IT General

The best Cyber Monday deals on Ninja: Creami, Crispi, and Slushi all on sale

Mashable - Mon, 12/01/2025 - 21:23
The best Cyber Monday Ninja deals at a glance Best Ninja air fryer deal Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 Portable Glass Air Fryer $143.99 plus get a free spatula and Crispi container (save $36 with code CYBER plus $48 worth of free items) Get Deal Best Ninja Creami deal Ninja Creami Scoop & Swirl 13-in-1 Ice Cream and Soft Serve Maker $251.99 (save $98 with code CYBER) Get Deal Best Ninja Slushi deal Ninja Slushi $242.99 (save $107 with code CYBER plus $50 worth of free items) Get Deal

Just about every major retailer got in on the Ninja appliance deal action for Black Friday — and not gonna lie, the deals were pretty mid. But SharkNinja's official website has swooped in with an absolutely phenomenal Black Friday sale that's extending into Cyber Monday. Not only are big-name Ninja gadgets like the Ninja Slushi, Ninja Crispi, and Ninja Luxe Café on sale at record-low prices, but SharkNinja is throwing in free gifts with some of them.

It's not just some shoddy free $15 accessory, either. From insulated margarita glasses and travel mugs to a whole Ninja blender for free, these free gifts are all between $48 and $148 in value. (Shark vacuums and Shark hair tools come with awesome free stuff too, BTW.) All this being said, as of Cyber Monday, there are fewer gifts available than we saw during Black Friday and over the weekend. However, SharkNinja is offering an extra 10% off most of their sale section if you use the code CYBER. In short, they're still beating Amazon's prices.

SEE ALSO: What time Black Friday sales start for Amazon, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and more

Though there's no question that the actual SharkNinja website is the best place to buy Ninja products on sale for Cyber Monday, there are still an overwhelming number of deals to keep track of. We've pulled out the very best Ninja Cyber Monday deals as of Dec. 1 for super easy comparison. We’ve tested most of these products, so we know when a price drop is genuinely worth your money.

Best Ninja air fryer deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 Portable Glass Air Fryer $143.99 at SharkNinja
$179.99 Save $36 Use code CYBER. Comes with a free spatula and Crispi container ($48 value). Get Deal Why we like it

It's been tricky to find a deal on the unique portable Ninja Crispi air fryer. The best we were getting was a measly $20 off (just an 11% discount) at Amazon — that is, until SharkNinja sweetened the deal by matching that sale price, and throwing in a free spatula and extra glass Crispi container for free. That's a $48 value for free, plus the $20 from the actual discount. For Cyber Monday, Amazon upped the ante by taking an additional $5 off, for a total of 15% off, but it still doesn't match the value you can find on Shark's website — especially with the Cyber Monday code taking an additional $16 off the price.

The Ninja Crispi is a Mashable fave and unlike any air fryer you've seen before. Rather than making you dump your fried food out from a basket or off of a tray, the Crispi air fries food directly in a grab-and-go glass container (just add a lid). The six-cup container is designed for personal meals (and can cook them in about seven minutes), while the four-quart container is large enough to cook a four-pound chicken and veggies in one go.

Fun bonus: The SharkNinja website has more color options than Amazon. Our favorite is Mango Clouds.

Best Ninja Creami deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Creami Scoop and Swirl ice cream amker $251.99 at SharkNinja
$349.99 Save $98 save $98 with code CYBER Get Deal Why we like it

Mashable shopping reporter Sam Mangino has tested just about every popular Ninja kitchen appliance that pops into your head. So take it from the expert when she declares the Ninja Swirl to be better and more fun than the original Creami. Even Oprah put it on the 2025 list of her favorite things.

The Swirl makes ultra-creamy yogurt-like soft serve and doesn't require re-spins like the Creami, which primarily makes more hand-scooped-like ice cream. But any seasoned sweet toother could be in the mood for either depending on the day, making this Scoop and Swirl combo deal pretty unbeatable.

Thanks to SharkNinja's Cyber Monday deal, you'll save an additional $28 than you would buying the Creami at Amazon, where it's still on sale for $279.99.

SEE ALSO: Testing the Ninja Slushi by making a frozen version of every drink I can think of More Cyber Monday deals on Ninja appliancesAt SharkNinjaAt Amazon
Categories: IT General, Technology

75+ Cyber Monday outdoor deals: Yeti, Jackery, LifeStraw still at record lows

Mashable - Mon, 12/01/2025 - 21:11
The best Cyber Monday outdoor deals still live: Best large power station deal Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 $679 (save $820 at Amazon) Get Deal Best outdoor speaker deal JBL Charge 6 $129.95 (save $70 at Amazon) Get Deal Best Yeti deal Yeti Tundra 45 $260 (save $65 at Yeti) Get Deal Best Black Friday essential deal LifeStraw Personal Water Filter $9.99 (save $9.96 at Amazon) Get Deal Best camping deal Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket $74.96 (save $24.99 at Amazon) Get Deal Best tent deal Coleman Skydome Tent (4 Person) $91.99 (save $58 at Amazon) Get Deal Best portable power station deal Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station $349 (save $100 at Amazon) Get Deal Best Bluetooth cooler deal Igloo Kool Tunes Retro Bluetooth Boombox Cooler $83.99 (save $56 at Amazon) Get Deal Best Outdoor Apparel Deal Arc'teryx Thorium Down Hoody $350.09 (save $149.91 at REI) Get Deal Best Soft Cooler Deal Yeti Hopper M Series Portable Soft Coolers $199 (save $101 at Amazon) Get Deal

Black Friday has come and gone, but the savings live on in the form of Cyber Monday sales. That means there's still time to save on everything from portable power stations and outdoor speakers to coolers and hydration essentials.

Whether you want to gear up for cold-weather adventures, stock up for spring and summer camping, or grab some holiday gifts for great prices, 'tis the season to score outdoor deals. We're tracking all of the best Black Friday outdoor deals below as we head into Cyber Monday, so check back for the latest deals.

Some popular favorites got the real deal treatment for Black Friday — like LifeStraw personal water filters, Coleman tents and camping gear, and action cameras from DJI and GoPro. Thankfully, for all you procrastinators out there, most of those deals are still live as we head into Cyber Monday. We've even spied some deals on outdoor apparel from Arc'teryx on sale.

Be sure to follow along with Mashable's coverage of every category in our Black Friday and Cyber Monday hubs.

