IT General

A treat for readers: The new Kindle Colorsoft is available today

Mashable - Wed, 10/30/2024 - 15:45

As of today, Oct. 30, the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition is available at Amazon. Pre-orders for the latest Kindle model opened earlier in October, but today marks the first day of Amazon shipping out the new devices.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition (32GB) at Amazon
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Instead of waiting until tomorrow for a sweet Halloween treat, readers are in luck at Amazon because the brand new Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition is available to order. This marks the first Kindle that comes with a color display.

With a metallic black shell, the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition brings a color display to browsing book covers, reading manga, magazines, browsing travel guides, or fun illustrated kids' books. The 7-inch display uses high contrast while still being easy on the eyes, aiming to give an experience similar to reading a physical book.

Another feature unique to the Kindle Colorsoft is the ability to highlight text in yellow, orange, blue, and pink. Your book club titles or textbooks for school can now be highlighted with a color-coded system to help keep you organized.

Like many other Kindle models, the Colorsoft uses a glare-free display and it's waterproof so no worries if you take it along to the pool or a relaxing bath. Amazon says readers should expect to get about eight weeks of battery life with each charge.

The Kindle Colorsoft comes with 32GB of storage and it's priced at $279.99, which makes it more expensive than the Mashable top Kindle recommendation, the Kindle Paperwhite, which costs $159.99. However, you'll use color with the Paperwhite model and it's only available with 16GB of storage.

Bring color back to your books thanks to the Kindle Colorsoft which is officially available for order at Amazon as of today.

Categories: IT General, Technology

M4 Max briefly leaked on Apple’s website — what it tells us about the MacBook Pro

Mashable - Wed, 10/30/2024 - 15:05

Apple is announcing a bunch of Mac devices this week — and some of it may have just leaked early.

As spotted by developer Charlie Joseph on X (formerly Twitter), an image asset for the M4 Max chip was briefly on Apple's website before being taken down. Given that there is no M4 Max chip yet (at least, not at the time of writing), that's a pretty big leak. With everyone expecting new MacBook Pros to get announced this week, it seems reasonable to assume there will be a model with an M4 Max chip in it.

SEE ALSO: Apple's new Mac mini has a power button in the most unusual place

Of course, it's impossible to say what that will look like on a practical level right now. The M4 Max could provide big boosts to battery efficiency, overall performance, and maybe even gaming performance if Apple felt like going down that road. But without even so much as a press release to go off of, it's tough to predict how much better M4 Max will be.

There will also most likely be regular M4 and M4 Pro models, too. The M4 Pro also made its way into the new Mac mini. If you've been in the market for a new MacBook Pro, keep an eye out.

Categories: IT General, Technology

M4 Mac mini vs. M2 Mac mini: What are the differences?

Mashable - Wed, 10/30/2024 - 14:15
M4 Mac mini vs. M2 Mac mini: price and specs

Starting at just $599, the M4 Mac mini is one of the more affordable Macs, by virtue of not including a display of any kind. Here are the specs you get for $599:

  • Apple M4 chip

  • 256GB storage

  • 16GB RAM

Obviously, there are different variants of the M4 Mac mini, and those increase in price as you bolt better specs onto it. Storage can go all the way up to 2TB, while RAM can go all the way up to 32GB. There are many different possible final prices depending on your configuration, but bumping storage and RAM all the way up balloons the total cost to $1,799.

The M4 Mac mini is priced the same as the M2 model was at launch, so there's no huge advantage in that regard. However, you are getting a better value. For example, the M4 chip is more powerful than the M2 chip. Plus, M4 owners get 16GB of base RAM (the M2 model's starting configuration only came with 8GB). A newer chip and twice as much memory for the same price is not a bad deal.

M4 Mac mini vs. M2 Mac mini: design

While the internal specs aren't too shocking nor out of this world, the M4 Mac mini has some noteworthy exterior design changes.

M4 Mac mini attached to a monitor Credit: Apple

Most crucially, it's much smaller than the M2 model. Here are the precise measurements for both machines:

M4: 2 inches x 5 inches x 5 inches (HWD)

M2: 1.41 inches x 7.75 inches x 7.75 inches (HWD)

The M2 model might have been slightly shorter from a height perspective, but it was much bigger and more bulky than the M4 model. At 1.5 pounds, the M4 model is also a full pound lighter than the M2 Mac mini.

Unfortunately, the power button on the bottom of the M4 Mac mini. We're not sure why Apple makes such odd design decisions (like this one)?

M4 Mac mini vs. M2 Mac mini: Ports Ports! Credit: Apple

The port situation is where things get a bit more interesting.

