Blogroll

Android Auto's hidden battery drain you can't disable—here's the workaround

How-To Geek - 51 min 57 sec ago

I use wired Android Auto because, honestly, I prefer a cable. It feels simpler.

Categories: IT General, Technology

DIYers are obsessed with Ryobi’s smallest cordless tools

How-To Geek - 1 hour 21 min ago

Ryobi power tools are among the most popular options at Home Depot, and people everywhere love them. And while they're a big hit with homeowners and DIYers, Ryobi's smallest cordless tools are quickly catching up. I'm talking about the Ryobi USB Lithium platform, which runs on small USB-C rechargeable batteries and offers tools for repairs, projects, crafts, cleaning, and hobbies.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 quick Netflix comedy shows for big laughs in 30 minutes or less

How-To Geek - 1 hour 51 min ago

Maybe you've been binging your way through Netflix's sweeping period drama East of Eden, or perhaps you're almost done with the dark and bloody thriller that is Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story—both excellent shows. But not every night has to call for a big-time prestige series. Sometimes, you just want to laugh, stat.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The strangest $5 upgrade I've made to my homelab

How-To Geek - Wed, 10/07/2026 - 23:30

You usually don’t need a monitor in a homelab. Once everything is configured, you expect to manage it over SSH, a web interface, or a remote desktop connection. Yet some systems behave very differently when no display is connected. Resolution options disappear, remote desktop sessions behave strangely, and some GPUs refuse to initialize certain features when they cannot detect a monitor.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Microsoft is hinting what Windows 12 will look like, and you may not be happy about it

How-To Geek - Wed, 10/07/2026 - 23:09

Microsoft's Surface and Windows event was interesting, to say the least. The festivities closed out on a high note with a super-anticipated Surface Laptop Ultra reveal, but everything up until that point left me wondering whether I'd drank enough caffeine this morning. Endless conversations about AI agents, the "hybrid intelligence" operating system, and new AI-powered fixes for Windows' weakest features.

Categories: IT General, Technology

These 5 Obsidian shortcuts changed how I organize my notes

How-To Geek - Wed, 10/07/2026 - 23:00

There's something wonderful and appealing about navigating your favorite software with just a few keystrokes. Sometimes, it can be easy to forget that not everyone feels comfortable navigating their software using shortcuts and commands. And while it's certainly impressive to show your co-workers how fast you are with a keyboard (hey, the Gen Z kids who work for me think it's cool), sometimes it's not always intuitive or easy to work that way. Luckily, my favorite Knowledge Base/notes program, Obsidian, is full of useful shortcuts. I've tried most of them. But only a few changed the way I take notes.

Categories: IT General, Technology

25+ book deals to shop during Prime Big Deal Days from Ali Hazelwood, Abby Jimenez, and more

Mashable - Wed, 10/07/2026 - 22:53
Best Prime Day Book Deals Best book e-books deal 'Circe' by Madeline Miller $2.99 (save $30.01) Get Deal Best physical book deal 'The Love Hypothesis: Collector's Edition' by Ali Hazelwood $12.81 (save $22.19) Get Deal Best cookbook deal 'Something from Nothing' by Alison Roman $17.14 (save $20.85) Get Deal

While I love a beach read, nothing beats being inside on a chilly evening, all cozied up with a good book. If you've made your way through your summer TBR, it's time to build your fall stack. Luckily, Prime Big Deal Days is underway with hundreds of book deals.

Amazon's October Prime Day is underway, running until Oct. 7, marking down bestselling titles. The sale on books spans physical copies and ebooks too. And speaking of ebooks, if you're interested in Amazon's e-readers, tons of Kindles are on sale too. And don't forget to pick up a Kindle Click too, a crucial device for your coziest season of reading yet.

Ready to shop? These are the best book deals to shop during Prime Big Deal Days.

Best book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Circe by Madeline Miller $2.99 at Amazon
$33 Save $30.01   Get Deal

If the The Odyssey revived your love of mythology, then you need to check out Madeline Miller's greek reimaginings. Her novel The Song of Achilles is a BookTok hit and her retelling, Circe, is now just $2.99 on Kindle during Prime Big Deal Days. This epic tale reimagines the live of Circe as she comes into her own power as some of the most famous figures in Greek mythology cross her island.

It's a page-turner, perfect for cozy reading season. Looking for something else? We've rounded up dozens of great book deals to shop whether you love a physical copy or want to stuff your Kindle.

More book deals

Physical books

Cookbooks

Kindle Books

Categories: IT General, Technology

October Prime Day is live, but not for long: See the 101 best deals, with 53% discounts on TVs, headphones, and more

Mashable - Wed, 10/07/2026 - 22:50
The best Prime Day deals at a glance: Best headphone deal Bose QuietComfort Headphones (1st Gen) $169 (save $190) Get Deal Best Apple deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $179 (save $70) Get Deal Best Kindle Deal Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (2024) $169.99 (save $80) Get Deal Best Beauty Deal Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask $299.99 (Save $50) Get Deal Best Amazon Echo Deal Amazon Echo Display 11 $149.99 (save $100) Get Deal Best Outdoor Deal Yeti Limited Edition Tundra 45 Cooler $243.75 (Save $81.25) Get Deal Best smartwatch deal Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm) $349.99 (save $50) Get Deal Best TV deal Toshiba 43-inch M450 Series QLED 4K Smart Fire TV $139.99 (Save $190) Get Deal Best Deal Under $50 Owala FreeSip Stainles Steel Water Bottle $26.58 (save $8.41) Get Deal Best Deal Under $25 Apple AirTag (2nd Gen) $24 (save $5) Get Deal

Another huge Amazon sale for Prime members is here, but it ends soon. This year, Prime Big Deal Days (aka "October Prime Day") runs Oct. 6 and 7, and deals are live for one more day, delivering major savings across every category.

The best October Prime Day deals are your chance to get some much-needed relief from the RAMageddon price hikes impacting the tech industry right now. Amazon recently increased prices on nearly two dozen Kindles, Fire TV Sticks, Echo smart speakers, and eero routers because of rising component costs. Seasonal sales like Prime Big Deal Days (and later Black Friday) cancel out some of those markups.

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

The Mashable shopping team is working around the clock to sift through thousands of October Prime Day deals and bring you live updates on the top offers. Kindles are now on sale, and the AirPods Pro 3 are $70 off. We've also found 53% discounts on noise-cancelling headphones and $1,200 savings on OLED TVs from Samsung and LG, not to mention tons of deals under $25 for shoppers on a budget.

We'll be regularly updating our top picks right up to the very end of Prime Big Deal Days. You can also check out our guide to the top October Prime Day tech deals, kitchen deals, and outdoor deals for even more savings.

How we choose Prime Day deals

Mashable shopping reporters and editors regularly review the latest products from brands like Apple, Bose, Kindle, Ninja, Nintendo, Sony, and Samsung. We've also been covering major shopping events like Prime Big Deal Days for almost a decade.

Before recommending a deal, we use price-tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel to check its price history, and we prioritize record-low discounts. We also check prices at other retailers (big-box stores like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy are also hosting fall sales right now), so we can point you to the lowest price at any given moment, even if it's not at Amazon.

Deals marked with a ✅ are Mashable award winners and editor favorites. Deals marked with a strikethrough are no longer available.

