IT General

I remember when I was a child, the TV in the kitchen sat on the counter, not on the wall. It was small, portable, and had a charm that made it feel like part of the room rather than an electronic device taking up space on an already too-crowded counter.

I’ve been dual-booting Linux and Windows for more than 10 years, and my current machine runs four different operating systems side by side. Over the years, I’ve made plenty of mistakes and seen newcomers and enthusiasts make many of the same ones. As such, to help you avoid these common pitfalls, here are three of the most common mistakes people make when setting up a Linux-Windows dual-boot PC.

Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Denis Villeneuve will bring his epic trilogy to a conclusion this December with Dune: Part Three. And the final trailer gives fans an intense look at Villeneuve's bold adaptation of Frank Herbert’s novels. Based on Dune Messiah, the film follows Timothée Chalamet's Paul Atreides as he confronts the consequences of becoming Emperor.

Mashable's resident Dune expert Belen Edwards wrote of the film's previous trailer, "Dune: Part Three takes place 17 years after the end of Dune: Part Two, which saw Paul become Emperor, meet his future wife Princess Irulan (Florence Pugh), and lose his lover Chani (Zendaya). In a huge deviation from Frank Herbert's novels, Chani fled into the desert after witnessing Paul's brutality, setting up a major rift between the two."

In the trailer above, Paul attacks Irulan, who confesses Chani is involved in an assassination attempt. The footage also features Robert Pattinson as Scytale, "a shape-shifting Face Dancer from the genetically altered Bene Tleilax order." Anya Taylor-Joy returns as Paul’s sister Alia, now grown up with powers of her own.

But that’s not all. Dune: Part Three promises pulse-pounding action, heart-wrenching drama, and a confrontation between former lovers that could change the future of their universe.

Dune: Part Three hits theaters and IMAX Dec. 18.

Apple is currently in the midst of releasing brand-new iPads and new Macs. Looking to upgrade to a new tablet or computer now? Then you're in luck.

Apple just bumped up the trade-in values for previous generations of iPads and Macs, as first noticed by MacRumors.

This week, just as Apple launched the new iPad mini, M6 MacBook Pro, and M6 iMac, the company also increased how much consumers could get back when trading in their old devices. Is Apple trying to sweeten the deal for customers in order to sell more new iPads and Macs? Possibly, though Apple hasn't said whether that factored into the higher trade-in offers.

But, this is good news for Apple fans looking to upgrade.

So, how much can you get for trading in your current iPad or Mac model now? Here's a list of the previous and new maximum valuations for each device below. (Your actual offer depends on your device's model and condition.)

Macs

Macs and MacBooks received the largest increases in maximum trade-in value. Here's what you can get now.

• MacBook Pro: From up to $1,315 to up to $1,435

• MacBook Air: From up to $705 to up to $795

• iMac: From up to $385 to up to $440

• Mac mini: From up to $620 to up to $645

• Mac Studio: From up to $1,460 to up to $1,700

• Mac Pro: From up to $2,195 to up to $2,560

The iMac Pro remains the only listed Mac model unchanged with a maximum trade-in value of $340.

iPads

The iPad trade-in values didn't increase by as much as those for Apple's computers. However, there was a trade-in value increase nonetheless.

• iPad: From up to $280 to up to $300

• iPad mini: From up to $320 to up to $340

• iPad Air: From up to $510 to up to $525

• iPad Pro: From up to $905 to up to $915

As a general reminder, Apple's trade-in program is mostly about convenience. Even with the trade-in value increases, you may be able to resell your device through resale marketplaces for a higher payout.

Pixel phones built their reputation on photos that looked better than their hardware should allow. Five years after the Pixel 6 Pro, that edge feels thinner, so it’s worth asking whether Pixel cameras are actually slipping or the competition simply sprinted ahead.

For years, Windows 11 has handled camera and microphone access for desktop apps like a master key—flip the switch and every program gets in, or none do. Microsoft is finally working on a solution for the latest Windows 11 Insider build. The new privacy controls allow you to decide which desktop apps get to use your camera and microphone, one at a time. If you use an Android phone, you'll find the per-app permission settings feel familiar. This matters because camera and microphone access can reveal more than you might expect across varied software.

