilled to see it finally for sale in the Lego store.

Pieces: 1,911 pieces Recommended age: 18+

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego PlayStation $179.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Ideas Downton Abbey Some staging ideas for your new build. Credit: Lego

Maybe you'll never get to live in Downton Abbey, but hey, a nearly 5,000-piece Lego recreation of the series' setting isn't a bad consolation. Alongside the impressive exterior, the back view shows all the rooms, including the kitchen, servants' hall, Mr. Carson's office, as well as the dining room, main hall, and library on the upper level. The set also features 13 minifigures from Season 6 of the show.

Pieces: 4,711 pieces Recommended age: 18+

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Downtown Abbey $349.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Star Wars Executor Super Star Destroyer I mean yeah, it definitely gives longest Lego ever. Credit: Lego

This set is no joke. As Mashable reported in the announcement of this Star Destroyer, it's the longest Lego set ever made, at 53.5 inches. It required the brand's engineers to create a new Lego system core to properly anchor the exterior panels. In addition to the impressive model of Darth Vader's ship from The Empire Strikes Back, this set comes with the minifigures for Luke's father himself, Boba Fett, and the five other bounty hunters from the film. Though it's certainly priced accordingly, this set will be a hard one to miss for any Star Wars and Lego super fans.

Pieces: 6,130 pieces Recommended age: 18+

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Executor Super Star Destroyer $799.99 at Lego
  Shop Now

It's tempting to import a Chinese phone for U.S. use, and for good reason. They frequently have more powerful cameras, gigantic silicon-carbon batteries, and clever features at prices that undercut their American and Korean counterparts. I've used some myself, and it's wonderful to have even mid-range Android devices that take quality photos and last two days on a charge.

Home Assistant isn't just a great way to control your smart home locally and privately, but it can also save you money. You can use Home Assistant to replace multiple subscription services, which could save you more than $455 per year.

The best October Prime Day deals under $50: Best Amazon Device Deal Fire TV Stick 4K Max $44.99 (save $40) Get Deal Best Earbud Deal JBL Vibe Beam 2 Noise-Canceling Earbuds $39.94 (Save $25.01) Get Deal Best Kitchen Deal Chefman Everything Maker & Pizza Oven $39.99 (Save $20) Get Deal Best Home Security Deal Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ $40.98 (Save $79) Get Deal Best Outdoor Deal Amazon Basics Camping Chair $26.77 (save $4.72) Get Deal

Prime Big Deal Days is here once more, and Amazon's fall sale is open to Prime members on Oct. 6 and 7. Discounts cover everything from kitchen gadgets to smart home devices, which makes this the perfect time to cross a few names off your holiday list early.

Some prices already started to fall in the weeks leading up to the event, especially on Amazon's own devices. Fresh deals are popping up each day, and plenty of them come in under $50. That's good news if you're shopping for stocking stuffers, a small gift for a coworker, or something for yourself that won't eat into your holiday budget.

We'll keep this list updated throughout the sale. In the meantime, here are some of the best Prime Big Deal Days deals you can grab for less than $50.

Best Amazon device deal under $50 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max $44.99 at Amazon
$84.99 Save $40.00   Get Deal Why we like it

The Fire TV Stick 4K Max recently saw its list price increase at Amazon to $84.99, but there's good news for shoppers of Prime Big Deal Days: it's currently on sale for $44.99. That's nearly half off, which is a discount we'll certainly welcome. It's a worthy investment if you're looking for a streaming upgrade, boasting 4K Ultra HD picture quality alongside support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and even Dolby Atmos audio to really immerse you in what you watch.

More Amazon device deals under $50

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

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

• Echo Pop Kids — $21.99 $49.99 (save $28)

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

• Echo Dot Kids — $39.99 $89.99 (save $50)

• Echo Dot — $39.99 $79.99 (save $40)

• Amazon Echo Glow (2-Pack) — $42.99 $59.98 (save $16.99)

Best earbud deal under $50 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon JBL Vibe Beam 2 Noise-Cancelling Earbuds $39 at Amazon
$64.95 Save $25.95   Get Deal Why we like it

These earbuds have active noise cancellation to cut down on the chatter around you, plus a Smart Ambient mode that lets outside sound back in when you need to hear what's going on in the real world. They boast 10 hours of playtime with an additional 30 hours from the charging case, and they're IP54-rated, so rain and sweat won't hurt them. For under $50, they're a great option to toss in your bag and go.

More headphone and earbud deals under $50

• Sony WH-CH520 — $33 $69.99 (save $36.99)

• CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2 — $35 $49 (save $14)

• Anker Soundcore Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Canceling Headphones — $39.99 $69.99 (save $30)

Best kitchen deal under $50 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Chefman Everything Maker & Pizza Oven $39.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $20   Get Deal Why we like it

This versatile "everything" oven heats from the top and bottom plates simultaneously to give pizza a crispy crust, and it's ready to cook in as little as three minutes. The 12-inch nonstick plates also work for plenty of other goodies: quesadillas, omelets, pancakes, grilled sandwiches, you name it. When it's time to clean up, just wipe it with a damp cloth. Then close it and stand it upright so it doesn't take up much counter space when dinner is over.

