IT General

The Samsung Galaxy S23 is among the few compact Android smartphones that offer flagship specifications. But how does it compare with the latest iPhone 16, and should you switch to Apple or stick with your Android handset? Let's find out.

Silent Hill 2 is for the sickos. Yeah, I said it.

After that initial launch trailer that had even the die-hard Silent Hill fans biting their nails in worry, the Polish developer Bloober Team actually pulled off something incredible. Who saw that coming? It's not just a solid remake; it’s the kind of shot in the arm this series has been begging for. In a twist of fate, Silent Hill 2 just got its very own Resident Evil 2 Remake moment — an adaptation so well-executed, it might just be what the franchise needed to claw its way back from the fog.

SEE ALSO: 'Metaphor: ReFantazio' review in progress: The 'Final Fantasy XV' I've always wanted

Remakes are a tricky balancing act. On the one hand, they need to stand on their own, offering something fresh and modern. On the other, they’re forever tethered to the original, carrying the weight of fan expectations and nostalgia. The balance must be respected.

Striking that sweet spot is no easy feat, but Bloober Team nails it here. They’ve taken a beloved horror classic and given it a sleek, modern facelift, all while paying serious respect to its roots and the lasting impact it’s had on the genre. It's both a love letter and a fresh chapter — and it works.

Silent Hill 2 plot and characters Credit: Konami / Bloober Team

Disclaimer: I’ve never played the 2001 original Silent Hill 2. First off, I was three when it came out, and second, I used to hate scary video games. It wasn’t until my freshman year of college (thanks, Resident Evil 7) that I finally got over my aversion to horror games. So, with all that said, Bloober Team’s remake absolutely scared the hell out of me at times. And you should know right now — this review isn’t going to nitpick gameplay or story differences compared to the original. This is purely about my fresh experience, and yeah, it was terrifying.

SEE ALSO: 'Resident Evil Village' is the f*cked up fairytale of your dreams

The plot of Silent Hill 2 centers on James Sunderland, a man still reeling from the loss of his wife, Mary, who passed away three years ago. Out of nowhere, James receives a mysterious letter from Mary herself, claiming that she’s waiting for him in their "special place" — a spot in the quiet town of Silent Hill where they once vacationed.

When James arrives, it doesn’t take long for things to spiral into full-blown nightmare territory. The town is drenched in an eerie fog, and it quickly becomes clear that something is very wrong. As James presses on, he finds himself grappling with disturbing, surreal encounters that challenge everything he knows about his sanity, his morality, his memories, and even who he really is. The further he goes, the more Silent Hill turns into a twisted reflection of his deepest fears and guilt.

Along his journey, James encounters a handful of other lost souls who, like him, have been drawn to the fog-choked town of Silent Hill. There’s Angela Orosco, a deeply troubled young woman searching for her missing mother, whose unstable mental state makes her interactions unsettling and tragic. Then there’s Eddie Dombrowski, an insecure man harboring a lot of anger, especially after years of being bullied about his weight. He’s on the edge of breaking — and wandering into Silent Hill isn’t helping.

Credit: Konami / Bloober Team

James also crosses paths with Laura, a strange, seemingly fearless child who has an inexplicable connection to Mary, James’ late wife. And finally, there’s Maria, a woman James meets who bears an uncanny resemblance to Mary, yet with a more provocative, almost unsettling presence. Each character is caught in their own personal nightmare, mirroring James’ dark descent, and adding to the town’s suffocating mystery.

As a character, James can feel like a bit of a wet blanket. He’s barely holding it together, forgetful, and often reckless in ways that make you want to shake some sense into him. But that’s also the point — something is clearly off about him. Luke Roberts brings James to life with a performance that nails the mild-mannered, almost painfully dull nature of the character. There’s a sense that something inside James is broken, and whether that’s from his wife’s death or something far more sinister is part of the mystery. You can never quite tell what’s going on beneath the surface, and Roberts walks that line well.

The rest of the English voice cast is equally impressive, delivering performances that bring out the character's motivations and inner turmoil in a way that keeps you hooked. Every interaction feels purposeful, and the chemistry between characters adds to the tension. There’s a distinct Twin Peaks-esque vibe to the whole thing, with the schlocky, surreal edge working as a kind of dark, twisted relief from the heavier moments. The voice work, paired with Akira Yamaoka’s haunting score, really elevates the atmosphere, giving the game a quirky yet deeply unsettling quality.

Silent Hill 2 gameplay mechanics

Combat in Silent Hill 2 is downright unsettling — not because it’s poorly executed, but precisely because it’s effective. While the game uses a standard third-person action shooter approach, the melee combat feels viscerally uncomfortable, perfectly matching the game’s eerie atmosphere.

