IT General

Forget Wi-Fi moisture sensors—this ESP32 project works offline and costs half as much

How-To Geek - 1 hour 15 min ago

I've owned a lot of houseplants in my time and killed many of them. The biggest issue has always been knowing when to water them. Wi-Fi moisture sensors can help, but if you have a lot of plants, the cost can soon add up, and if your Wi-Fi goes down, they become useless. Using an ESP32, you can make a moisture sensor that works offline and is a fraction of the price.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 overlooked Plex features everybody misses

How-To Geek - 1 hour 40 min ago

Plex is best known as the streaming platform that lets you host your own video content and then stream it to devices on your local network. However, Plex has so much more to it, and chances are there's at least one of these five features you weren't aware of.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The 3 Google app permissions nobody turns off, but probably should

How-To Geek - 2 hours 15 min ago

Third-party apps get most of the scrutiny when it comes to permission creep, but Google's own apps are often the bigger offenders. Here's a look at three permissions Google's ecosystem quietly holds onto well past the point they're needed.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I spent hours troubleshooting my TV until I found an outdated cable hiding behind it

How-To Geek - 2 hours 45 min ago

I recently hooked up an old PC to my TV, expecting it to be the perfect way to turn my living room into a makeshift gaming setup. The hardware was more than capable, and both the PC and TV supported the refresh rates I wanted, so I assumed everything would work without a hitch. Instead, I was greeted by constant stuttering, flickering, and occasional black screens that made the whole setup feel broken.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Save $149 on an 85-inch Toshiba TV on Labor Day

Mashable - 2 hours 58 min ago

SAVE $149: As of Sept. 7, the Toshiba 85-Inch Z670R Series TV is available for $1,198.99 at Amazon. That's a $149 savings off the regular list price of $1,347.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Toshiba Toshiba 85-Inch Z670R Series TV $1,198.99 at Amazon
$1,347.99 Save $149   Get Deal

A major sale event is only as good as its deals on huge TVs. Indeed, there's a reason Black Friday was defined by viral videos of shoppers fist-fighting over the biggest TV deals in supermarket aisles. Thankfully, there's no fighting needed with Amazon's Labor Day sale, which has thrown up some very strong TV deals, including a reduction on the Toshiba 85-Inch Z670R Series TV.

As of Sept. 7, the Toshiba 85-Inch Z670R Series TV is marked down to $1,198.99 on Amazon, saving you $ 149.00 off the regular list price of $1,347.99. It's not quite this TV's lowest-ever price, but it's certainly close — it's literally $2.

SEE ALSO: Purple's Labor Day sale gets you a king mattress for the price of a queen — shop now for up to $400 off

TVs don't come much bigger than the Toshiba 85-Inch Z670R Series TV. It delivers stunning 4K via Mini LED technology, with built-in gaming-specific features such as a 144Hz refresh rate and Game Mode Pro, plus access to Alexa. (Why use a remote control when you can ask Alexa to change the channel for you?)

It uses AI to automatically adjust brightness based on ambient light and runs on the Fire operating system, which is fast becoming one of the most popular platforms in smart TV tech.

Don't miss this great TV deal in the Labor Day sales — Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState tumbler at just $1,198.99.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazons Labor Day 2026 sale: We found Samsung TVs, Apple AirPods, Sony headphones, and more on sale

Mashable - 3 hours 11 min ago
The best Amazon Labor Day deals at a glance: Best Apple deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $649 (save $100) Get Deal Best Amazon device deal Amazon Echo Show 11 $189.99 (save $60) Get Deal Best TV deal TCL 65-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV $1,397.99 (save $1,102) Get Deal Best headphones deal Bose QuietComfort Ultra $249 (save $200) Get Deal Best speaker deal Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 $59.99 (save $40) Get Deal Best smartwatch deal Garmin vivoactive 5 $181.97 (save $118.02) Get Deal

If the Pumpkin Spite Latte's return to Starbucks didn't already alert you, Labor Day Weekend's arrival certainly will. Fall is coming, whether you're anticipating the season change or dreading it. The unofficial last hurrah of summer, Labor Day is the perfect excuse to squeeze in some last-minute beach days, backyard barbecues, and shopping sprees (obviously).

With tech prices constantly rising, major shopping holidays like Amazon's Labor Day sale are your best opportunity to score the devices you want at a discount. At many retailers, the sales have been underway for days, and we've already noticed all-time low prices on some of our favorite TVs of 2026 and noise-canceling headphones we adore. Plus, we're seeing some of the best discounts on Apple gear and Amazon devices since price hikes went into effect.

Here are some of the best deals we've spotted at Amazon.

Best Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $649 at Amazon
$749 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

The M4 iPad Air is hands down our top pick for an iPad for most people. While it's incredibly similar to its predecessor, that's not necessarily a bad thing. It features a thin and lightweight build, brilliant Liquid Retina display, insanely fast performance powered by the M4 chip, and Apple's N1 and C1X connectivity chips. Mashable's tech editor says it's powerful enough to handle memory-intensive programs like Final Cut Pro and even goes as far as calling it "way overpowered for most users." It starts at $749 for the 128GB version after the price hike, but for Labor Day, it's $100 cheaper.

Stock is running low across all color options, so grab it before it sells out. Otherwise, the 256GB option is still in stock for just $100 more.