Believe it or not, there's actually a distinct advantage to getting the M2 Mac mini: It has two USB type-A ports on the back, while the M4 model has none. That's really the only advantage, though, as the rest of the port selection on the M4 mini is solid:

  • Two USB-C ports on the front

  • Headphone jack on the front

  • Three Thunderbolt 4 ports on the back

  • HDMI 2.1 on the back

  • Ethernet on the back

For those taking score, that's one more Thunderbolt 4 port than the M2 model. Plus, you're getting HDMI 2.1 instead of just HDMI 2.0. In addition, the USB-C and headphone jacks have been moved around to the front of the device on the M4 model (they sat on the rear end of the M2 Mac mini). That should be more convenient, ideally.

M4 Mac mini vs. M2 Mac mini: Performance

This one is tricky because we haven't actually used the M4 Mac mini yet. However, we have tested the M4 chip inside the iPad Pro, and it was incredibly impressive in terms of performance and battery life.

Plus, the big RAM boost for the base model should give it some performance improvements over its M2 counterpart. In terms of granular tech details, the M4 chip has 10 CPU cores (as opposed to eight on M2) and support for hardware-accelerated ray tracing. That could make this a decent gaming machine for the games that actually support Mac, if nothing else.

M4 Mac mini vs. M2 Mac mini: Which should you buy?

At this moment in time, it doesn't seem like there are very many reasons to get an M2 Mac mini over the M4 model.

Barring any temporary discounts or impending price changes we don't know about yet, the two computers cost the same amount of money. However, the M4 model gives you more port flexibility by moving some of them around, theoretically better performance, and a whole new chip to play with. The only reason to get an M2 would be a significant price drop or a desperate need for USB type-A ports.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Social media feeds toxic fandoms. Is there a solution?

Mashable - Wed, 10/30/2024 - 14:00

"I'm 17 and AFRAID of Sabrina Carpenter," is the latest so-called fan behavior getting ridiculed online. 

The original tweet, posted by Pop Fan Account (@Popmvsics) on Oct. 12, reads: "You guys are disgusting and weird for defending a literal weirdo. Im 17 and AFRAID of Sabrina Carpenter when she's performing. You guys need help." It quickly went viral, racking 17.9 million views and becoming the copypasta du jour online. 

Tweet may have been deleted

While the phrase is funny, it highlights a growing tension in fan culture, where social media amplifies extreme behaviors while complicating traditional fan-artist relationships. The post is part of a misogynistic thread shaming the "Espresso" singer for her sexy persona and suggestive dance moves on her Short an' Sweet Tour.

SEE ALSO: What is facial contrast makeup? It's the latest TikTok trend dictating how to feel beautiful.

A follow-up tweet reads: "You never see Taylor showing herself on stage like that. Anyways queen Tay Tay remains Sabrina’s ender." Notably, Carpenter doesn't "show herself" in the video that sparked the response and, ironically, she opened for Swift’s Eras Tour.

Online posts like "I'm 17 and AFRAID of Sabrina Carpenter" often go viral, painting pop music fandom in a negative light. However, scholars argue that real fandom is rooted in positive relationships with artists. "A lot of it isn't coming from real fans. It's from people who want to be loud, get attention, and be rewarded by the algorithm. It’s rooted in that outrage economy more than genuine fan reactions," Georgia Carroll, a fan culture expert, told Mashable.

There’s a constant tension between fans building community online and the profit-driven nature of social media platforms. In an email to Mashable, Mark Duffett, an Associate Professor in Media and Cultural Studies at the University of Chester, explained that fans form communities to maintain the thrill of an artist's performance. But often, the community becomes more important than the artist. "For many, fandom starts with appreciating the artist but quickly becomes about the sense of belonging within the fan community," added Jenessa Williams, a postdoctoral fellow at Stanford's Digital Civil Society Lab who wrote her PhD on music fandom.

However, to be part of these communities on platforms like stan Twitter, the side of X/Twitter devoted to fervently discussing artists and celebrities, fans are at odds with the algorithms. "Platforms are advertising machines. Their goal is to have as much consistent use as possible to sell their high user base to advertisers. Algorithms will show you things that make you angry because that keeps people on the site longer," says Mel Stanfill, Associate Professor of English at the University of Central Florida and author of Fandom is Ugly. This optimization for engagement often encourages negative interactions over genuine community-building.

SEE ALSO: Why is the internet fighting over Chappell Roan?

The behavior encouraged by platforms, combined with unprecedented access to celebrities, creates a complex ecosystem that genuine fans must navigate. Recently, with the death of One Direction’s Liam Payne and Chappell Roan's comments about the tolls of modern fame, pop music fandom is in a moment of reflection.