More kitchen deals under $50

• Cuisinart Mini Food Processor — $24.49 $39.95 (save $15.46)

• Cuisinart Wonder Ice Cream Maker (1 pint) — $32.95 $49.95 (save $17)

• Crock-Pot Manual Slow Cooker (7 quart) — $35.99 $59.99 (save $24)

• Chefman Air Fryer 4 QT — $49.99 $99.99 (save $50)

• KitchenAid Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender — $49.99 $69.99 (save $20)

Best home security deal under $50 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ $40.98 at Amazon
$119.98 Save $79   Get Deal Why we like it

Keep an eye on who darkens your doorstep with this video doorbell. It records 2K footage with a head-to-toe view, so you can see a visitor's face and packages, pets, or other guests in the same frame. It's battery-powered, so you can mount it right outside your door without touching any wiring, though you can also connect it to your existing doorbell wiring if you'd like it to ring inside your home. When someone stops by, you can talk to them from your phone through two-way audio with noise cancellation.

Best beauty deal under $50 Opens in a new window Credit: Wavytalk Wavytalk Thermal Brush Blowout Boost $49.99 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $20.00   Get Deal Why we like it

Thermal brushes can be a great, low-fuss way to get an effortless, blown-out look. They're not the same as a blow dryer brush, so this tool does need to be used on dry hair. That said, the Wavytalk thermal brush has become a cult favorite on TikTok, thanks to its even heat, sleek results, and great value.

More beauty deals under $50

• Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects — $34.99 $45.99 (save $11)

• Waterpik Cordless Pulse 3100 — $34.99 $49.99 (save $15)

Best outdoor deal under $50 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Basics Camping Chair $26.77 at Amazon
$31.49 Save $4.72   Get Deal

If you enjoy camping in this cooler fall weather, a camping chair is an important addition to your outdoor gear. If you're looking for a new option to chill out in, the Amazon Basics Camping Chair is on sale, exclusively for Prime members. It's a comfortable pick with a breathable mesh back, a built-in cup holder for your favorite drink, a side pocket, and a beverage cooler pouch that holds up to four 12-ounce cans.

Best home deals under $50

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

• Dreo 3L Humidifiers for Bedroom — $29.90 $39.99 (save $10.09)

• Dreo Space Heater — $35.14 $39.99 (save $30.02)

• Bedsure Heated Blanket Throw — $41.99 $68.99 (save $27)

Best tech deals under $50

• Apple AirTag — $24 $29 (save $5)

• Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Speaker — $33.99 $45.99 (save $12)

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

Citing privacy and accuracy concerns, cities like Lynchburg, Virginia, and states like Florida have turned against Flock, the nation's main purveyor of automated license plate readers (ALPRs); conservative GOP politicians like Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri have too. 

Meanwhile, San Francisco — which has one of the most liberal voting records in the U.S. — is sticking with its more than 400 Flock cameras.

The city just adopted a new policy late last month that keeps the cameras rolling, but places new limits on them, including requiring police officers to obtain approval from their bosses, and a connection to an active criminal investigation, to search camera data more than 30 days old and demonstrate a connection to an active criminal investigation, San Francisco's NBC news affiliate reported.

Crime is dropping, but why?

San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins recently defended the AI-powered cameras to NPR.

"What the license plate reader cameras have absolutely done — and we do have proof of this — is give the police the ability to catch people who have engaged in crime," she said.

SEE ALSO: An officer's use of Flock cameras was 'unconstitutional,' judge rules

There is no question that crime is down in San Francisco, which dropped almost 59 percent and more than 82 percent, respectively, in January through August 2026 compared with the same period in 2022, according to NPR's analysis of SFPD data. Whether that has anything to do with Flock is less clear, especially because other factors, like the AI boom gentrification wave and the dramatic nationwide post-COVID crime drop, could also be at play.

Then-Mayor London Breed threw a press conference in 2024 to proudly tout the deployment of Flock cameras in the city. "These license plate readers can play a critical role in disrupting retail theft, car break-ins, sideshows, and other criminal activity,” Breed said at the time.

That press conference came shortly after San Francisco voters approved Proposition E, a police-related initiative that granted the SFPD authority for the "use of drones along with or instead of vehicular pursuits" and "installation of surveillance and facial recognition cameras without approval from the police commission or board of supervisors."

A poll from July showed that San Franciscans remained supportive of surveillance as a tool against crime.

"The San Francisco Police Department sometimes uses drones and cameras after a 911 call to assist in an active investigation,” read one question from the GrowSF poll. "Do you support or oppose allowing the use of drones and cameras after a 911 call to assist in an active investigation?” 

A majority of respondents, 72 percent, strongly supported or somewhat supported that use of drones and cameras, while only 12 percent strongly opposed it. (The question did not ask specifically about Flock.)

City by the Bay Server

The poll of 662 voters was commissioned by GrowSF, a group founded in 2020 by tech workers that's "focused on winning local elections, holding leaders accountable, and giving voters clear, honest information." Many of GrowSF's board members work or have worked in the tech industry, and one of its billionaire funders, Chris Larsen, assisted the SFPD in the Flock purchase, according to SFGate.