Read our full review of the Apple iPad Air 2026 (M4).

More Apple deals

Headphones and Earbuds

iPads

Accessories

Best Amazon device deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Show 11 $189.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $60   Get Deal Why we like it

Amazon surprised everyone with a monstrous price hike across all of its Fire TV, Kindle, and Echo devices earlier this month. This is the first big sale since the price hike, so we're happy to see many of these devices still getting the deal treatment. The Echo Show 11 is down to $189.99, which is $30 cheaper than its original price before the increase. Dubbed Amazon's "most advanced smart displays yet," the Echo Show 11 features the new in-house AZ3 Pro chips and Omnisense technology for AI-based, highly personalized experiences. There's also front-facing stereo speakers, a custom woofer for spatial audio, ambient visuals that adapt to your environment, and a built-in 13-megapixel camera that can recognize faces.

More Amazon device deals

Fire TV devices

Echo devices

Best TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 65-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV $1,397.99 at Amazon
$2,499.99 Save $1,102.00   Get Deal Why we like it

It's been out less than six months, but it's already our top pick for a QLED TV for most people. That "SQD" in the title stands for "super quantum dot mini LEDS," which is a lot of tech jargon for extremely bright quantum dots. Mashable's TV expert calls it one of the brightest TVs you can buy, period, shouting out its "superb peak brightness, detailed picture quality, and fantastic glare handling." The 65-inch model clocks in at $2,499.99 on a normal day, but it's down to a best-ever $1,397.99 at Amazon for Labor Day — a 44% discount.

More TV dealsBest headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 $198 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $201.99   Get Deal Why we like it

These headphones have been replaced by the XM6s, but like most modern tech, the upgrades are iterative. "The XM5 headphones hold up well in 2026, and they're still worth the investment, especially when they're on sale," Mashable's reviewer writes. They offer 30 hours of battery life, an attractive design, legendary ANC, customizable sound quality, and good call quality. The only thing we aren't crazy about is that they don't fold up for travel. Originally retailing for $400, they're now much more affordable at under $200. For comparison, the newer XM6s are right around $400 on sale.

Read our full review of the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, or see how they compare to the new XM6 headphones.

More headphones dealsSpeaker and soundbar dealsSmartwatch deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

These Mini PCs offer AI Performance and Retro Designs

How-To Geek - 3 hours 15 min ago

You don't have to buy a Mac Studio or RTX Spark system to get a mini PC that excels at AI. Acemagic used IFA 2026 to launch and showcase a raft of its latest compact desktops, including a fresh workstation based on AMD's Gorgon Halo chip, a premium Intel Panther Lake model, and even a pair of models with not-so-subtle tributes to classic Nintendo consoles.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Which stores are open on Labor Day 2026? See the list of whats open today.

Mashable - 3 hours 23 min ago

I write about holiday sales for a living, and somehow, I still managed to forget that this Monday is a federal holiday until about an hour ago. If you also just realized that Labor Day 2026 is literally this Monday (where does the time go?), don't worry!

Here's a complete list of what stores are open and closed this Labor Day.

What stores will be open on Labor Day?

Banks, schools, and the DMV may shut down, but most businesses stay open on Labor Day so they can cash in on the sales. That said, it's always a good idea to double-check your local store hours, especially if you plan to shop later in the day.

SEE ALSO: 40+ Labor Day deals: We found limited-time deals on TVs, mattresses, Apple, and more to shop this weekend Groceries and big-box retailers

  • Walmart: The big box retailer is open with regular hours; Walmart typically operates from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

  • Target: The bullseye store will also be open, generally from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., though local times may vary (check out the Target 2026 Halloween collection)

  • Warehouse clubs: BJ's Wholesale Club is open during regular hours from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m; Sam's Club is open, but locations will close early at 6 p.m. local time. Unfortunately, Costco will be closed, however.

  • Trader Joe's and Whole Foods: Trader Joe's is operating normally from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Whole Foods locations are open but will have modified holiday hours, usually around 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

  • Aldi: Open, but locations will operate on limited hours from 8:30 a.m. and close early at 6 p.m.

  • National and regional supermarkets: Kroger and its family of stores are open, though their pharmacy hours might vary. Regional grocery chains, including Stop & Shop, ShopRite, ACME, Foodtown, Lidl, and Wegmans, will also operate on open schedules. Wegmans locations will be open from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m., while Stop & Shop is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

  • Apple: The Apple store should be open if you need to grab a spare charger or fix your iPhone. However, if you're looking for the best Labor Day Apple deals, you'll need to shop online.

Hardware, department, and specialty stores

  • Hardware stores: Home Depot and Lowe's are open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., though Home Depot hours can vary slightly by location. IKEA is also open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

  • Department stores: Best Buy, Kohl's, Macy's, Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx, JCPenney, Old Navy, Burlington, Boscov's, and Marshalls are open with regular hours.

  • Discount and dollar stores: Five Below, Goodwill, Dollar General, Dollar Tree, and Family Dollar are all open and running normal hours.

  • Specialty and hobby stores: Barnes and Noble, Bath & Body Works, Bass Pro Shops, Dick's Sporting Goods, Petco, PetSmart, REI, and Ulta Beauty will all be open with normal hours. Hobby Lobby is open, but operates on reduced hours from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

  • Pharmacies: CVS and Walgreens storefronts are open. However, most Walgreens pharmacies and select CVS pharmacies will be closed, except 24-hour locations.