I hate hospitals. Credit: Konami / Bloober Team

The physicality of the melee attacks feels sluggish and raw, adding to the game’s unsettling tone, while the firearms give you a brief sense of power — until the next grotesque creature lunges at you. I hope you're not squeamish because the sounds and sheer brutality of James' every stomp on a downed enemy are downright disturbing. Each hit feels savage, with the accompanying sickening crunches, squishes, and wails from James, adding an unsettling layer to his character.

What I love about this is that it’s more than just a gameplay mechanic — it’s a window into the darker side of James. He may deny it, but there’s a violent streak within him, and his brutality hints at deeper, unresolved issues. The fact that many of the enemies he faces are grotesque, feminine figures raises unsettling questions about his views on women and his relationship with his wife.

It's just great storytelling. Here, everything fits — James' inner turmoil, his violent tendencies, and the distorted nature of the enemies all bleed seamlessly into both the narrative and the gameplay.

Mama, that's a bad bad man. Credit: Konami / Bloober Team

That said, combat encounters with the game’s main enemies are thankfully sparse. Most of the time, Silent Hill 2 won’t force you into battles with more than one enemy at a time. But when it does — and it will at key moments — it can be truly frustrating. The combat isn’t designed to handle swarms of enemies, and juggling multiple threats at once feels clunky and awkward. It’s a deliberate choice that amps up the tension, but it also exposes the limitations of the game’s combat system. When you’re cornered by a group of foes, you really feel the pressure, but not always in a fun way.

Enemies in Silent Hill 2 hit hard, and they don’t take kindly to being underestimated. The game has a nasty habit of punishing reckless combat with a surge of aggression from its monsters. Take the Bubble-Head Nurses, for example — they’ll grab your weapon if you’re too overzealous, tossing you aside and leaving you wide open for serious damage. It’s a reminder that you can’t just button-mash your way to safety; strategy and patience are crucial here.

One of my personal favorite enemies is the Mannequin, a bizarre, headless, armless creature with four legs that moves in unsettling, jerky motions. These creepy dummies will hide before jumping out at you, making encounters with them especially tense. The game provides you with a radio that emits static, getting louder as enemies draw near. Mannequins, however, are tricky, as they tend to hide in shadows or behind objects. The static is often faint, giving you just enough warning without a clear idea of where they’re lurking. They’ll pop out from behind tight corners, under beds, or any spot you least expect. To make matters worse, even during combat, they’ll retreat and hide if you move too far away, forcing you to chase them down or risk getting ambushed all over again.

Throughout James’ nightmarish trek, there are eight different combat weapons at his disposal, though players will only have access to six during their first playthrough. These include the Wooden Plank, Steel Pipe, Great Knife, Handgun, Shotgun, and Hunting Rifle. For much of the game, you’ll primarily rely on the Plank, Pipe, Handgun, and Shotgun.

These weapons form the backbone of the combat loop, paired seamlessly with the game's intricate puzzle-solving. Much of your time in Silent Hill 2 will be spent exploring large, central locations like the Wood Side Apartments or Brookhaven Hospital. In these eerie, labyrinthine spaces, you’ll be scouring for keys, codes, and other items that unlock doors, slowly unraveling the path forward. Each of these areas acts as a major hub — solving them opens up new parts of Silent Hill that were previously blocked off by towering walls, sinkholes, or other nightmarish barriers.

Silent Hill 2 sound design and soundtrack Don't go that way. Credit: Konami / Bloober Team

I have to take a moment to talk about the sound design in Silent Hill 2 — it’s incredible. The atmosphere it creates is genuinely unnerving, veering between moments of eerie quiet and bursts of disturbing, otherworldly sounds. It keeps you constantly on edge, and there are times when the silence itself is scarier than the monsters.

That said, if I had one gripe with the sound design, it’s that there are moments where the backing track while exploring feels oddly out of place. Specifically, at times, it makes a sound that’s almost identical to the “you’re about to be caught” music from The Last of Us. It’s loud, overbearing, and makes me think I’m about to get jumped by an enemy, even when there’s nothing around. But not in a way that feels intentional — it’s legitimately distracting. Every time it happens, it pulls me out of the experience, and it’s frustrating when the soundtrack is unintentionally working against you, instead of immersing you further into the game’s world.

Regardless of those minor hiccups, the sound design does a massive job of immersing you in the eerie, fog-filled world of Silent Hill. The haunting soundtrack that accompanies you as you wander through the town is pitch-perfect. There’s a slow, ominous hum that builds tension in the quieter moments, creating an ever-present sense of dread. And when things do get loud, the shift is jarring, ratcheting up the intensity to match the horror on screen.

What really sells the atmosphere, though, is the attention to detail in the environmental sounds. You can hear every squelch of James’ footsteps as he trudges through water or mud, every drip and creak that echoes through the empty halls of dilapidated buildings. It’s these small, unnerving sounds that keep you constantly on edge, reminding you that even in silence, you’re never truly alone.

Silent Hill 2 performance

For the most part, Silent Hill 2 runs like a gem, and that’s saying something given how many games that have come out in the middle of the PlayStation 5’s lifecycle have been plagued with performance issues.