Best audio deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Headphones (1st Gen) ✅ $169 at Amazon
$359 Save $190   Get Deal Why we like it

For October Prime Day, you can save 53% on the first-generation Bose QuietComfort Noise-Cancelling Headphones. Now, to be clear, these are not the newest version of these popular headphones, but it's really hard to argue with a discount like this. These headphones are incredibly comfy even after hours of use, and they offer true active noise-cancellation.

We also have to call out the first-ever deal on the new version of these headphones, the Bose QuietComfort (2nd Gen). Mashable's audio expert Bethany Allard says they offer the best possible combination of comfort, noise cancellation, sound quality, and value in the entire headphones category, full stop. Currently, they're $319, down from $359 — a $40 saving that makes them an even better value. Read our full review of the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen).

More headphone dealsMore wireless earbuds dealsBluetooth speaker dealsBest 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

So far, we've found 21 Apple products at record-low prices for Prime Day, which is more than we expected to be frank! But our top pick is a Prime Day classic.

The basic AirPods just got an upgrade with the new AirPods 5, but last year's Apple AirPods Pro 3 are back on sale. They've dropped to $179 — $70 off their $249 list price. These famous Apple earbuds have ANC, a more comfortable 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. Read our full review of the Apple AirPods Pro 3.

More Prime Day Apple deals

AirPods deals

Apple Watch deals

iPad deals

MacBook deals

Mac deals

Deals on Apple accessories

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. It comes without lockscreen ads, too.

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." — Samantha Mangino, Lead Shopping Reporter

More Kindle dealsBest 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

Fire tablets

Fire TV devices and accessories

Blink cameras

Smart home

Best TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Toshiba Toshiba 43-inch M450 Series QLED 4K Smart Fire TV ✅ $139.99 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $190   Get Deal Why we like it

Prime Big Deal Days is a 48-hour sale, and Amazon is dropping new deals throughout the event. And the latest “Today’s Big Deals” drop from Amazon includes one of the best Prime Day TV deals we've seen yet. If you're looking for a budget set, this Toshbia Fire TV has a 43-inch QLED display, and it's never been priced this low before.

As everything else gets more expensive, somehow flat-screen TVs keep getting cheaper. So, for those of us who can't afford to drop $1,500 on a premium OLED TV, we don't have to settle too much. This 4K TV features an HDR10+ display and supports Dolby Vision, which is pretty good for a TV under $150.

More TV deals

40 to 55-inch TV deals

65-inch TV deals

75 inches and above TV deals

Best home and kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Creami 7-in-1 Ice Cream Maker $169.99 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $50   Get Deal

Who says you can't eat ice cream in the fall and winter? After all, doesn't pumpkin spice ice cream sound delicious? Thanks to a $50 discount for Prime members, this longtime Mashable favorite is our top pick in the kitchen category. The best Prime Day deals give you a chance to finally try products you've seen on your TikTok FYP page, and we've had a lot of fun with this Ninja appliance over the years. Read the full Mashable review of the Ninja Creami.

More Prime Day home and kitchen dealsBest outdoor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Yeti Yeti Limited Edition Tundra 45 Cooler ✅ $243.75 at Amazon
$325 Save $81.25   Get Deal Why we like it

"Yeti coolers are the gold standard of outdoor coolers for a reason: They're strong enough to stand up to a grizzly bear (yes, they're actually bear-tested) and can hold ice for days on end. I've personally tested Yeti coolers, temperature gun in hand, to verify they perform as advertised, and I haven't been disappointed yet.

"These coolers only go on sale during big shopping events like Prime Day and Black Friday, and only in select colorways. This year, you can grab this cool, limited-edition color for 25% off its usual price." Timothy Werth, Mashable Tech Editor

See all of our favorite Prime Day outdoor deals.

More outdoor deals

Cooler deals

Camping deals

Best power station deal Bluetti Elite 100 mini Portable Power Station ✅ $399.99 at Amazon
$699 Save $299.01   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

"Bluetti is bringing out some of my favorite portable power stations lately. For starters, the Bluetti FridgePower can keep your refrigerator cooling for up to 20 hours during an outage. But I'm especially excited about the new Bluetti Elite 100 mini.

"This is the lowest price we've seen for this model, and Bluetti went all-in on making this as easy to carry as possible. I love the single handle built into the side of this model. I find it much easier to carry compared to the pop-up handle that goes down the middle of many power stations. Plus, Bluetti's built-in LED light on the warm setting is perfect for evening illumination." — Lauren Allain, Mashable Contributor

More power station dealsBest vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum $149.99 at SharkNinja
$299.99 Save $150   Get Deal

Note: This product is sold out at Amazon, but you can still find it for 50% off at the SharkNinja website.

Why we like it

"Year after year, this Shark stick vacuum is one of the best Prime Day deals on vacuums, and I'm glad to see it back on sale for Prime Big Deal Days. One of our former reporters swore by this vacuum, calling it a literal 'game-changer' for his dog-hair-filled New York City apartment. It has a brush head that's designed to make pet hair disappear, and you can't go wrong with a 50% discount, can you?" Timothy Werth, Mashable Tech Editor

More Prime Day vacuum dealsBest memory and SSD deals Opens in a new window Credit: SanDisk SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD ✅ $209.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $90   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: SanDisk SanDisk 512GB microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2 $129.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $70   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 Werth, Mashable Tech Editor

More SSD and hard drive dealsBest fitness deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hyperice Hyperice Vyper 3 Vibrating Foam Roller $159 at Amazon
$209 Save $50 Lowest-ever price Get Deal Why we like it

"My partner is a barre instructor, and she's in love with this vibrating foam roller. I've tried it myself and had good results, and I don't think I've ever had a bad experience with a Hyperice product. For Prime Day, this roller is down to a new record-low price, beating its previous record price by $10." — Timothy Werth, Mashable Tech Editor

More fitness dealsMore smartwatch dealsBest Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Project Hail Mary $69.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $30   Get Deal Why we like it

Project Hail Mary is one of 2026's most beloved movies because, of course, the outer space relationship building of Ryan Gosling and a rock charmed everyone. Naturally, Lego created a set to commemorate the movie earlier this year. Less expected, however, is the hefty price cut this set is receiving during Prime Big Deal Days, which slashes its price from $99.99 to $69.99, saving you 30%. This 830-piece set stands at about 12 inches tall, and includes the titular spacecraft, plus Ryland Grace and Rocky minifigs.

More Lego dealsBest 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 dealsBest beauty tech deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask ✅ $299.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $50   Get Deal Why we like it

Shark's red light face mask not only costs half the price of the competition, but it also offers cooling therapy and blue light therapy for good measure. We spent 10 months testing this face mask to make sure it lived up to the hype, and in the end, we named it a Mashable Choice product.

During Prime Big Deal Days, you can get this Shark beauty mask at its lowest-ever price. Read our full review of the Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask.

More beauty tech dealsBest gaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G5 $219.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $130   Get Deal Why we like it

"Finding a 32-inch, 1,440p panel from a top-tier brand for around 37% off is nothing to scoff at. You're getting a 180Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time, plus G-Sync and FreeSync support to keep fast-paced action smooth and free of screen tearing. It also comes with a height-adjustable ergonomic stand right out of the box, so you can pivot, tilt, and swivel to your setup's needs — a practical feature most budget displays cut to trim costs." — Ben Williams, Mashable contributor

More gaming dealsBest Anker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker MagGo 2 Pro Power Bank $87.99 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $22   Get Deal Why we like it

Anker's new MagSafe-compatible wireless power bank sticks right to the back of your phone. This device can charge your phone wirelessly at 25W and features a built-in display so you always know how much juice you have left.