According to experts, parasocial relationships — where fans feel a personal connection to celebrities — are normal. The term dates back to the 1950s and describes the feeling of knowing a celebrity even if you've never met them. But social media has intensified these relationships. Fans once engaged with artists through music and magazine profiles, but now they can access them daily on TikTok, Instagram, and X/Twitter. Following a daily updates account means being inundated with images and news about the artist daily.

"[Social media] causes a sort of blurring of boundaries, where people do feel like they are closer to celebrities than they ever have," Stanfill explained.

Chappell Roan's rise to fame coincided with her steady stream of TikTok posts, fostering a sense of intimacy with her fans. In August, she uploaded a video setting boundaries, asking fans not to yell at her on the street, request photos, or invade her and her family's privacy. "I don't care that abuse and harassment, stalking is a normal thing to do to people who are famous," she said. "I don't care that it’s normal. I don't care that this crazy type of behavior comes along with the career field I've chosen. That does not make it OK. That doesn’t make it normal. It doesn’t mean I want it. It doesn’t mean that I like it. I don’t want whatever the fuck you think you're supposed to be entitled to whenever you see a celebrity." 

The series of TikToks went viral, and Roan quickly faced backlash from all directions. As Stanfill explained, "She wasn't trying to manipulate people, but it did cultivate a certain kind of relationship where her fans felt like they know her. They responded to her as if they knew her, and they went too far." By setting boundaries, Roan broke the unspoken contract of constant accessibility that many fans expect from celebrities.

"When that emotional attachment is denied, people can react negatively. They can be embarrassed that they have done something they shouldn't. Sometimes people who are embarrassed will behave badly to protect their self-image," said Stanfill.

At the risk of being robbed of her personhood, Roan is smartly attempting to set boundaries with fans before it spirals even more out of control — a luxury that the members of One Direction didn't have during their meteoric rise. At the height of their fame, they fostered deep connections with fans through constant livestreaming and tweeting, building intense bonds that sometimes blurred personal boundaries.

After Payne's death on Oct. 16, many fans, including the New Statesman's Anna Leszkiewicz, pondered their complicity in what was ultimately a tragedy tied to fame. She wrote, "How could we justify doing this to such young people – separating them from their families, their normality, and their sense of themselves – then laughing as they fumble their way through adulthood? How many victims does the pop music industry have to produce before something changes?"

Since One Direction joined Twitter in 2010, the rapid spread of information online has only intensified, permanently reshaping fandom and heightening the stakes for artists navigating fame.

Before social media, if a fan saw a celebrity on the street, they might phone a friend, and by that point, the celebrity would no longer be at the spot where they saw them. Now, that information can be posted online for thousands to see instantaneously. 

In a profile in Rolling Stone, Roan explained that she posted the now-infamous TikTok after a fan grabbed and kissed her and someone called her dad after his number leaked online. "The things that make platforms great for activism also make them great for harassment," said Stanfill. Without social media, Roan's dad's phone number wouldn't have reached so many people.

Williams pointed out that social media has also changed how fans perceive interactions with their idols. "There's this wider economy of fans being able to show that they've had the interaction," she told Mashable. "They can be more concerned with getting the video — which becomes content — than they are actually worried about having that genuine connection."

On platforms like TikTok, X, and Instagram, videos of fans interacting with artists routinely attract thousands of views. The viral appeal of these clips fuels the commodification of fan-artist interactions, turning genuine moments into performances for the camera. "Chappell Roan is reaching fame in the age of TikTok and constant surveillance," noted Carroll.

Following Payne's death, hundreds of thousands of Directioners returned to social media, the very platforms where they once shared excitement over album drops and music videos, to mourn. Amid heartfelt tributes and cherished memories, users also reexamined the band's years in the spotlight, casting new light on the overwhelming amount of content produced and the intense scrutiny it brought.

Williams suggests that fans focus on building community within their fandom, creating connections with fellow fans rather than seeking validation from the artist. "[That] can be a lot more healthy than striving for that interactional recognition from the artists," she explained. A sense of community can serve as a substitute for the need to feel close to an artist, and even for the impulse to know everything about them. Why not get to know someone equally passionate, posting about what they love?