Credit: Konami / Bloober Team

It’s a testament to the work Bloober Team has put in, especially when compared to recent releases like Dragon’s Dogma 2, Final Fantasy XVI, and Black Myth: Wukong — all fun games, but with a tendency to run like absolute crap at times.

That’s not to say Silent Hill 2 is perfect. I did encounter a couple of hiccups. One particularly annoying bug left me stuck on the back of a pickup truck while trying to fight an enemy, forcing me to reload a save. And yeah, there were a few instances of screen tearing, but nothing game-breaking. Overall, the game performs smoothly, which, in this era of day-one patches and constant updates, is a rare treat.

Graphically, Silent Hill 2 looks stunning, but it’s also clear as day that this was made in Unreal Engine. There’s something distinct about Unreal Engine 3D models — they’ve got this particular look with slightly stiff movements and that weird uncanny valley effect in their faces. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it's jarring, to say the least.

Is Silent Hill 2 worth it?

Whether you're a longtime fan of the original or stepping into Silent Hill for the first time, Bloober Team's remake delivers a haunting experience that’s hard to shake.

This is a Laura safe space. Credit: Konami / Bloober Team

From the unsettling atmosphere to the visceral combat and psychological depth, the game excels at drawing you into its twisted world. The storytelling is gripping, with characters like James Sunderland and the cast of disturbing personalities he meets adding layers of complexity that go beyond typical horror fare. The remake respects the source material while modernizing it for today’s audience, and even if you’ve never played the 2001 original, it still stands as a deeply unsettling and rewarding journey.

That’s not to say it’s perfect. The combat, while serviceable, can feel clunky — especially when dealing with multiple enemies — and the occasional technical hiccup can pull you out of the immersion. The sound design, while mostly excellent, has its frustrating moments with an overbearing soundtrack that can confuse more than terrify. And sure, the Unreal Engine's telltale stiffness and uncanny valley visuals might make you feel like you’ve wandered into The Room at times, but it’s a minor distraction in an otherwise gorgeously realized world.

Ultimately, Silent Hill 2 is a love letter to psychological horror fans and a solid step forward for the franchise. With its chilling atmosphere, well-paced story, and genuinely terrifying moments, it’s definitely worth your time.

For more Mashable game reviews, check out our OpenCritic page.

Some AirPods models have integrated motion sensors that iOS 18 uses to detect head movement. This means you can respond to incoming calls and Siri notifications, hands-free, with simple gestures. Here's how it works.

It may not be the "best" Windows device, but it's the only one that makes me excited for the future. Microsoft's new Surface Pro 11 boldly embraces the ARM architectureit represents a new generation of Windows laptops that will achieve desktop-class performance and a long battery life. The biggest hangups, for now, are pricing and app compatibility.

SAVE $151: As of Oct. 9, get the Hisense CanvasTV 4K QLED TV for just $848 for Prime Day at Amazon, down from its regular price of $999.99. That's a discount of 15%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Hisense CanvasTV 4K QLED TV $848.00 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $151.99 Get Deal

Ready to bring home a new TV? The holiday season has almost officially begun, and what better time to grab a new place for friends and family to gather round this year than Prime Day? If you're planning on leveling up your home entertainment system, a great centerpiece of a TV is a good way to do it, especially when it can double as an art piece for when it's not in use. And no, we aren't talking about Samsung's The Frame lineup, but an even more affordable option that you should absolutely consider at its Prime Day price.

As of Oct. 9, you can get the Hisense CanvasTV 4K OLED TV for just $848. That's $151 off its normal price of $999.99 and a discount of 15%. This price applies to the 55-inch version, but the 65-inch display is also on sale for $1,098 if you want a larger screen.

SEE ALSO: The best October Prime Day TV deals are on Fire TVs

This 4K QLED TV boasts rich, deep colors and multiple levels of dark shades to create a sharp and attractive LED picture. Its ultraslim profile makes it perfect for hanging on the wall, as does the snappable CanvasTV frame that lets you swap out multiple options for the one that works best for your decor. That's all because you can use this TV to display photos or artwork when not in use. Choose just one picture or make a slideshow and let the CanvasTV shuffle through your favorite photos and images while not in use to act as an interactive art gallery.

Beyond its artistic features while not in use, this is a sharp TV that's perfect for catching sports, watching some of the biggest movies this year, or gaming; its 144Hz game mode and variable refresh rate of 48Hz to 144Hz make it a great TV for pairing with the console of your choice this fall.

If you want a TV that pulls double duty, this is the one to snag for Prime Day now.

More TV deals you may like

• Amazon TV deals

• Best Buy TV deals

• Walmart TV deals

SAVE $300: If you want to snag the best laptop of 2024, now is your chance. The Microsoft Surface Laptop is on sale for $1,699.99 — 15% off its $1,999.99 listing price.