More mobile accessory dealsBest board game deal Opens in a new window Credit: Days of Wonder Ticket to Ride $29.99
$39.99 Save $10.00   Get Deal Why we like it

Amazon is loaded with board game deals during October Prime Day, and if you have plans for a board-game Thanksgiving gathering, now's a great time to stock up.

"If you haven't yet dabbled in the joy of Ticket to Ride, I recommend this game for any group. I've played with friends, family, and even people I don't really like, but the game has made the gathering enjoyable. It's easy to learn gameplay, has a few fun twists, and it's a great geography lesson, too." — Lauren Allain, Mashable Contributor

More Prime Day board game deals

Time is running out for Prime members to shop Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days sale. Sign up for a Prime 30-day free trial if you want to save some cash, and follow Mashable’s guide to the best October Prime Day deals and live blog for the latest updates.

Categories: IT General, Technology

What Mashable readers are buying on October Prime Day: Top 10 most popular products

Mashable - Wed, 10/07/2026 - 22:44
A quick look at what Mashable readers bought on October Prime Day: Pokemon TCG: 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box (invite only) $159 Learn More The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo Switch 2) $59.88 (save $10.11) Pre-Order Here Owala FreeSip Twist (24-ounce) $19.97 (save $10.03) Get Deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $179 (save $70) Get Deal Yeti Tundra 45 hard cooler $243.75 (save $85.25) Get Deal

Mashable's shopping team loves to help our readers stretch their dollars further. During October Prime Day (and every other day, for that matter), we're relentlessly scanning product listings, tracking prices, and curating the best deals for y'all so you can get more bang for your buck. We'll shout about our favorite tech deals, which Apple products are at all-time lows, and what deals we think are actually worth it. But when it comes down to it, one of the best ways to decide what to add to your cart is to see what other people already added to theirs.

Below, we're breaking down the top 10 deals Mashable readers purchased during Prime Big Deal Days this year. If you're still looking to do some shopping, the official October Prime Day event wraps up at the end of the day on Oct. 7. Although, you may still be able to snag a few lingering discounts in the days following.

Here are the most popular items Mashable readers are adding to their carts:

Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration swag Opens in a new window Credit: Pokémon Pokemon TCG: 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box (invite only) $159 at Amazon
  Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Pokémon Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Booster Bundle $93.50 at Amazon
  Get Deal

The Pokémon 30th Celebration expansion has been fluctuating in price since it came out, but you can request to buy it at $159.99 (just $11 above market price) for October Prime Day. And Mashable readers have been submitting invite requests left and right. It comes with nine titular booster packs, a full-art foil Nidorina promo, 16 foil Basic Energy trading cards, 65 sleeves, dice, a coin, dividers, a player’s guide, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card. The Booster Bundle is also a hot ticket item for Prime Day, which includes six booster packs from Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time pre-orders Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo Switch 2) $59.88 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $10.11   Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Digital Code) $59.99 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here

While preordering the physical edition of Nintendo's upcoming remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Switch 2 typically costs $69.99, Amazon has it on sale for $59.88 for Prime Big Deal Days. Many Mashable readers have already secured the game for less, so don't miss your shot ahead of its Nov. 5 launch.

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

The Owala FreeSip is the water bottle of the moment and the 24-ounce Twist, which easily slips into backpack side pockets and cup holders, is on sale for under $20 for Prime Big Deal Days. This baby pink (referred to as angel food cake) has particularly called to Mashable readers, but several other color options are discounted as well.

A swanky 3D printer Opens in a new window Credit: Bambu Lab Bambu Lab P1S Combo $499 at Amazon
$549 Save $50   Get Deal

We love a good splurge, and the popularity of this swanky 3D Printer from Bambu Labs shows our readers do also. As Mashable contributor Soumya Kumar puts it, "The Bambu Lab P1S earns our top spot because it nails the trifecta: speed, output quality, and pure convenience." It's approachable for newbies, but powerful enough for seasoned vets.

The latest AirPods Pro Opens in a new window Credit: Apple AirPods Pro 3 $179 at Amazon
$249 Save $70   Get Deal

There's no denying the AirPods Pro 3 are great earbuds, but we like them significantly more when they're on sale. While we regularly see the price tag drop to $199, it's rarer to see them at $179, making this a smart purchase.

The 11-inch classic iPad Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, 128GB, WiFi) $399 at Amazon
$449 Save $50   Get Deal

Over 20 Apple gadgets are at record-low prices this October Prime Day, but none of those gadgets are iPads. Still, there are plenty of iPad deals worth grabbing and readers are flocking to the classic iPad. It's on sale for just $399, making it the most affordable iPad option by a long shot.

Sony's flagship noise-cancelling headphones Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM6 noise-cancelling headphones $378 at Amazon
$459.99 Save $81.99   Get Deal

The latest flagship headphones from Sony come with a steep price tag, so any chance to get them at a discount is worth taking. For what it's worth, Mashable's tech editor says they mostly justify their full cost, thanks to elite noise cancellation, a comfortable fit, a travel-friendly design, and close to the best sound he's ever heard.

This cutie mini power bank Opens in a new window Credit: UGREEN UGREEN Nexode Pro mini power bank $36.07 at Amazon
$54.99 Save $18.92   Get Deal

We all suffer from low-battery anxiety, so it's no shock here that readers are scooping up this mini power bank. Plus, it's pretty cute and small enough to fit in your palm.

A hefty Yeti cooler in violet Opens in a new window Credit: Yeti Yeti Tundra 45 hard cooler $243.75 at Amazon
$325 Save $81.25   Get Deal

Yeti deals are rare, so this 25% discount on the classic Tundra 45 hard cooler is certainly worth adding to your cart. And if you're a big Yeti fan like me, several other deals on drinkware, camping gear, and more are worth a second look.

Kindle e-readers and accessories Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle (2024) $103.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $46.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Click $34.99 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here

Literacy crisis be damned. Mashable readers are buying Kindles (particularly the last-gen basic Kindle, the last-gen Kindle Paperwhite, and the brand new Kindle Paperwhite) in droves. Plus, we're seeing folks securing their pre-orders for the new Kindle Click, aka the page-turner of our dreams.

More popular deals Mashable readers bought
Categories: IT General, Technology

October Prime Day 2026 live updates: Amazon is still dropping 50% discounts

Mashable - Wed, 10/07/2026 - 22:35

Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale has entered its second and final day, and Mashable shopping experts are still bringing you live updates on all of the best October Prime Day deals. If you're looking to restock on everyday essentials or desperately need some relief from this year's tech price hikes, then 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 this event has dropped deals in just about every category. We've seen 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. No matter what's on your holiday wishlist, our shopping reporters 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 as we approach the end of the sale.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

This new Android feature helped me finally fix my worst organizational habit

How-To Geek - Wed, 10/07/2026 - 22:30

Once I put something important away in a nice, secure spot, my brain almost immediately forgets where I hid it. It's great for keeping things hidden and secure, but not so great when it's time to find what you've stashed. My solution has been to leave everything out and accessible, which is obviously an incredibly flawed system and one that needs a more permanent, organized solution.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Microsoft just invented the ultimate laptop USB-C port

How-To Geek - Wed, 10/07/2026 - 22:25

Microsoft's long-expected Surface Laptop Ultra release came with a surprise: a new approach to charging. The tech giant has unveiled a Magnetic Connect feature that serves as the equivalent to Apple's MagSafe for Windows PCs, with its own set of advantages and tradeoffs.