As fans and artists navigate these evolving norms, there's an opportunity to redefine what a healthy, positive fan community looks like — one that values a relationship with the art over viral moments or the need to know every detail about an artist.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Celebrate Halloween with this spooky Jack Skellington Echo Dot bundle

Mashable - Wed, 10/30/2024 - 13:27

SAVE 30%: As of Oct. 30, the 5th Gen Echo Dot and Jack Skellington Bundle is on sale for $62.98 at Amazon. That's a 30% discount from its $89.98 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Dot Bundle: Echo Dot and Jack Skellington Shell $62.98 at Amazon
$89.98 Save $27.00 Get Deal

Halloween's coming up and if you're still in the spirit of spooky season, Amazon has a wonderful Echo Dot bundle to check out. Complete with a limited edition shell of Jack Skellington's head from The Nightmare Before Christmas, this Echo Dot bundle is a great pick-up for the season.

For a limited time, the Jack Skellington Echo Dot bundle is on sale for $62.98, 30% off its list price of $89.98. The shell can also be purchased separately for $39.99, if you just want that. Though if you've been hoping to get an Echo Dot for your home, this is a nice bundle to save an extra $27 on the items together.

SEE ALSO: Save $45 on the kid-friendly Echo Show 5 at Amazon

As stated before, the bundle comes with a shell of Jack's head that can be removed at any point to reveal the charcoal 5th Gen Echo Dot beneath. So if you just want to save Jack for the seasons, you can keep a standard Echo Dot out for the rest of the year. However, with the shell on, it has a fun effect where the mouth lights up with the light ring from your Echo Dot, making it a very fun little display piece.

With Black Friday right around the corner, there are sure to be plenty more deals and bundles like this to check out at Amazon. It won't be the only retailer with a selection to look through, though. Best Buy and Walmart are starting up their Black Friday sales fairly soon, so get your list and check it twice so you don't miss out on any offers as they appear.

Categories: IT General, Technology

ChatGPT now lets you search old chats in the web app

Mashable - Wed, 10/30/2024 - 12:43

ChatGPT knows you had a chat a while back with now-vital information, and it's now making it much easier for you to find it.

Announced on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, OpenAI has added a tool to its conversational AI platform that makes searching your chat history much more convenient. Now, when you open ChatGPT in the web app, you'll spot a magnifying glass icon in the top left, where you can trawl the depths of your conversations for keywords and phrases.

Tweet may have been deleted

According to OpenAI, "Plus and Team users will have access within the day. Enterprise and Edu users will have access in one week. Free users will start getting access throughout the next month."

When I asked ChatGPT itself for more information about the new history search feature, the AI bot said the feature was "designed to save time and keep information organized" and "lets you quickly locate information from past chats, making it easier to revisit helpful responses or continue a conversation from where you left off."

According to ChatGPT, the AI searches through your past conversations for your chosen terms, and "will return relevant conversations from your history that match those terms." You can click on a result to open that chat. ChatGPT suggested possible uses as tracking ongoing projects, learning and study, and "brainstorming".

SEE ALSO: OpenAI's AGI readiness team has been dissolved

The news comes months after ChatGPT has faced a fair bit of criticism for chat history data storage; in May, Mashable reported about ChatGPT saving user chat history, even if you'd opted out of sharing your data to train the model. When I asked ChatGPT about the new history search feature today, it provided information about privacy, control, and data visibility, saying, "Only you have access to your conversation history, and OpenAI doesn’t use these conversations for training unless you explicitly consent by opting in."

Additionally, ChatGPT said, "If you prefer, you can turn off chat history altogether in the settings. When history is off, conversations will not be saved or searchable."

Notably, there are some things ChatGPT might not want you to be able to retrieve from the archives, considering the AI chatbot has been accused of sharing election debate misinformation, being ableist toward job applicants with disabilities, and exposing trade secrets shared by Samsung workers using the platform. Being able to easily find receipts might cause more of a headache for the company than it seems.

We've also reported about people using ChatGPT to argue with their partners, so adding the ability to quite literally dredge up the past through searching chat history could be potential fight kindling for relationships — perhaps there are some things that shouldn't be searchable.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple's new Mac mini has a power button in the most unusual place

Mashable - Wed, 10/30/2024 - 12:39

Apple's new Mac mini is pretty amazing. It's a machine I dreamed about when I was a kid: a quiet little aluminum box that packs immense power (especially if you equip it with Apple's new M4 Pro chip).

There's one thing about the latest Mac mini, however, that strikes me as odd. The device has two USB-C ports and a headphone jack on the front, and three more Thunderbolt ports, an Ethernet port, an HDMI port, and a power plug on the back.

There's no visible power button, though. So how do you turn this thing on and off? Easy: You lift it, reach under it, and (probably) blindly search with your hand until you find the power button — because the power button is located on the bottom of the Mac mini.

SEE ALSO: M4 Mac mini vs. M2 Mac mini: What are the differences?

