IT General

Tons of Black Friday streaming deals end soon. Dont miss offers from Hulu, Peacock, Max, and Prime Video.

Mashable - Sun, 12/01/2024 - 03:42

UPDATE: Nov. 30, 2024, 1:45 p.m. EST This story has been updated with a deal on an annual Walmart+ membership, which comes with a free Paramount+ Essential subscription (a $59.99/year value), among other perks — including early access to the big-box store's Cyber Monday offers. We've also added a new FAQ about when most Black Friday streaming deals will end.

Last-chance Black Friday streaming deals at a glance: BEST OVERALL Hulu and Disney+ (both with ads) $2.99/month for one year (save $96) Get Deal BEST HULU DEAL Hulu with ads $0.99/month for one year (save $108) Get Deal Best Hulu add-on Starz on Hulu 99 cents/month for one year (save $120) Get Deal BEST PEACOCK DEAL Peacock Premium $1.99/month for six months of $19.99/year with codes REALDEALMONTHLY or REALDEAL (save up to $60) Get Deal BEST MAX DEAL Max With Ads $2.99/month for six months (save $42) Get Deal BEST PRIME VIDEO ADD-ON Paramount+ with Showtime (Prime Video add-on) $2.99 per month for two months (save $20) Get Deal BEST FOR HORROR FANS AMC+ Ad-Free (Prime Video add-on) $2.25 per month for two months (save $13.48) Get Deal BEST FOR NEW THEATRICAL RELEASES MGM+ (Prime Video add-on) $1.75 per month for two months (save $10.48) Get Deal BEST FOR CHRISTMAS ADDICTS Hallmark+ (Prime Video add-on) $2 per month for two months (save $11.98) Get Deal Best for frequent online shoppers Walmart+ (includes free Paramount+ Essential subscription) $49/year (Save $49) Get Deal

'Tis the season for streaming. Black Friday is one of the best times (if not the best time) to sign up for streaming services, as you can typically score some serious savings on monthly membership fees. In years past, we've seen Hulu offer 99-cent subscriptions and Max offer six months of streaming for $2.99 per month. And we're pleased to report that those deals have been resurrected in 2024.

With streaming prices skyrocketing over the past year, we're actually a bit surprised at how impressive some of these Black Friday deals are — we suggest you lock in before prices go up again. If you're looking for a way to cut back on streaming costs, now's a great time to take advantage of a majorly discounted subscription. Just note that these deals are limited to new and returning subscribers only — as in, you once subscribed to Max, but cancelled your subscription months back.

And though Black Friday may be over, these subscriptions will persist just a little bit longer. (Most are live through Dec. 2.) Make sure to snatch them up before the deals vanish. If any other streaming deals surface, we'll be sure to update this with the latest and greatest ones. For now, here are all the best Black Friday streaming deals that are still live.

Note: All newly added or updated deals have been marked with a ✨, while struck-through deals were expired at the time of writing.

Best Black Friday streaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu / Disney+ Disney+ (with ads) and Hulu (with ads) $2.99/month for one year (save $96) Get Deal Why we like it

Not only did Mashable's streaming reporter Christina Buff call this the best streaming deal of Black Friday. She also said it's her pick for the best streaming deal of the year. When you sign up for Hulu and Disney+ together (the ad-supported versions), you can save $96 on the regular price. Normally $10.99 per month, you can pay just $2.99 for both of these streaming heavy-hitters.

Best Black Friday Hulu deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu with ads monthly subscription $0.99/month for one year (save $108) Get Deal Why we like it

Hulu remains the top dog when it comes to Black Friday deals. For the second year in a row, the streamer is offering an entire year of Hulu with ads for just $0.99 per month. That's less than $12 total for an entire year of streaming. It's a bit surprising, honestly, as Hulu upped the cost of its basic plan just last month from $7.99 per month to $9.99 per month. In other words, the savings this year is even more impressive — 90% or $108 in total over 12 months. That's just ... insane. You can sign up at this sale price through Dec 2.

Hulu is the streaming home for three of our favorite shows of 2023, The Bear, Abbott Elementary, and Reservation Dogs, as well as our top favorite show of 2024, Shōgun. It's also where you'll find episodes of ABC shows the day after they air, like Dancing with the Stars, and Neon movies fresh out of the theaters, like Cuckoo (coming Dec. 17).

Best Peacock streaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium $1.99/month for six months or $19.99/year (save up to $60) with codes REALDEALMONTHLY or REALDEAL Get Deal Why we like it

Peacock drops one of the best streaming deals year after year during Black Friday season. And because of the streamer's price hike back in July, this year's deal is even better. Through Dec. 2, new and returning Peacock subscribers can score a year of ad-supported Peacock Premium for either $1.99/month for six months (reg. $7.99/month) or $19.99 for an entire year (reg. $79.99/year) using the codes REALDEALMONTHLY or REALDEAL, respectively. That's 75% in savings.