What restaurants are open on Labor Day?

If you're not the BBQ, cookout type (I get it) and you'd rather not spend the day cooking, most major restaurant chains and fast-food drive-thrus are open with regular hours nationwide.

  • Fast food and coffee: Starbucks, Dunkin', McDonald's, Taco Bell, Chick-fil-A, and Burger King are generally open, though individual franchise hours can vary slightly on holidays.

  • Sit-down dining: Chains like Applebee's, Chili's, Olive Garden, Texas Roadhouse, Outback Steakhouse, and Cracker Barrel keep their doors open to handle the holiday weekend crowds.

SEE ALSO: Labor Day 2026 deals: Score free food from Cheesecake Factory, Krispy Kreme, 7-Eleven, and more What's closed on Labor Day?

The general rule is that if it's a government building, a bank, or a membership warehouse that isn't Sam's Club or BJ's, it's closed.

  • Costco: Costco is closed on Labor Day.

  • Government offices: Federal, state, and local administrative offices, including courts, the DMV, and public libraries, are closed.

  • Schools: Public schools and universities are closed.

  • Banks: Branch locations are closed, but ATMs and online banking will still be available.

  • Financial markets: The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq are closed.

  • Mail services: The USPS will not pick up or deliver regular mail, though Priority Mail Express will still run. UPS and FedEx will not have standard ground pickup and delivery services on Labor Day, though their critical/express services and some FedEx Office locations might have modified operating hours.

Looking for Labor Day sales online?
Categories: IT General, Technology

Best Labor Day Apple deals: We found AirPods starting at $99 and iPads for $399

Mashable - 3 hours 28 min ago
The best Apple Labor Day deals at a glance: Best AirPods deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199 (save $50) Get Deal Best iPad deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $649 (save $100) Get Deal Best iPhone deal Apple iPhone Air (256GB, unlocked) $849.99 (save $150) Get Deal Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Pro, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $2,299.99 (save $199.01) Get Deal Best Headphones Deal Apple AirPods Max 2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones (Purple) $449.00 at Amazon Get Deal Best Apple accessory deal Apple AirTags (2nd gen, 4-pack) $79.99 (save $19.01) Get Deal

It's no secret that tech prices are getting out of control, thanks to RAMageddon. Apple has increased the costs of most of its popular gadgets (with more price hikes to come), so any excuse to save some money is welcome. Enter Labor Day Weekend sales.

Ahead of the iPhone launch event this week, Amazon, Best Buy, and other major retailers are offering Labor Day deals on Apple products. Notably, iPads and iPhones are up to $150 off, while MacBooks are up to $500 off. You can even grab AirPods starting at just $99.

While we don't anticipate Prime Day-level discounts, though that would be wonderful, we've collected all of the best Labor Day Apple deals in one place. Don't forget that Apple is widely expected to announce new AirPods Pro, iPhones, and Apple Watches on Sept. 9, and so retailers may be making room in their warehouses for a ton of new products.

Best iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $649 at Amazon or Best Buy
$749 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

If you're looking to buy a new iPad, the M4 Air is our top pick for most people. It's not all that different from its predecessor, but that's not a bad thing (we loved the M3 iPad Air, too). The latest version packs an insanely powerful M4 chip, a thin and lightweight build, a brilliant Liquid Retina display, and Apple's N1 and C1X connectivity chips. It's honestly almost too powerful for most users, with enough oomph to handle memory-intensive programs like Final Cut Pro. Yet, its price tag isn't quite as stunning as the iPad Pro. For Labor Day, the base model with WiFi connectivity and 128GB of storage is down to just $649. It's selling out quick at Amazon, but luckily, Best Buy is matching the $100 discount.

Read our full review of the M4 iPad Air.

More iPad dealsBest iPhone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone Air (256GB, unlocked) $849.99 at Best Buy
$999.99 Save $150   Get Deal Why we like it

While we regularly see solid deals on unlocked Android phones, unlocked iPhone deals are few and far between. So finding the iPhone Air at Best Buy for $150 off (with any storage capacity) is a big deal. Mashable's reviewer dubbed the iPhone Air Apple's "sexiest iPhone" to date. It's thinner than you can fathom, yet packs a gorgeous OLED display and a surprisingly good camera. With the inevitable iPhone price hikes coming, snagging the iPhone Air for less could be an even better value than you realize.

Read our full review of the iPhone Air.

More iPhone dealsBest MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Pro, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $2,699.99 at Amazon
$2,999 Save $299.01   Get Deal Why we like it

The M5 Pro MacBook Pro jumped $300 earlier this summer, so this discount at Best Buy reduces the hit from that price hike ever so slightly. Granted, the MacBook Pro with an M5 Pro chip is definitely overkill for most users — especially this model with boosted specs (24GB RAM and 1TB storage). Still, it's a great pick for graphic designers, editors, or programmers with heavy workloads. Besides the powerful M5 Pro chip, specs include Apple's N1 wireless chip, a brilliant 3K mini LED display, a 120Hz refresh rate, and three USB-C Thunderbolt 5 ports.

Read our full review of the M5 MacBook Pro.

