IT General

Smart light switches are a great way to control multiple lights in your home with voice assistants and apps---without needing to replace your bulbs. We've found the best ones to suit your needs.

Spooky season is upon us, so what better time to wear your friend's skin as a costume?

Want to experience the freaky fun of the body-swap thriller It's What's Inside firsthand? We get it. Out of SXSW, Mashable contributor Siddhant Adlakha praised writer/director Greg Jardin's jaw-dropping film as "a ludicrous, metaphysical midnight romp that forces its ensemble to look at each other — and at themselves — in surprising ways."

Following this wild movie's Netflix debut, the streaming service has launched It's What's Inside: The Game, in which you can walk in the shoes of suitcase-toting Forbes and his crew of dramatic college friends. The Mashable crew played it, and the results were hilarious and horrifying!

But how does this game work? Thankfully, there's no sketchy suitcase involved. According to Netflix: "Using cutting-edge technology, you’ll swap faces and voices with each other as you try to guess who is in whose body. Head-spinning? Absolutely. Nerve-wracking? You bet. But don’t worry, the game is totally safe. Your friendships, however, might not be." Dun dun dunnnn!

Are you game?

How to play It's What's Inside: The Game Credit: Netflix

All you'll need is a laptop or desktop computer (mobile devices can't participate), three to five friends, and 15 minutes of free time.

The It's What's Inside: The Game site offers a tutorial and private rooms so you can experience the thrills of this mind-bending movie in an exhilarating new way. But how do you swap bodies? The site invites you to take a selfie and record two minutes of audio, so your friends can essentially use your face and voice as a filter within the game.

Don't worry about your data. Mashable has confirmed with Netflix that "players’ likenesses and voices are accessed for the game, but they will not be stored or used beyond that. Once the game is over, that data is deleted immediately." 

Here's how to play It's What's Inside: The Game:

Visit www.itswhatsinsidegame.com — the Chrome browser is recommended for best results. 

There, clicking the Start Game button will prompt you to accept terms and conditions. Click "Next" to accept, and you'll be offered a code, which you can share with your friends to build your private playroom. From there, you'll be instructed to record audio from a creepy script and take a selfie. Here are some tips for the best user experience in recording your audio: 

• Allow the site access to your microphone.

• Make sure you’re in a quiet space with low background noise.

• Speak clearly like you’re having a conversation with a friend.

• Scroll as you normally would to reveal more of the script you need to read.

• Once you’ve seen the "recording complete" prompt, click the Next button.

From there, you'll take your selfie using your computer's camera. Here are Netflix's tips for the best user experience: 

• Don’t lean in too close to the camera, and make sure you take your photo in a position that you’re comfortable in. You’ll need to stay in a similar position when you swap bodies with your friends. 

• Note: There’s a small flash of soft yellow light when we take your photo.

While the site gets to work swapping your virtual bodies, you'll watch a brief tutorial video on how gameplay works. You'll take turns answering question prompts as your friends. As they answer, you can guess who's who by placing their "Polaroid" (selfie) on the board over their new identity. The player with the most correct guesses and the player who tricked the most players will win.

Before entering your private playroom, the game will notify you which "body" you've swapped into, so you know who to act like. Once everyone is ready, the host will click the Start Game button.

Tips to win at It's What's Inside: The Game Credit: Netflix

Here are more tips from Netflix on how to get the best experience out of It's What's Inside: The Game: 

Once we drop you all into the game, we’ll give you about 20 seconds to get familiar with your new face, and all your friends' new faces. Use this time to get your body and face in a good spot so that your body swap is convincing. Once that 20 seconds is up, it’s time to get into Q&A.

Try replicating the image your friend took, the way they positioned their body, their face in frame, the angle of their head. The better you match that image, the better your swap will be.

Note: you will be muted until it’s your turn to speak in the Q&A. Everyone will answer the same question that shows up on the top of the screen. You will be unmuted when it’s your turn to answer, and then placed back on mute when your turn has ended.

Keep an eye out for the bright green prompt that will tell you when it’s your turn to answer. Also, the timer at the top will show you how long you have left to answer the question. If you end up not using the whole 20 seconds, feel free to click the End Turn Early button.

At any time throughout the Q&A, if you think you know who’s who, then drag their Polaroid onto the body they’re hiding in. Gameplay will last for 10 minutes. At the end of the 10 minutes, all will be revealed, and you’ll be able to see who was in whose body. Everyone will be revealed one by one, and you’ll be able to talk freely over a video call.

After you’ve all been revealed, we’ll move on to the post-game lobby, and you’ll see the final scores. You’ll have roughly 5 mins to talk through the scores. For one minute, you’ll be able to see who was the best guesser and best imposter. For the remainder of the time on the clock, you’ll be able to see the group scores and who guessed who.

You can exit the game at any point by clicking the Finish Game button. Once you’ve finished the game, you’ll be able to download a shareable asset that you can share on social media.

Play it while you can. It's What's Inside: The Game will be live from Oct. 9-14. It's What's Inside is now streaming on Netflix.

Running is really important to me. I try to get out of the house and hit the road at least three times a week. It's therapy in the form of sweat and chafe, and I keep coming back for more.

Things have changed considerably since I was a skinny boy competing for my school in local cross country events. Back then I bounced around the park in nothing but my school uniform and sneakers. There were no carbon-plated running shoes giving me an extra few seconds per mile. No running watch tracking my pace and heartrate. And definitely no supplements giving me an edge over the competition. Things were probably better back then, but I won't deny that I'm very much into anything that promises to make me just a little bit faster.

And I am fast, OK? I can run a 5K in under 18 minutes, so I feel confident in my ability to recommend the products that will actually make a difference. I'm not just some guy with all the gear and no idea. I have at least some idea of what I'm doing. And just to be very clear, there's nothing humble about that brag. I will race you.

The problem with the best running gear is that it doesn't exactly come cheap. And that's why you should target major shopping events (like Prime Day) to stock up on everything you need to shave some seconds off your PB, speed up your recovery, improve your levels of comfort, and look your best when plodding around town.