Categories: IT General, Technology

iPhone vs. Android on privacy-invasive bloatware: Which lets users remove pre-installed apps?

Mashable - Wed, 10/07/2026 - 22:19

Apple has long been criticized for the iPhone's "walled garden," the closed ecosystem that the company has built with iOS that gives Apple tight control over which apps and services can run on its smartphone. Android devices have long been viewed as the more "open" option, giving users more control over what's on their smartphone.

But, when it comes to bloatware, that may not be the case. In fact, a recent study from cybersecurity company Surfshark found that iPhone users can remove more pre-installed apps from their devices than users of phones from some of the top Android smartphone makers like Samsung and Google.

According to the study, the iPhone comes with up to 50 pre-installed apps. Users in the EU can remove 48 of these apps or 96 percent of them. (The Phone app and the Settings app are the only two pre-installed apps that cannot be deleted in the EU.) In the U.S., iPhone users are able to delete 44 of these apps or 88 percent of them.

Samsung devices, on the other hand, come with a whopping 88 pre-installed apps and only 50 of them or 57 percent were marked safe to remove. For Google's Android devices, the database listed 71 pre-installed apps, but only 38 percent of them or 27 apps were marked as safe to remove.

The report states that the average smartphone user has between 60 and 90 apps installed on their device. However, they use roughly 10 of these apps on a daily basis and around 30 of them each month. That leaves many apps unused and taking up space.

But, even worse than that, these apps may not just sit there. They can operate in the background, collecting personal data, making bloatware a privacy risk too.

Apple apps collected on average 8 data types per pre-installed app, which includes location data, behavioral data, and other sensitive information. Apple Music and the Apple Store app collected the most user data types, according to Surfshark, listing 17 and 18 data types, respectively, out of 35 different data types.

The pre-installed apps analyzed on Google devices collected an average of 13 data types per app. Google Gemini and the Google app list the most data types, with each disclosing 29 of 38 different data types, which is more than double the average of the other apps.

The average pre-installed app analyzed on a Samsung device also collected 13 data types. However, the Samsung dataset includes Facebook and Instagram, which are the worst offending apps in the report. These apps disclosed a whopping 37 out of 38 data types.

"Data collection practices by popular applications, particularly social media platforms and chatbots, raise privacy concerns," said Surfshark's Chief Security Officer Tomas Stamulis in a statement. "While certain data points are necessary for basic operational functionality, entities may harvest information for targeted advertising or may even share it with undisclosed third parties. Even never-used applications can gather personal data and link to your device."

"Relying entirely on pre-installed applications can affect your privacy, as apps don't always protect user data as you might expect," Stamulis continued. "Shifting to third-party alternatives that are privacy-focused can help minimize data collection, limit overall exposure, and reduce unwanted targeted ads. It can also mitigate the risks associated with potential data breaches as your personal data is not stored in a single database."

Categories: IT General, Technology

Microsoft just gave AI agents guardrails so they can't delete your files by mistake

How-To Geek - Wed, 10/07/2026 - 22:15

AI agents are more capable than ever, and that is exactly what makes them a potential problem. Today, most AI agents have the same permissions and file access as you do, so one hallucination can wipe out an entire folder. Today, Microsoft announced that its fix, Microsoft Execution Containers (MXC), is now generally available. MXC isolates AI agents from the rest of your system, limiting the problems caused by accidents or malicious prompts.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Buying physical discs feels like stealing from Hollywood, but the people who made them still get paid

How-To Geek - Wed, 10/07/2026 - 22:15

When I first got Netflix, it was a fantastic deal. It cost literally 20 times less than my satellite subscription; it had a huge library of shows and movies, and the convenience was unparalleled.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best October Prime Day gaming deals: We found PS5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox deals worth grabbing now

Mashable - Wed, 10/07/2026 - 22:00
The best October Prime Day gaming deals: Best video game deal Starfield (Standard Edition PS5) $40.33 (save $9.66) Get Deal Best console deal Nintendo Switch (Renewed) $203.99 (save $135.01) Get Deal Best gaming monitor deal Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G5 $219 (save $130.99) Get Deal Best gaming headset deal HyperX Cloud III S $113.99 (save $66) Get Deal Best gaming keyboard deal Razer BlackWidow V4 X $80.74 (save $49.25) Get Deal Best gaming mouse deal Razer Basilisk V3 $34.98 (save $35.01) Get Deal

Amazon’s October Prime Day is here, and the gaming deals are getting better with each day. We’re seeing decent price cuts on PS5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox games, as well as cheaper consoles, gaming monitors, headsets, mice, keyboards, and other setup upgrades for the sale, which is set to end at close of business today, October 7.

Our top picks include a sub-$200 renewed Nintendo Switch, the best deal on Starfield on PS5, and sizeable savings on gaming gear from HyperX, Samsung, Razer, and more.

SEE ALSO: October Prime Day 2026 live: Updates on the latest deals on AirPods, Kindles, and Yeti coolers

These are the best gaming deals live right now.

Best video game deal Opens in a new window Credit: Xbox Starfield (Standard Edition PS5) $40.33 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $9.66 discount with on-page coupon Get Deal Why we like it

Starfield only made the jump to PS5 in April, and the Standard Edition is already at a sizable discount. The game is currently listed at $47.31 (usually $49.99), but an on-page coupon drops it to $40.33 at checkout — for a saving of $9.66 in total. This is the full base game rather than a trimmed-down edition, giving you Bethesda’s huge sci-fi RPG with deep character customization, ship building, and over 1,000 planets to explore.

More Prime Day video game deals

PS5

Nintendo Switch

Xbox

Best console deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo/Amazon Renewed Store Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Red Joy-Con (Renewed) $203.90 at Amazon
$339 Save $135.10   Get Deal Why we like it

The standard Nintendo Switch is still hovering above $300, but Amazon Renewed is once again offering a much cheaper way into the platform. The Neon Blue and Red Joy-Con model is down to $199 in refurbished "Excellent" condition, saving $140 on its $339 list price.

You’ll need to be fine with some light cosmetic wear, but you’re still getting the full 6.2-inch Switch experience with detachable Joy-Con and handheld, tabletop, and docked TV play for plenty of both first-party Nintendo and third-party multiplatform games.

Best gaming monitor deal Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G5 (G50F) Series QHD Gaming Monitor $219 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $130.99   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Finding a 32-inch 1440p panel from a top-tier brand for around $200 is nothing to scoff at. You're getting a 180Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time, plus G-Sync and FreeSync support to keep fast-paced action smooth and free of screen tearing. It also comes with a height-adjustable ergonomic stand right out of the box, so you can pivot, tilt, and swivel to your setup's needs — a practical feature most budget displays cut to trim costs.

More gaming monitor deals Best gaming headset deal Opens in a new window Credit: HyperX HyperX Cloud III S – Wireless Gaming Headset for Multi-Platform $113.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $66.00   Get Deal Why we like it

The HyperX Cloud III S is a wireless upgrade at $129.99, down $50 from its $179.99 list price — that's its lowest-ever price on Amazon (confirmed by price tracker camelcamelcamel). In exchange, you’re getting up to 120 hours of battery life over 2.4GHz, or as much as 200 hours through Bluetooth, alongside 53mm angled drivers and HyperX’s memory foam cushioning. It also works on PC, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Mac, and mobile devices, with both USB-A and USB-C connectors included for easier switching between platforms.