Now, the Mac mini does not lay fully flat on the surface of your desktop (floor, etc), so you might be able to turn it on and off without lifting it into the air. But given that desktop computers — even if they're as tiny as the new mini — are typically stowed away somewhere at the back of your table, or beneath it, this could be a bit of a nuisance.

Perhaps it's not as bad as it appears. Credit: Apple

Apple's product design is typically pretty great, but the company does make odd decisions like this every once in a while, with the most egregious example being the Magic Mouse, which is charged via a plug on the bottom. Arguably, the power button placement on the new Mac mini is even worse, as turning the computer on and off (or forcing a reboot) might be something you do more often than you charge your mouse.

SEE ALSO: M4 Mac mini officially unveiled – the most affordable Mac and it's compact like an Apple TV box

It's possible that the Mac mini is so...well, mini, that Apple had to get creative when it comes to power button placement as to conserve as much space as possible. Still, the power button does seem like something that could fit on the back, or the front, or the top of the mini — anywhere besides the bottom, really. It all seems quite odd, though perhaps it's something you can get used to; we'll tell you how this works in practice once we spend some time with the mini.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Samsung's gorgeous 75-inch The Frame TV has been cut by $700

Mashable - Wed, 10/30/2024 - 12:16

SAVE $700: As of Oct. 30, the 75-inch Samsung The Frame TV is on sale for $2,299.99 at Best Buy. That's $700 off its list price of $2,999.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 75-inch Class LS03D The Frame Series QLED 4K TV $2,299.99 at Best Buy
$2,999.99 Save $700.00 Includes 1-Month Game Pass Ultimate Trial Get Deal

If you've been on the hunt for a new TV but want something that can blend in a little bit more with your living space, Samsung's The Frame TV is just what you need. Not only does this stunning 4K QLED offer a great picture, but it doubles as a frame for your favorite art pieces, so you can have it set up to display them on your wall when you're not watching your favorite shows or films. It's a worthy investment, and even better when you can find it on sale.

Thankfully, Best Buy is here to help with a nice $700 discount on the 75-inch version of The Frame. Normally, this TV costs $2,999.99, but you can score it for just $2,299.99 right now. Not only that, but Best Buy is also offering a free one-month trial of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate with your purchase, so you can be all set to play some games on it right off the bat.

SEE ALSO: The LG OLED evo G4 smart TV is at its lowest-ever price at Amazon

The Frame offers a wide variety of different art pieces to choose from, too. It was recently revealed that New York's Museum of Modern Art made 27 pieces of art available to display on the device, so you can have the likes of Vincent van Gogh, Henri Rousseau, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Frida Kahlo on your wall. All of this alongside its high-quality display and smart features make The Frame worth adding to any home.

Don't miss out on this excellent deal on the 75-inch Samsung The Frame TV. If you're hoping to find even more TV deals, have a look at our breakdown of when Black Friday sales start to get a good look at different retailers participating in the sale event and when their deals will drop. Some locations, like Best Buy and Walmart, are starting sooner than you think, too.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Audible's kicking off the holidays by offering 3 months of Premium Plus for under $1

Mashable - Wed, 10/30/2024 - 12:07

SAVE OVER 90%: As of Oct. 30, Audible is offering three months of its Premium Plus plan for $0.99 per month. Normally, the Premium Plus membership costs $14.95 per month, so you're saving 93% on the membership for those first three months.

Opens in a new window Credit: Audible Audible (3-Month Subscription) $0.99 at Audible
$14.95 Save $13.96 Get Deal

Believe it or not, but we're already nearing the end of 2024. And with the holidays right around the corner that means some of the biggest sale events of the year are ready to kick off. In anticipation of the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, Audible's holiday offer is here to spread a little cheer with one of its best deals on its Premium Plus membership. You can get your first three months of the service for just $0.99 per month.

Normally, this membership costs $14.95 per month. After the three months is up it will go back to that price, but this is an excellent deal to just get a taste of what Audible is like. Alongside a wealth of titles to choose from, including some excellent Audible Originals led by phenomenal talent, this plan provides you with one free credit a month to use on any title you like. That's three audiobooks you'll get for just $3 over those three months, which is definitely worth it.

SEE ALSO: Hundreds of Audible audiobooks are up to 80% off at Amazon

An Audible Premium Plus membership also includes access to exclusive sales and discounts, so you can save even more on select titles you come across. Sometimes they'll even hold a 2-for-1 credit sale, which is a great opportunity to stock up on two titles with your available credit for the month.