As Mashable's Global Shopping Editor, I have spent the last six years investigating what constitutes a genuinely good deal. This year, I have put together this quick list of the best Prime Day deals for runners, based on years of expertise.

Best for workouts: Garmin Running Watch Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Forerunner 55 $168.99 at Amazon
$200.00 Save $31.01 Get Deal

I avidly follow a few running YouTubers, in an effort to glean some pearls of wisdom that can bring my times down. Something they all seem to agree on at the moment is that Coros running watches are the best in the business. I'm not saying those professional athletes are wrong, but I'm all about Garmin.

And I also firmly believe that if you're just running, you don't need a smartwatch with all the bells and whistles. You need something that focuses on the metrics that matters, like the Garmin Forerunner 55. I've been using this running watch for a couple of years now, and it has never let me down. The GPS is speedy to connect and reliable, the watch face is easy to read (even when your vision is blurred), and you can easily add personalized workouts through the Garmin Connect app.

Best for comfort: Danish Endurance Socks Opens in a new window Credit: Danish Endurance Danish Endurance Long Distance Running Socks $21.21 at Amazon
$24.95 Save $3.74 Get Deal

The best thing I can say about these socks is that you forget all about them, even on those really long runs that seem like a good idea on a Sunday morning. I've always been someone who struggles with blisters and random running-induced foot wounds, but no more!

Danish Endurance socks were introduced to me by a friend who doesn't run, so I guess they are a versatile option as well. I only wear these socks for running, and I can attest to the fact that they are comfortable on long runs, offer effective protection against blisters, and are light enough for those moments when you want to push the pace.

Best for convenience: MVRK Running Pack Opens in a new window Credit: MVRK MVRK Water Resistant Chest Pack $27.99 at Amazon
$44.99 Save $17.00 Get Deal

Once upon a time, I didn't bring my phone out with me on runs. But that was before I became a big Podcast runner. There's nothing that can take your mind off the mild discomfort of a run like the grizzly descriptions of a murder. And even after I started always listening to something while running, I opted for the armband approach. I was a caveman.

Nowadays I keep my phone, bank card, keys, and maybe a gel in a MVRK Water Resistant Chest Pack. Unlike the armband, this chest pack feels like an extension of my body. And unlike some other running packs I've tried, this model comes with actual zips. I'm fed up with velcro that deteriorates over time. Bring back the humble zip.

Best for indoors: NordicTrack Treadmill Opens in a new window Credit: NordicTrack NordicTrack T Series $479.00 at Amazon
$599.00 Save $120.00 Get Deal

I don't actually own a treadmill, so I can't speak to my experience of using the NordicTrack T Series. What I can say is that I have access to a basement that would be absolutely perfect for a treadmill. At least, that's what I say to myself when I look out the door and it's pouring with rain. And if I do eventually take the plunge and purchase a treadmill, I am likely to go with NordicTrack. I'm not willing to spend thousands on a Peloton, and NordicTrack is a reliable name in fitness tech.

The NordicTrack T Series promises heart-pounding studio workouts and trainer-guided workouts from around the globe, so you can run along the beaches of Hawaii instead of through the mean streets of my home town.

UPDATE: Oct. 9, 2024, 7:35 a.m. EDT This article has been updated with the latest deals under $25 on October Prime Day.

Sometimes, good things come with small price tags. Amazon's Prime Day sales are always a great time to snag some new gear, but if you're sticking to a budget this fall, here are some great deals that cost under $25.

October Prime Day deals under $25 Best earbuds deal Soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds $19.99 at Amazon (save $20) Get Deal Best Echo device deal Amazon Echo Pop $17.99 at Amazon (save $22) Get Deal Best home security deal Blink Mini $17.99 at Amazon (save $12) Get Deal Best streaming device deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K $24.99 at Amazon (Save $25) Get Deal Best Apple Deal Apple AirTag $24.99 (Save $4.01) Get Deal

Life feels pretty expensive these days, which means that many of us are sticking to a strict budget lately. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days event. We've scoured Amazon to find the best bargains for Day 2, so you can snag some goodies without overspending. Here are our top picks.

Best earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds $19.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The ultra-affordable Soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds are on sale at Amazon for just $19.99, which means they're half-off the usual price of $39.99. At this price, you can use them as stocking stuffers or grab a few pairs for your family to always have on hand in case someone's earbuds go missing.

The P20i earbuds use 10mm drivers, focusing on bass while also offering about 30 hours of playtime on a single charge. They're also water-resistant, so no worries if you're out in the rain or in the muggy summer heat.

The compact and lightweight design of the Soundcore earbuds paired with the attached lanyard means these earbuds are also great for travel, taking to school, or bringing along to the office.

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

The Amazon Echo Pop and Dot serve as affordable devices in the brand's line-up, however, during events like Prime Big Deal Days, they get an even bigger discount. In a perfectly compact size, the Amazon Echo Pop is ideal for small spaces, answering to Alexa commands, setting routines, and playing music.

During Prime Big Deal Days, find the Amazon Echo Pop for $17.99, saving $22 for 55% off.

SEE ALSO: Echo vs. Echo Dot: Which Amazon device should you buy? Best home security deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Blink Mini $17.99 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $12.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Keeping an eye on the inside of your home or apartment while you're away can offer some serious peace of mind. Get reassurance the dog didn't destroy the couch, or check that the kids arrived home from school on time with the Blink Mini indoor camera. You'll get a clear and crisp view with the 1080p resolution, while also getting night vision views when it gets dark. Two-way audio on the camera means you can let the dog know you see what it's up to, should it choose chaos and start chewing on the couch.

You'll get alerts on your smartphone when motion is detected, or you can customize your notifications or detection zones. Setting up the Blink Mini includes plugging it into a power source and connecting it to your home's WiFi.

At just $17.99, this October Prime Day deal on the Blink Mini gets you a top-rated security camera for 40% off. You'll be hard-pressed to find a better price, as it's only $3 more than its record low.