Subway is attempting to hijack your midday break with an aggressive dose of 2014 nostalgia.

To celebrate National Sandwich Day (Nov. 3), Subway has officially launched a BOGO Footlong deal running until Nov. 8. Alongside this generous promo, Subway is resurrecting the cult-favorite Fritos Chicken Enchilada Sub. I've probably eaten at Subway a couple of times in my life, but free subs are enough to convince me to make a return.

The BOGO promo applies across most standard Footlong builds, including the returning Fritos Chicken Enchilada Sub. If you missed the original 2014 run, this viral sandwich packs rotisserie-style chicken drenched in enchilada sauce, melted Monterey Cheddar, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, a drizzle of smoky Baja Chipotle sauce, and a generous layer of crunchy original Fritos corn chips.

Credit: Subway

Qualifying for the BOGO deal is straightforward: Sub Club members can score a free Footlong of equal or lesser value with the purchase of another Footlong. You just need to order through the Subway app or online, and the offer will be automatically added to your app wallet.

The BOGO discount is only triggered on digital orders placed through the Subway app or Subway.com. If you turn up at a store expecting the free sub, you'll walk away disappointed.

Best early Black Friday Lego deals Best Lego Advent Calendar deal Lego Disney Princess Advent Calendar $30 (save $14.99) Get Deal Best Lego Icons deal Lego Icons Poinsettia $42.99 (save $7) Get Deal Best Lego Pokémon deal Lego Pokémon Eevee $47.99 (save $12) Get Deal Best Lego Botanicals deal Lego Botanicals Succulents $32.99 (save $17) Get Deal Best Lego stocking stuffer deal Lego Snowman Ornaments $10.28 (save $2.71) Get Deal Best Lego Star Wars deal Lego Star Wars Anzellan Starship $45.49 (save $29.50) Get Deal

Listen up, builders. We still have weeks to go before Black Friday, but Legos are already on sale. From Pokémon builds to stunning floral arrangements, there's something for everyone in the world of Lego.

SEE ALSO: Early Black Friday home improvement deals save big on power tools, smart lights, home security, and more.

If you've shopped for Legos in the past, you understand sales can vanish quickly, as does availability. Before prices and stock change, check out our favorite deals below.

Best Lego Advent calendar deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Disney Princess Advent Calendar $30 at Amazon
$44.99 Save $14.99   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

It's time to grab Advent Calendars for 2026. If you have a Lego princess in your life, snag the Lego Disney Princess Advent Calendar while it's on sale for just $30. This year's calendar comes with adored princesses like Moana, Cinderella, and Mulan.

More Lego Advent Calendar deals

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

Best Lego Icons deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Poinsettia $42.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $7   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

During Prime Day in October, we all got treated to a great discount on the Lego Icons Project Hail Mary build. Consider yourself lucky if you managed to snag that deal before it went out of stock. While that set is currently sitting at full price, we do have the festive Lego Icons Poinsettia on sale as an early Black Friday treat.

The holiday centerpiece is a great Thanksgiving project for kids and adults that'll look great on display throughout the holiday season. The potted poinsettia measures about eight inches in height and width and about 6.5 inches deep.

More Lego Icons deals

• Lego Icons Tranquil Garden — $103.99 $109.99 (save $6)

• Lego Icons Tropical Aquarium — $446.82 $479.99 (save $33.17)

Best Lego Pokémon deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Pokémon Eevee $47.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $12   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

The Lego Pokémon collab only launched in early 2026, but we already have discounts. The undeniably adorable Lego Pokémon Eevee is the perfect holiday gift for any fan of building with small bricks who also loves Pokémon. That's probably something like 90% of the global population.

The Lego Pokémon Eevee is designed for more advanced builders, and Lego recommends it for those over the age of 18. It's also available for one to three builders to work together via the Lego Build Together feature.