Microsoft Surface Laptop (2024), Windows 11 Copilot+ PC, 13.8" Touchscreen Display, Snapdragon X Elite (12 core), 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD Storage, Black $1,499.92 at Amazon
$1,599.99 Save $100.07 Get Deal

The laptop excels across the board and boasts the longest battery life of a laptop ever tested by Mashable, a whopping 23 hours! Additionally, its Snapdragon X Elite processor outperforms all M3-based MacBooks earning it the second-highest Geekbench 6 performance score of laptops tested by Mashable. It also supports Microsoft's new AI features which Mashable tech editor, Kim Gedeon, wrote makes Windows fun again in her review.

However, the Microsoft Surface Laptop lacks some app compatibility like Apple Music for example, and is not a gaming laptop. Some Reddit users point out that it might not be the best choice for students, but if you're not a student, app compatibility isn't an issue, and you're not a gamer then this might be the best laptop for you. As Gedeon wrote, "I can't believe I'm saying this, but the Surface Laptop 7 is the better choice over M3 MacBooks." You could be saying this too.

Samsung's next flagship Galaxy phones are a few months away, but the leaks are already rolling in.

Prominent leaker @IceUniverse posted a photo on X (formerly Twitter) that purported to show all three Samsung Galaxy phones that are expected to launch early next year: Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra. It’s unclear if the devices in the photo are operable or just dummy units, as the screens are turned off.

SEE ALSO: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is down to its lowest-ever price at Amazon Tweet may have been deleted

If the leak is to be believed, pretty much all we can glean from this photo is the general size and shape of each phone. The S25 Plus and Ultra appear to be similar in size (the Ultra is slightly bigger), while the regular S25 is much smaller than the other two. As TechRadar pointed out, all three phones have rounded corners, which leaves the S25 Ultra looking more like its less-expensive brethren than last year's model.

If Samsung goes about its business the same way it usually does, expect to hear more about these phones sometime in January.

T-Mobile customers impacted by Hurricane Milton will get free emergency satellite texting thanks to Starlink.

On Tuesday evening, SpaceX, which owns Starlink, shared that it has activated its Direct to Cell satellites for T-Mobile carriers in Florida, which is expected to bear the brunt of the hurricane. "We have now enabled basic texting (SMS) for those on T-Mobile phones in hurricane affected areas," said SpaceX in a post on X. "Text messages have already been sent and received. You can text loved ones, text 911 and continue to receive emergency alerts."

SpaceX has also delivered 10,000 Starlink kits to areas affected by Hurricane Helene.

SEE ALSO: Hurricane Milton: See Florida coast webcams live as the storm approaches Tweet may have been deleted How does satellite texting work?

Activation of satellite-based texting was made possible by the Federal Communications Commission, which granted approval for "special temporary authority" to provide cell service in affected parts of Florida.

Hurricane Milton, currently fluctuating between a category 4 and 5 with up to 160 mph winds, is expected to make landfall on Wednesday afternoon on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Residents in southwestern Florida have been ordered to evacuate and experts are predicting devastating impact. "Milton has the potential to be one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida," said the National Hurricane Center in an announcement on Wednesday.

Featured Video For You Land, air, and space footage captures the surging Hurricane Milton

T-Mobile users won't have to do anything or buy anything extra to get Starlink connectivity, although some devices might require the user to turn on the satellite connectivity option in settings, said a T-Mobile spokesperson in a comment on the SpaceX post.

Tweet may have been deleted

If a phone connects to a Starlink satellite, it will show one to two bars of connectivity and say "T-Mobile SpaceX" as the network name, the SpaceX post explained. It also recommended trying multiple times if a message doesn't go through at first — it works best outdoors or indoors near a window.

For people impacted by Hurricane Milton that don't have T-Mobile, there might be other options for satellite connectivity. Apple has an Emergency SOS via Satellite feature on iPhone 14 models and newer via a partnership with Globalstar, and the Google Pixel 9 has a similar Satellite SOS feature, thanks to a partnership with Skylo.

UPDATE: Oct. 9, 2024, 11:00 a.m. EDT This story has been updated with current pricing and availability.

The best October Prime Day MacBook deals at a glance: Best MacBook Air deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $749 at Amazon (save $250) Get Deal Best MacBook Pro deal Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M3, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,698 at Amazon (save $301) Get Deal

LIVE BLOG: Get the latest news on October Prime Day 2024

Amazon is home to good MacBook deals year-round (more so than any other kind of laptop), but its selection sees especially deep discounts during certain sitewide savings events. This time, it's Prime Big Deal Days, the retailer's members-only "October Prime Day" sale on Oct. 8 and 9, which has brought dramatic price drops across Apple's lineup ahead of a possible M4 refresh.