Best Black Friday outdoor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 $679 at Amazon
$1,499 Save $820   Get Deal Why we like it

A solid mid-range power station, the small and mighty Explorer 2000 v2 is lightweight enough (under 40 pounds) to carry with you on camping trips, boating, tailgating, and other outdoor adventures. It's also equipped with 2,042Wh capacity, which makes it powerful enough to serve as a home battery backup in emergencies as well. That's enough power to keep your fridge running for over a day, heat up a meal in the microwave, and brew plenty of cups of coffee. It packs three AC outlets, one USB-A port, and two USB-C ports, as well as a built-in light and super-charge emergency mode on board for a variety of needs. It dropped to a record-low $699 for Black Friday — $800 off its $1,499 list price — and we didn't think it could get any lower. But somehow, post-Black Friday, it dropped another $20. In this case, procrastinating paid off.

Note: Amazon has deflated its list price, which sells this deal short. It's usually listed for $1,499, making it a much more impressive 55% in savings.

Best outdoor speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Charge 6 $129.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $70   Get Deal Why we like it

A quality Bluetooth speaker makes a great companion in the great outdoors and the JBL Charge 6 is our favorite. It's powerful enough to be used for an outdoor party, but still lightweight enough at just 2 pounds to tote around. It even comes with a handy removable strap for ultra portability. Plus, as its name suggests, it can charge other devices via USB-C. We don't love that it's $20 more than its predecessor at $199.95, but this Black Friday deal dropped it to a more palatable $129.95 at both Amazon and Best Buy. And thankfully, the deal is still live post-Black Friday if you missed out.

Best Black Friday cooler deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix EverFrost 2 (40 liter) $598.49 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $301.50   Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Anker Solix EverFrost 2 electric cooler.

Instead of dealing with the hassle of melting ice, upgrading your outdoor adventures with an electric cooler is one of the most convenient luxuries. The powerful Anker Solix EverFrost 2 electric cooler is easy use and transport, and you can set the temperature as a freezer or refrigerator. Not only will the cooler keep your foods perfectly chilled for days, the battery that powers up the electric cooler can also recharge your phone at the campground.

Best outdoor apparel deal Opens in a new window Credit: Arc'teryx Arc'teryx Thorium Down Hoody $350.09 at REI
$500 Save $149.91 Deal ends Dec. 1 Get Deal Why we like it

Over at REI, you can score bargains on all your favorite outdoor equipment, including gorpcore legends like Arc'teryx. The men's Thorium Down Hoody is currently 29% off, and you'll pay just over $300 for this comfy cozy hoodie. With 750-fill-power goose down inside, you'll stay warm even in the most bitter cold, and without compromising your movement. You can find even more Arc'teryx discounts at the REI Black Friday sale.

Black Friday portable power station dealsBlack Friday cooler dealsBlack Friday electric cooler dealsBlack Friday hydration dealsBlack Friday outdoor speaker dealsBlack Friday outdoor tech dealsBlack Friday backpacking dealsBlack Friday portable projector dealsMore Black Friday outdoor deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop waiting for a price drop: Why you should buy a GPU right now

How-To Geek - Mon, 12/01/2025 - 21:01

Let's face it: This wasn't the best year to buy a GPU. It's not been quite as bad as 2021, but it was still bad.

Categories: IT General, Technology

My favorite webcam light is only $49 today

How-To Geek - Mon, 12/01/2025 - 20:52

A light is the best upgrade you can make for your webcam, and the Logitech Litra Glow is a great option for all computer and desk setups. Now you can get one for $49 at Amazon as a Cyber Monday deal, which is an all-time low price for the light.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Cyber Monday kitchen deals are actually piping hot — save big on Ninja, Our Place, and Le Creuset

Mashable - Mon, 12/01/2025 - 20:45
Best Cyber Monday kitchen deals at a glance Best coffee and espresso deal Ninja Luxe Café Pro Espresso and Coffee Machine $599.95 (save $150.04) Get Deal Best countertop oven deal Our Place Wonder Oven Pro $275 (save $50) Get Deal Best frozen treat deal Ninja Creami Scoop & Swirl Ice Cream and Soft Serve Maker $279.99 (save $70) Get Deal Best composter alternative deal Mill Food Recycler (Mashable Choice winner) $799 (save $200) Get Deal Best KitchenAid deal KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer (select colors) $297.49 (save $150.04 plus an extra $52.46 at checkout) Get Deal Best kitchen cookware deal Caraway 12-piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set $446.25 (save $358.75) Get Deal Best blender deal Vitamix Propel Series 510 $299.95 (save $200) Get Deal Best air fryer deal Ninja Crispi Air Fryer (cyberspace, stone, pink, or sage green) 159.99 (save $20 plus get a free spatula and Crispi container (extra $48 value)) Get Deal Best Instant Pot deal Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker $59.99 (save $80) Get Deal Best water filter deal Culligan ZeroWater 12-cup Water Filter Pitcher $25.89 (save $11.10) Get Deal

Nothing will make you realize you need to upgrade your kitchenware more than cooking Thanksgiving dinner. If you realized your blender's motor kicked it, or your nonstick pans are flaking into the food, it'd be wise to upgrade during Cyber Monday sales.

We're seeing tons of Black Friday kitchen deals stick around throughout Cyber Weekend this year. Ninja is still the star of the now-called Cyber Monday kitchen deals, with its buzziest appliances, like the Creami, Slushi, and Crispi, all on sale. While a handful of these stellar Ninja deals are available at the likes of Amazon or Walmart, the SharkNinja website itself has proven to be a super competitive destination this season. It's been bundling high-value free gifts with appliances already on sale — take the knife set that's $150 off that comes with a free Ninja blender, for example.

SEE ALSO: The Mill food recycling bin is the easiest indoor composter alternative, and my all-time favorite appliance

If you're looking to finish out Black Friday shopping with some kitchen upgrades, these are the best deals we've spotted as of Dec. 1, including several KitchenAid, Ninja, and Nespresso gadgets that have gotten even cheaper since Black Friday.

Best coffee and espresso deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Luxe Café Pro Espresso and Coffee Machine $599.95 at Amazon
$749.99 Save $150.04   Get Deal Why we like it

While testing the best Ninja appliances, I fell totally in love with the Ninja Luxe Café Pro Espresso machine. It's a dual espresso and coffee maker that does single servings without the pods. It bridges the gap between amateur and pro at-home baristas, automating the coffee-making process so it's easy to make the perfect coffee or latte. It's a new release, but just hit its lowest price ever at $599.95, saving you $150 off its list price for 20% savings.