A membership plan like this can also make for a really nice gift for the holidays. Thankfully, the Audible holiday offer is set up to run through Dec. 31, so you have plenty of time to think it over. With Black Friday on the horizon, Amazon is sure to have even more discounts to check out, and we'll make sure to keep you updated on all of them as they appear.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The LG OLED evo G4 smart TV is at its lowest-ever price at Amazon

Mashable - Wed, 10/30/2024 - 11:57

SAVE OVER $800: As of Oct. 30, the LG 55-inch OLED evo G4 smart TV is on sale at Amazon for $1,796.99. That's a 31% saving on list price, and the lowest it's ever been on Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG 55-inch LG OLED evo G4 smart TV $1,796.99 at Amazon
$2,599.99 Save $803.00 Get Deal

If you're serious about the quality of your TV, the LG OLED evo G4 smart TV is something to seriously consider. This model is a stunning 4K flatscreen TV that will make every watch feel like you're at the cinema.

And the best part, as of Oct. 30, this TV is at its lowest-ever price at Amazon. Saving you an incredible $803, you can now purchase this TV for $1,796.99. This reduced price is specific to the 55-inch model and for the TV-only option. However, if you're interested in premium audio bundles, there are several reduced options on these too, including a Home Theater Audio option.

But this TV is so good that if additional audio bundles aren't in your budget, you won't be missing out. The TV already benefits from Dolby Atmos which creates an incredible immersive 3D sound experience.

SEE ALSO: Save $400 on this gaming-friendly TV from Sony

One of our favorite features is the clever use of AI to improve picture quality. Powered by the a11 AI Processor, it enhances the viewing experience by optimizing both the picture and sound quality. It features AI Picture Pro and AI Super Upscaling for smoother, crisp visuals, adapting content for the best possible display.

Even without AI, the picture quality is already top-notch. It has over 8 million self-lit pixels and benefits from brightness Booster Max, which enhances picture brightness. Dolby Vision and Filmmaker Mode further ensure that colors are reproduced as intended by filmmakers, so you know you're getting the best viewing experience.

Don't miss out on this limited-time deal, head to Amazon now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Upgrade your movie night setup in time for cozy season with this discounted Amazon Fire TV

Mashable - Wed, 10/30/2024 - 11:52

SAVE $30: As of Oct. 30, the Amazon Fire TV 40-Inch 2-Series is on sale at Amazon for $169.99, saving you 15% on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV 40-Inch 2-Series $169.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal

Cozy season is here, so it's time for movies, early nights, and, more movies. It's also the perfect season to upgrade your TV, because who wants to rewatch Love Actually on an old screen?

And as of Oct. 30, you can add the discounted Amazon Fire TV 40-Inch 2-Series to your list of upgrade options. Currently reduced by 15%, this model is now just $169.99. This deal is specific to the TV-only option. To add the four-year protection plan you'll need to pay a bit more.

As with most Amazon devices, the Amazon Fire TV 40-Inch 2-Series has Alexa voice control. An incredibly handy feature when you need to search through multiple streaming platforms for your favorite show. You can also use Alexa to search the internet and control smart home devices, for example, robot vacuums with Alexa built in.

For entertainment, the TV runs on Amazon's Fire OS, so you'll have access to popular streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and more. It also features two standard HDMI inputs and one ARC input, making it easy to connect gaming devices. And it supports Dolby Audio for even better sound quality. Image quality is great too, with an HD 1080p resolution to enjoy.

Head over to Amazon to grab this deal and upgrade your TV in time for snuggle season.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Save almost $400 on this versatile robot vacuum and mop combo

Mashable - Wed, 10/30/2024 - 11:46

SAVE OVER $300 As of Oct. 30, this robot vacuum and mop combo is on sale at Amazon for $135.95. That's a saving of 74% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: XIEBro T8S Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo $135.95 at Amazon
$529.99 Save $394.04 Get Deal

Who doesn't love robot vacuums? They reduce your endless list of chores, they clean, and if you're really lucky, they mop too. We're sold.

But of course, nothing in life comes without a catch, and the robot vacuum catch is the price tag. You'll rarely find a high-performing vacuum for less than a few hundred dollars. So that's why we love this latest deal at Amazon. As of Oct. 30, you can purchase the T8S Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo at the reduced price of $135.95, saving you 74% and almost $400 on list price.

This model is great at removing dust, pet hair, and paper scraps. It has a 300ml dust box and 260ml water tank, with a roller brush for added cleaning. The electronically controlled water tank gives you two-speed water output options to choose from via the app or remote.

SEE ALSO: I've tested over 20 robot vacuums and these are the best for every budget in 2024

Powered by a 2600mAh battery, it can run for up to 120 minutes in quiet mode, covering up to 1290 square feet. When the battery runs low, it'll automatically return to the charging dock. The 8S model also features 3D obstacle avoidance, climbs up to 15-degree inclines, and is able to reach tight spaces with its nifty design.