More MacBook dealsBest AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199 at Amazon
$249 Save $50   Get Deal Why we like it

Even though the AirPods Pro 3 were marked safe from Apple's price hike, that doesn't mean you should buy them at full cost. The premium Apple earbuds have been jumping around in price this past week, but they've finally settled on a $199 price tag heading into Labor Day Weekend. That's $50 cheaper than usual.

Mashable's reviewer called the Pro 3's "a remarkable upgrade in functionality over their predecessors, with better battery life and ANC, as well as a new heart rate sensor." They're some of our favorite noise-cancelling earbuds overall (and we've tested a ton).

Read our full review of the AirPods Pro 3.

More AirPods dealsBest accessory deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTags (2nd gen, 4-pack) $79.99 at Amazon
$99 Save $19.01   Get Deal Why we like it

Once again, Apple's newest generation of AirTags didn't bring a whole lot of changes, but why fix what isn't broken? The second-gen AirTags have improved range, slightly louder notifications, and the same affordable price tag. If you're a frequent traveler or tend to lose things often, they're a must-have. And at under $80 for a four-pack, they're a total steal right now.

Read our full review of the AirTags 2nd gen.

More Apple accessory dealsLooking for more Labor Day sales?
Categories: IT General, Technology

Best Labor Day TV deals: Our favorite deals on TCL, LG, Samsung, and more

Mashable - 3 hours 35 min ago
The best Labor Day TV deals at a glance: Best QLED TV deal TCL 65-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV $1,397.99 (save $1,102) Get Deal Best RGB TV deal Samsung 65-inch R85H Micro RGB 4K TV $1,499.99 (save $600) Get Deal Best OLED TV deal LG 65-inch C6 OLED 4K TV $1,499.99 (save $1,200) Get Deal

Labor Day isn't just the unofficial kick off of fall and football season, it's also a great time to score tech at cheaper prices. TV deals are particularly impressive this week, with some of our favorite models of 2026 down to record lows. If you've been putting off upgrading your TV, now's a great time to take the leap.

More deals will likely pop up leading into the weekend, but with some of these models at their best prices ever, there's really no need to wait. I've rounded up the best Labor Day TV deals worth adding to your cart below.

Best QLED TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 65-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV $1,397.99 at Amazon
$2,499.99 Save $1,102.00   Get Deal Why we like it

TCL's QM8L SQD-Mini-LED TV is our favorite QLED TV for most people. Mashable's TV expert shouts out its "superb peak brightness, detailed picture quality, and fantastic glare handling" in her review. She also dubs it one of the brightest TVs you can buy, period, which is largely due to its "super quantum dot mini LEDs" (the SQD in its name). It clocks in at $2,499.99 for the 65-inch model on a normal day, but for Labor Day, it's down to a best-ever $1,397.99 at Amazon. That's 44% in savings.

Best OLED TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 65-inch C6 OLED 4K TV $1,499.99 at Amazon
$2,699.99 Save $1,200.00   Get Deal Why we like it

The LG C6 is what we'd call the "best affordable OLED TV," compared to competitors' prices, and the best OLED TV for most people. With a $1,200 discount, the 65-inch model is the same price as the 55-inch option on a normal day. It also happens to be its best price on record. The C6 features inky black levels, stark contrast, improved audio, peak brightness, and refresh rate over its predecessor, and a generally impeccable picture quality.

Best RGB TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-inch R85H Micro RGB 4K TV $1,499.99 at Best Buy
$2,099.99 Save $600.00   Get Deal Why we like it

RGB TVs were easily the biggest TV trend at CES 2026 and Samsung's R95H is easily the best RGB TV of the year. However, it's pretty dang expensive, even on sale ($2,799 for the 65-inch option). On the other hand, its more affordable sibling, the R85H, is down to a much more palatable $1,499.99 for the 65-inch version. Like the R95H, it uses individual red, green, and blue LEDs to deliver better color accuracy than non-RGB TVs. It's almost too vivid. If you're curious about RGB TVs, it's a solid entry-level option that won't require emptying your wallet.

More Labor Day TV deals50 to 55-inch TV deals65-inch TV deals75-inch TV deals80 to 85-inch TV dealsOver 85-inch TV deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Best Labor Day laptop deals to beat RAMageddon: Hand-picked deals on Apple, HP, and Dell

Mashable - 3 hours 37 min ago
The best Labor Day laptop deals at a glance: Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,699 (save $100) Get Deal Best Windows laptop deal HP OmniBook 3 16 (Snapdragon X, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $599.99 (save $550) Get Deal Best Chromebook deal Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 (MediaTek Kompanio Ultra, 12GB RAM, 256GB UFS) $579 (save $170) Get Deal

The ongoing memory crisis means higher prices for the tech we've come to depend on. Laptops have been hit especially hard by "RAMageddon," with PC makers like Dell, Lenovo, and Acer raising prices to reflect rising component costs. Even Apple marked up its MacBooks by at least $100 apiece this summer. (Gone are the days of the $599 MacBook Neo.)

The current state of the market makes shopping sales feel all the more important. Your last big chance to snag a deeply discounted laptop before Black Friday comes with this weekend's Labor Day sales. Below, we've rounded up the best Labor Day laptop deals we could find, including discounts on MacBooks, Windows laptops, and a very nice Chromebook we've tested.