More coffee and espresso machine dealsBest countertop oven deal Opens in a new window Credit: Our Place Our Place Wonder Oven Pro $275 at Our Place
$325 Save $50   Get Deal Why we like it

My Our Place Wonder Oven is the hero of my kitchen, so I was thrilled to see the debut of the brand's Wonder Oven Pro. It's a bigger, multi-tasking oven that now has a digital screen for more precise cooking. It's $50 off during Our Place's Black Friday sale, bringing it down to $275, for 15% off.

Best frozen treat deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Creami Scoop & Swirl Ice Cream and Soft Serve Maker $279.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $70   Get Deal Why we like it

In Mashable's testing of the best Ninja appliances, the Ninja Creami Scoop & Swirl was the overall favorite version of the Creami. Thanks to SharkNinja's Black Friday event, the machine that will bring constant joy to your kitchen is down to a new record low price of $279.99. This appliance will give you unlimited soft serve, milkshakes, frozen yogurt, ice cream, gelato, and plenty more. What's not to love?

More Cyber Monday kitchen dealsFood recyclers and electric compost bin alternativesCountertop appliance dealsCookware and bakewareKitchen tools, water filter pitches, and more

Looking for Cyber Monday deals in more categories? See the biggest discounts at Amazon’s epic Cyber Monday sale and save up to 70% on TVs, vacuums, headphones, and more tech, plus popular gifts.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Windows 11 update made your games slower? NVIDIA might have the fix

How-To Geek - Mon, 12/01/2025 - 20:38

NVIDIA has released a critical hotfix driver, version 581.94, that fixes the severe performance drops when you run Windows 11 after the mandatory October 2025 cumulative update. Even though Microsoft hasn’t actually acknowledged the problem yet, we have a real solution.

Categories: IT General, Technology

30+ of the best Cyber Monday Pokémon deals: Savings on Mega Evolution Booster Bundle, Pokémon Legends games, and more

Mashable - Mon, 12/01/2025 - 20:27
The best Cyber Monday Pokémon deals at a glance: Best Pokémon TCG deal Mega Evolution Booster Bundle $44.99 (save $15) Get Deal Best Pokémon Game Deal Pokémon Legends: Arceus $49.99 (save $10) Get Deal Funko Pop! Moments Deluxe: Pokémon Starters $48.33 ($21.66) Get Deal Best Pokémon Squishmallows deal Squishmallows Jumbo Eevee $35.49 (save $14.5) Get Deal Best Pokémon Toy deal Pokémon Battle Figure 8 Pack $26.04 (save $10.95) Get Deal Best Pokémon Plushie Deal Pokémon Bulbasaur Sleeping Plush - 18-Inch Premium Plush in Sleeping Pose $39.99 (save $2.60) Get Deal Best Mega Pokémon deal Mega Pokémon Charmander Evolution Set with 313 Pieces (with Charmeleon & Charizard) $31.99 (save $3.64) Get Deal Best for collectors Phantasmal Flames Booster Box $254.99 (save $44.01) Get Deal

Even with Black Friday in the history books, the Pokémon deals are still going strong as of Cyber Monday, which means you can still save serious cash on Pokémon TCG, the most popular Nintendo Switch Pokémon games, Mega building sets, and all the Pokémon toys, Squishmallows, Plushies, and Funko Pops your heart desires.

SEE ALSO: 10 Cyber Monday deals better than Black Friday: Samsung's The Frame and the M4 MacBook Air

At Mashable, we've scanned through everything on offer at retailers like Amazon and dug up the ideal Pokémon deals for you live during Cyber Monday. We'll continuously update this guide to keep you informed on new deals as they drop, along with any price changes on what's already listed. Note: most Cyber Monday deals are likely to end tonight, so it's worth grabbing any deals that stand out to you.

Best Cyber Monday Pokémon TCG deal Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Mega Evolution Booster Bundle $44.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $15   Get Deal Why we like it

This is one of the most anticipated Pokémon TCG products of this year, which is now at the same price as TCGplayer, meaning this is currently at market value at Walmart (and currently sold out at Amazon).

More Pokémon TCG dealsBest Cyber Monday Pokémon game deal Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon Legends: Arceus $49.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $10   Get Deal Why we like it

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a great ride (more so on Switch 2), but Legends: Arceus kicked off the experimental mainline series that turned long-standing Pokémon game mechanics on their heads. While Arceus isn't optimized for Nintendo Switch 2, it's still such a great game. With a cheeky discount for Cyber Week thrown in, you should see what you've been missing out on.

More Pokémon game deals Pokémon Violet $45.99 at Walmart
$59.96 Save $13.97   Get Deal at Walmart Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Best Buy Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! $49.99 at Amazon
  Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Walmart Get Deal at Best Buy Best Cyber Monday Pokémon Funko Pop! deal Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company / Funko Funko Pop Moments Deluxe: Pokémon Starters - Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle $48.33 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $21.66   Get Deal Why we like it

What's better than one classic starter? Three classic Gen One starters, with an extra markdown thanks to a coupon code. Pick up a Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle for less than $50.

More Pokémon Funko Pop! deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Ceruledge Pokémon Funko Pop! $13.49 at Amazon
$14.99 Save $1.50   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Funko Pokemon Slowpoke Funko Pop! $11 at Amazon
$14.99 Save $3.99   Get Deal Best Cyber Monday Pokémon Squishmallow deal Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company / Jazwares Squishmallows Jumbo Eevee $35.49 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $14.50   Get Deal Why we like it

It's rare to see significant discounts on Squishmallows, and Pokémon is even more infamous for dodging price cuts. But there are plenty of Pokémon Jumbo Squishmallow deals still live, such as this cute Eevee. They're so soft, make perfect cuddle buddies, and work as a gift for just about anyone who loves the franchise.

More Pokémon Squishmallow deals Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company / Squishmallow Belibolt 20-inch Pokémon Squishmallow $23.60 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $26.39   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Squishmallow Chansey 14-inch Pokémon Squishmallow $14.99 at Amazon
$24.99 Save $10.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Squishmallows Squishmallows Original Pokémon 10-inch Pikachu $12.99 at Amazon
$15.99 Save $3   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Jazzwares / The Pokémon Company Torchic 20-inch Pokémon Squishmallow $42.74 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $7.25   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Squishmallows Squishmallows Pokemon 14-Inch Teddiursa $16 at Amazon
$24.99 Save $8.99 with on-page coupon Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Squishmallows Pokémon Pikachu Squishmallows Original Clip $9.99 at Amazon
$12.99 Save $3   Get Deal Best Cyber Monday Pokémon toy deal Opens in a new window Credit: Jazzwares / The Pokémon Company Pokemon Battle Figure Arcanine, Charmeleon & Cyndaquil Exclusive 3-Inch Mini Figure 2-Pack $22.99 at Amazon
$24.99 Save $2 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're wondering what would go down well for the Pokémon fan in your life, this is a safe bet that won't break the bank before the Cyber Monday sale ends. Cyndaquill, Charmeleon, and Arcanine are all fan-favorite fire-type Pokémon, and this is one of the better 3-inch figure sets I've seen.