With Prime Big Deal Days underway, things have gone as expected: Amazon has discounted most MacBooks across the M2 and M3 generations, and two of our favorite models are currently sitting at record-low prices. That would be the M2 MacBook Air and the M3 MacBook Pro; we think they're the best budget MacBook and the best MacBook for video editing, respectively.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Amazon's October Prime Day sale: Start time, the competition, and more

These are early deals that didn't go down once the event actually started, but that doesn't mean they're the absolute best MacBook deals you'll find this week. We'll be keeping an eye on them over the next few days while closely monitoring competing deals at other retailers. (For its part, Best Buy will be running a 48-Hour Flash Sale during Prime Big Deal Days.)

Read on for a closer look at the best early October Prime Day deals on MacBooks. Note: Deals marked with a 🔥 have dropped to an all-time low price.

Best MacBook Air deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) 🔥 $749.00 at Amazon
$999.00 Save $250.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air (M2).

The 13-inch MacBook Air from mid-2022 is a Mashable Choice Award winner that combines "[rock]-solid battery life" with "a keyboard that’s to die for, and enough horsepower to handle everyday tasks with ease," wrote tech and games reporter Alex Perry. It's our current favorite "budget" MacBook, and it's now cheaper than ever before.

You can snag the base configuration with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage for $749, or $250 off its $999 MSRP. If it sells out on Amazon, check Best Buy: It was matching the deal at the time of writing.

More MacBook Airs on sale

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $849 $1,099 (save $250)

• Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $1,044 $1,299 (save $255)

Best MacBook Pro deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M3, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) 🔥 $1,698.00 at Amazon
$1,999.00 Save $301.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the 14-inch Apple MacBook Pro (M3).

The latest 14-inch MacBook Pro features an M3 chip that supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing for rendering lifelike lighting, plus a bright 120Hz mini-LED display, tons of ports (including an SDXC card slot), and a battery that lasted over 16 hours per charge in our testing. It's another Mashable Choice Award winner.

All configurations of the 14-inch M3 Pro are now on sale at all-time lows on Amazon (including the base model, which is now just $1,299). However, we're partial to the bumped-up version with 16GB of memory and 1TB of SSD storage: That extra RAM is necessary if you're going to be using it for multitasking and/or creative work. Normally $1,999, it's now just $1,698 — a 15% savings.

More MacBook Pros on sale

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,299 $1,599 (save $300)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M3 Pro, 18GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,799 $1,999 (save $200)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M3 Max, 36GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,999 $3,499 (save $500)

• Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M3 Max, 48GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $3,499 $3,999 (save $500)

You guys know the drill! It's Amazon Prime's Big Deal Days week, which means huge savings on your favorite gear or getting an early start on holiday shopping. We sifted through all the "savings" to bring you the best deals worth considering.

I'm a senior shopping reporter at Mashable who hunts down the best laptop deals for our readers, and I think my approach is best described as obnoxiously picky.

When scouring online retailers for discounts, I look for significant price drops and cross-check them with the laptops' manufacturers to verify those numbers. I also run them through price-tracking tools and revisit our past deals coverage to see if they've ever been cheaper. I always stick to models with recent specs, and avoid anything that comes from an unfamiliar third-party seller I don't fully trust (if the site allows them). I think it's important to be this picky because laptops tend to be big investments that people rely on for daily work and expect to last for several good years. That's what I tell myself, anyway.

This Prime Big Deal Days, I'm going to do something I don't normally do: I'm going to hand it to Amazon.

SEE ALSO: We've been covering Prime sales for almost 10 years. Here are the best October Prime Day deals we've found.

The retail giant isn't usually my go-to source for incredible deals on the PCs we've reviewed and loved (aside from newer MacBooks, which it tends to put on sale regularly). Its everyday selection is smaller than that of competing retailers like Best Buy, and much of it comes from third parties. It also stocks a lot of older and outdated configurations that I don't consider worth it if you're someone who's looking to upgrade. But Amazon's whipped out some abnormally great deals on newer laptops it's selling itself for its members-only "October Prime Day" sale (live now through Wednesday, Oct. 9).

The honest truth? The deals I've seen over the past 48-ish hours are eons better than the ones Amazon featured during its flagship Prime Day sale this past July, and now I have unreasonably high expectations for its Black Friday programming. (No pressure!)

Below, I've rounded up three standout picks from Prime Big Deal Days that star some of Mashable's best-reviewed laptops. They get my seal of approval. You can also head to our live blog to read all the latest live coverage of October Prime Day.

The best laptop deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, 13-inch (Snapdragon X Elite, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,699.00 at Amazon, Best Buy, and the Microsoft Store
$1,999.00 Save $300.00 Get Deal Why I like it

Read Mashable's full review of the 13-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop 7.

This upgraded 13-inch configuration of Microsoft's new Copilot+ PC features a Snapdragon X Elite processor, a hefty 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. With M3 MacBook-beating performance, a battery life of just under 23 hours, and some new AI-powered features that "make Windows fun again," per Tech Editor Kim Gedeon, it's not just a Mashable Choice Award-winner; it's easily the best laptop we've tested so far in 2024, nabbing a score of 4.8/5. Just make sure you won't into any app compatibility issues with Windows on ARM.