Peacock is home to classic TV hits like The Office and New Girl, Peacock Originals like Poker Face and Love Island USA, new theatrical releases from Universal like Abigail, The Fall Guy, and Twisters, as well as live sports, reality TV on Bravo, and more. At just $20 for the whole year, it's going to be a hard deal to beat this Black Friday.

Best Max streaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max With Ads $2.99/month for six months (save $42) Get Deal Why we like it

Max has resurrected its exact Black Friday deal from last year, but that doesn't make us love it any less. If you're a new or returning HBO Max subscriber, you can score six months of the streamer's plan with ads for just $2.99 per month (instead of $9.99 per month) until Dec. 2. That saves you $42 total.

The Warner Bros. Discovery-owned streaming service is home to not only Warner Bros. films, but also new A24 theatrical releases. That means you have an insane array of hit films at your fingertips, including Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Civil War, Love Lies Bleeding, Dune, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, Barbie, Elvis, The Iron Claw, and more. Max also offers its own original series that are definitely worth watching, like True Detective, The Last of Us, and Station Eleven, as well as the B/R Sports add-on for a limited time.

Best Prime Video add-on deal Opens in a new window Credit: Prime Video / Paramount+ Paramount+ with Showtime (Prime Video add-on) $2.99 per month for two months (save $10 per month) Get Deal Why we like it

Typically $12.99 per month, you can score Paramount+ with Showtime for just $2.99 per month for your first two months as a Prime Video add-on. That saves you $20 total and gets you unlimited, ad-free access to the entire Paramount+ catalog, plus Showtime originals and movies (like Yellowjackets and The Curse), live TV with CBS, and college football.

Paramount+ is home to NFL on CBS, UEFA Champions League matches, CBS originals like Ghosts, Survivor, and Big Brother, old Nickelodeon and MTV shows, and Paramount's latest theatrical releases like A Quiet Place: Day One and Smile 2 (coming soon). For just under $6, you can binge a whole lot of stuff over the next two months. After the promo period, the cost will jump back up to $12.99 per month, so be sure to cancel before that if you want to avoid charges. If you're not a Prime member, Paramount+ is also offering the same deal on their standalone streaming service.

More Black Friday streaming deals Featured Video For You 5 best Black Friday products to shop
Categories: IT General, Technology

I love the Kobo Libra Colour, and its on sale for Black Friday

Mashable - Sun, 12/01/2024 - 03:37

This year, I've tested my way through the most popular e-readers. Amazon dropped a new line-up of Kindles just after Prime Big Deals Days in October, so I loaded my library into a new batch of devices, basking in the new devices' speed and high-contrast display. However, no matter how many Kindles I test, I'm always thinking about the Kobo Libra Colour. It's now $20 off for Black Friday — a rare deal.

Opens in a new window Credit: Rakuten Kobo Libra Colour $199.99 at Rakuten
$219.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

The Kobo Libra has perfected the e-reader design. The seven-inch screen comes with both adjustable brightness and warmth, which I loved as an evening reader, not wanting to burn my eyes with blue light. If you're an annotator, it's stylus compatible, helping you highlight passages or even journal on the Kobo. Not to mention it's waterproof, for beachside reading.

Read and write in color with the Kobo Libra. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

But even better, the Kobo comes with page-turning buttons. While the screen is perfectly responsive to swipes, the buttons let you read one-handed. And unlike Kindles, the Kobo rotates the screen so you can read and write in landscape or portrait.

Plus, the Kobo Libra offers color displays, ideal if you want to highlight or write in different colors. However, I enjoyed it for reading graphic novels on the Kobo. And while Amazon now offers a color e-reader, it will cost you about $60 more than the Kobo at full price.

It's not without its faults, Amazon still has the upper hand on palm rejection and processing speed, but if you're looking to escape Amazon's grip on the e-reader market, Rakuten's e-reader provides a worthy alternative. Kobo's e-readers are rarely on sale, but this Black Friday, you can find it for $20 off, bringing it under $200. For $199.99, enjoy the Kobo Libra Colour, a great e-reader with no Amazon affiliation.

Opens in a new window Credit: Rakuten Kobo Libra Colour $199.99 at Rakuten
$219.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Black Friday Apple deals in 2024 — deep price cuts are still live

Mashable - Sun, 12/01/2024 - 03:29
The best Black Friday Apple deals at a glance: Best AirPods deal Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) $154 at Amazon (save $95) Get Deal Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $849 at Best Buy (save $250) Get Deal Best iPad deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M2, WiFi, 128GB) $499 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal Best Apple Watch deal Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm, GPS) $329 at Amazon (save $70) Get Deal

Black Friday may be "officially" over, but we're keeping a close eye on all the Apple deals and updating this page hourly with the best prices through Cyber Monday (Dec. 2).

Because if you think Apple doesn't show up with good deals during Black Friday season, think again.