More Lego Pokémon deals

• Lego Pokémon Pikachu and Poké Ball — $183.18 $199.99 (save $16.81)

Best Lego Botanicals deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Succulents $32.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $17   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Featuring nine succulents and buildable pots for each, the Lego Botanicals Succulents is a cheery addition to any space. Keep them all together or spread them around the house, the set has 771 pieces in total. One of Lego's most popular Botanicals builds, the set is on sale for the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon, and we're still well ahead of Black Friday.

More Lego Botanicals deals

• Lego Botanicals Rocking Plants — $19.97 $22.99 (save $3.02)

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

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

• Lego Botanicals Flower Arrangement — $62.04 $109.99 (save $47.95)

Best Lego stocking stuffer deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Snowman Ornaments $10.28 at Amazon
$12.99 Save $2.71   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

For those who aren't looking for a giant build or something small that's perfect for a stocking, the Lego Snowman Ornaments are on sale for $10.28. The duo of snowmen are perfect for Lego beginners that can either hang on the Christmas tree or sit on a fireplace mantle as part of the holiday display. Since the set is small and not too spendy, it's already a great gift exchange item.

Best Lego Star Wars deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Anzellan Starship $45.49 at Amazon
$74.99 Save $29.50   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Down the to the best price we've ever seen at Amazon, the Lego Star Wars Anzellan Starship build is the perfect decor for any fan of the franchise. The 701-piece build is meant for kids (or adults) ages nine and up. Three Lego Star Wars mini figures will hop into the Starship and take flight.

More Lego Star Wars deals

• Lego Star Wars AT-RT Attack — $35.99 $44.99 (save $9)

• Lego Star Wars Smart Play: Mos Eisley Cantina — $53.99 $79.99 (save $26)

• Lego Star Wars Smart Play: Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter — $55.99 $69.99 (save $14)

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

• Lego Star Wars Grogu (Mandalorian Apprentice) — $103.99 $129.99 (save $26)

I'm the last person to defend Windows. There's no doubt in my mind that it's a bloated, slow, and unreliable mess of an operating system. The only thing I use Windows for anymore is as a dedicated gaming PC that never has a single mission-critical job.

The latest Colleen Hoover adaptation has arrived with a bang. After grossing $162 million in theaters, psychological thriller Verity is making its way into living rooms just in time for Halloween.

How to watch 'Verity' at home: Buy or rent 'Verity' at Prime Video $19.99 or $24.99 Shop Now Buy or rent 'Verity' at Fandango $19.99 or $24.99 Shop Now Buy or rent 'Verity' on Apple TV $19.99 or $24.99 Shop Now Stream 'Verity' at a later date starting at $7.99/month Shop Now

Adapted from Colleen Hoover's extremely popular 2018 novel of the same name, Verity stars Dakota Johnson and Anne Hathaway in what Mashable's entertainment editor calls her "wildest performance of 2026."

Critic reviews are mostly harsh, with the film only holding a 31% on Rotten Tomatoes, but audiences are loving the adaptation, leading to its box office success. Whether you're a Colleen Hoover fan waiting to compare the book with the film or you're just seeking a fun psycho-sexual thriller to watch this season, Verity is now available to watch at home. Here's everything you need to know.

What is Verity about?

Verity follows writer Lowen Ashleigh (Johnson) after she's hired as a ghostwriter by best-selling author Verity Crawford (Hathaway) to complete her book series. While staying at the Crawford home, Lowen discovers a disturbing manuscript revealing some of Verity's darkest secrets.

Peep the full trailer below.

How to watch Verity at home Credit: Amazon MGM Studios

As of Oct. 27, you can officially watch Verity at home one of two ways: rent it or buy it. A streaming option is still to come at an unknown date. See the details below.

Buy or rent it on digital

Verity will make its at-home debut on digital retail sites like Prime Video and Fandango at Home on Oct. 27, 2026. You can buy it forever at any of the retailers below or rent it for 30 days. If you choose the rental option, just note that once you start watching, you'll only have 48 hours to finish.

• Prime Video — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99

• Apple TV — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99

• Fandango at Home — buy for $24.99, rent for $19.99

Stream it on MGM+ (at a later date)

While no official streaming date has been announced yet, we know that as an Amazon MGM Studios film, Verity will likely make its streaming debut on Amazon's niche streaming service MGM+.