Best streaming device deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K $24.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Is the Amazon Fire Stick 4K the best streamer we've ever tested? No, Roku takes the cake there. However, it still works perfectly fine, and not to mention, it's hard to turn away from its price tag. Having tested the Amazon Fire Stick TV, set-up is easy; it's as simple as plugging it into an HDMI port in the back of your TV.

While the home screen is a little clunky and slow, full of ads and promotions for Prime Video content, it is a dream for those who primarily stream on the site. The Amazon Fire Stick 4K is down to $24.99, saving you $25 and 50% off.

More October Prime Day deals under $25

• Anker 313 Wireless Charging Stand — $12.78 $19.99 (save $7.21)

• Amazon Smart Plug — $12.99 $24.99 (save $12)

• Zevo Flying Insect Trap for Indoors — $14.99 $19.99 (save $5)

• Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug — $14.99 $24.99 (save $10)

• TP-Link Tapo 2K pan tilt security camera — $19.71 $34.99 (save $15.28)

• Amazon Fire TV Stick HD — $19.99 $39.99 (save $20)

• Amazon Echo Dot — $22.99 $49.99 (save $27)

• Echo Dot with TP-Link Tapo Smart Color Bulb — $22.99 $74.98 (save $51.99)

• Apple AirTag — $24.99 $29 (save $4.01)

SAVE OVER $170: As of Oct. 9, the iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO robot vacuum is on sale for $249.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 40% on the regular list price of $420.

Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO $249.99 at Amazon
$420.00 Save $170.01 Get Deal

October Prime Day is made for picking up the kind of luxury items that you can’t always justify buying. One such luxury item is a smart robot vacuum cleaner. We’d all love one for a robot maid to do our dirty work around the home, but they’re not exactly cheap. Even budget Roombas like the i3+ EVO are priced at $400 or more. Fortunately, Amazon's got a great deal on a high-end model from iRobot, one of the leading names in robot vacuum cleaner technology.

The iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO is currently discounted to $249.99 for a markdown of 40% from the list price. That’s $170.01 back in your pocket as you put your feet up and let the robot vacuum get on with the housework. But don’t dawdle on this deal. Oct. 9 is the final day of Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days. Be sure to check out our live blog for real-time updates as the sale comes to a close.

SEE ALSO: The best October Prime Day deals on robot vacuums

The iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO is packed with technology that will make your life easier and your home cleaner. It’s fully compatible with Alexa and has smart mapping, automatic emptying, and advanced navigation features.

Usually priced at $429, this self-emptying robovac is one of the most affordable smart Roomba vacuums — and you can get it on sale for a little while longer. Remember: October Prime Day ends at midnight PT, so take advantage of this 40% deal while you can.

SAVE OVER $69.96: As of Oct. 9, the Beats Studio Buds are on sale for $79.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 47% on the regular list price of $149.95.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Beats Studio Buds $79.99
$149.95 Save $69.96 Get Deal

If there’s one gadget we all need in this modern and Bluetooth-connected world, it’s a pair of high-quality earbuds. (Oh, and a smartphone. And a laptop. Okay, so maybe more than one thing.) And if great-sounding audio is a priority — and why wouldn’t it be? — then Beats products should be on your radar. The Apple brand makes stylish headphones that produce exceptional-sounding music. That’s why the Beats Studio Buds are an absolute steal this October Prime Day.

You can currently pick up the Beats Studio Buds for the discounted price of $79.99, which gives you a massive saving from the list price of $149.95. We used to get excited when these buds dropped to $100. After closely watching their price history on Amazon, we can confirm they're once again at their lowest-ever price. (Technically, they're $0.04 shy of a record low, but we're counting it.)

And don’t forget: Oct. 9 is the last day of Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days, aka October Prime Day, so don’t miss your chance to snap up these noise-cancelling earbuds and save yourself more than $69.

SEE ALSO: The new Apple AirPods Max 2 just got their first discount for October Prime Day

Beats Studio Buds are true wireless earbuds that have active noise cancellation and transparency mode, which allows certain ambient sounds through at your discretion, such as other people’s voices. They also offer spatial audio and one-touch pairing with iOS devices.

They’re Apple-made but compatible with both Apple and Android — and a bargain no matter which brand of smartphone you use. As a bonus, you’ll also get three months of Apple Music absolutely free with your purchase. Everything’s controlled by the buds themselves — just give them a tap.

If you want to keep track of the best savings, follow our live blog for up-to-the-minute coverage of all the latest October Prime Day deals at Amazon and beyond.

UPDATE: Oct. 9, 2024, 6:57 a.m. EDT This article has been update with the latest deals on Kindle books during Prime Big Deal Days.

Best October Prime Day Kindle Deals Best Kindle Deal Kindle Scribe (16GB) $254.99 at Amazon (Save $85) Get Deal Best Kindle Paperwhite Deal Kindle Paperwhite $124.99 at Amazon (Save $25) Get Deal Best Kindle Bundle Deal Kindle Paperwhite Essentials Bundle (16 GB) $140.97 at Amazon (Save $64) Get Deal

It's officially cozy season, which nicely coincides with Amazon's October Prime Day. If you're thinking about settling down on the couch or cuddling up in bed with a good book, now's the time to do it. And what better way to do so than with a new Kindle? If you've had your eye on one, this is one of the best times to go ahead and lock one in, because when the weather gets cooler, snuggling with a loved one or a pet and a great read just hits different.

Thanks to Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days, you can save on some of the best Kindles at Amazon right now. Admittedly, Kindle deals during the spooky season Prime Day aren't amazing, but they are deals nonetheless. There are some good deals to be had — the Paperwhite and Scribe offer savings of up to 25%, for example.

Below, find some of our favorite October Prime Day Kindle deals. And don't forget to snag your free Amazon First Reads books this month, which includes two in October just for being a Prime member.