Best MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,699 at Amazon and Best Buy
$1,799 Save $100   Get Deal

The 13-inch M5 MacBook Air is our favorite MacBook for college students, as it's super portable and a little cheaper than its 15-inch brother. It's a fabulous ultraportable with a crisp, colorful display, amazing speakers, and blazing-fast performance. This upgraded model, with 24GB of RAM and a terabyte of storage, should last you well past graduation. Amazon and Best Buy currently have it on sale for $1,699, or $100 off.

Heads up: If you have a valid student ID, you'll get $100 off and a free $100 gift card if you buy this MacBook directly through the Apple Store during its Back to School sale (live through Sept. 24). However, it won't ship until late September or early October. If you need it sooner, Amazon (with Prime) and Best Buy were both advertising next- or two-day shipping at the time of writing.

Read Mashable's full review of the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M5).

More MacBook dealsBest Windows laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP OmniBook 3 16 (Snapdragon X, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $599.99 at Staples
$1,149.99 Save $550   Get Deal

The OmniBook 3 16 is a slim, big-screened laptop with a mind-blowing battery life of over 40 hours per charge. It's the longest-lasting laptop we've ever tested in more than a decade of reviewing laptops. Just note that its Snapdragon X processor is best for everyday productivity tasks, not intensive app usage. This configuration with 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage (a good daily driver combo) is 48% off at Staples for Labor Day. For reference, HP's website lists the same model at $90 more.

Read Mashable's full review of the HP OmniBook 3 16.

More Windows laptop dealsBest Chromebook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 (MediaTek Kompanio Ultra, 12GB RAM, 256GB UFS) $579 at Best Buy
$749 Save $170   Get Deal

This premium Chromebook boasts an 18-hour battery life and a silky-smooth touchscreen display that can flip around 360 degrees. It makes a great MacBook Neo alternative for ultra-casual users who want a laptop that doubles as a tablet. Ahead of Labor Day, it's significantly cheaper than the Neo: Best Buy has it marked down to $579, or 23% off. That more than erases its $50 price hike from May.

Read Mashable's full review of the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514.

More Chromebook deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Best Labor Day deals on outdoor gear: We found rare deals on Coleman, Yeti, and Ninja

Mashable - 3 hours 38 min ago
Best Labor Day outdoor deals at a glance: Best power station deal Anker Solix C300 $199.99 (save $50) Shop Now Best cooler deal Ninja FrostVault $169.99 (save $30) Shop Now Best backyard deal Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights 2 $129.99 (save $60) Shop Now

Summer is winding down, but that doesn't mean the fun is ending. Now that the weather is cooling down, being outside is so much more enjoyable. There's still time for backyard barbecues, a hike, or a camping trip.

Even though we know there's still plenty of time to get outside, retail trends still think we're winding down with the outdoor activities. That means this is the perfect time to upgrade your gear with sale prices and still get plenty of use before packing it all away for winter.

If you've been thinking about getting a portable power station for camping, a camping chair for watching fall sports, or a new water bottle, consider this is a great time to be shopping. Here are some of our favorite Labor Day outdoor deals at Amazon:

Best portable power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Solix Anker Solix C300 $199.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $50   Get Deal Why we like it

Camping trips don't have to mean disconnecting, unless you want to. But if you'd rather keep in touch, a portable power station is perfect for keeping phones and other devices charged. The Anker Solix C300 comes with 288Wh and four USB-C ports. Anker mentions the capacity of the Solix C300 can recharge a phone about 19 times. Plus, the built-in light is perfect for the campground.

Best cooler deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja FrostVault $169.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $30   Get Deal Why we like it

Ninja makes some of Mashable's favorite kitchen appliances, and the FrostVault cooler has been a favorite since it launched last year. Unlike most coolers, Ninja added a dry storage drawer to the cooler, ensuring there's a dedicated space that'll keep food cool and dry. It's perfect for easy access to road trip sandwiches and snacks.

The 30-quart Ninja FrostVault is on sale on Amazon ahead of Labor Day for $169.99. With 15 pounds of ice, this size can fit 26 cans.

Best backyard deal Opens in a new window Credit: Govee Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights 2 $129.99 at Amazon
$189.99 Save $60   Get Deal Why we like it

Light up the backyard, patio, or balcony with the Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights 2. The 144-foot pack is on sale on Amazon for only $129.99 and comes with 45 bulbs. The Govee lights carry an IP65 waterproof rating, so you won't need to worry about them getting wet in fall rainstorms. Govee makes some of the best outdoor lights that are sure to impress your neighbors.

More outdoor deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Labor Day mattress and bedding sales: We found the best deals at Purple, Naturepedic, Saatva, and more

Mashable - 3 hours 39 min ago
Best Labor Day mattress deals at a glance: Best mattress deal Saatva Classic Mattress $1,579 (save $650) Get Deal Best pillow deal Casper Sleep Essential 2-Pack $78.20 (save $29.80) Get Deal

Sleep is a key component of a healthy lifestyle. It sounds like a simple thing: get into bed, close your eyes, and drift off to sleep. Unfortunately, many of us face a wide range of issues that prevent us from getting restorative sleep. A huge contributor to poor sleep is an old or uncomfortable mattress.

Even beds that come with a lifetime warranty aren't meant to last forever. If your current bed is sagging or you wake up with aches and pains that weren't there the night before, it's probably time for a new mattress. While you're at it, it's smart to refresh the bedding. A supportive pillow and breathable sheets can make a world of difference when it comes to bedtime comfort.