It has three cleaning modes: auto, spot, and edge. Auto cleaning is perfect for everyday use, spot cleaning focuses on a targeted area to tackle concentrated messes, and edge cleaning runs the vacuum along baseboards and edges.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so don't miss out.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Grab a decent discount on the new Apple Watch 10

Mashable - Wed, 10/30/2024 - 11:23

SAVE $30: As of Oct. 30, the Apple Watch 10 is on sale for $399 at Amazon. That's a saving of 7% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch 10 $399.00 at Amazon
$429.00 Save $30.00 Get Deal

In September this year, Apple released the latest edition of the Apple Watch, the Series 10. It's a fantastic fitness wearable, with some notable upgrades on the previous model. Just check out our recent review to see what we thought.

And as of Oct. 30, you can find it reduced to $399 at Amazon, saving you $30. It's not a huge discount, but so soon after its release, we'll take what we can get. This deal is specific to the 46mm case and S/M size in the color jet black.

Style-wise, the Series 10 is the thinnest Apple Watch so far but also has the biggest and most readable display. It also introduces Apple's first-ever wide-angle OLED display. A wide-angle display means it's much more readable for quick glances and when looking at the watch from different angles.

SEE ALSO: Apple Watch Series 10 review: Buy it for the faster charging

The real selling point is its health and fitness stats, which are top tier. Advanced health tracking includes ECG readings, heart rate notifications, and ovulation estimates. In the Vitals app, you can find even more detailed metrics such as overnight readings, heart and respiratory rates, and sleep tracking. It even includes alerts for possible sleep apnea.

For fitness enthusiasts, the Workout app lets you track a whole load of activities, along with tools to monitor workout intensity and aquatic tracking with depth and water temperature sensors. And with 18 hours of normal use (and fast charging that gives you 80% in 30 minutes), the watch is perfect for all lengths of activity.

Head to Amazon to snag this great deal.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The speedy Macbook Pro M3 is on sale for over $300 off

Mashable - Wed, 10/30/2024 - 11:08

SAVE $300: As of Oct. 30, the 2023 MacBook Pro with M3 chip (14.2-inch, 512GB SSD) is on sale for $1,299 at Amazon. That's 19% off its usual $1,599 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / Apple MacBook Pro M3 $1,299.00 at Amazon
$1,599.00 Save $300.00 Get Deal

Apple’s 2023 MacBook Pro packs some serious brainpower with its new M3 chip, combining an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU that zip through daily tasks and pro-level projects like editing video, designing graphics, or finally cleaning up your photo library. This MacBook is as efficient as it is powerful thanks to a battery life of up to 22 hours. No need to scramble for an outlet mid-project (or mid-binge) with this bad boy.

The 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display isn’t just sharp; it’s downright dazzling. With 1000 nits of sustained brightness for HDR content and 600 nits for SDR, it gives everything from your spreadsheets to your movies that extra pop.

SEE ALSO: How to use Apple Intelligence

Ready to play nice with pro apps like Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft 365, the M3 chip also lets you run some of your favorite iPhone and iPad apps. It's ideal for when you need a break to scroll TikTok on the big screen. The newly launched Apple Intelligence will make life even easier too by helping you work faster and smarter, all with Apple’s top-notch privacy features.

With a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, three-mic array, and six-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio, your video calls will look and sound so clear you might even forget they’re happening on a laptop. And since this MacBook Pro has all the ports you could need (Thunderbolt to MagSafe to an HDMI and SDXC card slot), setting up your workstation is practically plug-and-play.

Available in space gray, this MacBook Pro is built to last with a durable aluminum body and regular software updates. At $300 off, it’s a great deal for snagging some of the latest Apple tech. Check out the offer on Amazon and get ready to level up your work (and play) setup.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 30

Mashable - Wed, 10/30/2024 - 11:06

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. 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 October 30's 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?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. 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 October 30 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Trending positively

  • Green: Wheels attached

  • Blue: Tape

  • Purple: Misspelled stores

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

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

  • Yellow: Upswing

  • Green: Things with Wheels

  • Blue: Kinds of Tape

  • Purple: Retail Chains with a Letter Changed

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 #507 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Upswing: BOOM, RISE, SPIKE, SURGE

  • Things with Wheels: DOLLY, ROLLERBLADE, SKATEBOARD, WAGON

  • Kinds of Tape: DUCT, ELECTRICAL, GAFFER, PACKING

  • Retail Chains with a Letter Changed: BEST BOY, IDEA, KRONER, STABLES

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for October 30

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 $80 on the Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 at Amazon