Best Kindle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle Scribe (16GB) $254.99 at Amazon
$339.99 Save $85.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Kindle Scribe is a multifunctional tablet that lets you enjoy your favorite books and magazines with the potential to be used as a digital notebook. In addition to all your normal Kindle options, the Scribe lets you take notes while reading or use it as a dedicated tablet with smooth writing and a responsive screen. This deal comes with the basic pen, which lacks the eraser and shortcut button, but it still glides over the screen smoothly.

During Prime Big Deal Days, the Kindle Scribe is down to $254.99, saving you $85.

Best Kindle Paperwhite deal Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle Paperwhite $124.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal Why we like it

You really can't beat the Kindle Paperwhite — there's a reason it's the best e-reader we've tested. It's waterproof, comes with 16GB of storage, and adjustable warmth and brightness. It's super quick with a responsive touchscreen, just what you want as you're zooming through a good book. During October Prime Day, shop the Kindle Paperwhite for $124.99, taking $25 off the price.

Best Kindle bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle Paperwhite Essentials Bundle (16 GB) $140.97 at Amazon
$204.97 Save $64.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're looking to get the full Kindle set-up, your best bet is to go with a bundle. The Kindle Paperwhite Essentials Bundle is a good option that's also budget-friendly when it comes to e-readers. This bundle comes with a 16GB Kindle Paperwhite, a fabric cover, and a power adapter. During Prime Big Deal Days, this bundle is down to $140.97, saving you $64.

More Kindle deals

• Kindle Paperwhite Kids (16GB) — $114.99 $169.99 (save $55)

• Kindle Scribe Essentials Bundle — $299.97 $439.97 (save $140)

• Kindle Paperwhite Essentials Bundle — $141.97 $211.97 (save $70)

The best Kindle book deals

• Avatar, The Last Airbender: The Rise of Kyoshi (Chronicles of the Avatar Book 1) by F.C. Yee — $9.25 $11.69 (save $2.44)

• Chaos: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties by Tom O'Neill — $4.99 $22.99 (save $18)

• Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa, translated by Eric Ozawa — $1.99 $16.99 (save $15)

• FantasticLand by Mike Bockoven — $12.99 $16.99 (save $4)

• Happy-Go-Lucky by David Sedaris — $2.99 $18.99 (save $16)

• Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Perez — $12.14 $18.99 (save $6.85)

• Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez — $2.99 $18.99 (save $16)

• Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari — $1.99 $9 (save $7.01)

• The Stories of Ray Bradbury by Ray Bradbury — $17.99 $40 (save $22.01)

• The Story of the Lost Child by Elena Ferrante — $3.99 $17.99 (save $14)

• Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand — $14.99 $30 (save $15.01)

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle — $2.99 $7.99 (save $5)

• You Are Here by David Nicholls — $2.99 $30 (save $27.01)

UPDATE: Oct. 9, 2024, 6:30 a.m. EDT This article has been updated to reflect the best October Prime Day Fitbit deals available.

The best Prime Day Fitbit deals at a glance: BEST FITBIT DEAL Fitbit Sense $139.95 at Woot! (save $110) Get Deal BEST FITBIT DEAL FOR KIDS Fitbit Google Ace LTE $169.99 at Woot! (save $59.96) Get Deal

Prime Day part two, October Prime Day, Prime Big Deal Days, or whatever you choose to call it is here, but deals have been flooding in for a couple weeks. Amazon is well known for dropping deals in the days leading up to their big shopping events.

While we've seen some pretty impressive fitness tracker and smartwatch deals, Fitbit cannot be bothered to give shoppers any discounts this Amazon Prime Day. The only Fitbit deals you'll find at Amazon are from sketchy third-party sellers and we don't recommend grabbing those. Instead, we scoured the web for any reputable deals on Fitbit models we could find and came out with....two. But hey, two is better than none, right?

Here are the best (and only) Prime Day Fitbit deals we could find.

Best Fitbit deal Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Sense $139.95 at Woot!
$249.95 Save $110.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Fitbit Sense.

The Fitbit Sense, originally released in 2020, is built for wellness-focused users. The EDA Scan app detects electrodermal activity (aka a stress meter). The ECG app, which is only available in certain countries and intended for people who are 22 or older, checks heart rhythm for signs of atrial fibrillation, and the built-in GPS lets you track your runs without your phone. The battery lasts six days on a full charge, and the fast-charge function gives you a full day's worth of use after just 12 minutes of charging (up to 12 hours with GPS mode on). It's since been replaced by the Sense 2, but is still a pretty solid smartwatch — especially for this price.

PROMOTED Peloton Bike+ $1,999.99 at Amazon
$2,495.00 Save $495.01 Shop Now SolaWave $169.00 at Amazon
Shop Now iHealth Nexus Smart Scale $29.99 at Amazon
$42.99 Save $13.00 Shop Now

Products available for purchase here through affiliate links are selected by our merchandising team. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission or other compensation.

Best Fitbit deal for kids Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Google Ace LTE $169.99 at Woot!
$229.95 Save $59.96 Get Deal Why we like it

Just released this past spring, the Fitbit Ace LTE by Google is a smartwatch built just for kids. It helps gamify getting active by encouraging and rewarding movement and play throughout the day. Plus, it swaps screen time for physical activity, which is certainly a plus. Parents can keep tabs on their little ones by calling, texting, and voice messaging, seeing real-time locations, controlling the contact list, and restricting game access during specific times (school, homework, etc.). It's regularly $229.95, but Woot! has it on sale for only $169.99. That's 26% in savings and the lowest price we've seen.

UPDATE: Oct. 9, 2024, 7:00 a.m. EDT Updated with the latest pricing and availability on October Prime Day.

Best keyboard deals on October Prime Day Best standard keyboard deal Arteck HW192 $23.78 at Amazon (Save $26.21) Get Deal Best mechanical keyboard deal Royal Kludge S98 mechanical keyboard $84.99 at Amazon (Save $15) Get Deal

Whether you're deep in the rabbit hole that is having a keyboard building hobby or you're simply looking to update your home office setup, Prime Big Deal Days is shaping up to be a great time to pick up a new keyboard on sale.