It's true that if you're shopping straight from the Apple Store, you're limited to its usual gift card promo. From Nov. 29 through Dec. 2, Apple is giving out gift cards worth up to $200 with the purchase of select iPhones, MacBooks, AirPods, and more. Yawn.

The real savings are happening at other retailers. Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart are offering historic prices on the most coveted Apple products during their holiday sales.

SEE ALSO: The best Black Friday deals at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and Walmart

Skeptical about Black Friday deals on Apple products? We get it. Retailers sometimes use the "Black Friday" label on mediocre deals. But we track Apple prices year-round, and only legit price drops earn a spot in this guide.

Case in point: Amazon's Black Friday Week sale delivered a new all-time low price on the M3 MacBook Air, which now comes with 16GB of memory. (It's also $5 cheaper at Amazon than it is at Best Buy.) You can also buy the AirPods Pro at the record-low price of $154 at Amazon, Target, and Walmart, which beats out their old Prime Day record by nearly $15.

As we enter Black Friday weekend, we're already seeing some of the most popular Black Friday Apple deals sell out. The $89 AirPods 2? Gone. The M3 MacBook Air? Back-ordered at Amazon and going fast. So, if you see something you like on sale, grab it before someone else does!

Note: All newly added or updated deals have been marked with a ✨, while struck-through deals were either sold out or expired at the time of writing.

Best Black Friday AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) $154.00 at Amazon, Target, and Walmart
$249.00 Save $95.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirPods Pro 2.

Whether you're a frequent flyer or simply someone who loves noise-canceling headphones, we're betting you'll be a fan of the AirPods Pro. (If you're reading this far, let's assume you're not an Android user.) The latest version of the Pro earbuds has consistently been at a record low of $153.99. (Update: These buds may be priced at $154 for some shoppers, a whole penny more.) For comparison's sake, they've only hit $168.99 a handful of times prior to this price drop. Good on Amazon, Target, and Walmart for going all-in on a Black Friday deal this great.

Strangely, they're also $11 cheaper than the new AirPods 4 with ANC, which are supposed to be a more budget-friendly alternative to the Pros. (Yes, the AirPods 4 are also on sale.) Alongside top-notch ANC, you'll get six hours of battery life per charge, balanced sound, and of course, a seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem, making these earbuds some of our favorite headphones, period.

More AirPods dealsBest Black Friday iMac or MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M2, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $849.00 at Best Buy
$1,099.00 Save $250.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the M3 Apple MacBook Air.

A few weeks ago, the M3 MacBook Air got a quiet RAM upgrade without a price hike. That makes this new record-low price on the base configuration with 256GB of storage an even sweeter deal. (What's more, it's now a sub-$100 bump from the older, also-on-sale M2 version.) For reference, this is our favorite MacBook for most people in 2024: It's fast enough to handle light creative work, its keyboard and speakers are both fantastic, and it can support two external displays — so long as you close its lid first.

Update: Select colors of the M3 MacBook Air are now back-ordered at Amazon, with most models not set to deliver until after Christmas. For that reason, we recommend grabbing it on sale at Best Buy — for $5 more.

More MacBook and Mac deals

MacBook Air (13-inch)

MacBook Air (15-inch)

MacBook Pro

Mac

iMac & Apple Studio Displays

Best Black Friday iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M2, WiFi, 128GB) $499.00 at Amazon
$599.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the M2 Apple iPad Air.

The iPad Air is just one dollar away from its lowest price ever. This Apple tablet is our favorite model for most people thanks to its versatility: It works just as well for artists as it does for students. The M2 chipset makes it a more viable laptop replacement than other tablets while costing you a few hundred dollars less than a supercharged iPad Pro.

SEE ALSO: The best iPads for reading, working, and streaming More iPad deals

iPad

iPad Air

iPad mini

iPad Pro

Best Black Friday Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm, GPS) $329.00 at Amazon and Best Buy
$399.00 Save $70.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple Watch Series 10.

Thanks to Amazon and Best Buy, the Apple Watch Series 10 is officially down to a new record-low price for the third time this month. (This time around, it's at $329, as compared to last week's $349.) Apple's latest flagship smartwatch has a thinner and lighter design than previous models, plus a larger display that has a built-in speaker. It supports new health and fitness features like sleep apnea alerts and water temperature/depth sensing, though its faster charging was the biggest plus in our reviewer's eyes.

More Apple Watch deals

Series 10

SE

Ultra

More Black Friday Apple deals
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Save when you buy more: Get $5 off Amazon Echo devices when you buy two

Mashable - Sun, 12/01/2024 - 02:25

BUY TWO, GET $5 OFF: Amazon Echo devices were already down to their lowest price ever during Black Friday. But now when you buy two, get $5 off.