I was cautiously hopeful that we'd see a decent deal on it during Prime Big Deal Days, and Amazon delivered: It's currently on sale there for $1,699.99 (normally $1,999.99) — a 15% savings and its lowest price since launch. Note that Best Buy and the Microsoft Store were both matching that.

The best MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $749.00 at Amazon and Best Buy
$999.00 Save $250.00 Get Deal Why I like it

Read Mashable's full review of the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air (M2).

An oldie but a goodie, the M2 MacBook Air from mid-2022 is another Mashable Choice Award titleholder. It got a 4.6/5 rating from tech and games reporter Alex Perry, who commended its "[rock]-solid battery life" and deemed its keyboard "to die for." Apple has released a newer Air with an M3 chip in the past year, but if you don't need dual-display support and just want a solid laptop for everyday tasks, this guy's a bargain (and our current favorite budget MacBook).

Prime Big Deal Days and a rumored M4 refresh have created the perfect storm for a returning all-time low on the base configuration: Amazon has it on sale for only $749, or 25% off its $999 MSRP. This is only the second time this deal has materialized, the first being during Best Buy's Labor Day sale — though it was only available to paid My Best Buy members. (It's currently price-matched there without a paywall, FYI.)

The best 2-in-1 laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Asus Asus Zenbook Duo (Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,274.99 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $225.00 Get Deal Why I like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Asus Zenbook Duo (2024).

Can confirm: "The Asus Zenbook Duo is as badass as it looks," Gedeon wrote. This unique hybrid laptop is made for multitasking, combining two gorgeous touchscreen OLED displays with a relatively long battery life and a peppy Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor whose performance rivals that of the M2 MacBook Air. It also comes with a built-in kickstand, a stylus, and a detachable keyboard, which really ups the value factor. It scored a 4.8/5, and its Mashable Choice Award nod was a given.

It usually retails for $1,499.99, but it's yours during Prime Big Deal Days for just $1,274.99. (That's 15% off and an unprecedented record low.) Meanwhile, it's $1,410.99 at Best Buy and full price at Asus.

Nintendo has announced a new interactive alarm clock, the Nintendo Sound Clock Alarmo. Alarmo looks like a regular alarm clock, but it has a theme that the buyer can pick.

If you're in the market for an older console from a previous generation, it may be tempting to buy one that's already been fully refurbished. However, much of the time, those who refurbish consoles can mirepresent its true condition and market value, so it may be a better option to take care of it yourself.

Microsoft is testing a new feature that highlights the active row and column when a cell is selected. This means it's easier to follow across rows and down columns when reading your data.

Best October Prime Day travel deals: Princess Cruises Prime Day deal Princess Free room upgrade + up to 40% off select cruises Get Deal Carnival Prime Day deal Carnival Up to 40% off cruise rates Get Deal Budget Prime Day deal Budget Up to 35% off + get 15% back Get Deal AVIS Prime Day deal AVIS Up to 30% off + get 15% back Get Deal Viator Prime Day deal Viator Up to 20% off Viator travel experiences Get Deal

Day 2 of Prime Big Deal Days is here, and the clock is ticking! Most of these deals will likely be gone by midnight tonight. If you’ve yet to browse what’s available, we’ve covered everything from robot vacuums to gaming laptops. But that’s not all Amazon has up its sleeve — surprisingly, the retail giant’s Prime Big Deal Days includes some pretty decent travel deals, too.

SEE ALSO: Save hundreds on Samsonite, American Tourister, and more luggage on October Prime Day

While you won’t find any flight deals via the Amazon site (we’ll show you where to find those a bit later), Prime members can score discounts of up to 40% off on select Carnival and Princess cruise packages, up to 35% off car rentals, and 20% off Viator travel experiences.

Here are some of the top travel deals we spotted during Prime Big Deal Days:

Best travel deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Princess Cruises Princess Cruises 40% off select cruises + free room upgrade Get Deal Why we like it

Amazon’s partnered with Princess Cruises to offer up to 40% off select cruises and a free room upgrade with just a $99 deposit. Cruise destinations include Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, and more. This deal’s only available for another 40 hours (so, longer than Prime Day itself) — make sure to book fast.

Best flight deal Opens in a new window Credit: Southwest Southwest One-way as low as $69 Get Deal Why we like it

October Prime Day hasn’t included any flight deals (that we've seen), but Southwest is offering a non-Prime deal where you can get a one-way flight for a low as $69. Of course, restrictions apply, but for $69, it’s worth it to put up with a little fine print.