SEE ALSO: Hatch introduces new Sleep Clock, an alarm clock that tracks your sleep

Labor Day mattress and bedding sales are already live, and some take hundreds off bedroom essentials like mattresses, bed frames, and sheets. Check out some of our favorite Labor Day sleep deals below. And if what's keeping you awake is a snoring partner, check the Mashable guide to the best sleep earbuds.

Best mattress deal Opens in a new window Credit: Saatva Saatva Classic Mattress $1,579 at Saatva
$2,229 Save $650   Get Deal Why we like it

There's no doubt that Saatva's award-winning mattresses are comfortable. But better yet, they're extremely customizable. On Saatva's mattresses, you have a choice of mattress height (11.5 inches or 14.5 inches) and firmness level (plush soft, luxury firm, or firm).

All of Saatva's mattresses are on sale over Labor Day weekend. A queen-sized Saatva mattress usually runs you $2,229, but right now you can save $650 and grab it for just $1,579. That's over 28% off, some very sweet savings heading into the weekend.

More mattress dealsBest bedding deal Opens in a new window Credit: Casper Casper Sleep Essential 2-Pack $78.20 at Amazon
$108 Save $29.80   Get Deal Why we like it

What good does a new mattress do you without new pillows? If you need to reset where you rest your head every night, scoop up a two-pack of Casper pillows. The down-alternative pillows have a medium-soft feel and are hypoallergenic.

Normally $108, the Casper Sleep Essential pillows are down to $78.20. That saves you $29.80 on the set for 28% in savings.

More bedding deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

The 30+ best Labor Day tech deals: Laptops, TVs, headphones, and AirTags on sale

Mashable - 3 hours 41 min ago
The best Labor Day tech deals at a glance: Best Apple deal Apple AirTag (2nd Gen, 4-pack) $79.99 (save $19.01) Get Deal Best laptop deal HP OmniBook 3 16 (Snapdragon X, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $599.99 (save $550) Get Deal Best TV deal TCL 65-inch QM8L Mini-LED QLED 4K TV $1,397.99 (save $1,102) Get Deal Best headphones deal Sony WH-1000XM5 $198 (save $201.99) Get Deal Best smart home deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $19.99 (save $30) Get Deal

Labor Day sales are already live in full force. It's an especially good time to shop if you've been thinking about upgrading some older tech: For one thing, these sales offer some welcome relief from RAMageddon-related price hikes (which just keep coming, ugh). For another, they're probably your last real chance to save on big-ticket gadgets like laptops, TVs, and premium headphones until late October, when early Black Friday festivities get going.

Below, I've rounded up a big batch of the best Labor Day tech deals that I could find at Amazon, Best Buy, and beyond. That includes new record-low prices on devices from brands like Apple, Sony, and TCL, with discounts soaring as high as 60%.

Most retailers' Labor Day sales run through Labor Day proper on Monday, Sept. 7, so I'll continue to update this story into the long weekend.

Best Labor Day Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag (2nd Gen, 4-pack) $79.99 at Amazon and Walmart
$99 Save $19.01   Get Deal

Individual AirTags are marked down to $24 this week, but if you snag a four-pack on sale for $79.99, you're only paying $19.99 per tracker. (That deal is up for grabs at both Amazon and Walmart, by the way, and it's a new all-time low.) Apple updated the AirTag with a louder speaker and a bigger finding range at the beginning of the year. Mashable's Stan Schroeder called it "a useful little thing" that "saved me a lot of worrying once when my baggage got lost," rating it a 4.2/5.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirTag (2nd Gen).

AirPods dealsiPad dealsMacBook dealsMore Apple accessory dealsBest Labor Day TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 65-inch QM8L Mini-LED QLED 4K TV $1,397.99 at Amazon
$2,499.99 Save $1,102.00   Get Deal

Offering a sharp, ultra-bright picture and boasting a clean, virtually bezel-free design, this TCL display is our favorite 65-inch QLED TV for most people. It's an especially good pick for folks "who know they'll be doing a good amount of their TV watching in the daytime," wrote Leah Stodart, Mashable's former TV expert. That's you, college football fans. Its Labor Day sale price of $1,397.99 on Amazon — a 44% savings — marks its lowest price ever. That beats a rivaling deal at Best Buy by $2.

50- and 55-inch TV deals65-inch TV deals75-inch TV dealsDeals on 80-inch TVs and largerBest Labor Day headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 $198 at Amazon and Best Buy
$399.99 Save $201.99   Get Deal

The last-gen Sony XM5s are an honorable mention on our best headphones guide because they're sooo similar to the newer XM6s, and because they're frequently on sale. (The $460 XM6s really only add folding ear cups and slightly better sound out of the box.) This week, the XM5s are chilling at their lowest price yet: Amazon and Best Buy both have them listed for $198 during their Labor Day events, which is a whopping 51% off their $399.99 MSRP.

Read Mashable's full review of the Sony WH-1000XM5.

More headphone dealsBest Labor Day laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP OmniBook 3 16 (Snapdragon X, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $599.99 at Staples
$1,149.99 Save $550   Get Deal

This 16-inch PC is the best battery life laptop we've ever tested: It lasted 40 hours and 14 minutes in a video rundown test. Its portable design and large, colorful display are also highlights — it's "great for streaming movies and juggling multiple documents" on the go, to quote my review. This model with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage would make a great daily driver for folks with basic workloads (think web browsing and sending emails). It's 47% off at Staples right now; the same configuration is $90 pricier on HP's website.