Previous Amazon MGM Studios films like Is God Is and Project Hail Mary graced MGM+ first before finally expanding to Prime Video. It is likely that as a box office success, Verity will follow the same formula.

The good news is that you likely won't have to wait too long. We'll update this story with new streaming information once Amazon MGM Studios makes the announcement.

Are there any MGM+ deals?

If you're new to MGM+, then you can score a seven-day trial and watch Verity for free once it's released. If not, there are a couple of ways to save on a subscription.

MGM+ annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: MGM+ MGM+ annual subscription $61.99
$95.88 Save $33.89   Get Deal

On any given day, the annual MGM+ subscription plan will save you about 35% or nearly $34. It costs $61.99 for a full year of streaming, which breaks down to $5.17 per month instead of the usual $7.99 per month. You'll have to pay up front, but the savings are ultimately worth it.

MGM+ Prime Video add-on Opens in a new window Credit: MGM+ MGM+ (Prime Video add-on) $1.99/month for 2 months Get Deal

You can also opt to sign up for MGM+ through Prime Video (if you're a Prime member or Prime Video subscriber). The prices for the monthly or annual subscription add-on are the same as subscribing directly from MGM+, but there are often deals that'll get you the streaming service for as low as 99 cents.

The current deal gets you two months of MGM+ for just $1.99 per month, but it's set to expire on Oct. 28. There's a good chance another discount will pop up around Black Friday, so stay tuned.

Trends among teenagers are an ever-changing hellscape, and finding the best gifts for teen girls (that they'll actually use for longer than a month) is a coveted skill. Even millennials — people who are not that old, thank you very much — can have trouble keeping up with the world predominantly ruled by TikTok and content creators.

An important reminder: Don't just wing it. Gen Z girls are clearly loyal to a defined handful of brands and have very specific aesthetic goals. Goals that could be torched by the honest mistake of grabbing generic white earbuds instead of the best AirPods or not realizing that Owala has eclipsed Stanley in the hierarchy of trendy water bottles.

SEE ALSO: Claire's is betting Gen Alpha wants creators, not celebrities

But you know who does know what teenage girls want this year? Other teenage girls. I'm regularly tracking viral TikTok products and compiling the most popular stuff with items that the high schoolers in my own life have mentioned. So even if you don't know what terms like whimsymaxxing mean, you're definitely in the right place to find a gift that a teenager thinks is cool. Whether it's for a birthday, holiday, high school graduation, or just because, here are 35+ unique gifts for teenage girls in 2026.

TL;DR: Get a PlayStation Store $100 Gift Card for $85 with the promo code GTWF2793 at Newegg. You can use that gift card to pick up GTA 6 Ultimate Edition for the best preorder price.

Even if you've already accepted that GTA 6 is going to dominate your winter gaming schedule, dropping $100 on a digital preorder still stings.

You need to cough up $79.99 for the Standard Edition and a steep $99.99 for the digital-only Ultimate Edition. Because Rockstar almost never discounts flagship titles prior to launch, preorder price drops are pretty much nonexistent.

However, for a limited time, you can grab the GTA 6 Ultimate Edition on PS5 for $84.99. That's an extremely solid $15 discount on the most anticipated entertainment release of the decade. There are a few steps you need to take to unlock this discount, but it's worth the hassle:

• Grab a Sony PlayStation Store $100 Digital Gift Card for $85 at Newegg with the promo code GTWF2793 at checkout

• Your digital voucher code typically arrives via email within 10 to 15 minutes

• Sign in to your PlayStation Network account on your console or browser

• Select "Redeem Code"

• Paste the 12-digit key to deposit $100 directly into your PSN wallet

• Head to the official GTA 6 store page and lock in your Ultimate Edition preorder before launch on Nov. 12.

If you plan on playing GTA 6 on launch day and want to lock in this rare preorder price drop, we recommend jumping on this deal.