Here's the deal: you need to book by October 10 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time, and plan your trip at least 21 days in advance. Travel within the continental U.S. is valid from October 29, 2024, to January 31, 2025, while flights to Hawaii, international destinations, and San Juan, Puerto Rico are valid from October 29, 2024 to March 5, 2025. Remember: there are some blackout dates for certain routes, so be sure to check those before you book. Also, this deal is nonrefundable, and seats and travel days are limited, so don't wait too long!

More October Prime Day travel deals

• Get up to 40% off cruise rates at Carnival

• Get up to 35% off + get 15% back with Budget car rentals

• Get up to 30% off + get 15% back with AVIS car rentals

• Get up to 20% off Viator travel experiences

TL;DR: Live stream 49ers vs. Seahawks for free with a 30-day trial of Prime Video. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It's time for Thursday Night Football and we're already at Week 6 of the 2024 NFL season. The next game sees the San Francisco 49ers visit the Seattle Seahawks.

The 49ers started the season as one of the Super Bowl favorites though it's been a tricky start to their Quest for Six. They've been hit by injuries and they're yet to win on the road. The Seahawks are on a two week losing streak and have conceded a grand total of 71 points across those two games. Can the Seahawks' defence hold back the 49ers? Or will the 49ers get their first win on the road this season?

The good news for football fans is you can watch all the action without spending a dime. So if you want to watch the San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks for free, here's all the information you need.

When is 49ers vs. Seahawks?

San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks takes place at 8:15 p.m. ET on Oct. 10. This fixture will be played at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington.

How to watch 49ers vs. Seahawks for free

San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks is available to live stream on Prime Video in the U.S., but you don't need to be fully subscribed to Amazon Prime to watch this game. Simply watch San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (plus more Thursday Night Football fixtures) for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

Fans from outside the U.S. will need to use a VPN to watch the NFL for free on Prime Video. This process is straightforward:

1. Sign up for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial (if you're not already a member)

2. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

3. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

4. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

5. Watch Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons for free from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not actually free to use, but the top VPN providers do tend to offer free trial periods or money-back guarantees. Simply leverage these deals to gain access to free live streams of the NFL and you won't have to spend anything. Sure, it's a short-term solution but this gives you enough time to watch select NFL fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the NFL, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is currently available for $99.95. That's an impressive 49% off altogether. As part of this limited time deal you'll get a bonus three months at no extra cost, an entire year of unlimited cloud backup, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream 49ers vs. Seahawks for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Apple Photos and iMovie can't reverse videos, so you'll need to resort to third-party video editing apps to do this. While there are plenty to choose from on the App Store, VN Video Editor is the best free video editing app to reverse videos on an iPhone. Let's see why and how to use it.

TL;DR: Unblock Discord from anywhere in the world with a VPN. The best service for unblocking Discord is ExpressVPN.

Discord has, from time to time, been banned in certain countries. And it's almost definitely a restricted site in a number of schools, workplaces, and locations where visiting Discord is not tolerated.

There are often sensible arguments for these bans, but sometimes, you'll simply want to access your favorite site when the time is right, but you won't be able to because a restriction is in place. In this situation, using a VPN is your best option.

If you're looking for the best way to unblock Discord for free from anywhere in the world, we have the information you need.

How to unblock Discord for free

VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This process bypasses geo-restrictions so that you can access Discord from anywhere in the world. This process might sound complicated, but it's really not.

Access Discord from anywhere in the world in just a few simple steps:

1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to Discord

4. Access Discord from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-year subscription + 3 months free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for unblocking sites like Discord are not free, but most do offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can bypass geo-restrictions to retain access to your favorite sites without spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it works well if you're traveling or temporarily away from home.

What is the best VPN for Discord?

ExpressVPN is the top choice when it comes to unblocking sites like Discord, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Unblock Discord for free with ExpressVPN.

Best Prime Day Beauty Deals Best skincare deal Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask $12.90 at Amazon (Save $6.10) Get Deal Best lip care deal Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask $16.80 at Amazon (Save $7.80) Get Deal Best body care deal Salt & Stone Body Wash $25.20 at Amazon (Save $10.80) Get Deal Best hair care deal Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer $329.99 at Amazon (Save $100) Get Deal

Prime Big Deal Days is here. The sale kicked off on October 8 and runs through the 9. There are some big savings to be had across all categories. We've been digging through the Amazon price history on every product to find the lowest prices ever on headphones, laptops, tablets, and more. While all of these tech deals are great, Prime Day is also a great time to stock up on the small stuff.

If you're savoring the last few drops of face wash or your lips are starting to feel a bit chapped from the crisp autumn air, look to all the great deals on beauty and skincare products during October Prime Day. Time to stock your bathroom and save while doing so.

SEE ALSO: Get $100 off the Dyson Airwrap, plus other top October Prime Day Dyson deals Best skincare deal Opens in a new window Credit: Biodance Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask $12.90 at Amazon
$19.00 Save $6.10 Get Deal Why we like it

After a long day outside, whether you've been raking leaves or out on an autumnal hike, it's nice to give your skin a little TLC. Last Prime Day, I stocked up on the Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask as a little treat and my skin has been thanking me. While most face masks you wash off after 20 minutes, this one stays on for hours. Put it on, kick back, and watch several episodes of Love is Blind while the mask gets to work.