SEE ALSO: 300+ October Prime Day deals selected by experts who have been tracking prices for years

Amazon's October Prime Day sale started on Oct. 8, with plenty of keyboards marked down from brands like Logitech, SteelSeries, Epomaker, and more.

What makes a good keyboard can have a lot to do with personal preferences. We've included 15 different keyboard deals on our list below so you can find what you're looking for, whether you want something you can plug and play, or a hot-swappable keyboard you can customize as much as you'd like.

Best standard keyboard deal Opens in a new window Credit: Arteck HW192 Arteck HW192 $23.78 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $26.21 Get Deal Why we like it

The Arteck HW192 is not the flashiest keyboard out there, but it's easy to set up and it works great. It's as reliable as they come, and that's what most people want from their keyboard. The stainless steel material gives a heavy duty feeling, with low-profile keys that offer quiet and comfortable typing. The rechargeable lithium battery also lasts for six months on a single charge, so you can forget all about it.

Best mechanical keyboard deal Opens in a new window Credit: Royal Kludge Royal Kludge S98 mechanical keyboard $84.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal Why we like it

For under $90, you're getting a hot-swappable keyboard with a 96% layout, a knob, a small display, and a Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and USB-C connection. In other words, this Royal Kludge keyboard is a great affordable mechanical keyboard, whether you're into gaming or just want something cute for your desk. There are also four different keycap colorways available, but the coupon amount may vary depending on which you choose.

More keyboard deals

• Amazon Basics Low-Profile Wired USB Keyboard — $13.49 $18 (save $4.51)

• Redragon K668 RGB Gaming Keyboard — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)

• Keychron C2 — $40.49 $53.99 (save $13.50)

• EPOMAKER Ajazz AK820 Pro — $55.19 $69.99 (save $14.80)

• HyperX Alloy Origins Core PBT — $59.49 $109.99 (save $50.50)

• EPOMAKER x Aula F75 — $64.99 $79.99 (save $15 with on-page coupon)

• Royal Kludge RK100 — $63.99 $95.99 (save $32)

• AULA F99 wireless mechanical keyboard — $66.31 $82.89 (save $16.58)

• EPOMAKER x Aula F99 — $66.39 $82.99 (save $16.60)

• EPOMAKER x LEOBOG Hi75 — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)

• HyperX Alloy Rise 75 — $119.99 $169.99 (save $50)

• SteelSeries Apex Pro mini — $129.99 $179.99 (save $50)

• Logitech G915 — $149.99 $229.99 (save $80)

Best October Prime Day deals under $50 Best entertainment deal Roku Streaming Stick 4K $34 at Amazon (save $15.99) Get Deal Best Echo device deal Amazon Echo Spot $44.99 at Amazon (Save $35) Get Deal Best headphones deal Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Hybrid Headphones (black) $39.90 at Amazon (save $20.09) Get Deal Best home security deal Blink Outdoor 4 $39.99 at Amazon (save $60) Get Deal

The temperature and leaves are beginning to fall, which means it's time for Amazon's third major sale of the season — Prime Big Deal Days. The sale officially kicked off on October 8 and runs through the end of today, the 9th. With everything underway, we've spotted solid discounts on Amazon devices, small kitchen appliances, headphones, robot vacuums, and plenty more. But before you add it all to your cart, check out the Mashable guide to items you don't want to buy during Prime Day.

If you're on a budget, we've rounded up the best deals under $50. We've combed through all the deals, finding our favorite products, and checking the price histories so you know everything here is truly a good deal.

Best entertainment deal Roku Streaming Stick 4K $34.00 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $15.99 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're going to buy a streaming stick, I'm begging you — go with the Roku Streaming Stick 4K. Having put it head-to-head with the Amazon Fire Stick TV 4K, I can guarantee you, it's supremely better. It installs easily, has an easy to navigate interface, and is so quick. It delivers a gorgeous picture and requires little to know buffer time. You really can't do better — especially with its Prime Big Deal Days price tag.

Currently, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is down to $34.99 from its usual $49.99. That knocks off $15 for a generous 30% discount.

Best Echo device deal Amazon Echo Spot $44.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Last Prime Day, Amazon launched the updated Echo Spot, a smart alarm clock that works as a hub in the bedroom. It's a fantastic little speaker that plays music with crisp detail and shines brightly with brilliant displays.

During Prime Big Deal Days, the Amazon Echo Spot is back down to its lowest price ever of $44.99. That's 44% savings, knocking $35 off the price.

Best headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Anker Our pick: Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Hybrid Headphones (black) $39.90 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $20.09 Get Deal Why we like it

Noise-cancelling headphones tend to cost several hundred dollars, putting them out of range for many folks. But that's not the case today — you can grab the Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Hybrid Headphones in black for just $39.90 at Amazon.

Are these top-of-the-line Bose headphones? Nope. But they do an excellent job with sound quality and noise cancellation, especially considering the affordable sale price. The ear cups are made with a soft memory foam so you'll be comfortable for all-day wear, and they get about 60 hours of playtime before you'll need to recharge. You'll also get a convenient travel pouch with the headphones for easy storage.

Best home security deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Blink Outdoor 4 $39.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $60.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Home security cameras can be a great addition to your tech collection. The wireless Blink Outdoor 4 is on sale at Amazon for just $39.99, down from the list price of $99.99 which means you'll be getting a massive 60% discount. The security camera has a battery that'll keep it powered for up to two years while also offering crisp and clear 1080p HD resolution. Come nighttime, the camera will switch to an infrared night live view.

Mashable sister publication PCMag (both owned by Ziff Davis) gave the Blink Outdoor 4 an "excellent" review, noting its wider field of view and optional people alerts as pros.

Plus, since the camera is wireless, you won't have to worry about a complicated set-up process.