The best early Black Friday deals under $50 Best Early Black Friday Deal Under $50 Blink Outdoor 4 $26.99 (Save $43) Get Deal Best Early Black Friday Earbud Deal Under $50 JBL Vibe Beam 2 $39.95 (Save $25) Get Deal Best Early Black Friday Speaker Deal Under $50 Anker Soundcore 2 $29.98 (Save $15.01) Get Deal Best Early Black Friday Beauty Deal Under $50 Wavytalk Thermal Brush Blowout Boost $47.48 (Save $21.52) Get Deal Best Early Black Friday Video Doorbell Deal Blink Wired Doorbell 2K $23.99 (Save $26) Get Deal

Looking to get some early holiday shopping done this year? It's time to shop early Black Friday deals right now. Retailers like Amazon have already started cutting prices on everything from earbuds to books, and a good chunk of the best deals under $50 are live right now. That’s the sweet spot for stocking stuffers, a gift for the person whose name you drew in a gift exchange, or a small upgrade for yourself that doesn’t break the bank.

Cheap doesn’t have to mean junk, either. The sub-$50 tier includes tons of goodies that normally sell well above that price, up for grabs for excellent prices before the shopping holiday even begins. Buying early also means you skip the sold-out listings and shipping delays that pile up the closer it gets to Thanksgiving.

But where do you start and which deals are truly worth snagging? We’ve sorted through the early Black Friday sales to highlight the ones worth your money. Here’s what you can pick up right now for less than $50.

Best early Black Friday deal under $50 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Blink Outdoor 4 $26.99 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $43   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

This outdoor camera is wire-free, mounts in minutes, and lasts up to two years on two AA batteries. That means you can stick it over the garage or by the back door and forget about it. It features 1080p HD video with a wide 143-degree view, infrared night vision, and two-way audio for talking to whoever’s on the porch. Plus, it has Alexa support if you’d rather pull up the feed on an Echo Show. It’s also IP65 weather resistant, which means rain, snow, and heat won't abruptly knock it offline.

Best early Black Friday earbud deal under $50 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon JBL Vibe Beam 2 $39.95 at Amazon
$64.95 Save $25   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

These affordable earbuds are a great pick if you want noise cancellation without paying premium prices. They can help to shut out your commute, and feature a Smart Ambient mode that lets you hear what’s around you when you need to. They offer lengthy listening time as well, with 40 hours of battery life and additional charges with the included case. They’re also IP54 rated, so a little sweat or rain won’t bother them.

Best early Black Friday speaker deal under $50 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Anker Soundcore 2 $29.98 at Amazon
$44.99 Save $15.01   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

This modest yet impressive portable speaker is everything you need to get the party started and keep it up while on the go. It boasts 12W of stereo sound with Anker’s BassUp tech, so it’s got more low end than you’d expect from something the size of a sunglasses case, and plenty of bass to bump your favorite songs. The battery lasts up to 24 hours on a charge, and it’s IPX7 waterproof, so it's even great to use around the pool for when we head back into the warmer months.

Best early Black Friday beauty deal under $50 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Wavytalk Thermal Brush Blowout Boost $47.48 at Amazon
$69 Save $21.52   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

This heated round brush is meant to be used on dry hair, so you can wrap and comb through, then walk away with a bouncy blowout or soft waves in about 10 minutes. It has a 1.5-inch ceramic tourmaline barrel that heats evenly and sends out negative ions to tame frizz, and five temperature settings that can even suit finer hair. You also get a regular brush and two sectioning clips so you’re ready to go right out of the box.

Best early Black Friday video doorbell deal under $50 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Blink Wired Doorbell 2K $23.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $26.00   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

This video doorbell hooks into your existing doorbell wiring, so there’s no battery to swap out and no Sync Module to buy. It offers a sharp 2K picture with a 140-degree head-to-toe view as well as two-way talk via the Blink app. There's also a live view option through your Echo Show, and the option to add person and vehicle alerts with a Blink subscription — all this for under $25 while it's on sale ahead of Black Friday.

More early Black Friday deals under $50

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

• Sony WH-CH520 — $38 $69.99 (save $31.99)

• JLab Flex Open Ear Earbuds — $39.99 $52.99 (save $13)

• Anker Soundcore Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Canceling Headphones — $44.99 $69.99 (save $25)

• Amazon Echo Glow (2-Pack) — $47.98 $59.98 (save $12)

Microsoft is looking to shed a massive number of workers.