More Pokémon toy deals Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon Battle Figure Toy Set $34.99 at Amazon
$44.99 Save $10   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon Proxy Battle Figure 10 Pack $34.99 at Amazon
$37.18 Save $2.19   Get Deal Best Cyber Monday Pokémon plushie deal Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon 5-inch Sleeping Squirtle, Charmander, Bulbasaur Starter Plush 3-Pack $34.99 at Amazon
$36.99 Save $2   Get Deal Why we like it

Sleeping Pokémon plushies are life, and these are by far some of the most popular. It's not a huge discount, but anything with the Kanto generation starter Pokémon is popular, and these are so fluffy. They're not huge either, so it's a perfect stocking filler.

More Pokémon plushie deals Pokémon Paldea First Partner Plush 3 Pack $33.56 at Amazon
Get Deal at Amazon Pokémon Charmander Select Velvet Plush $17.99 at Amazon
$18.96 Save $0.97   Get Deal at Amazon Best Cyber Monday Mega Pokémon deal Opens in a new window Credit: MEGA/Pokemon ​MEGA Pokémon Charmander Evolution Set $31.99 at Amazon
$35.66 Save $3.67   Get Deal Why we like it

The news that Pokémon is finally making the jump to Lego next year is ridiculously awesome, but there's already plenty of seriously cool Mega Pokémon sets to build. This Charmander evolution set is a good balance of price and variability in the build, with over 300 pieces and characters.

More Mega Pokémon deals Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company / Mega Pikachu MEGA Pokémon $11.49 at Amazon
$18.89 Save $7.40   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company / MEGA Water-Type Trainer Team $20.42 at Amazon
$32.39 Save $11.97 Use on-site coupon Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Pokémon MEGA Pokémon Pixel Pokeball $19.99 at Target
$24.99 Save $5   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Pokémon MEGA Pokémon Emolga and Bulbasaur's Charming Woods $8.49 at Target
$16.99 Save $8.50   Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Cyber Monday tablet deals: Apple, Amazon, Samsung, Lenovo, and more at record lows

Mashable - Mon, 12/01/2025 - 20:10
Best Cyber Monday tablet deals Best iPad deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, 128GB, WiFi) $449 (save $150) Get Deal Best Android tablet deal Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 (256GB, WiFi) $379.99 (save $170) Get Deal Best Amazon Fire tablet deal Amazon Fire Max 11 $139.99 (save $90) Get Deal

Cyber Monday is, without a doubt, one of the best times to buy tech. Prices drop on laptops, TVs, and tablets, which is perfect timing with the holidays fast approaching. If you're getting ready to buy the latter, a tablet, now is a great time. We just spent the past few months re-evaluating our guide to the best tablets, meaning these portable devices are front of mind. And most importantly, they're now on sale just in time for Cyber Monday.

SEE ALSO: Black Friday 2025: Get live updates on the latest sales, doorbusters, and deal drops

There are a lot of tablets on sale, and even better, there are more than just iPads discounted. You can find devices from Samsung, Lenovo, and Amazon all on sale for hundreds off. Plus, we're pleased to see our very favorite Android tablet is on sale, too. These are the best tablet deals for Cyber Monday.

Best Cyber Monday iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, 128GB, WiFi) $449 at Amazon
$599 Save $150   Get Deal Why we like it

Most iPads are discounted ahead of Cyber Monday, but the best deal is on the iPad Air with the M3 chip. We determined it's the best iPad for most people, with a superior processor to the basic iPad, allowing you to do any work task you'd do on a computer. But at $449, it's a fraction of the price of a laptop. It's currently $150 off of its $599 price tag, making it 25% off, one of the biggest discounts you'll find on any iPad for Cyber Monday.

More Cyber Monday iPad dealsBest Cyber Monday Android deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 (256GB, WiFi) $389.99 at Lenovo
$549.99 Save $160   Get Deal Why we like it

Perhaps my favorite discovery of 2025 is the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3, which convinced me that iPads aren't the only tablets worth buying. This small tablet is made for gaming, but it does an extremely good job at streaming in high definition and is the perfect size for travel. For Cyber Monday, it's down to $389.99, saving you $160 for a total of 29% off.

More Cyber Monday Android dealsBest Cyber Monday Fire tablet deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire Max 11 $139.99 at Best Buy
$229.99 Save $90   Get Deal Why we like it

Having tested my way through the latest tablets, I won't lie, Amazon Fire tablets are not my favorite. I think they fall behind the crowd in terms of processing power, plus Amazon's app store pales in comparison to Apple's or Google's. That being said, if you want a cheap tablet, look at the Amazon Fire tablet. There are bigger discounts to be had on Amazon's tablets, but I think the best tablet to shop from Amazon is the Fire Max 11, which offers the best speed and processing.

More Cyber Monday Fire tablet deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Who actually uses Facebook Dating? I signed up to find out.

Mashable - Mon, 12/01/2025 - 20:10

Facebook Dating, Meta's dating service that launched in 2019, apparently boasts a whopping 21.5 million daily active users as of November, a spokesperson told Mashable. On top of that, the U.S. leads the pack with the most daily active users and a surprisingly large 1.77 million of those between the ages of 18 and 29, which suggests the platform is becoming pretty popular among the cool kids.

However, these numbers prompted a major eyebrow raise from me. Who are these people? Anecdotally, no one in my social circle of Gen Z and Zillennials has ever touched Facebook Dating, which is an extension of the existing Facebook app. When I told a few friends I planned to try it, I was met with dramatic eye rolls. Sure, some of that reaction tracks with my history of serial dating and app reviewing, but still, given this reaction, is Facebook Dating really that popular among young adults?

SEE ALSO: Meta adds AI 'dating assistant' to Facebook Dating

Tinder has 50 million users who use it every month, according to its Newsroom, while Hinge has around 15 million, the CEO of Match Group — which owns Tinder, Hinge, and a slew of other apps — shared on LinkedIn. While daily active users and monthly active users are different metrics, Facebook Dating's numbers suggest that it stands among these titans. So, as any journalist would, I made an account to see what the hype was about, and the results were honestly surprising in a "I can't believe I spent my week on this" kind of way.