More gaming headset deals Best gaming keyboard and mouse deals Opens in a new window Credit: Razer Razer BlackWidow V4 X Mechanical Gaming Keyboard $81.07 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $48.92   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Razer Razer Basilisk V3 $34.98 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $35.01   Get Deal Why we like it

Getting a top-tier wired mouse at half off makes the Razer Basilisk V3 an easy pick. It has 11 programmable buttons, a smart scroll wheel that toggles between tactile clicks and free-spin scrolling, and a thumb rest shaped for long gaming sessions.

If you're upgrading your keyboard too, the Razer BlackWidow V4 X has real tactile mechanical switches instead of those squishy membrane keys. It includes six dedicated macro keys, custom RGB lighting for each key, and a physical volume roller right above the number pad, so you don't have to tab out of your game to tweak audio.

More keyboard and mouse deals

Prime members only have 48 hours to shop Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days sale. Sign up for a Prime 30-day free trial if you want to save some cash, and follow Mashable’s guide to the best October Prime Day deals and live blog for the latest updates.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The 4 big Windows gaffes that convinced me to try Linux Mint

How-To Geek - Wed, 10/07/2026 - 22:00

I kept my old laptop running Windows 10 for years without a single complaint, then Microsoft told me it wasn't good enough for Windows 11. Not because it was slow or because it crashed, but because the CPU was the wrong generation. That was just one crack that led to so many more. After a while, I didn't feel like I owned my computer anymore. Microsoft did. Linux Mint never asked me for anything but a working computer.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The 37 best Prime Day tech deals: We found deals under $25, but also $1,200 savings on OLED TVs

Mashable - Wed, 10/07/2026 - 21:55
Best October Prime Day tech deals at a glance: Best Amazon device deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus $37.99 (save $22 at Amazon) Get Deal Best Kindle deal Amazon Kindle (2024) $103.99 (save $46 at Amazon) Get Deal Best smartwatch deal Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) $199 (save $50 at Amazon) Get Deal Best AirPods deal Apple AirPods 4 $79 (save $50 at Walmart) Get Deal Best laptop deal Apple MacBook Air (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,099 (save $200 at Amazon) Get Deal Best Bluetooth Speaker Deal Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 $54.14 (save $45.85) Get Deal Best OLED TV deal Samsung 65-Inch S90H Series OLED 4K Smart TV $1,497.99 (save $1,200 at Best Buy) Get Deal Best Budget TV Deal Toshiba 43-inch M450 Series QLED 4K Smart Fire TV $139.99 (save $190 at Amazon) Get Deal Best Memory Deal SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD $209.99 (save $90 at Amazon) Get Deal Best Deal Under $25 Apple AirTag (2nd Gen) $24 (save $5 at Amazon) Get Deal

Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days sale is still going strong, but it ends at 11:59 p.m. PT tonight, which means you're running out of time to save. The best Prime Day tech deals let us get some much-needed relief from all of this year's price hikes, and there have been a lot of them.

Mashable’s reporters and editors test tech year-round. For Prime Big Deal Days, we’re pairing those hands-on findings with price-history checks to help you decide what’s worth buying, which upgrades are worth paying for, and where a cheaper model will do the job. We’re looking for discounts on devices we’d actually recommend: earbuds that stay comfortable through a commute, e-readers with responsive page turns, and creator cameras that will help you stand out from the crowd.

SEE ALSO: The 20+ best Prime Day deals on MicroSDs, SSDs, and hard drives: Our favorite deals to beat RAMageddon

Our top picks include $79 AirPods, a $103.99 Kindle, and $190 off Bose’s first-generation QuietComfort Headphones. We'll be updating this guide right up until the Prime Big Deal Days event ends, so keep checking back for more Prime Day tech deals.

How do we pick deals? A low price doesn’t automatically make a good deal. We prioritize products recommended in Mashable’s reviews and buying guides, then use price-tracking tools such as camelcamelcamel to check whether the discount is unusually good. We also compare other retailers’ listings rather than assuming Amazon has the lowest price.

When we’ve tested a product, we explain what stood out in actual use. We also flag Prime membership requirements, third-party sellers, and other conditions that could change the value of an offer. With all this in mind, let's break down the top Prime Day tech deals so far.

The best AirPods deals

We've got two great offers on AirPods to share. First, a Prime Day classic returns: The $79 AirPods 4 (on sale at Walmart only). These are the budget pick for iPhone users who prefer earbuds without ANC.

One important distinction: this deal is for the version without active noise cancellation. In our AirPods 4 review, we tested the ANC model, but the buds have the same design. We found they stayed secure through flights and a treadmill run, although our reviewer experienced some discomfort after roughly eight hours of wear. The AirPods 4 reached $69 last Black Friday, so $79 isn’t their all-time low. But it is the lowest price so far in 2026 — and a reasonable buy.

If you're a real music lover, then you may prefer the AirPods Pro 3, which have a more comfortable fit, active noise-cancellation, and premium features like heart-rate monitoring and live translation. We gave these buds one of the highest scores of any device we reviewed in 2025, and they're still popular one year later (read our full review).

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $79 at Walmart
$129 Save $50   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $179 at Amazon
$249 Save $70   Get Deal A Kindle for just over $100

The 2024 Kindle is on sale for $103.99, a 31% discount, with an option to bundle three months of Kindle Unlimited for free. It’s the pick for readers who want a small, lightweight e-reader rather than every feature in the Kindle lineup.

In Mashable’s review, Lead Shopping Reporter Samantha Mangino found that the six-inch Kindle fit easily into a small crossbody bag, turned pages quickly, and displayed crisp, high-contrast text. Its 16GB of storage gives you room for thousands of books without stepping up to a more expensive model.

The trade-offs matter: this Kindle isn’t waterproof and doesn’t have the Paperwhite’s adjustable warm light. Amazon also rates its battery life at up to six weeks, compared with up to 12 weeks for the 2024 Paperwhite models. Choose the basic Kindle for portability and price; consider a Paperwhite if you read in the bath or want more control over nighttime lighting. You can also check out the brand-new Kindles Amazon just announced, though they aren't on sale (womp, womp).

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 2024 Amazon Kindle (16GB) $103.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $46.00   Get Deal More Kindle deals:More Prime Day deals on Amazon devices

Prime Big Deal Days is a great time to save up to 50% on Amazon devices. We've already gone over the best Kindle deals, but you can also find tons of discounts on Echo speakers and Amazon smart home products. If you want to try the new Alexa+, Amazon's AI-powered smart assistant, then you can add an Echo smart speaker or display to your kitchen counter or living room shelf.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Dot Smart Speaker $39.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $40.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Show 11 Smart Display $149.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $100   Get Deal Save on Apple's newest MacBooks

We've been waiting for good deals on Apple MacBooks, and Amazon has finally delivered, with both the MacBook Air and Pro on sale.

If you're a professional creative, developer, or AI enthusiast who needs a compact new laptop for work, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better option than the 14-inch, M5 Max-powered MacBook Pro. The "base" configuration with 36GB of RAM and 2TB of storage got a $500 price increase back in June, which bumped it from $3,599 to $4,099. But right now, Amazon has it on sale for just $3,499 — a $600 savings.