In a Monday blog post, the Windows and Xbox maker announced a voluntary buyout plan for its employees in Canada, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States. While the blog post doesn't provide a specific number, reporting from CBS News and other outlets indicates that about 60,000 employees (roughly a quarter of Microsoft's global workforce) will receive the offer. That doesn't mean all 60,000 will accept the offer, but it is a surefire sign that Microsoft feels the need to greatly reduce its human workforce.

"The Voluntary Exit Offer is new for us. We’ll learn from it," Chief People Officer Amy Coleman wrote in the blog post. "At the same time, we’ll keep helping people focus on the work that matters most, build new skills and, where it makes sense, find new opportunities across Microsoft."

SEE ALSO: Microsoft president warns AI is less regulated than milk and washing machines

As CBS News noted, this comes at the same time Microsoft is expected to spend $175 billion on AI infrastructure in 2026 alone, signaling the company is not exactly lacking in funds at the moment. Whether or not that AI infrastructure will adequately replace human labor remains to be seen.

It hasn't been a good couple of years for Microsoft in terms of generating positive headlines. The company has laid off thousands of workers across divisions, including multiple rounds of cuts at Xbox. That coincides with increasing AI creep in the Windows operating system and new, fairly strict limits on Xbox game streaming, to say nothing of Microsoft's prominent place as a BDS boycott target due to its partnership with the Israeli military.

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Accessories are a big part of owning tools and using them regularly. I've been a big fan of Ryobi tools for a very long time. They're not only decent, budget-friendly tools, but they often do the job just as well as some higher-end ones. I'm mostly a hobbyist and maintainer of things, though, so I'm not necessarily using them for professional reasons. Either way, I found several accessories that make my Ryobi tools better. Here are a few cheap accessories that completely transformed my Ryobi tools and the way I use them.

The International Space Station has a new skate spot.

NASA astronaut Jessica Meir posted a clip on X showing herself doing tricks on a fingerboard, a tiny Tech Deck-style skateboard, aboard the ISS. In the video, she rolls the mini board along the station’s blue equipment panels and metal rails, skating around Velcro patches and rolls of tape.

SEE ALSO: China is coming for the moon. NASA's answer: a faster, leaner plan

"Space skate!" Meir wrote, calling the clip a tribute to the skaters in her life back on Earth. She dedicated it to her brother, her husband, and their daughter, whom she called a "little ripper." Then she called out the GOAT himself and tagged skateboarding legend Tony Hawk to ask what trick he’d try in orbit.

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

Meir is now back on solid ground. She commanded NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission, which spent 235 days on the ISS before splashing down in the Pacific off Southern California. The crew completed four spacewalks during the mission. It was Meir’s second long stay on the station, following 205 days in orbit from 2019 to 2020.

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Every time a new Wi-Fi standard comes out, there’s pressure from every side to upgrade. Wi-Fi 8 is on the horizon, and I feel that Wi-Fi 7 has barely had time to settle. But, do you really need to upgrade to Wi-Fi 7 or Wi-Fi 8? There’s a good chance your old Wi-Fi router is still perfectly fine.

How to choose a red light face mask: Look at wavelength first

There are some ways to tell that a red light face mask won't be effective before you buy it and use it for a few months.

Wavelength is the first factor anyone will tell you to consider. You want to find products that emit light within the therapeutic window, or the range of wavelengths that can be effective when treating common skin conditions. There is now an abundance of evidence that specific wavelengths of red light can be effective for:

• Reduction of fine lines, dark circles, and crow's feet

• Improving skin texture

• Fighting wrinkles

• Boosting collagen production

• Reducing inflammation and redness

To be effective, the light coming from the mask must penetrate different layers of your skin. There are optimal wavelengths for each type of light a face mask emits, and any reputable brand will put their mask's wavelengths front and center in the listing. These carefully chosen ranges are strong enough to penetrate your skin, but gentle enough to avoid over-activating delicate face skin.