Buy two, get $5 on these Echo devices Best Echo Pop deal Amazon Echo Pop $17.99 (Save $22) Get Deal Best Echo Show deal Amazon Echo Show 5 $44.99 at Amazon (Save $45) Get Deal Best Echo Spot deal Amazon Echo Spot $44.99 (Save $35) Get Deal

Black Friday brought an impressive line-up of deals at Amazon. The retailer put its flagship devices like Kindles and Echos on sale for record low prices. While Amazon has officially tossed Black Friday to the wayside to make room for Cyber Monday, they aren't letting up on the good prices. In fact, the deals on Amazon Echo devices just got sweeter.

Now when you buy two or more select Echo devices, you'll get $5 off. This deal does come with some stipulations. It's available on three models, the Echo Pop, Show 5, and Spot, and you can't mix and match. This deal is only applicable when you purchase two of the same device. To take advantage of the savings, make sure to click the 'redeem' button on the product page before heading to check out.

Echo devices are one of our favorite ways to upgrade to a smarter home. Not only do they make great speakers, but they can help set routines, whether that be automatically adjusting your smart thermostat in the morning or evening, or turning on the lights right before you come home.

And even if you don't need an Echo in every room, buying in bulk might just help you check a few people off your holiday shopping list at once.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Buy two Echo Pops, get $5 off $17.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $22.00 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Black Friday Amazon Echo deals still live in 2024

Mashable - Sun, 12/01/2024 - 01:45

SAVE UP TO 55%: Amazon's Black Friday sale is still live, and so are the deals on Amazon Echo devices. While single devices are up to 55% off, save even more when purchasing two Echo devices together.

Best Echo Device Deals Best Echo deal Amazon Echo Pop 🔥 $17.99 at Amazon (Save $22) Get Deal Best Echo Show deal Amazon Echo Show 5 $44.99 at Amazon (Save $45) Get Deal Best Echo alarm clock deal Amazon Echo Spot 🔥 $44.99 at Amazon (Save $35) Get Deal Best Echo Kids deal Amazon Echo Pop Kids 🔥 $22.99 at Amazon (Save $27) Get Deal

If you're looking to make your home a little smarter, now's the time to shop Amazon's Echo devices. Black Friday brought a flurry of deals that are still here as we get ready for Cyber Monday.

Echos are some of the easiest (and most affordable) ways to upgrade your smart home. They help you do everything from playing music to setting daily lighting routines. Just one month ago, we were tracking deals during Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days and saw the lowest price ever on Echo Devices.

Plus, if you need to stock up on Echos, Amazon is offering extra savings on select Echo devices. When you purchase two of the same device, you'll receive $5 off your purchase. Just hit the 'Redeem' button on the product page before adding the items to your cart, and the discount will be automatically applied. This deal is available on the Amazon Echo Pop, Spot, and Show 5.

Here are the best deals on Amazon Echo Devices to shop this Black Friday.

Note: All newly added or updated deals have been marked with a ✨, while struck-through deals were either sold out or expired at the time of writing. Any deal marked with a 🔥has dropped to a record-low price. 

Best Echo device deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Pop 🔥 $17.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $22.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Amazon Echo device line-up is sprawling. You can find everything from a multitasking smart speaker to a touchscreen smart home hub. The absolute best deal on Echo devices right now is the Amazon Echo Pop. This small but mighty device has a quality speaker and built-in assistant, so you can play music just by calling out to Alexa.

Currently, it's down to $17.99 — its lowest price ever. That knocks 55% off the regular price for $22 in savings. While we expect this price to hang around through Black Friday weekend, you can rest assured you're getting it at a great deal when you buy now.

More Amazon Echo deals
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The best Kindle book deals still live after Black Friday

Mashable - Sun, 12/01/2024 - 00:35

SAVE UP TO 93%: As Black Friday winds down, you can still shop Kindle books for up to 93% off. Find new 2024 releases like Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe on sale for just $1.99.

Best Kindle Book Deals Best fiction deal "Margo's Got Money Troubles" by Rufi Thorpe $1.99 at Amazon (Save $13) Get Deal Best non-fiction deal "You Could Make This Place Beautiful" by Maggie Smith $2.99 at Amazon (Save $17) Get Deal Best YA deal "Legendborn" by Tracy Deonn $1.99 at Amazon (Save $12) Get Deal Best cookbook deal "Mary Barry's Complete Cookbook" by Mary Berry $2.99 at Amazon (Save $37.01) Get Deal Best Kindle device deal Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $154.99 at Amazon Get Deal

If you have an endless appetite for books (guilty), then you know reading can be an expensive hobby. That's true whether you're a fiend for hardcovers or dedicated to the e-reader life. Luckily, platforms like Libby and Kindle Unlimited can save you a pretty penny on all the latest arrivals. However, if you want to read exactly what you want and not wait around for your library holds to come through, it pays to splurge on an e-book.

Whether you need to escape your family or are headed on a holiday vacation, the best Kindle is a fully stocked Kindle. Now that Black Friday is wrapping up and we're getting ready for Cyber Monday, you can stock your library with new bestsellers starting at just $0.99. We've found fiction and non-fiction books marked down by 93% at the Kindle store.