If you don't need the powerful MacBook Pro's features or the price tag, you can go with the M5 MacBook Air while it's on sale for $1,099, or $200 off the normal price. Not only is it highly portable, but it also uses the M5 chip, and it stays in a moderate lane without going wild with features not everyone needs. It's a great buy for students or professionals.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,099 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $200   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Max, 36GB RAM, 2TB SSD) $3,499 at Amazon
$4,099 Save $600   Get Deal Anker charging products

Anker is the go-to charging brand for many tech nerds (including us), and the brand dropped some big discounts for Prime Day. You can grab the cute little Nano USB-C wall charger for under $30, and it even matches the new "glacier" blue iPhone 18 Pro. The new Anker MagGo 2 Pro Power Bank just got its first-ever discount, and it offers 25W wireless charging.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Nano Smart Display Charger $25.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $14.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker MagGo 2 Pro Power Bank $87.99 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $22   Get Deal Google Pixel 11 Pro on sale

Apple customers are out of luck with October Prime Day smartphone deals, but Android users have plenty of options. If you're looking for the best deal on an Android smartphone, then it's an easy choice — the new Google Pixel 11 Pro is currently 24% off for Prime members, bringing it down to just $834 for a limited time.

This is the first time the new Google flagship phone has ever dropped below $1,000. In our recent Pixel 11 Pro review, we noted that this phone has an incredible set of cameras, which is no surprise. For creators — or anyone who loves documenting family memories — this is the best Android phone for photography right now.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 11 Pro, Unlocked (256GB) $834 at Amazon
$1,099 Save $265   Get Deal Cheaper-than-ever Fire tablets

Two of Amazon's own Fire tablets are on sale for record-low prices during Prime Big Deal Days. Take your pick from the compact Fire HD 8 with 64GB of storage — our favorite Fire tablet overall — or the big-screened Fire HD 10 with 32GB of storage, nicer cameras, and a sharper display. (Both have 13-hour battery lives.) They're now up to 53% off for Prime members.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 8 (64GB) $79.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $50.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 10 (32GB) $72.99
$154.99 Save $82.00   Get Deal Get 46% off a 4K streaming stick

Amazon's Fire tablets have been safe from price hikes so far, but the retailer raised the prices of all its Fire TV streaming sticks by at least $5 in August. The 4K Plus model went from $49.99 to $69.99. Nevertheless, Amazon will sell it to you for just $37.99 right now. (You can also try the coupon code STREAM4K, as we've seen it work at times this week.)

FWIW, this is Amazon's cheapest media player with support for Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, Nvidia Geforce Now, and Alexa Home Theater, a surround sound feature that works with Echo devices.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus $37.99 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $32.00   Get Deal A new all-time low on an Apple Watch

Dropping to the lowest we've seen at Amazon, the Apple Watch SE 3 is down to $199. In Mashable's guide to the best smartwatches, the Apple Watch SE 3 takes the cake as the best model for most people. The SE was the first Apple Watch to include an always-on display, and we're always thrilled to look down and see the stunning OLED display. Plus, the S10 chip is the same as the Ultra 3, which costs nearly $800 at full price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) $199 at Amazon
$249 Save $50   Get Deal Shark vacuum deals

Shark vacuums have been a hot commodity this Prime Day, and you'll find Shark vacuums in the homes of many Mashable reporters. The original Shark Pet cordless stick vacuum, which one of our editors called a "game-changer" for his dog-hair-filled home is currently sold out on Amazon, but you can still grab it for 50% off at the SharkNinja website. You can also grab the new 2026 version of this stick vacuum for just $30 more at Amazon.

You can also grab the Shark AI Ultra Robot Vacuum, with the brand's famous Matrix spot cleaning mode, on sale for 56% off. it doesn't have a mop, but consider that a point in its favor. Robot vacuum and mop combos are all the rage (because vacuum brands can charge more), but trust us when we tell you that you'll get better results from a Swiffer in most cases.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum $179.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $120   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum $239.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $310   Get Deal A huge discount on a huge QLED TV

The TCL QM8L is the best QLED TV for most people, according to Leah Stodart, our former TV expert. She praised its "superb peak brightness, detailed picture quality, and fantastic glare handling." (QLED TVs in general "are ideal for people whose TV usage happens mostly in the daytime, especially watching sports," to quote her TV specs guide.)

The 75-inch QM8L is down to $1,497.99 for Prime Big Deal Days — which is an even deeper discount than we were hoping to see. If you've been holding out for a TV deal, now's the time to take the plunge.

Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 75-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV $1,497.99 at Amazon
$2,999.99 Save $1,502.00   Get Deal Affordable Fire TVs

Amazon is dropping new deals throughout its Prime Day sale, and on day two, the retailer dropped a massive discount on a Toshiba QLED TV. For one day only, Prime members can get this 43-inch Fire TV for under $150, a massive 58% discount. For a variety of complicated reasons, flat-screen TVs have gotten cheaper even as every other tech product gets more expensive. For just $139.99, this TV offers an HDR10+ display and support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.

And if you're looking for a cheap TV with a little bit more oomph, the 50-inch QLED Ember Fire TV is currently $100 off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Toshiba Toshiba 43-inch M450 Series QLED 4K Smart Fire TV $139.99 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $190   Get Deal Save $10 when you preorder the 'Ocarina of Time' remake

Nintendo's upcoming remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for the Switch 2 will be one of the year's biggest gaming releases (after GTA 6, obviously). Preordering the physical edition will normally cost you $69.99 — it's $10 more than the digital version — but Amazon has it on sale for $59.88 ahead of its Nov. 5 launch. The first print run has special packaging with foil cover art, so don't dawdle.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" (Nintendo Switch 2) $59.88 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $10.11   Get Deal DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo is the more practical upgrade for creators who want steadier footage and better audio without building a full camera rig. The bundle includes a DJI Mic 2 transmitter, battery handle, and mini tripod — not just the camera.

The Pocket 3 combines a one-inch CMOS sensor with a three-axis mechanical gimbal, which stabilizes footage as you move. Its rotating two-inch touchscreen makes switching shooting orientation straightforward, while ActiveTrack 6.0 can keep you centered during a solo, talk-to-camera recording.

For creators who edit beyond basic cuts, support for 10-bit color and D-Log M provides more flexibility for color grading. That’s the reason to consider this older camera: the useful features are still here, even if a newer model exists. Read our review of the DJI Osmo Pocket 4.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo $495 at Amazon
$629 Save $134   Get Deal Best deal under $50: Ugreen power bank

Whether you're on team Android or iOS, this power bank will give your smartphone a second life. This has not been a good year to buy a new phone, thanks to rising prices, so if your battery is holding on for dear life, just slip this power bank into your purse or backpack and avoid low-battery anxiety. It charges your phone via an included USB-C cable at a speedy 45W.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ugreen Ugreen Nexode Pro 10000mAh 45W Mini Power Bank $36.07 at Amazon
$54.99 Save $18.92   Get Deal Best deal under $25: Apple AirTags

Apple released a new generation of AirTag trackers this year, the AirTag 2. The popular Apple tracker has fallen to an all-time low price, and we don't expect it to get any cheaper today. You can also grab the 4-pack on sale for $89, though we're hoping that price drops to $79.99 soon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag (2nd Gen) $24 at Amazon
$29 Save $5   Get Deal Best deal under $15: Amazon smart plug

This little gadget always goes on sale during Amazon sales, and so we're hardly surprised that it's one of the retailer's Prime Day deals for October 2026. You can add this smart plug to your cart for just $12.98, a nearly 50% discount. If you're trying to spend every last penny of an Amazon gift card, go ahead and add it to your shopping cart.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Smart Plug $12.98 at Amazon
$24.99 Save $12.01   Get Deal Deals on Sandisk memory products

The global memory crisis has led to rising costs for smartphones, laptops, and gaming consoles, but it's been a disaster for SD cards and hard drives. So, while the discounts aren't as huge as they were in past years, you can find savings on these memory products during October Prime Big Deal Days. We've found a bunch of Prime Day deals on portable SSDs and hard drives, and we expect even more savings to come.