More deals under $50 at Amazon's Big Deal Days event

• Picasso Tiles 100-piece Magnetic Tile Set — $25.99 $39.99 (save $14 with on-page coupon)

• Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Case (Leather) — $26.99 $41.99 (save $15)

• Roku Express 4K+ — $27 $39.99 (save $12.99)

• Amazon Echo Dot Kids — $27.99 $59.99 (save $32)

• Soundcore P30i Earbuds — $27.99 $49.99 (save $22)

• JBL Vibe Beam Earbuds — $29.95 $49.95 (save $20)

• Brother P-Touch Label Maker — $29.99 $39.99 (save $10)

• Blink Video Doorbell — $29.99 $59.99 (save $30)

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max — $34.99 $59.99 (save $25)

• Amazon Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation — $34.99 $119.99 (save $85)

• AncestryDNA Genetic Test Kit — $39 $99 (save $60)

• Levoit Core Mini Air Purifier — $39.98 $49.99 (save $10.01)

• EA Sports College Football for PlayStation 5 — $42.99 $69.99 (save $27)

• Soundcore by Anker Space A40 Earbuds — $44.99 $79.99 (save $35)

• JLab Create Wireless Lavalier Mic System — $44.99 $59.99 (save $15)

• Govee RGBIC Smart Lights — $45.99 $72.99 (save $27)

• JBL Tune Flex — $49.95 $99.95 (save $50)

• JBL Tune Buds — $49.95 $99.95 (save $50)

• Amazon Echo Show 5 — $49.99 $89.99 (save $40)

• Blueair Mini Air Purifier — $49.99 $69.99 (save $20)

• Ninja BC151WH Blast Portable Blender — $49.99 $59.99 (save $10)

• Amazon Fire 7 Kids Tablet — $49.99 $99.99 (save $50)

UPDATE: Oct. 9, 2024, 7:00 a.m. EDT This post has been updated with the latest pricing and availability on Apple Watches for Prime Big Deal Days, plus more deals you can shop from Amazon.

The best Apple Watch deals of Prime Day at a glance: Best Series 9 deal Apple Watch Series 9 (41mm, GPS) $299 at Amazon (Save $100) Get Deal Best Series 10 deal Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm, GPS) $405.99 at Amazon (Save $23.01) Get Deal Best Ultra deal Apple Watch Ultra 2 $734.89 at Amazon (Save $64.11) Get Deal Best SE deal Apple Watch SE (40mm, GPS) $169.99 at Amazon (save $79.01) Get Deal

Prime Big Deal Days (aka Prime Day part two) is in its final day, and we're tracking all the best deals. As in years past, Amazon came through with early price drops on major categories, including Apple Watches, weeks ahead of the big event. And now that the sale is officially underway, prices on Apple smartwatches are dropping even further.

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

We started seeing price cuts on the Series 9, Ultra 2, and even the brand-new Series 10 last week. Prices on those models have largely remained the same for day two of the sale. That's not a bad thing, of course. A $100 price cut on the Series 9 watches is welcome, and we'll likely see them get phased out after this fall shopping season, making it a good time to pick one up. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch SE just got an extra $30 price drop in multiple configurations, dropping most models to new record-low prices.

We'll be keeping an eye out for further price drops as Prime Big Deal Days continues. Be sure to check back for updates throughout the sale (and even after since Apple Watch deals often run beyond the official end of Prime Day).

Note: All newly added deals are marked with a ✨, while deals with a 🔥 have dropped to an all-time low price. Deals with a strikeout were either sold out or expired at the time of writing.

Best Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 9 (41mm, GPS) $299.00 at Amazon
$399.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Apple Watch Series 9.

At just one year old, the Series 9 is hardly outdated. It comes with the same 18 hours of battery life as the Series 10 and many of the same fitness features. While you'll get a slightly larger display with the newer Apple Watch and a sleep apnea sensor, you'll save $100 on the Series 9 because it's the "old" Apple Watch.

Both series have the same 2,000-nit max brightness, which Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder said was one of the best reasons to grab the watch. Overall, if you've never bought into the Apple Watch ecosystem and want to save some cash, this Series 9 deal is a decent bang for your buck. If $299 is still out of your ideal price range, the Apple Watch SE makes a great alternative – Amazon price history shows this model is at an all-time low.

More Apple Watch deals

Series 10

• Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm, GPS) — $380 $399 (save $19)

• Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm, GPS) — $405.99 $429 (save $23.01)🔥

• Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm, GPS + cellular) — $470.36 $499 (save $28.64)🔥

Series 9

• Apple Watch Series 9 (41mm, GPS) — $299 $399 (save $100)

• Apple Watch Series 9 (45mm, GPS) — $329 $429 (save $100)

• Apple Watch Series 9 (45mm, GPS + cellular) — $599 $749 (save $150)

SE

• Apple Watch SE (40mm, GPS) — $169.99 $249 (save $79.01)🔥

• Apple Watch SE (44mm, GPS) — $199.99 $279 (save $60)🔥

• Apple Watch SE (40mm, GPS + cellular) — $219.99 $299 (save $79.01)🔥

• Apple Watch SE (44m, GPS + cellular) — $249.99 $329 (save $79.01)🔥

Ultra

• Apple Watch Ultra 2 (49mm, GPS + cellular) — $734.89 $799 (save $64.11)

More Prime Day deals to shop

Apple

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 — $168.99 $249 (save $80.01)

• Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) — $394.99 $549 (save $154.01)

• 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)

• Apple iPad, 10.2-inch (A13 Bionic, WiFi, 64GB) — $199 $329 (save $130)

• Apple iPad, 10.9-inch (A14 Bionic, WiFi, 64GB) — $299 $349 (save $50)

• Apple iPad mini, 8.3-inch (A15 Bionic, WiFi, 64GB) — $349.99 $499 (save $149.01)

• Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 256GB) — $1,149 $1,299 (save $150 with on-page coupon) ✨🔥

TVs

• Amazon 50-inch 4-Series 4K Fire TV — $279.99 $499.99 (save $220)

• Amazon 50-inch Omni 4K Fire TV — $329.99 $479.99 (save $150)

• Samsung 65-inch S90D OLED 4K TV — $1,497.99 $2,197.99 (save $700)

• Sony 65-inch Bravia 8 OLED 4K TV — $1,698 $2,499.99 (save $801.99)

• LG 65-inch G3 OLED 4K TV — $1,846.99 $2,796.99 (save $950)

Headphones

• Beats Powerbeats Earbuds — $149.99 $249.95 (save $99.96)

• JBL Live Buds 3 — $169.95 $199.95 (save $30)

• Bose QuietComfort headphones — $199 $349 (save $150)

• Bose Ultra Open Earbuds — $249 $299 (save $50)

• Sony WH-1000XM5 — $298 $399.99 (save $101.99)

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones — $329 $429 (save $100)

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It's autumn, meaning it's time for Gilmore Girls marathons, pumpkin lattes, and cuffing season. Cuffing season, a phrase from African-American Vernacular English (AAVE), is the time of year when (in the northern hemisphere) temperatures dip and daters may be more apt to settle down and cuddle with one person for those cold winter months, as opposed to playing the field.