Red light does its work in the middle layer (dermis) of your skin, requiring wavelengths between 630 and 633 nm to reach past the top layer. There, red light stimulates cells to produce rejuvenating proteins like collagen and elastin, evening out surface redness, and preventing scarring or post-pimple red spots.

The Shark CryoGlow's Better Aging routine combines red and near-infrared light. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable The Shark CryoGlow's Skin Clearing routine uses a special sequence of red, near-infrared, and blue light. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Most red light masks also use near-infrared red light therapy, which requires longer wavelengths to travel further than regular red light. Near-infrared light between 830 and 850 nm reaches into tissue under the dermis to further stimulate cell turnover, firm skin, and heal deep-seated spots or stubborn dark circles.

What about blue light therapy?

Blue light is often used to target acne, and some of the best red light masks use a combination of blue and red light therapy.

Blue light operates on the top layer (epidermis) of your skin, so its ideal wavelength is shorter than either red light standard. Blue light at 415nm has an antimicrobial effect, ideally killing the bacteria that cause acne before a breakout starts. If hellbent bacterial acne makes it past the blue light phase — or if you're also dealing with hormonal or cystic acne not caused by bacteria — red light swoops in to neutralize inflammation and speed up the healing process.

The thing is, most mainstream LED face masks hit those wavelength marks. So, how do you choose between masks if their wavelength numbers are all the same?

The importance of irradiance

Irradiance is another major element that determines whether or not a red light mask actually works. While wavelength refers to the length the light can travel, irradiance refers to the amount of light energy that's actually reaching your skin per session (not just the intensity of light being generated at the bulb). If wavelength numbers are correct but irradiance is low, the mask will still be kind of a dud.

Bulb placement is one of the key factors we considered in our test. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Comfort is another key factor, as consistent use is key to results. Credit: Miller Kern / Mashable

Irradiance is officially expressed as milliwatts per square centimeter. The optimal irradiance range for a red light face mask is pretty wide (anywhere between 30 and 100 mW/cm²), though many brands don't directly provide that number.

Most brands do note the length of each session, which is one way to quickly gauge irradiance without getting into calculations. Dr. Mamina Turegano sums it up best on her YouTube account: "Higher irradiance means more effective energy delivery per minute of use." Longer sessions don't automatically mean that results will be more powerful — a mask with sessions that last for less than 10 minutes has higher irradiance than a mask with sessions that last for 20 to 30 minutes. Since a mask with lower irradiance needs to sit on your face for longer, you might be less likely to keep up with wearing it.

Are bulb count and bulb placement a big deal?

The number of bulbs and the placement of bulbs inside the mask can also impact efficacy, especially if you're expecting results in a specific area of your face. Masks with more bulbs packed evenly across the face will provide more even coverage across every inch of your face than masks with more sporadically placed bulbs.

Some masks also provide more light sources overall by emitting both red and blue light simultaneously from every single bulb, like the Shark CryoGlow. This would be a better option for full-face acne prevention than masks with blue and red LEDs only concentrated in certain spots, like the Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite.

What red light masks worked for us?

Of course, you probably didn't come here for a science lesson. You want to find the best red light masks Mashable's testers used and loved.

After trying out 11 different products, we ultimately found six that we can recommend. These masks delivered visible results for our product testers.

Remember: Consistency is essential for the best results (or any results)with LED face masks. You'll need to wear your mask consistently for at least one to two months.

Power tools are a modern marvel that anyone who has tried working with human-powered drilling or sanding will tell you we too easily take for granted. But while these tools are compact and powerful, they aren't that smart for the most part.

Jay-Z is heading to the Super Bowl, only this time he'll have a microphone. After years of helping shape the halftime show from behind the scenes (and a week of speculation), the rapper will headline it himself in 2027.

The NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation announced the news Monday, Oct. 26, confirming that Jay-Z will perform at Super Bowl LXI on Feb. 14 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The game will air on ESPN, ABC, and Disney+.