Case in point: Sandisk's 512GB microSD card for the Nintendo Switch 2 is down by $70. Likewise, you can score $90 in savings on the popular 1TB Sandisk Extreme Portable SSD.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sandisk Sandisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD $209.99
$299.99 Save $90   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: SanDisk Sandisk 512GB microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2 $129.99
$199.99 Save $70   Get Deal Best Amazon subscription deal

This exclusive deal is for Prime members only, and it's a good one. For a limited time, Prime members can sign up for four months of Audible for just $0.99. You'll also get a $20 Audible credit to spend as you like.

Our advice? Take advantage of this deal and set a calendar reminder three months and 29 days in the future.

Opens in a new window Credit: Audible Audible $0.99 for 4 months + $20 Audible credit Get Deal Cheap wireless earbuds for under $25

If you're prone to losing earbuds and just need something simple for everyday use, the popular Anker Soundcore P30i Earbuds are sitting at a record-low price of $23.68.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Soundcore P30i Noise-Cancelling Earbuds $23.68 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $26.31   Get Deal The best Prime Day iPad deals

This Prime Big Deal Days, you can save $100 on the latest iPad Air, which is powered by the powerful M4 chip. It's our favorite tablet overall and won a Mashable Choice award earlier this year. (Read our full review if you're on the fence.)

If you want to upgrade to the M5 chip and a breathtaking OLED touchscreen, then you can also save $100 on the iPad Pro. Its display is incredibly bright, even in direct sunlight, and it has enough processing power to handle video editing software and 4K video files.

You can also check out all of the October Prime Day iPad deals we've spotted so far.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $649 at Amazon
$749 Save $100   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) $1,099.99 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $99.01   Get Deal Bose QuietComfort headphones on sale

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are $80 off, and their appeal is more specific than “premium sound”: Mashable’s testing highlights their comfort, adjustable active noise cancellation, and all-day battery life even with ANC enabled.

The second generation increases rated battery life from 24 to 30 hours and adds USB-C wired playback, which can charge the headphones while you listen. There’s also passive playback through an auxiliary cable. Those are useful upgrades if you wear headphones through a workday or want a wired option when the battery runs out. (Note: If you want to save even more, the first-gen Bose QuietComfort headphones are on sale for just $169, a 53% discount for Prime members.)

Prefer earbuds? The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are under $130 after a 28% discount. According to our reviewer, "you'll be hard pressed to find earbuds with better sound quality and battery life than these."

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) $369 at Amazon
$449 Save $80   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Earbuds $129 at Amazon
$179 Save $50   Get Deal A premium OLED TV

Samsung's S95H OLED TV is our tech editor's dream TV, but it's impractically expensive, even when it's on sale. Fortunately, the brand's S90H OLED TV is also a phenomenal TV, and it just dropped to its lowest price ever, making this one of the best Prime Day TV deals of the sale so far (honestly, it's one of the best Prime Day deals, period).

It's definitely an investment, but if you're a gamer or cinephile, then this is a future-proofed TV with a stunning, glare-free display, a speedy AI processor, and a sleek design.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-Inch S90H Series OLED 4K Smart TV $1,497.99 at Amazon
$1,897.99 Save $400   Get Deal Earbuds comfortable enough for sleep

If you're not sleeping well on account of noise, a pair of sleep earbuds might help. If it's the dog snoring or a neighbor who keeps you awake, the Anker Sleep A30 Specials have Mashable's seal of approval as the best sleep earbuds. We've never seen them on sale for $159.99 before, so this is a great time to give them a try.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Soundcore Anker Soundcore Sleep A30 Special $159.99
$199.99 Save $40   Get Deal An alarm clock that gently wakes you and tracks your sleep

Why don't you pair those sleep earbuds with a new smart alarm clock? Deputy Shopping Editor Miller Kern has been testing the Hatch Sleep Clock at home for a couple of months and is loving how it's integrated into her sleep routine. With the Sleep Clock, you can set a wind-down and sleep playlist, and set the type of alarm you'd like to wake you. The clock uses sensors to monitor your sleep stages and provides a look at your previous night's sleep and any cumulative sleep insights. As the Hatch Sleep Clock is a new product, Prime Big Deal Days marks its first discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hatch Hatch Sleep Clock $199.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $50   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hatch Hatch Restore 3 $135.99 at Amazon
$169.99 Save $34   Get Deal Save 43% on one of our favorite waterproof speakers

When we wanted to test the best waterproof Bluetooth speakers, we had one of our audio experts take them down to the pool. That's how we know this popular Bluetooth speaker is the real deal. Prime members can grab this compact and portable party speaker for only $56.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ultimate Ears Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 $54.14 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $45.85   Get Deal Save 40% on Switch 2 games

Finally, some good Prime Day Nintendo deals. In addition to the pre-order deal on the long-awaited The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, a selection of Switch 2 games are now 40% off for Prime shoppers. Popular new titles like EA Sports Madden NFL 27 and Pragmata are on sale, as well as classics, sequels, and remakes such as Octopath Traveler 0, Dragon Quest I & II, and Final Fantasy VII.

Opens in a new window Credit: EA Sports / Square Enix Shop the Prime Day Switch 2 Video Game Sale Save 40% on new and classic titles Shop Now A super-affordable Android smartwatch

You can score some great deals on the Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 12 this Prime Day, but if you're looking for a tracker and smartwatch hybrid that's even more affordable, then we have to point you to the Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro. We called this an almost-perfect smartwatch in our review, and we named it a Mashable Choice product.

Grab this budget Android tracker, which boasts weeks of battery life, for just $59.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nothing Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro $59 at Amazon
$79 Save $20   Get Deal Save 15% on a matching case for your brand-new iPhone

Last month, Apple launched the new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max with a faster chip, larger batteries, and a revamped camera system with a physical variable aperture. (Read our full review to see just how good their shooters are.) They both come in new burgundy and glacier colorways that blow last year's "cosmic orange" out of the water. And right now, Amazon has Apple's matching cases for them on sale for the first time ever. Save 15% on the TechWoven, silicone, or clear variety — all with MagSafe.

Pro tip: If you haven't upgraded to one of the new iPhones 18 Pros yet, you can save up to $1,000 through T-Mobile with a trade-in on an Experience Beyond plan.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max Silicone Case with MagSafe $41.50
$49 Save $7.50   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max TechWoven Case with MagSafe $50
$59 Save $9   Get Deal Try augmented reality glasses

Augmented reality smart glasses plug directly into your smartphone, gaming laptop, or tablet, and they're like having your own private OLED TV wherever you go. They project a massive virtual screen into the air around you, which is a game-changer for long flights and similar situations. They can also be handy for working when you don't have access to a second monitor. Our tech editor has tested both of these glasses, and they're affordable entry points into the world of augmented reality.

Both glasses are at all-time low prices. The TCL RayNeo has a super bright display and is ideal for gaming and entertainment, but the Xreal 1S is the better overall experience, especially for a combo of work and entertainment.