Read Mashable's full review of the HP OmniBook 3 16.

More Windows laptop dealsChromebook dealsBest Labor Day smart home deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $19.99 at Amazon and Best Buy
$49.99 Save $30.00   Get Deal

A slew of Amazon's smart home devices saw price hikes last month, but fortunately, most of the lineup is on sale for Labor Day. The biggest discount is going to the Fire TV Stick 4K Select, Amazon's cheapest 4K streaming stick: It typically retails for $49.99 these days (previously $39.99), but it's currently listed for just $19.99 at Amazon and Best Buy — an impressive 60% savings. It's only $2 away from its record-low Prime Day price.

More streaming stick dealsSmart speaker and display dealsSmart thermostatsLooking for more Labor Day sales?
Categories: IT General, Technology

40+ Labor Day deals: We found limited-time deals on TVs, mattresses, Apple, and more to shop today

Mashable - 3 hours 54 min ago
Best Labor Day 2026 deals at a glance: Best Apple deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $649 (save $100) Get Deal Best TV deal TCL 65-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV $1,397.99 (save $1,102) Get Deal Best Amazon device deal Echo Show 11 $189.99 (save $60) Get Deal Best headphones deal Bose QuietComfort Ultra $329 (save $120) Get Deal Best home deal Ruggable save up to 30% sitewide Get Deal Best outdoor deal Ninja FrostVault Cooler (30 quart) $169.99 (save $30) Get Deal Best robot lawn mower deal Segway Navimow X430 Robot Lawn Mower $2,249 (save $250) Get Deal

Summer is officially coming to an end, but Labor Day is finally here. While saying goodbye to summer feels a bit sad, the cooler weather is rolling in, and we've got one final long weekend to kick back and save before fall sets in.

If you're looking for a seasonal refresh, big-box retailers are offering huge discounts across almost every category. It's the ideal time to upgrade your mattress, stock up on outdoor gear during the REI Labor Day Sale, or grab a 4K TV just in time for kickoff ahead of the NHL and NFL seasons.

We won't see discounts this big again until Black Friday, so now's the time to act — especially with tech and appliance prices continuing to climb. We're tracking the best Labor Day deals live all weekend long across Apple, TVs, mattresses, laptops, and home essentials.

Best Apple deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $649
$749 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

The Apple iPad Air with an M4 chip is something to behold. It's a step up in performance from the previous M3, and it's super lightweight and thin. It's also powerful and smart enough to handle intense programs like Final Cut Pro, making it a great option for creators and artists.

Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth reviewed the M4 iPad Air and wrote, "Artists and note-takers will definitely appreciate this one."

More Apple dealsBest mattress and bedding deals Opens in a new window Credit: DreamCloud DreamCloud Classic Hybrid Mattress (Queen) $699 at DreamCloud
$1,892 Save $1,193   Get Deal Why we like it

For Labor Day, the Queen-size DreamCloud Classic Hybrid Mattress is marked down to $699, which is up to 60% off.

It's a 12-inch hybrid that balances comfort and support, using a cooling fiber cover, an inch of pressure-relieving memory foam, and individually wrapped coils so you don't feel it every single time your partner tosses and turns. You also get a 365-night home trial and a "Forever Warranty" so you aren't stuck with it if you hate it.

If you're upgrading your whole setup, I highly recommend grabbing a base while you're at it. I actually have the Bamboo Platform Bed Frame they have on the site, and it genuinely only took me 20 minutes to put together.

Even more mattress deals Best TV deals TCL 65-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV $1,397.99 at Amazon
$2,499.99 Save $1,102.00   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

If you're hunting for the best Labor Day TV deal to carry you through football season and winter movie nights, the 65-inch TCL QM8L is down to $1,397.99 at Amazon, which is the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.

Instead of cutting corners to hit a price point, this panel delivers high-end specs: 4,000+ local dimming zones and up to 6,000 nits of peak brightness eliminate haloing, so dark scenes look black rather than washed-out gray.

You're also getting a native 144Hz refresh rate for live sports and gaming, a 7000:1 contrast ratio, built-in Audio by Bang & Olufsen, and Google TV built right in, so you aren't fighting three different remotes just to open an app.

More TV deals Best home & kitchen appliance deals Best home deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

This Samsung OLED G5 gaming monitor gets a $150 Labor Day price cut on Amazon

Mashable - 4 hours 1 min ago

TL;DR: The Samsung 27-inch Odyssey OLED G5 (G50SF) gaming monitor is on sale for $349.54 at Amazon, down from its $499.99 list price. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 27-inch Odyssey QD-OLED G5 Gaming Monitor (G50SF) $349.54 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $150.45 Get Deal

OLED gaming monitors are gradually becoming less of a drag on one's upgrade budget, with Amazon’s new Labor Day price drops making it possible to get one of Samsung’s newer Odyssey displays for under $350. 

As of Sept. 7, the Samsung 27-inch Odyssey OLED G5 (G50SF SKU) gaming monitor has dropped to $349.54 on Amazon, shaving $150.45 off its $499.99 list price for a 30% discount. In addition to Amazon selling and shipping the monitor directly, you’ll also get the retailer’s standard free 30-day refund or replacement window. 