SEE ALSO: Welcome to the 'Lover Girl' dating era. It's time to embrace romance.

To help prepare you for cuffing season, dating app Hinge has created a guide to first dates. Do you want a quick date, or are you down to devote more time? Indoors or outdoors? Activity or conversation-based? This logic tree has you covered:

Hinge's easy guide for first date ideas. Credit: Hinge

Hinge's director of relationship science, Logan Ury, shared tips with Mashable on having fun first dates this season:

• Don't put too much pressure on a first date. You're just meeting this person, don't jump into wondering whether you'll marry them. But if you think you'll feel anxious regardless, you can take pressure off by including a "third object." A "third object" is something other than you and your date to talk about, like art at a museum.

• Try a group setting. This might also lessen the stress of speaking to one person all night, and Ury recommended this so you can see how your date interacts with other people. "This is a great way to get a sense of those hard-to-measure qualities that are so important, like kindness," she said.

• Customize the date based on your match's interest. If they mention an activity or drink in their bio, you'll show interest by suggesting a first date that includes that interest.

Ultimately — and this might be difficult — have fun. Not every first date is going to turn into a cuddle buddy, but hopefully, you'll have one once winter begins.

UPDATE: Oct. 9, 2024, 6:00 a.m. EDT This article has been updated with the latest iPad pricing and availability on Prime Big Deal Days.

Best iPad deals on October Prime Day Best for portability Apple iPad Mini (64GB, WiFi) $349.99 at Amazon (Save $150) Get Deal Best for upgrading Apple iPad Air (M2, 128GB, WiFi) $549 at Amazon (Save $50) Get Deal Best for cheap Apple iPad 9th Generation (64GB, WiFi) $199 at Amazon (save $130) Get Deal

October Prime Day is up and running with deals on just about everything you can imagine, but Apple is often the star of the show.

Among the many items marked down — including Apple Watches and AirPods — you'll find a decent variety of iPads, from M2 Airs to the ninth generation iPad. We've checked out everything from the Prime Big Deal Days sale, and lined up the deals that are really worth your time.

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

As always, we'll be updating this post with the best iPad deals throughout the October Prime Day event, so make sure to check back often.

Best iPad deal Apple iPad mini (6th gen, A15 Bionic chip, 64GB, WiFi) $379.99 at Amazon
$499.00 Save $119.01 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the iPad mini.

We're probably due for a new iPad mini soon, but this 2021 model still holds up as a great portable option from Apple. With the M4 Pro line just released this year, Apple is still struggling to get its tablets to be legitimate laptop replacements for most people. In the case that you're mainly using a tablet to watch videos, read books, and play games, the iPad mini is an excellent choice. At $379.99, it's back to the record-low price we saw it hit last month, making it one of the best iPad deals to grab ahead of Prime Big Deal Days.

More iPad deals ahead of October Prime Day

• Apple iPad (9th generation, WiFi, 64GB) — $199 $329 (save $130)

• Apple iPad (10th generation, WiFi, 64GB) — $299 $349 (save $50)

• Apple iPad Mini (WiFi, 64GB) — $349.99 $499 (save $150)

• Apple iPad mini (WiFi, 256GB) — $529.99 $649 (save $119.01)

• Apple iPad Air 11-inch (WiFi, 128GB) — $499 $599 (save $100)

• Apple iPad Air 13-inch (WiFi, 128GB) — $749 $799 (save $50)

• Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 256GB) — $922 $999 (save $77)

• Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 512GB) — $1,399 $1,499 (save $100)

SAVE $703: As of Oct. 9, the LG 55-Inch OLED evo TV is on sale for $1,296.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 35% on the retail price of $1,999.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 55-Inch OLED evo TV $1,296.99 at Amazon
$1,999.99 Save $703.00 Get Deal

The mighty television set is always one of the most sought-after items during big sales such as October Prime Day. Because who doesn’t love a great TV? You know, the thing that all your furniture points toward. We're following all the latest deals (including TV deals), in our Prime Day live blog, but one LG TV deal in particular deserves a callout.

The 55-inch LG C4 evo OLED 4K Smart TV is discounted by more than $700 on Oct. 9, the final day of Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days shopping event. And you can save even more by opting for the 65-inch model, which is 45% off as of this writing. This is the best LG TV deal of October Prime Day, so don't miss out.

The C4 OLED TV comes from a fine pedigree of award-winning TVs. The C3, C2, and C1 of years past all won numerous "best OLED TV" awards, and the C4 is widely considered by reviewers to be the top contender of 2024. The premium 4K smart TV is currently discounted to $1,296.99, 35% less than the normal list price. Here at Mashable, we keep a close eye on the Amazon price history for big products, and we can confirm this is the lowest price ever seen for the 55-inch version of the TV.

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

This isn’t any old television set. As we already mentioned, LG has a well-earned reputation for making the best OLED TVs in the world, year after year. It’s fully smart, with Alexa built-in for voice control, and it comes equipped with an AI-powered magic remote. Not only that, there’s Doly Atmos and Vision, plus access to 300+ free digital channels and features for gaming. And, of course, a high-end OLED display with incredible color.