Opens in a new window Credit: TCL RayNeo TCL RayNeo Air 4 Pro AR Glasses $239.20 at Amazon
$299 Save $59.80   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Xreal Xreal 1S AR Smart Glasses $399 at Amazon
$449 Save $50   Get Deal

Prime members have less than 24 hours left to shop Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days sale. Sign up for a Prime 30-day free trial if you want to save some cash, and follow Mashable’s guide to the best October Prime Day deals and live blog for the latest updates.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Apple deals on October Prime Day: $200 off MacBooks and iPads still live, but only until midnight

Mashable - Wed, 10/07/2026 - 21:33
The best October Prime Day Apple deals at a glance: Best AirPods Deal Apple AirPods 4 $79 (save $50) Get Deal Best Apple Watch deal Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm) $349.99 (save $49.01) Get Deal Best MacBook Air deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,099 (save $200) Get Deal Best MacBook Pro deal Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Pro with 18-core CPU/20-core GPU, 24GB RAM, 2TB SSD) $2,699 (save $500) Get Deal Best iPad deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $649 (save $100) Get Deal Bes Apple Accessory Deal Apple AirTag 2 $24 (save $5) Get Deal Best Apple Headphones Deal Beats Studio Pro $149.95 (save $150.04) Get Deal Best budget Apple Watch deal Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) $199 (save $50) Get Deal Best budget iPad deal Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, WiFi, 128GB) $399 (save $50) Get Deal

Prime Big Deal Days sale is live — and so are some shockingly excellent Apple deals. This 48-hour "October Prime Day" serves as Amazon's kickoff to the Black Friday holiday shopping season, which is the best time to find discounts on popular Apple devices (among many other tech products we love). This year, it doubles as some much-needed relief from RAMageddon price increases.

As we head into the latter half of day two of the sale, which wraps up at midnight PT tonight (Oct. 7), Amazon continues to offer some great deals on AirPods, Apple Watches, iPads, and MacBooks. Some of them are even better than we expected: The new Apple Watch Series 12 got its first real discount, and the M5 MacBook Air is $200 off — a discount that nullifies its summer price hike. The 13-inch model now starts at $1,099 for the first time since June.

Past-gen deals are showing out, too: the Apple Watch Ultra 3 dropped down to a record low price, which was especially convenient after the Ultra 4 sold out in most of its colorways. In the biggest surprise of October Prime Day so far, Amazon revived the original AirPods Pro from 2019 at the ridiculously low price of $89.99 first thing yesterday (a 64% savings). That deal sold out fast, but might return in the next 24 hours or so. We're updating this story with any new October Prime Day Apple deals as we find them, so keep checking back.

How we picked the best October Prime Day Apple deals

Mashable tracks Apple prices year-round and has covered Prime Big Deal Days since it started in 2022 (back when it was still called the Prime Early Access Sale). We've reviewed every current Apple device except for the Apple Watch Series 12, which shares all of its new features with the Apple Watch Ultra 4; and the latest Mac desktops, which our sister site PCMag has already tested extensively.

SEE ALSO: October Prime Day 2026 live: Updates on the latest deals on AirPods, Yeti, Kindles, and Owala water bottles

To identify the very best October Prime Day Apple deals, we've compared Amazon's current prices with historical data on camelcamelcamel, a popular price-tracking site, as well as our coverage of past Amazon Prime events. Most of the devices we've featured here are sitting at their lowest prices in three months. (iPads were cheaper in July, but to be fair, they were also impacted by price hikes along with MacBooks.)

I've cross-checked all of Amazon's live Apple deals with other major retailers' sales to make sure no one else has even lower prices. Right now, the only devices I would buy elsewhere are the AirPods 4 with and without ANC: They're sold out on Amazon, but Walmart still has them in stock at three-month lows. Stay tuned to see if Amazon brings them back at the same prices as Prime Big Deal Days wraps up.

Note: Any items that have been struck through were sold out at the time of writing, but could return later on. Deals marked with a 🔥 have fallen to all-time lows (as in, they've never been cheaper before).

Best AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $79 at Walmart
$129 Save $50   Get Deal

The entry-level AirPods 4 are now 39% cheaper than the AirPods 5 that Apple announced last month. (They're also only $10 away from their record-low price from last Black Friday.) They lack noise cancellation and don't sound quite as good as their successors, but this deal makes them a very smart pick for budget buyers. Mashable's Bethany Allard notes that "their availability may be limited as we get further into the shopping season," so best grab 'em now while you still can.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirPods 4.

More AirPods dealsBeats dealsBest Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm) 🔥 $349.99 at Amazon and Target
$399 Save $49.01   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS + cellular, 42mm) 🔥 $449.99 at Amazon and Target
$499 Save $49.01   Get Deal

Apple's latest flagship smartwatch got its first proper discount for Prime Big Deal Days: a welcome $50-ish off. (That applies to the base model and the upgraded version with cellular connectivity, by the way.) Compared to the last-gen Series 11, the Series 12 has a faster processor, better heart rate sensors, quicker charging, and more durable glass. It also adds support for features like Readiness and Audio Intelligence tools like Siri Recap. Only Target was matching Amazon's prices at the time of writing.

More Apple Watch dealsBest MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,099 at Amazon and Best Buy
$1,299 Save $200   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD $1,299 at Amazon and Best Buy
$1,499 Save $200   Get Deal

Finally: The 13- and 15-inch M5 MacBook Air are both $200 off for Prime Big Deal Days, a discount that completely erases their price hikes from late June. Mashable tech editor Timothy Beck Werth called Apple's ultraportable "a damn near-perfect machine" in his review, pointing to its elite design, amazing speakers, and incredibly fast performance. It's a Mashable Choice Award winner, and we think it's the best MacBook for most people who just need a dependable daily driver. If either size sells out on Amazon, look for the same deals at Best Buy.

Read Mashable's full review of the M5 Apple MacBook Air.

More MacBook dealsMac dealsBest iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $649 at Amazon and Best Buy
$749 Save $100   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, WiFi + cellular, 128GB) $799 at Amazon and Best Buy
$899 Save $100   Get Deal

The 11-inch M4 iPad Air, our reigning favorite iPad for most people, packs incredible performance and a beautiful display into a portable form factor. It's a great fit for creative professionals on a budget, or really anyone who wants a tablet that can double as a computer. Right now, it's $100 off with and without cellular connectivity (starting from just $649). If you'd prefer a tablet with a little more screen real estate, the 13-inch iPad Air is also $100 off for Prime Big Deal Days. Best Buy is price-matching Amazon.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple iPad Air (M4).

More iPad dealsBest Apple accessory deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag 2 🔥 $24 at Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart
$29 Save $5   Get Deal

If you're prone to losing things, there's no excuse when AirTags exist. These little trackers go anywhere — on your keys, in your wallet, or in your luggage — allowing you to keep tabs on your most important possessions. At the start of the year, Apple released the second-generation AirTag with a louder speaker and a wider range. It's now on sale for the record-low price of $24 (normally $29) at Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirTag 2.

More Apple accessory deals

Prime members only have 24 hours left to shop Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days sale. Sign up for a Prime 30-day free trial if you want to save some cash, and follow Mashable’s guide to the best October Prime Day deals and live blog for the latest updates.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 Home Assistant projects to stop your plants dying this weekend (Oct 9-11)

How-To Geek - Wed, 10/07/2026 - 21:30

Home Assistant doesn't have to be solely about technology. You can use it for a much wider range of purposes, including helping you to keep your houseplants alive. These projects cover everything from simple monitoring to a fully automated plant-watering system.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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