So, to find your next read, here are the best Black Friday deals on Kindle books. (And, yes, Kindles are on sale, too.)

Do you need a Kindle to read Kindle books?

Not necessarily, though we do have to say, Kindles are totally worth it. Your Kindle purchases may not work on other e-readers, but that doesn't mean you have to have a Kindle. Using the Kindle app, you can read your e-books on tablets and smartphones, too. The Kindle app gives you flexibility so you don't need to spend a hundred dollars on an e-reader.

The Kindle app is available on iOS and Android devices so you can start reading on your existing smartphone, tablet, or laptop. And if you want a Kindle, Amazon recently marked down nearly all of the new Kindles. You can find savings of up to 23% on the top-tier Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, which is down to $154.99; the new 2024 Kindle is available for just $84.99.

Best fiction deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon "Margo's Got Money Troubles" by Rufi Thorpe $1.99 at Amazon
$14.99 Save $13.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Margo's Got Money Troubles is equal parts hilarious and heartwarming. After a short-lived affair with her professor, Margo Millet finds herself 20, pregnant and alone, while navigating financial woos and upcoming motherhood. Rufi Thorpe's novel is a 2024 hit with an Apple TV+ series already in development, starring the likes of Elle Fanning, Nicole Kidman, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Nick Offerman.

This acclaimed novel is just $1.99 ahead of Cyber Monday. That knocks $13 off the price for 87% savings.

More fiction dealsBest non-fiction deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon "You Could Make This Place Beautiful" by Maggie Smith $2.99 at Amazon
$19.99 Save $17.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Poet Maggie Smith rose to internet fame with her poem Good Bones, but her 2023 memoir tells the story of marriage and motherhood. Told through both poetry and prose, Smith explores the end of her marriage in You Could Make This Place Beautiful. Full of reflections on the expectations of gender roles and power dynamics, it's a moving, powerful read that you can find for just $2.99, bringing it down to $17 for 85% off.

More non-fiction deals
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Wild: A 75-inch Hisense QLED TV is under $500 for Black Friday

Mashable - Sun, 12/01/2024 - 00:15

SAVE $250: As of Nov. 30, you can get a Hisense 75-inch QLED TV for $449.99. That's 36% off the original price or $250 off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 75-inch QLED TV $449.99 at Best Buy
$699.99 Save $250.00 Get Deal

Want a lot of TV for a mid-range budget? The time to act is now, because the Best Buy Black Friday sale currently has a Hisense 75-inch QLED TV for under $500.

Traditionally, QLED TVs are not cheap. And 75-inchers generally aren’t either. This deal is so good you could buy two or three of these Hisense TVs for the price of an equivalent TV from a different brand. For example, the next best deal on 75-inch QLEDs we found is running for $999 — roughly twice the price.

SEE ALSO: Samsung's Black Friday deals are still live — save over $1,000 on TVs, tablets, phones, and more

This smart TV has built-in apps preloaded on the home screen that make it simple to get set up and get streaming. For those tired of using a remote to cycle through programs, it comes with Google Assistant built-in, so you can interact with your television with voice commands.

Delivering a 60Hz refresh rate, the Hisense is also a good pick for gaming. Hook up a game console and dive into the action.

Note: Shipping may not be available for all zip codes. Check that it's available for you before adding to your cart.

Categories: IT General, Technology

PowerPoint Isn't Just for Business Presentations: 4 Other Real-World Uses

How-To Geek - Sun, 12/01/2024 - 00:00

Although best known for professional presentations in the workplace, PowerPoint is incredibly versatile and can be used in many different contexts. In this guide, I'll show you other ways to make the most of Microsoft's slideshow program.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to Lock or Hide an App on Android

How-To Geek - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 23:31

If you want to keep certain apps out of the reach of other people, you can lock or hide those apps on your Android phone. I’ll show you how to use your phone’s built-in features as well as third-party apps to do that.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 1

Mashable - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 23:25

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

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

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

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

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

Tweet may have been deleted

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

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

Tweet may have been deleted

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for December 1 Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow: Snow day activities

  • Green: Certain irons

  • Blue: Guarded net games

  • Purple: Chumbawumba not included

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow: Winter Sports

  • Green: Golf Wedges

  • Blue: Sports with a Goalie

  • Purple: Things that Get Knocked Down

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #68 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

  • Winter Sports - BOBSELD, CURLING, SKIING, SNOWBOARDING

  • Golf Wedges - GAP, LOB, PITCHING, SAND

  • Sports with a Goalie - HOCKEY, LACROSSE, SOCCER, WATER POLO

  • Things that Get Knocked Down - BOXER, PIN, PYLON, SHOT

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

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

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

Save $10 on Astro Bot with this interstellar Black Friday deal

Mashable - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 23:15

GET $10 OFF: As of Nov. 30, Astro Bot for PlayStation 5 is $49.99, down from $59.99, at Best Buy’s Black Friday sale. Order now and get $10 off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Playstation 'Astro Bot' $49.99 at Best Buy
$59.99 Save $10.00 for PlayStation 5 Get Deal

The game we called “instantly one of the best PS5 games,” might be brand new, but it's already a modern PlayStation classic — and it's on sale today.