The Facebook Dating experience

First, the pros. Facebook Dating is not a standalone app. It's part of the Facebook app alongside other popular services like Marketplace and Reels. That makes it incredibly easy to create an account since you're already logged in, similar to how Meta launched Threads as an extension of Instagram.

Like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge, it also mirrors many of the same profile-building features. When setting up your profile, you can add a bio, answer prompts, select music that matches your vibe, and fill in your religious beliefs, work experience, education, and more. The most interesting tool is an AI-generated bio based on the info you've entered. I tested it, and it gave me: "Chicago transplant, gym rat, and trivia buff seeking a partner in crime." Honestly, not the worst bio I've ever had.

Why yes, that is me falling down a sand dune while visiting White Sands. Credit: Screenshot: Facebook / Chance Townsend

The standout feature of Facebook Dating is that there's no monetization of the experience at all. All filters are free to use, although there is a daily swipe limit of approximately 70-80 likes, and once you hit it, you have to wait until the next day to swipe again. It also helps that Meta's "family of apps" (Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp) generated over $162 billion in revenue in 2024, so perhaps there's no need to monetize these features like other apps do when the venture capital runs out. (Meta didn't respond to Mashable's request for comment before publication time.)

Curious about the 18 to 29 claim, I set my age range to that bracket within 0 to 5 miles of my area, which is a dense hub of several universities and thus a lot of young adults. Yet, my queue leans heavily toward the older end of the twenties rather than the younger. In fact, it's pretty slim pickings if you're 18 to 23 on the app (in my area, at least). As a 27-year-old man edging closer to 30, I'm not looking to date anyone younger than 24, anyway, but I was surprised given Facebook Dating's user stats.

Now, the cons. Facebook Dating offers dating preferences that you can set in your profile, including making them hard preferences, similar to Hinge. But they don't work.

Credit: Screenshot: Facebook / Chance Townsend

Even with my dating preferences set to prioritize profiles within 10 miles of me and an age range of 24 to 100, it's not uncommon to see potential matches who live nowhere near Chicago. I've seen profiles from Colombia, Quebec, deep in Georgia, and even a few hundred miles away in Wisconsin. In fact, while writing this sentence, I opened the app and my suggested match lives in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin — 130 miles from me. I'm unsure whether that's a glitchy app issue that struggles to find exact matches for me or simply a lack of active users.

There are users on Facebook Dating, and if you're over 40, it seems like the place to be. Between combing through Reddit threads and scrolling through the numerous profiles the app served up, it's pretty clear that the 35+ crowd shows up far more often than anyone in the 18 to 29 bracket. At the very least, those profiles popped up in my suggested matches much more consistently.

And statistically, it tracks. More than 57 percent of Facebook's entire user base is 35 or older as of June 2025, according to Statista, so it's no surprise that this demographic will also dominate the dating side. But based on the stats Meta sent Mashable earlier, being known as the go-to spot for over-40s doesn't seem to be the vibe the company is aiming for.

More annoyingly (and super embarrassingly), I received zero matches or likes in the almost two weeks I've had a profile open on Facebook Dating. I'm not exactly blaming the app for that, but as a somewhat average-looking 20-something (to be humble), I at least got matches on Raya. So maybe it's a case of effort in, effort out, since my profile is just the standard six photos and my AI bio, along with the usual fillers like work, education, and religious beliefs.

All in all, it was a very uneventful experience. From my experience with Facebook Dating, as someone in the target age range of 18 to 29, this was not the dating app for me. It's a great place for older online daters, which, you know, is good for them. That makes me happy, but glitchy filters do not. Guess I'll see what's happening on Feeld.

Categories: IT General, Technology

4 genuinely good Netflix movies to watch this week (December 1 - 7)

How-To Geek - Mon, 12/01/2025 - 20:00

It's the final month of the year, and one that is perfect for watching movies. No matter how you choose to watch—perhaps on your phone while commuting or on your TV in the evening—Netflix is a good streaming service thanks to its wide selection of old and new hits.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Gift Lab

Mashable - Mon, 12/01/2025 - 19:45
Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple is adding new products to its obsolete list

Mashable - Mon, 12/01/2025 - 19:37

Legacy Apple owners, your time is now. The Cupertino tech giant has quietly tossed more of its aging gadgets onto the Obsolete List. This time around, the original iPhone SE has officially joined the "trash bin," alongside a handful of 2nd-gen iPad Pros, the Nike and Hermès variants of the Apple Watch Series 4, and the Beats Pill 2.0.

The iPhone SE was Apple’s first true budget phone. Launched in 2016 alongside the iPhone 7, the SE arrived with a bargain-bin (by today’s standards) price tag of $399. To be fair, even the iPhone 7 debuted at just $679, a number that feels almost mythical now compared to the current price of an iPhone 17.

SEE ALSO: The best Cyber Monday Apple Watch deals: Record-low prices are live on top models

The SE represented Apple’s compromise for fans who didn’t want to shell out for the increasingly pricey flagship models and who preferred the compact size of older phones. Borrowing the design of the iPhone 5, it sported a 4-inch display, a Touch ID home button, and that classic aluminum-and-glass frame with chamfered edges. Under the hood, it packed the A9 chip from the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.

Fast-forward nearly a decade, and the SE line is effectively discontinued. After the third-gen SE was released in 2022, the lineup disappeared until the introduction of the iPhone 16E in February 2025.

As a reminder, Apple labels products as "obsolete" seven years after they are no longer sold. That’s why only the Nike and Hermès editions of the Apple Watch Series 4 made the cut this round; the standard Series 4 is on the Vintage list — reserved for products that haven’t been sold for at least five years.

Categories: IT General, Technology

6 ways to repurpose an old iPhone

How-To Geek - Mon, 12/01/2025 - 19:30

If you have an older iPhone lying around your house collecting dust, you may be sitting on a (digital) gold mine. Even if you moved on to the latest iPhone model, a spare phone can come in handy in unexpected ways.Any old, functioning device can be used in many different ways, so before you give up on your spare iPhone, here are a few ways in which you can repurpose it that don't involve passing it along to somebody else.

Categories: IT General, Technology

My futuristic Xreal AR glasses are now $170 off for Cyber Monday at Amazon

Mashable - Mon, 12/01/2025 - 19:30

I've been procrastinating on writing a review of the Xreal One Pro AR Glasses because I'm very ambivalent about them. But there's no denying a simple fact: These high-tech smart glasses absolutely make me feel like I'm living in the future.