And when she announced the Flock deal, Breed emphasized the use of technology to catch crooks. 

SEE ALSO: Bernie Sanders proposes The Ban Flock Act

"While we are relentless in staffing up our police force, we are also incorporating technology that supports the hard work our officers do every day to take care of our City and arrest those who think they can break the law in San Francisco,” she said.

Maybe it’s not a surprise that a city so connected to Silicon Valley (and employed by it) has a soft spot for AI-powered technology. 

The collective shrug about Flock and its privacy concerns extends beyond San Francisco to California's state government, which has a Democratic governor and a Democratic supermajority in the legislature. Last month, state lawmakers rejected regulations on Flock for the fifth time.

And even as Flock has become a major midterm issue throughout the country, the issue of ALPRs were not raised at the recent California gubernatorial debate between Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton. Flock also hasn't emerged as a major issue between Scott Wiener and Connie Chan in their effort to replace Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi as San Francisco’s representative in the U.S. House.

"The SF that would reject surveillance is gone and dead," James Lance Taylor, chair of the politics department at the University of San Francisco, told the San Francisco Standard.

Prime Members Save 33%: As of Oct. 5, the 24-ounce Owala FreeSip Twist is on sale at Amazon for $19.97 in select colorways. At full price, this water bottle will run you $29.99, meaning this deal saves you $10.02.

Opens in a new window Credit: Owala Owala FreeSip Twist (24 ounce) $19.97 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $10.02   Get Deal

It's the eve of Prime Big Deal Days, and I've officially added the first real temptation of the sale to my cart: an Owala water bottle.

Like a few other of my Mashable colleagues, I've owned an Owala FreeSip for years, and though I love her down, I can't deny that the 40 ounce behemoth, though wonderful on my desk, can be a little less convenient while traveling or when I'm out and about all day long. Enter: the Owala FreeSip Twist.

SEE ALSO: October Prime Day 2026: Live updates on Apple, Kindle, Lego, and Samsung deals

My colleague Sam Mangingo wrote about how the Twist is the perfect travel companion, easily fitting into backpack side pockets and cup holders. Don't get me wrong, I can make it work with the FreeSip Sway thanks to the tapered bottom, but traveling isn't my only use case. I'm someone who very much subscribes to the big purse lifestyle, so I'm often carrying at least one book, one notebook, several pouches full of various "just in case" items, and my water bottle (yes, I'm a Virgo). In other words, I wouldn't hate having a slightly smaller bottle for taking on the go.

I especially wouldn't mind it because this one is on sale for less than $20, instead of its usual $29.99. Plus, there are plenty of color options, including the gorgeous black cherry (and yes, it bears a striking resemblance to the burgundy iPhone colorway, for anyone looking to settle some FOMO). This deal could easily last through Wednesday (aka day two of October Prime Day), but it could just as easily go back up in price — early deals can be somewhat unpredictable. My advice? If you're in my boat, the price likely isn't dropping too much lower during the sale, so it's probably worth grabbing sooner rather than later.

You know it's heading into spooky season when freaky things start happening. For starters, Ryan Phillippe has not one but two movies in the top spots on the Paramount+ U.S. movie charts. Shudder. I'm kidding, of course, but what's no joke are the 71 movies that the streaming service dropped into its catalog on October 1st, three of which are below and are well worth watching this week.

SAVE $400: As of Oct. 5, the 27-inch LG UltraGear OLED Gaming Monitor (27GS93QE) is down to $499.99 at Amazon. That’s a 44% savings and matches one of the best prices we've ever seen on this 240Hz display.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG UltraGear OLED Gaming Monitor (27GS93QE) $499.99 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $400 Get Deal

Prime Big Deal Days is bringing early price cuts on high-end gaming gear, but OLED displays rarely drop this low. Amazon just slashed $400 off the 27-inch LG UltraGear OLED, bringing this 1440p, 240Hz display down to $499.99 — a 44% savings and one of its best prices to date.

The LG UltraGear packs a sharp 1440p OLED screen with a matte finish that cuts down room glare. You get a super-fast 240Hz refresh rate and a near-instant 0.03ms response time, meaning fast-moving games look buttery smooth with zero motion blur or ghosting.

SEE ALSO: 10 early Prime Day gaming monitor deals are live — beat the GPU bottleneck on a budget

Because it's an OLED, pixels turn completely off for true pitch-black contrast and rich colors that make games pop. It supports both NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync to eliminate screen tearing, and packs two HDMI 2.1 ports with a DisplayPort connection — so you can hook up your gaming PC, PS5, or Xbox Series X to hit high frame rates without swapping cables.

The included stand lets you adjust height, tilt, and swivel, or even flip the monitor sideways into a vertical setup. It packs built-in quick-preset game modes — like dedicated FPS and RTS profiles — that automatically tweak contrast, brightness, and colors so you can spot enemies hiding in dark corners.

Snag the LG 27-inch UltraGear OLED Gaming Monitor (27GS93QE) with this $400 discount before the sale ends.