On sale for the first time for Black Friday weekend, you can now get Astro Bot from Best Buy for $49.99 and save $10 (that sounds like a holiday gift checked off the list to us).

SEE ALSO: The best Black Friday gaming deals still live — get a 1TB Xbox Series X $50 off

Playing as a cute interstellar robot, you’ll hop through tight platforming adventures that are deeply referential to classic PlayStation games of past eras. Traverse bright, poppy worlds that sparkle with fun while dodging alien critters. As you navigate the game, you’ll save cute robots that are obvious nods to classic PlayStation games like Yakuza and Persona 4. These friends then return to your hub, where you can enjoy hanging with old school PlayStation stars.

We likened Astro Bot to Super Mario Galaxy for its flawless fun and family appeal. Rated E for everyone, Astro Bot is deeply kid safe.The game makes a fantastic gift for children, yet is fun and referential enough to absorb experienced adult PlayStation fans who will get a kick out of rescuing characters from old favorites.

Shop now and get Astro Bot for $49.99 and save $10 on the newly coronated PlayStation classic that's up for Game of the Year. This deal is a Black Friday exclusive and likely won't stick around.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to Use a Website as Your Mac's Desktop Wallpaper

How-To Geek - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 23:00

Plash is a free macOS app that allows you to take any web page and use it as your wallpaper, effectively pinning it behind all other open windows and applications. Let's explore how to use it and why it's a worthy addition to your app arsenal.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Grab Black Friday gift card deals and save on everything from streaming services to groceries

Mashable - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 22:55

UPDATE: Nov. 30, 2024, 4:42 p.m. EST This post has been updated with the latest gift card deals available from Amazon.

The best Black Friday gift card deals at a glance: BEST OVERALL DoorDash $100 gift card $85 (save $15) Get Deal ANOTHER GREAT DEAL Instacart $100 gift card $85 (save $15) Get Deal BEST RESTAURANT GIFT CARD Chipotle $100 gift card $85 (save $15) Get Deal BEST GIFT CARD DEAL FOR KIDS Roblox gift card Save 15% on Roblox gift cards with Target Circle Get Deal

Gift cards aren't exactly the most personal way of showing someone how much you care, but they're definitely more practical. At least you know they'll be used. We can't say the same about that personalized sweater you knit years prior.

Black Friday is usually a great time to find gift cards for just about anything for a steal. In years past, we've seen deals on rideshare services, streaming subscriptions, grocery delivery, travel, and more, and Black Friday definitely brought the heat, with picks from DoorDash, Lyft, and Instacart. As we continue toward Cyber Monday, you can still find most of these gift card deals at Amazon and Best Buy, but we'll be keeping our eyes peeled for any more that pop up as Cyber Week continues.

Note: All newly added or updated deals have been marked with a ✨, while struck-through deals were either sold out or expired at the time of writing.

Best Black Friday gift card deal Opens in a new window Credit: DoorDash DoorDash $100 gift card $85.00 at Best Buy
$100.00 Save $15.00 Get Deal Why we like it

With a $100 DoorDash gift card, you can give someone in your life plenty of meals from local restaurants delivered to their doorstep. Better yet, you'll only have to pay $85 for it at Best Buy (and they'll never have to know!). The deal is valid on both physical and digital gift cards, depending on your preference. The physical gift card will be shipped to you within a few days, while the digital deal will be emailed to you immediately after purchase with details on redemption. Beyond just food delivery, you'll be giving the gift of extra time for people to enjoy the people and things they love.

The next best Black Friday gift card deal Opens in a new window Credit: Instacart Instacart $100 gift card $85.00 at Amazon
$100.00 Save $15.00 Get Deal Why we like it

These days, there might be no better gift to a loved one, or yourself, than slightly cheaper groceries delivered directly to your door. With the holiday season in full swing, it's especially nice to give the option of a home-cooked meal, or just restocking the essentials, without having to brave the grocery store, especially because eating out can add up (even if you grab that sweet DoorDash deal).

More gift card deals Featured Video For You 5 best Black Friday products to shop
Categories: IT General, Technology

Black Friday Kindle deals are still going strong

Mashable - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 22:50
The best Black Friday Kindle deals at a glance: Best Kindle deal Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $154.99 (Save $45) Get Deal Best budget Kindle deal Amazon Kindle $84.99 (Save $25) Get Deal Best Kindle Kids deal Amazon Kindle Kids $94.99 (Save $35) Get Deal Best Kindle bundle deal Amazon Kindle Scribe Essentials Bundle $479.97 (Save $60) Get Deal

Black Friday proper may be gone, but deals still abound (and probably will through Cyber Monday, at least) — and Black Friday Kindle deals are no exception.