As Mashable's tech editor, I get to test products like this as part of my job. I honestly don't know that I'd pay $769 — their usual price — or even $599 for these smart glasses, but if you're an early adopter who's itching to try all things AR/VR, then this is your chance to grab them on sale.

Today, you can buy the Xreal One Pro AR Glasses for $170 off their usual price, part of Amazon's Cyber Monday sale.

Opens in a new window Credit: Xreal Xreal One Pro AR Glasses $599 at Amazon
$769 Save $170   Get Deal What I like about the Xreal One Pro smart glasses

I also appreciate the fact that Xreal isn't trying to disconnect you from the real world and immerse you in some type of metaverse. So, rather than virtual reality, these smart glasses fall firmly in the augmented reality category. The Xreal One Pro connect to your laptop, PC, or tablet and project an extra monitor into the air around you.

The author wearing the Xreal One Pro glasses as he writes this article. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable SEE ALSO: I tried XREAL's new One Pro AR glasses at CES

This can be extraordinarily useful. As a manager, I often need to keep one eye on Slack and email in case one of my reporters is dealing with an urgent problem. When I can't be at my desk, with its two-screen setup, or at the Mashable office, where I can spread out my tabs across three screens, my MacBook's single, solitary screen is extremely limiting.

When I put on the Xreal glasses, I can fix my Slack or email directly above or to the side of my laptop. While I work, I just need to glance up, and I can instantly see all my messages. There's something undeniably futuristic about the effect, even if the glasses are giving major Arnold Schwarzenegger in Terminator 2: Judgement Day vibes.

The virtual display is surprisingly sharp and lifelike, though the fact that you have to remain tethered to your device by USB-C cable obviously isn't ideal. I expect future generations of AR glasses to solve this problem, but we're not there yet.

Again, I have mixed feelings about these glasses. Personally, I preferred the experience of the Apple Vision Pro, but until Apple brings the price down by about $3,000, this is a much better entry point to AR for most people.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The legendary Paprika recipe app is up to 50% off right now

How-To Geek - Mon, 12/01/2025 - 19:26

We’ve never had more recipes at our fingertips, but when it’s time actually to cook something, it can still feel overwhelming. There is a better way to organize every recipe you love, and for a few days, the best app for the job is on sale. It’s time to buy Paprika.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Is Kim Kardashian Neuralinks next ambassador? The internet thinks so.

Mashable - Mon, 12/01/2025 - 19:24

The Kardashians' reality TV show — which was rebooted in 2022 and is already on its seventh season — has documented a lot of personal moments for the powerful Hollywood family. Several marriages, divorces, and births were recorded for millions to watch at home, along with a harrowing overdose, and even an armed robbery.

In a recent episode, however, the program broke new ground, revealing that Kim Kardashian, the wealthiest of the bunch, has holes in her brain.

SEE ALSO: 'Rage bait' named word of the year

Speaking to celebrity psychologist Dr. Daniel Amen, the billionaire learned that initial scans showed "low activity" in parts of her brain, pointing out what he described as holes in her frontal lobe that could be caused by chronic stress. Kardashian, who plays a lawyer in new Hulu show All's Fair, has famously been attempting to pass the California Bar exam, and was recently diagnosed with a small brain aneurysm. She reported feeling excessive sleepiness to Amen.

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Kardashian, later calling her brain beautiful, was incredulous at the news: "I got to get on a plan to really figure this out because I have shit to do this summer." In the lead up to the Nov. 27 episode, Kardashian had encouraged fans to tune in out of concern for her health, telling them via an appearance on Good Morning America that "everything works out."

Kardashian has promoted wellness products and preventative health practices for years, including non-FDA approved drugs, cognitive nootropic supplements, stem cell treatments, and controversial full- body MRI scans.

But this time, fans and onlookers didn't think the brain scan was an introduction to a new consumer product or Kardashian business venture. They theorized something more nefarious — and futuristic — was going on.

"Kim Kardashian is about to attempt to sell us at the most sinister end of the spectrum brain chips/neuralink at the least sinister some sort of ashwaganda gummy. All this 'i’m so stupid my brain don’t work good me can’t pass no bar' is a rollout i can’t be fooled," wrote one X user.

"My money is on her using this to set the stage for getting a NeuroLink [sic], telling everyone how much better she is, and then immediately passing the bar to 'prove' it works," wrote another.

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Neuralink is the brainchild (pun intended) of fellow billionaire and co-founder Elon Musk, which publicly launched in 2017 and published its first research in 2023. The company has committed to ushering in a new era of super intelligence based on implantable brain–computer interfaces (BCIs). In 2024, Musk said that the company had "successfully" implanted a chip into the brain of a human subject — the beginning of long-rumored human trials that began with 29-year-old Noland Arbaugh. In a June update from the company, Neuralink's co-founders said they were trialing a "consensual telepathy tool" that would let people trade information in the blink of an eye and another that could restore partial vision in people who are blind.

There are other brain chip companies trialing the tech, too, like the U.S.-based Synchron and Blackrock Neurotech, and research projects, such as BrainGate housed at Brown University. Regulators like the FDA have been hesitant to approve chip tests, while a growing number of individuals and neuroscience companies have made a pitch that implantable computer chips are the future of medicine.

What better way to speed up adoption, suggests the internet, than getting one of the wealthiest celebrities alive to try it first?

In addition to the suggested profit motives, several users suspected that Kardashian's brain activity could be an un-admitted side effect of long COVID. They suggested that rather than admit to the still-unknown repercussions of the mass disabling event and invest in evidence-backed science, she may be veering in a more experimental direction, like some other celebrities and politicians have done. "We don’t need another billionaire vanity project," wrote one such user. "We need someone with 'F-you money' who’s willing to burn their old script, walk away from the nonsense, and actually help humanity."

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Categories: IT General, Technology

Does Amazon do a Cyber Monday sale? Everything to know about the 2025 shopping event.

Mashable - Mon, 12/01/2025 - 19:24

Although Black Friday gets most of the attention as far as shopping holidays go, Cyber Monday is definitely still alive and well. The National Retail Federation coined the term 20 years ago when in-store shopping and online shopping were very separate things. The lines have become a bit blurry between the two in 2025, but technically, there are still two separate events that fall back-to-back on the calendar — and you bet Amazon is taking full advantage of both.

Here's what you need to know about Amazon's Cyber Monday sale in 2025.