The announcement arrived during Monday Night Football with a black-and-white video featuring Jay-Z sitting in a stadium surrounded by goats — yes, actual goats — soundtracked by "Public Service Announcement" with the accompanying caption "GOAT's out of the bag." Doesn't quite roll off the tongue, but I digress.

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It's a familiar venue for the rapper, who just played two shows at SoFi over the weekend as part of a concert run celebrating the 30th anniversary of his debut album, Reasonable Doubt. Now, he’ll return for a performance that brings his role in the NFL's entertainment operation full circle. His company, Roc Nation, has helped produce the halftime show since 2019, with headliners including Rihanna, Usher, Kendrick Lamar, and Bad Bunny.

SEE ALSO: Bad Bunny's halftime show sparked emotional reactions across the Americas

The announcement follows weeks of speculation about who would take the stage. Puck reported that Jay-Z had emerged as the pick over fellow contenders Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber, while TMZ had named Harry Styles among the frontrunners.

But alongside the excitement about which songs he might perform, many people online were quick to point out the unusual arrangement at play.

"jay finally approved his own application," one user wrote. "Announced himself you mean!" added another, while one user joked that "Jay-Z really pulled a Katniss," invoking The Hunger Games heroine's decision to volunteer.

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Those jokes had already been circulating for a week. After Puck reported that Jay-Z would headline, an r/Music thread titled "Jay-Z Picks Jay-Z to perform halftime show for Super Bowl LXI" drew thousands of comments. One Redditor imagined the boardroom pitch: "Jay Z presents…. Jay Z." Another offered a revised lyric: "He's got 99 problems but being in a powerful position of influence regarding the Super Bowl Halftime Show ain't one."

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The NFL, for its part, framed the choice as a longtime ambition. "When we first reached an agreement with Roc Nation to produce the show, I had just one request: that Jay-Z take the stage himself one day, whenever the moment felt right to him," Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. Apparently, that moment has arrived.

Some listeners, however, questioned whether that moment had passed. Some Reddit commenters debated whether a show built around his decades-long catalog would feel exciting in 2027. His most recent solo album, 4:44, came out in 2017.

"Pretty lame choice. Jay hasn't had a hit or been relevant in years," one commenter wrote. Others suggested younger pop stars or called for a rock band to headline instead.

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But for fans welcoming the announcement, the back catalog is precisely the appeal. "I ain't mad at it! Perform Izzo, Encore, & Otis," one fan wrote on Reddit. One X user called it a "rare announcement that actually lives up to the hype."

Former Philadelphia Eagles star Jason Kelce was similarly enthusiastic during Monday Night Football’s coverage. "He's got more stadium-ready hits than most artists have songs, period," he said.

There's also excitement around who might join him. Jay-Z's anniversary concerts featured a rotating roster of guests, including Rihanna, Eminem, Nas, Alicia Keys, and Beyoncé, giving fans plenty of material for their Super Bowl predictions. None have been confirmed for the halftime show, but that hasn’t stopped people from submitting requests.

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"Imagine he brought Ye out with him for this, at least for the sake of the culture," one user wrote on X. On Reddit, others floated Linkin Park, which teamed up with Jay-Z on Collision Course, and "Empire State of Mind" collaborator Alicia Keys. Unsurprisingly, Beyoncé was also high on the wish list. "He's coming with his wife (for sure)." Another user wrote, "The only reason people are going to watch is for Beyoncé," said another.

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But the prospect of famous guests didn’t win everyone over. "Other tagalongs who haven't been relevant in a decade either? Neat," one Redditor wrote. "She already did a half time show. We need something fresh," another wrote about Beyoncé, who headlined in 2013 and returned in 2016 as a guest during Coldplay's set alongside Bruno Mars.

Jay-Z appeared to address some of the criticism during his second SoFi show on Oct. 24, questioning the gap between what people were posting and what concertgoers could see for themselves.

"People will tell you that nobody was in here tonight, but you got eyes, you can see. People will tell you that the music wasn’t great, but you got ears," he told the crowd, before urging fans to "question everything in this world of AI."

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We’ll see whether Jay-Z wins over the skeptics on Feb. 14. At least he won’t have to worry about impressing the guy who picked him.

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