Amazon has a knack for launching new devices around Prime Day, so it was no surprise when they dropped a new batch of Kindles post-October Prime Day. We've tested our way through most of the latest models, and they're improving upon already great tech for the fastest, brightest Kindles yet. Our favorite is the Kindle Paperwhite, and yes, it's on sale.

Because these items are so new, we weren't expecting to see amazing discounts, but Black Friday 2024 proved us wrong. Early on we saw Kindle bundles go on sale, but now, single devices are marked down up to 27% off.

Here are the best Kindle deals to shop on Black Friday. We'll be tracking prices throughout Cyber weekend, so if any new Kindle deals pop up, you'll find them here.

Best Kindle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $154.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $45.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The new batch of 2024 Kindles are the fastest yet, turning pages quickly and with less delay when switching between books in your library. The Kindle Paperwhite and Signature Edition both have bright, high-contrast screens, so you can read in any environment. While I prefer the Kindle Paperwhite over the Signature Edition most of the time, right now you can't beat the SE's Black Friday price.

The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is 23% off, bringing it down to $154.99. That's some big savings ($45 to be exact) on a device that's usually $200. You get everything you love in the Paperwhite, lightweight and waterproof design, with the added benefits of double the storage, wireless charging, and auto-adjusting brightness.

More Kindle dealsBest Kindle bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Scribe Essentials Bundle $479.97 at Amazon
$539.97 Save $60.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Among the new Kindles is a redesigned Scribe, which comes in classic black or a flashy metallic jade and won't be officially available until Dec. 4. The new Scribe's screen got a makeover with added white borders to give it a more notebook-like feel. If the new model is anything like the current one, I'm excited to see what it offers.

If you're an annotator, the Kindle Scribe is the e-reader for you. The matte screen feels like writing on paper, and includes a notebook section so you can take notes in addition to annotating your e-books. Personally, I like writing with the Kindle Scribe far more than I do with an iPad and Apple Pencil.

This deal gives you a little extra off ahead of the Scribe's December release. The Essentials Bundle comes with the device, premium pen, folio-style case, and power adapter — everything you need to get started. Normally $539.97, you can find the bundle for $479.97, saving you $60 for 11% off.

Not sold on the Scribe (or its price)? There are other Black Friday bundle deals to explore.

Kindle bundle deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Bluesky is cracking down on parody accounts and impersonators

Mashable - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 22:48

Bluesky Social is having a moment, but that new influx of users is creating an impersonation problem. Thus, the decentralized platform is rolling out a "more aggressive" policy on parody accounts that aren’t clearly labeled.

SEE ALSO: Bluesky has growing pains. Here's what it can learn from X/Twitter

In a thread on the platform's safety account, Bluesky stated, "Parody, satire, or fan accounts are allowed on Bluesky, but they must clearly label themselves in both the display name and bio to help others know the account isn't official."

Additionally, the platform is cracking down on "identity churning," where accounts create impersonation profiles to gain followers and then rebrand themselves entirely.

The changes to Bluesky’s terms of service aren’t without reason. In his newsletter Faked Up, Alexios Mantzarlis, director of the Security Trust and Safety Initiative at Cornell Tech, noted that "44 percent of the top 100 most-followed accounts on Bluesky had at least one doppelganger."

Bluesky's unconventional approach to verification has become a fertile ground for copycats, especially as celebrities and political figures migrate over. Without a traditional verification process, users must "self-verify" with custom domain names. This manual process requires access by adding a string of text to the DNS record associated with the domain. For instance, major accounts like the New York Times use their own domains, such as @nytimes.com, instead of the default @person.bsky.social.

This has created a new problem of "handle squatting" as outlets that do switch to custom names often have to squat on their old accounts to prevent impersonators from taking them.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Proton VPN vs NordVPN: Will Nord Carry the Day?

How-To Geek - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 22:30

If you’re looking over shopping for a VPN, you’ll quickly come across two of the biggest names in the business, Proton VPN and NordVPN. In this article, I’ll compare the two and see which will be the better fit for you.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Best Travel Mice of 2024

How-To Geek - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 22:15

When you're on the go, whether on vacation or as part of your job, having a proper travel mouse can make the trip much more comfortable. Let's take a look at the best travel mouse and see what works for you!

Categories: IT General, Technology

Dash to get Sonic X Shadow Generations for 40% off during Black Friday weekend

Mashable - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 22:06

GET $20 OFF: As of Nov. 30, you can get Sonic X Shadow Generations for just $29.99, down from $49.99. That's 40% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sega 'Sonic X Shadow Generations' $29.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

The most devious hedgehog out there is going head-to-head with Sonic for the leading role in the newest Sonic game.

Get Sonic X Shadow Generations for $29.99 at Amazon on Black Friday-weekend and save $20. The new game is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch.