Best Amazon Cyber Monday deals at a glance Best headphones deal Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones $248 (save $151.99 + get a free $30 Amazon credit with checkout code SONYX30) Get Deal Best Kindle deal Amazon Kindle $79.99 (save $40) Get Deal Best kitchen deal Ninja Creami Scoop & Swirl $237.99 (save $112) Get Deal Best TV deal TCL 75-Inch Class QM6K Series TV $697.99 (save $302) Get Deal Best Apple deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $738.04 (save $260.96 — delayed delivery) Get Deal Best earbuds deal Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 $199.95 (save $49.05) Get Deal Best Lego deal Lego Classic Vibrant Creative Brick Box $41.99 (save $18 + get up to 60% off admission to Legoland) Get Deal Best reading deal Kindle Unlimited (3-month membership) $0.99 (save $34.98) Get Deal Best portable power station deal Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 $349 (save $350) Get Deal Best stocking stuffer deal Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp Bundle $22.11 (save $5.88) Get Deal When is Cyber Monday 2025?

Cyber Monday always falls on the Monday following Thanksgiving and Black Friday. In 2025, it falls fairly late on the calendar. With Thanksgiving slated for Thursday, Nov. 27, and Black Friday on Friday, Nov. 28, Cyber Monday is officially happening on Monday, Dec. 1, this year. Of course, many sales will already be live ahead of the official start date.

Does Amazon do Cyber Monday sales?

Amazon would never pass up an opportunity to dish out deals to consumers. This year, Amazon's Cyber Monday sale officially kicked off on Nov. 29 —two days early — and runs through Dec. 1. It essentially picked up right where Black Friday left off.

What kind of deals will there be on Amazon for Cyber Monday? Get your shopping list ready. Credit: Amazon

Like Black Friday, Amazon is featuring "millions of deals across popular categories" during its Cyber Monday sale. Those include everything from kitchen appliances and Apple gadgets to headphones and Amazon devices. Holiday essentials are also seeing significant discounts, with up to 50% off artificial Christmas trees, seasonal decor, and select electronics.

Mashable's shopping team is tracking all of the best deals at Amazon on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Check out our official Cyber Monday shopping hub.

Is Black Friday or Cyber Monday better on Amazon?

With Cyber Week lines blurred beyond recognition, many deals will cross over from Black Friday to Cyber Monday. Of course, there are always some exceptions. We tend to see steeper and more widespread TV discounts for Black Friday. They're also more likely to sell out before the calendar flips to Cyber Monday. Meanwhile, we recommend waiting until Cyber Monday if you're shopping for a laptop or PC. We've seen better computer deals pop up in the latter half of Cyber Week in years prior.

A good rule of thumb to ensure you're getting a great deal on either shopping holiday is to check camelcamelcamel — Mashable's favorite shopping tool — for price history details from Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This Shark is the best-selling robot vacuum on Amazon, and its 58% off for Cyber Monday

Mashable - Mon, 12/01/2025 - 19:22

SAVE 58%: The Shark AI Ultra Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum is currently 58% off at Amazon for Cyber Monday. You can pick up this robovac for just $249.99, a $350 discount from its usual retail price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark AI Ultra Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum $249.99 at Shark
$599.99 Save $350   Get Deal

We've tried out a slew of robot vacuums over the years, and virtually all of them go on sale during the holiday shopping season. This Cyber Monday is no different. The Roomba by iRobot may be seen as the king of the robo-vacuum industry, but that might change soon. With that in mind, now may be the best time to try out a Shark vacuum — and their best-selling model is currently at a new low price.

Amazon currently has the Shark AI Ultra Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum on sale for only $249.99. That's 58% off the $599.99 listing price and $50 cheaper than the previous record-low price of $300.

We've always had good experiences with Shark's robot vacuums, and with more than 38,000 reviews, this specific model is currently the top-selling robot vacuum on Amazon.

Despite the low price, this cleaning machine features both self-emptying and LiDAR navigation. This particular model also has Shark's signature "Matrix" cleaning mode, which is basically just a fancy way of saying spot cleaning. As Mashable's Leah Stodart found, using the Matrix cleaning feature allows users to set a specific zone for a one-time clean in the Shark app just by dragging a square in the spot cleaning tab. After that, the Shark robot vacuum will go over that spot multiple times from different angles to make sure the job gets done.

Shockingly, this obvious feature is sorely lacking in other brands' robovacs, even in more advanced models that cost far more.

Again, you can grab the Shark AI Ultra with Matrix Cleaning Mode for $249.99 at Amazon on this Cyber Monday.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The 3 best Cyber Monday smartwatch deals worth shopping

Mashable - Mon, 12/01/2025 - 19:19
The best Cyber Monday smartwatch deals at a glance: Garmin vívoactive 5 $184.99 (save $115) Get Deal Apple Watch Series 11 $329 (save $70) Get Deal Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 $249.99 (save $100) Get Deal

Cyber Monday — aka the final boss of Cyber Week — has arrived, and with it, plenty of deals that either match or surprisingly beat Black Friday. If you're eyeing a smartwatch, 'tis the season to grab one for its lowest price possible.

All seven watches in our list of the best smartwatches of 2025 are on sale for some noteworthy prices. The Apple Watch Series 11 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 hit new record lows, while several others are chilling at prices that match previous all-time lows. We love the Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro's $79 sale price, as well as the Fitbit Charge 6's sub-$100 price tag, but both have dropped to those prices in the past. Another honorable mention is the Google Pixel Watch 4 on sale for $300 (save $50). This is its first price drop ever.

We've been tracking deals on smartwatches for weeks and hand-picked the top three we think are worth adding to your cart on Cyber Monday. Be sure to follow along with all of our expert deal picks in Mashable's Cyber Monday hub.

The best Cyber Monday smartwatch deals Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin vívoactive 5 $184.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $115   Get Deal Why we like it

Though it was recently replaced by the vívoactive 6, the Garmin vívoactive 5 is still a fantastic smartwatch. It's a perfect all-rounder, as it tracks everything from long runs and rides to sleep, stress, and body battery. It's also a vast improvement over the vívoactive 4, has a bright and responsive AMOLED display, and boasts 11 days of battery power (Apple could literally never). "With a gorgeous display, long battery life, and bountiful health insights, the Garmin Vivoactive 5 is an excellent wellness-focused smartwatch," our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) wrote in their review. As a Garmin fangirl myself, I already snagged this deal as a gift. It's not only the best price to date on this smartwatch, but it's also $65 cheaper than the newer generation (which is also on sale for Cyber Monday).