For that price, Samsung is packing in a 27-inch 2560 x 1440 QHD screen built around QD-OLED technology, giving darker scenes the richer blacks and stronger contrast you’d expect from an OLED panel. HDR10 is also supported, and the Pantone Validated display is rated to reproduce more than 2,100 colors. 

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The G5 isn’t just improving rounds of Fortnite or sessions of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Remastered through boosts to image quality, either. The 180Hz refresh rate over DisplayPort is paired with a 0.03ms GtG response time. At the same time, NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility and AMD FreeSync help smooth out frame-rate mismatches in fast-paced games, including Counter-Strike 2.

Samsung has also fitted the monitor with its Glare Free coating, which the company says is 54% less glossy than conventional anti-reflection film. What’s more, the OLED Safeguard adds extra measures, including thermal modulation, logo and taskbar detection, and a screen saver to help reduce the risk of burn-in.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Theres currently $18 off the Stanley Quencher H2.0 tumbler in Amazons Labor Day sale

Mashable - 4 hours 5 min ago

SAVE $18: As of Sept. 7, the Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState tumbler is available for $27 at Amazon. That's a savings of $18 off the regular list price of $45.

Opens in a new window Credit: Stanley Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState tumbler $27 at Amazon
$45 Save $18   Get Deal

Labor Day might just be one day out of the calendar year, but the deals you can find in Amazon's Labor Day sale can last you literally years — maybe even a lifetime. That's what you'll get with the Stanley Quencher FlowState tumbler, a travel mug that's so well designed that it will likely become an extension of you — you'll take it everywhere.

As of Sept. 7, the Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState tumbler is priced at $27 at Amazon, a 40% discount from the regular list price of $45. That's a total saving of $18.

SEE ALSO: Purple's Labor Day sale gets you a king mattress for the price of a queen — shop now for up to $400 off

This tumbler holds a full 40 ounces of liquid and keeps your drink either hot or cold thanks to double-walled insulation. The leak-resistant FlowState lid rotates into three positions so you can set it to use the straw, drink normally, or close it over. It's also dishwasher safe and made from 90% recycled BPA.

The Labor Day sales are going strong, but we expect items to get snapped up fast. Don't miss the Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState tumbler at just $27.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

This new Excel feature saves me from digging through change history

How-To Geek - 4 hours 15 min ago

I often open an Excel spreadsheet and wonder what has changed since the last time I used it. Sometimes I've made the changes myself and simply forgotten what I did, and other times, someone else has edited the workbook. Either way, figuring out what happened can mean digging through the spreadsheet's history.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Eufys C28 robot vacuum and mop gets $300 discount in Amazons Labor Day sale

Mashable - 4 hours 31 min ago

SAVE $300: As of Sept. 7, the Eufy C28 robot vacuum and mop is discounted to $499.99 at Amazon during Labor Day sales. That's $300 off its full price of $799.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy Eufy C28 Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Mop Combo $499.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $300   Get Deal

Many retailers still have great Labor Day deals to browse, whether you're looking to save on tech or home items. In the latter category, the Eufy C28 robot vacuum and mop has received a huge $300 price cut at Amazon as part of the sale, but it might not be discounted for much longer.

As of Sept. 7, shoppers can grab the Eufy C28 for $499.99 at the retailer, down from its full price of $799.99. That's an excellent discount on a robot vacuum we love (it's currently our pick for the best budget roller mop), but considering its 'limited time deal' tag, it may not be marked down for long beyond Labor Day today. If it's caught your eye, now is the time to add it to your shopping cart.

SEE ALSO: Best Buy's Labor Day 2026 sale is live: Shop deals on Sony headphones, gaming laptops, Chromebooks

With its ability to tackle carpets and hard surfaces, the Eufy C28 is a versatile combo cleaner to have zooming around your house. It's 15,000 Pa suction, paired with a DuoSpiral brush to handle long hair and prevent tangling, and it clears crumbs, dust, and debris on your floors. It even boasts LiDAR navigation that helps it steer clear of obstacles as it cleans, so nothing can slow it down while it's on the move.

Mashable's Leah Stodart had plenty of praise for the Eufy C28's mopping capabilities as well, writing in her review that "When it comes to big spills and dried stains, the Eufy C28 is easily the most efficient robot mop in the $600 to $800 price range I've ever tested." According to the store page, it also self-cleans while mopping, with a built-in scraper that deposits dirt into a separate tank. Plus, the mop auto-lifts when it hits carpet, so there's no need to worry about them getting wet.

Don't let this Labor Day deal pass you by. Act fast to save on the Eufy C28 robot vacuum and mop at Amazon.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

Netflix announces new The Inbetweeners 3 movie with 40 second teaser

Mashable - 4 hours 35 min ago

It's been over a decade since we last saw them on our screens, but The Inbetweeners are coming back.

Netflix announced production of The Inbetweeners 3 on Monday with a 40-second teaser, showing original cast-mates Simon Bird, Joe Thomas, James Buckley, and Blake Harrison climbing into their infamous yellow Fiat, which predictably refuses to start.

Created by Iain Morris and Damon Beesley, The Inbetweeners ran for three season as a TV show from 2008 to 2010 and was followed by two movies.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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