Sonic X Shadow Generations is stealing all the rings. We loved this remaster and reboot of 2011’s Sonic Generations. The new edition brings the best of the previous game to the table and adds a whole new segment with the addition of Shadow content, with new levels and powers.

SEE ALSO: The best Black Friday gaming deals still live — get a 1TB Xbox Series X $50 off

Interweaving the plot of Sonic Generations with a gritty Shadow plot, both heroes zoom through a jumbled timeline to prevent doom. While the plot intermingles old and new Sonic, the mechanics do the same. Levels ported from Sonic Generations are playable in 2D, while Shadow’s levels include a blend of 2D and 3D elements with tight jumps and fast speeds.

If you’re into thrilling, high speed platformers, Sonic is arguably the pinnacle of the genre. Sonic X Shadow Generations serves up some of the best content the franchise has seen in years.

The game just dropped in October, so we don’t expect to see it on sale for $29.99 again anytime soon. Get Sonic X Shadow Generations for 40% off before Cyber Monday ends and save $20.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Black Friday subscription deals — save on streaming, Audible, and more

Mashable - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 21:28
The best Black Friday subscription deals at a glance Best streaming deal Hulu (with ads) $0.99/month for one year Get Deal Best streaming bundle deal Hulu and Disney+ (both with ads) $2.99/month Get Deal Best education deal MasterClass Premium subscription $10/month Get Deal Best meditation deal Headspace $34.99/year Get Deal Best Audible deal Audible $0.99/month for three months + $20 credit Get Deal

Not to be morose, but when the holidays are over and the winter doldrums begin, you're going to want a strong roster of indoor activities.

Subscriptions can keep you busy — whether you opt for a new-to-you streaming service or an online education platform like MasterClass. This year, there are plenty of great deals out there for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, including top-notch pricing on fan faves like Hulu and Audible. It's going to be the most exciting January ever!

We'll update this article as prices change and more deals become available. For more savings, check out our giant (like, really giant) list of the best Black Friday deals.

The best Black Friday streaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu with ads (monthly subscription) $0.99/month for one year Get Deal Why we like it

If you don't mind ads, this deal is pretty wild: 12 months of Hulu for a mere 99 cents per month. That's less than $12 per year for access to hits like The Bear, Only Murders in the Building, Abbott Elementary, and Shōgun — our pick for the best TV show of the year. The movie offerings on Hulu aren't half bad, either: Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Die Hard, Alien, and more.

You can also opt for a yearlong Hulu and Disney+ bundle (both with ads) for $2.99 per month. Both deals are available until December 2.

More Black Friday streaming dealsThe best Black Friday subscription deal (non-streaming) Opens in a new window Credit: MasterClass MasterClass annual subscription 50% off Get Deal Why we like it

MasterClass has quite a roster of expert instructors. We're talking TV writing from Shonda Rhimes, style from Tan France, singing from Christina Aguilera, and more. For Black Friday and Cyber Monday, all of the platform's subscription tiers are 50% off, which means you'll pay between $5 and $10 per month instead of $10 and $20. The Premium plan has the most bells and whistles — you can download classes for offline viewing and use up to six devices on the same account.

More Black Friday subscription deals (non-streaming)
Categories: IT General, Technology

The cheapest gaming laptop of Black Friday is only on sale till midnight

Mashable - Sat, 11/30/2024 - 21:25

SAVE $350: As of Nov. 30, you can still get the HP Victus gaming laptop (AMD Ryzen 5-7535HS, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) for just $429.99 — but this 46% off Black Friday doorbuster deal goes away at midnight.

Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP Victus gaming laptop (AMD Ryzen 5-7535HS, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $429.99 at Best Buy
$799.99 Save $370.00 Get Deal

The cheapest gaming laptop of Black Friday is quite the laurel, but the HP Victus has that title comfortably in the bag. Luckily for you, this Ryzen-toting machine isn’t just cheap — it’s also a beast. 

Act fast: the HP Victus AMD Ryzen 5-7535HS 8GB DDR5 Memory 512GB SSD Gaming has been on sale for a couple of weeks at Best Buy, but the sale ends at midnight tonight, Nov. 30. Don’t wait, get this gaming laptop for $429.99, down from $799.99, and save $350. 

SEE ALSO: The best Black Friday gaming laptop deals in 2024 — these deals are still live

Sporting an AMD Radeon RX 6550M graphics card with a Ryzen processor and 8GB of RAM, this laptop runs contemporary AAA titles at HD. Powerful enough for photo editing, the Victus will double as a productivity machine.

The Victus’ screen is in lockstep with its graphics processor and is capable of pumping out a seamless frame rate up to 144Hz. This keeps you competitive in online play, where the twitchiest player often takes the medal. Backlit keys keep you locked in even for late night hack n’ slash sessions. The included three months of Game Pass give you a chance to try out a huge selection of games.

Don’t wait, this HP Victus gaming laptop (AMD Ryzen 5-7535HS, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) deal is one of the best deals of Black Friday week, and it goes away tonight.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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