It's full of hydrating and plumping ingredients to restore the skin barrier, but it's also safe on sensitive skin. As someone with acne-prone skin, I'm nervous to use new hydrating products as they can often lead to breakouts, but this kept my skin totally clear. Pro tip: store these masks in the fridge for an extra refreshing experience.

During Prime Day, this mask is down to $12.90, saving $6.10.

More skincare deals

• Cosrx Snail Mucin Essence — $12.99 $25 (save $12.01)

• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser — $13.49 $17.99 (save $4.50)

• Hero Cosmetic Mighty Patch — $16.49 $21.99 (save $5.50)

• Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré — $21.75 $29 (save $7.25)

• Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid — $28 $35 (save $7)

• Youth To The People Kale and Green Tea Cleanser — $29.25 $39 (save $9.75)

• EltaMD UV Physical Tinted Sunscreen — $35.20 $44 (save $8.80)

• Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream — $46.90 $67 (save $20.10)

• Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm — $48.30 $69 (save $20.70)

Best lip care deal Opens in a new window Credit: Laneige Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask $16.80 at Amazon
$24.00 Save $7.20 Get Deal Why we like it

The Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask is a little bit of luxury in a .7 ounce container. I'm on my third jar of this lip mask, which is made with hydrating shea butter to protect against dry lips. Especially in the colder months, if you feel like you constantly need to reapply product to prevent chapped lips, this mask is a life saver. While it's marketed as an overnight mask, it's lightweight enough to wear all day. The berry flavor is my favorite, but if you've got a sweet tooth, there are a variety of candy-flavored options to try.

Shop the Laneige lip mask for $16.80 during Prime Big Deal Days, saving $7.20.

More lip care deals

• Mario Badescu Moisturizing Lip Balm — $4.56 $8 (save $3.44)

• Laneige Lip Glowy Balm — $13.30 $19 (save $5.70)

• Kiehl's Buttermask — $19.60 $28 (save $8.40)

Best body care deal Opens in a new window Credit: Salt & Stone Salt & Stone Body Wash $25.20 at Amazon
$36.00 Save $10.80 Get Deal Why we like it

You don't need a fancy body wash, but it certainly feels good. The body washes from Salt & Stone smell divine and linger even after you've rinsed off. It comes with nourishing ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to keep skin soft, while remaining free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. My personal favorite scent is the Bergamot & Hinoki, but all of the Salt & Stone scents are divine.

You can find the Salt & Stone body washes for 30% off during Prime Big Deal Days, saving you $10.80 on your next bottle.

More body care deals

• First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub — $8.04 $12 (save $3.96)

• Nécessaire The Body Wash — $20 $25 (save $5)

• Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil — $20.99 $29.99 (save $9)

• L'Occitane Cleansing & Softening Almond Shower Oil — $23.20 $29 (save $5.80)

• Osea Undaria Cleansing Body Polish — $38 $48 (save $10)

• Osea Undaria Algae Body Oil — $41 $52 (save $11)

Best hair care deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer Why we like it

While I haven't gotten to test the Dyson Supersonic myself, my colleague Bethany Allard has spent a lot of time with this hair dryer, assessing its performance and value. While Allard commends the hair dryer for its lightweight design, quick drying, and user-friendliness, its downfall comes with its $429.99 price tag. However, Prime Day presents a fantastic saving opportunity.

During Prime Big Deal Days, get the Dyson Supersonic for $329.99, saving $100 on the device.

More hair care deals

• Living Proof Dry Shampoo — $21 $30 (save $9)

• Ouai Fine Shampoo and Conditioner Set — $50.99 $64 (save $13.01)

• Drybar The Double Shot Oval Blow Dryer Brush — $77.49 $154.08 (save $76.59)

• Bio Ionic Long Barrel Styler — $104.30 $149 (save $44.70)

• Shark SpeedStyle Hair Dryer — $149.99 $199.99 (save $50)

• Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System — $234.94 $299.99 (save $65.05)

• Dyson Airstrait Straightener — $449.99 $599.99 (save $150)

Make-up deals

• Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz — $15 $25 (save $10)

• Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara — $20.30 $29 (save $8.70)

• It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream — $32.90 $47 (save $14.10)

So, remember the whole conversation about a Galaxy Fold that can finally compete with the designs we've seen from Chinese manufacturers? Well, let's just say we've got some possible good and bad news. For the last couple of weeks we've seen some subtle hints that Samsung is working on yet another product launch that could finally address how competition is owning foldable design. At first we thought we'd get some sort of teaser at Galaxy Unpacked, if not a product, but that didn't happen. Reports claim it'll still happen this year, but under an interesting launch approach.