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 $249.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

The eighth-generation Galaxy Watch is the first smartwatch with Google Gemini — even beating the Pixel Watch 4 to the punch. It features a squircle design and is lighter and more comfortable than previous models. It's also highly customizable and offers an advanced array of health, fitness, and sleep tracking features. Unless you already have a Watch 7, Mashable's reviewer Adam Doud thinks it's worth the upgrade for Android users. Typically priced at $349.99, it's down to $249.99 at Amazon, Best Buy, and Samsung's own website — its lowest price since launch.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 $299 at Amazon
$399 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

Of course, no smartwatch list is complete without an Apple Watch. For Cyber Monday, the Series 11 has dropped to a new all-time low price of $329. That actually beats its Black Friday price at Best Buy and Amazon by $10. The newest Apple Watch isn't much different than its predecessor — shocker, right? "It looks the same, performs similarly, and has almost the same functionality (with a few exclusive additions)," writes Mashable's reviewer Stan Schroeder. The biggest improvement over the Series 10 is the battery life, which now extends to a full day instead of 18 hours. That could still be a whole lot better, in my humble opinion, but any improvement is welcome in that department.

Shop all the best smartwatch deals in Amazon's Cyber Monday sale.

Categories: IT General, Technology

One mans online campaign to save a Hollywood icon

Mashable - Mon, 12/01/2025 - 19:09

Most Americans seen the Cinerama Dome. Since opening in 1963, the Hollywood movie theater hosted dazzling film premieres and black-tie galas, its striking geodesic shape expertly framing celebrities and red carpets. The theater — designed by Pierre Cabrol of Welton Becket’s esteemed architectural firm — has also had cameos in legendary films, like Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

Since the Dome and an adjoining multiplex shut down five years ago during the COVID shutdown, its absence has been a sore spot for Hollywood, both the industry and the LA neighborhood. The Dome, with its enormous screen that wrapped around audiences, was one of the nation’s most profitable movie theaters, regularly attracting crowds to Sunset Boulevard for dinner and drinks. It was Hollywood’s gathering place and, five years after shutting its doors, the streets and businesses around the once-storied theater are more blighted and forlorn.

For Ben Steinberg, the Dome always provided a reason to take the trek from the San Fernando Valley to Hollywood. Catching a movie at the Dome wasn’t just something to do though, it helped spark his love for film. When the theater closed, he launched an online petition that generated tens of thousands of signatures and began the X account @SaveArclight and the Insta @SaveArclightCinemas2.

The LA-based college student remained hopeful as news trickled out about an imminent reopening for the Dome, but proposed dates in news articles came and went. Then, turning to some DIY journalism, Steinberg began contacting the theater’s owner for updates, photographing the blighted Dome facade, and speaking to the scant workers at the theater site. It became clear to Steinberg that the Dome was languishing. He blasted out that news via his social media accounts, which generated more local outrage and media attention.

Then, last month, a sign of hope. The owners filed an alcohol permit for the Dome and the adjacent multiplex: The permit would “allow for the continued sale and dispensing of a full line of alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption in conjunction with the existing Cinerama Dome Theater, 14 auditoriums within the Arclight Cinemas Theater Complex, and restaurant/cafe with two outdoor dining terraces from 7:00 am - 4:00 am, daily.” While a reopening date has not been announced, the permit is the biggest indication yet that movement is happening. We talked to Steinberg about his online pressure campaign and the idea that one person can really bring about change.

What's the story of the Dome?

The Dome opened in 1963 and it's the last remaining Cinerama Dome [structure] that hasn't been demolished. It hosted the premiere of It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World and it was a top spot for premieres in Hollywood from 1963 up until 2020.

Who built it?

It was built by a famous architect, Walton Becket, it was part of his firm. [The firm] designed some other historic buildings in Los Angeles, too (e.g., the Capitol Records Tower and the Beverly Hilton hotel).

What's your history with the Dome?

My first time there was when they were doing a revival screening of 2001: A Space Odyssey, before Interstellar was released in 2014. I was just a big fan of the Arclight chain (which operated next to the Dome). I would go to the Dome a lot, at least once a week. There used to be an Amoeba Records next door, an Urban Outfitters complex with restaurants, CNN used to have its field office there. [In the Dome's lobby] they would have little costume exhibits from the studios when movies came out.

SEE ALSO: Robin Williams' daughter hates your deepfakes — and Hollywood's AI obsession How did you get involved in its reopening?

When I found out it was closing, within the first 20 minutes, I created a petition to save the Cinerama Dome. At the time, I didn't know the whole context and then, slowly through the last four or five years, I learned how Decurion (the owner) isn't selling the property but isn't planning on reopening it anytime soon. They don't issue press releases or communicate to the press, they deactivated their website, they're very mysterious.

The closure of the Dome was a local Hollywood frustration, but your efforts galvanized a huge swath of L.A. and the entertainment industry as a whole.

It was amazing to get 30,000 signatures on the petition and then getting different celebrities to share the post. I received some media attention [for the petition] — 1) when [the Dome] closed down and then 2) a few months ago when I spoke to the property manager and he said they had no plans to reopen.

How did you get the celebrities involved?

It was through Instagram and Twitter and then I posted a letter I wrote to Decurion and I just contacted 100 PR people, just emailing them. The main ones were from Instagram and Twitter, like [filmmakers] Sean Baker and Edgar Wright; they supported us. Alma Har'el, she directed Honey Boy, responded and supported [the effort]. It was sent to Steven Spielberg, but I didn't get a response, which was strange, because he saved the theater in 1997 when they were going to demolish it.

Do you have a background in marketing?

No, I'm a filmmaker, a student filmmaker, still in college.

You just kind of figured out how to reach people.

I know Decurion wanted to keep [the closure] a secret and they didn't want to have anyone talking about it, so I did the opposite.

Were you surprised at its success?

I was surprised at how quickly [the effort] went viral and to see how many followers the Twitter and Instagram accounts have — and I know Decurion follows my accounts.

Posting under the moniker of Save the Dome probably helped too, right?

That helped and also the fact that no media outlets wanted to report on Decurion and how they owned other properties. I was the only person who posted about it. The Dome was supposed to [re]open in '23, then it got delayed to '24, then Deadline said it was going to open at the end of June of this year. Then I spoke to the property manager and he said, "We have no plans to reopen it."

Your community activism certainly filled a void left by the closure of many local media outlets. Did you give that thought during the campaign?

Yeah, for sure. I feel like I didn't create the accounts, people would just forget about the Dome and 10 years later when it's still abandoned or demolished, people will think, Why didn't we do anything?

Categories: IT General, Technology
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