Mashable - Wed, 10/30/2024 - 11:04

SAVE $80: As of Oct. 30, the Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Air Fryer is down to $119.99 at Amazon. That's 40% off the usual price of $199.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / Ninja Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Air Fryer $119.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal

If you’re tired of playing air fryer Tetris with a single basket, this Ninja DualZone Air Fryer is a game-changer. With two 4-quart baskets, you can cook two different foods at two different temperatures in one go. No more waiting for one dish to finish so you can start the next; just toss in both and let the Smart Finish feature work its magic. Users can also sync up the cook times so everything is ready simultaneously. Or, use Match Cook to apply the same settings to both baskets, maximizing that roomy 8-quart capacity for one big batch.

This Ninja model is a multi-tasking dream. With six cooking functions — air fry, air broil, roast, bake, reheat, and dehydrate — it handles anything from crispy chicken wings to roasted veggies to homemade beef jerky. The XL capacity means you can make mains and sides simultaneously or prepare enough fries to keep everyone happy.

SEE ALSO: TikTok execs know exactly how many videos it takes to get addicted to its platform

The Ninja DZ201’s nonstick baskets and dishwasher-safe crisper plates make cleanup a breeze, and the air fryer’s design reduces fat by up to 75% compared to traditional frying methods. Whether you’re cooking up a storm for game day or just want a quick meal without all the oil, this air fryer delivers crispy, delicious results every time.

Available in sleek grey, this 8-quart powerhouse is built for fast, easy meals with minimal mess. At 40% off, this is one of the best deals we’ve seen, so head over to Amazon and grab it while it’s still hot (and ready to cook things hot, too).

Categories: IT General, Technology

Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 30

Mashable - Wed, 10/30/2024 - 11:03

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for October 30's Wordle solution revealed. 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 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for October 30 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for October 30 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A wood frame for a canvas.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There is one letter that appears twice.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter E.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

EASEL.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle 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.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for October 30

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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 Wordle.

Categories: IT General, Technology

OnePlus Pad 2 Review: You Dont Have to Pay a Lot for a Premium Android Tablet

How-To Geek - Wed, 10/30/2024 - 11:00

Last year, OnePlus surprised me with its excellent first attempt at an Android tablet. The company is back with the OnePlus Pad 2, which builds on the success of its predecessor, bringing even more power, a stunning display, and impressive battery life to the table. But does it have what it takes to compete with other premium Android tablets?

Categories: IT General, Technology

Save 51% on these bass-boosting headphones from Beats

Mashable - Wed, 10/30/2024 - 10:59

SAVE $180: As of Oct. 30, Beats Studio Pro are on sale for $169.99 at Amazon. This deal saves you 51% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / Beats Beats Studio Pro $169.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $180.00 Get Deal

If you've been waiting for a deal on Beats headphones, now's your moment. Beats Studio Pro brings that classic, bass-thumping sound Beats is famous for — but this time, it's even more refined and feature-packed. With a custom acoustic platform, these headphones deliver rich, immersive audio, whether jamming to your favorite playlist or trying to hear your mom on the phone.

Beats Studio Pro headphones aren't just about sound; they're packed with convenience features for daily life. You get two distinct listening modes — Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and Transparency mode — so you can either block out the world or stay aware of your surroundings (like when the barista calls your name). Enhanced Bluetooth Class 1 connectivity means fewer dropouts, making them great for long listening sessions when you're out and about.

SEE ALSO: How to use Apple Intelligence

These over-ear headphones are all about comfort, with soft ear cushions and an ergonomic fit that'll have you forgetting they're even there. Battery anxiety? Not here. With up to 40 hours of playtime on a full charge, they'll easily outlast your playlist. And in a pinch, a quick 10-minute charge with Fast Fuel tech gets you four more hours — perfect for powering through a long commute or last-minute workout.

The Studio Pro plays nice with Apple and Android, offering one-touch pairing and platform-native features. Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking adds that "you are here" feel to your favorite tracks. USB-C connectivity brings lossless audio for a pure, wired experience.

Available in black and a mix of earthy hues like dune, moon, and navy, these headphones bring style as much as sound. And at 51% off, this is one of the best prices we've seen — grab them on Amazon while they're still hot and enjoy top-tier sound without breaking the bank.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Watch Tom Hanks murder Stephen Colbert in gloriously silly Halloween skit

Mashable - Wed, 10/30/2024 - 10:58
Tom Hanks appeared on "The Late Show" and starred opposite Stephen Colbert in a Halloween skit.
Categories: IT General, Technology
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