This October Prime Day deal will allow you to upgrade the centerpiece of your home cinema setup. And just at the right time of year, as you get ready to binge holiday season TV shows and movies.

And don’t wait around on this LG TV deal. Remember: Oct. 9 is the final day of Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days.

SAVE $350: As of Oct. 9, the Samsung The Frame 55-Inch TV is on sale for $667.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 41% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung The Frame 55-Inch TV $977.99 at Amazon
$1,645.98 Save $667.99 Get Deal

Amazon's Prime Day is the perfect chance to secure incredible deals, and we at Mashable have been keeping an eye on which deals are worth your time and which aren't. We've seen incredible deals across laptops, earbuds, and TVs, but one of the best offers we've seen is the discounted Samsung Frame TV.

A stylish and aesthetic TV, the Samsung device has long been famous for its ability to camouflage as a painting on your wall. The 4K QLED display gives you a stellar viewing experience when bingeing your favorite shows, before giving you an amazing artwork image when not watching. Special mention to the matte finish, reducing reflections and making your displayed images pop even more.

Artwork aside, it also features a Tizen smart interface for a user-friendly experience for navigating apps and settings, voice control compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant, and multiple HDMI ports and USB connections.

As of Oct. 9, you can purchase this TV for $977.99, an incredible 41% discount. Not only is this the lowest it has ever been priced at Amazon, but it's the first time it's been available for under $1,000. This particular discount applies to the 55-inch model, but there are similarly incredible deals across all other sizes (excluding the 85-inch).

There's not long left of October Prime Day, so move fast if you want to score this deal.

SAVE $85: As of Oct. 9, the Kindle Scribe is on sale for $254.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 25% on the list price of $339.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Scribe (16 GB) $254.99 at Amazon
$339.99 Save $85.00 Get Deal

If reading and writing are your thing, then you'll love this October Prime Day deal. Combining reading and note-taking, the Amazon Kindle Scribe is an e-reader and a digital notebook all in one. And thanks to Prime Big Deal Days, this Kindle is at its lowest price in months.

The Kindle Scribe is the newest e-reader in Amazon's lineup. The Scribe comes with a stylus so you can jot down notes and convert them to text as easily as writing in a notebook. Besides its note-taking abilities, it has a 10.2-inch 300 ppi Paperwhite display.

Its lightweight design also makes it portable and easy to carry around on your travels. And let's not forget the impressive battery life, lasting weeks on just a single charge.

SEE ALSO: 300+ October Prime Day deals selected by our shopping experts

The bright display is perfect for reading in any light, indoors or outdoors, and you can store up to 16 GB of content. That means you can stock up on plenty of Prime Day e-book deals and barely make a dent in the storage.

Again, as of Oct. 9, the Kindle Scribe is marked down to $254.99, so you're saving $85 — all the more money for books. This is the final day of October Prime Day, but you can check out our Prime Day live blog to stay up to date on all the final deals, including a handful of deals on Kindle e-readers.

SAVE OVER $300: As of Oct. 9, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is on sale for $1,046.58 at Amazon. That's a saving of 26% on list price and it's lowest-ever price on Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra $1,046.58 at Amazon
$1,419.99 Save $373.41 Get Deal

Amazon Prime Day is a great opportunity to upgrade your tech. With deals across Apple, Samsung, and more big names, you don't have to look far to grab a bargain. And if a new phone is on your horizon, check out this incredible discount on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Reduced by 21% to $1,046.58, this phone is now at its lowest-ever price at Amazon, and one of the best October Prime Day deals we've seen.

SEE ALSO: The best October Prime Day unlocked phone deals from Samsung, Google, and more

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is an incredible smartphone and one of the top models in the Galaxy range. Upgrade for the eye-catching 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, the 200MP main camera, the ultra-wide, telephoto, and periscope lenses, or even just for the super-fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor.

The 5,000 mAh battery will keep you going all day, even if you're streaming, working, gaming, or simply browsing. Plus, it supports 45W wired charging and 15W wireless charging, so when it’s time to charge, you won’t have to wait long.

Convinced yet? Grab this great Prime Day deal before it's too late.

Listen up, losers: We can tell when your posts are made with an audience in mind and we don't like it. It sounds like ChatGPT, it is the lowest possible denominator of posting, and, worst of all, it's boring.

I come to you with a solution: Delete your drafts. 

It’s a strategy I learned with a fair bit of hesitance — why work so hard just to trash it all — but one that’s paid off. 

My journey in deleting began in 2022 when I attended a writers workshop in need of a creative reset. I was paralyzed not with fear but with an obligation to an imagined reader. After years of getting paid to write, I had stopped writing it for the good of the story and started writing it for an audience — the Mashable audience, the NPR audience, or some other invented audience that might enjoy the piece, take something from the piece, and, importantly, give me money for writing the piece. Soon enough, a good idea had been reduced to something boring, watered-down from its initial promise.  

The pressure creatives feel to constantly produce content for an audience — and ultimately for validation — can ruin our ability to actually create interesting work.

My mentor at the workshop recommended I try something new: Write the work and let my brain take it where it takes it, whether that's with an audience in mind or not, and when I felt it was perfected — that moment I would typically send it to an editor — delete it. Never read it again. Keep nothing. As a visual artist, I took that practice into my painting, too. The fear of perfection stopped me from starting altogether until I started each painting with the knowledge that it was bound for the trash.

It didn't happen immediately but, eventually, I stopped thinking about other people and my art got more courageous and exciting. It wasn't always better, but it was always weirder and riskier. The creation also kind of sucked, because when I did make something I loved, I still had to throw it away — if I didn't, the strategy wouldn't work.

Of course, writing is my job. So all the while, I was writing for public consumption to keep paying rent. But the flair I earned in my garbage writing bled into the pieces published for the world. I was no longer beholden to the anxiety of perfectionism that is so often tied to attention and monetary gain. I recognized that the risks I was taking in the trash pieces weren't actually that crazy — and it encouraged me to take more risks in my pieces I created for the public. Removing the external audience encouraged experimentation, play, and mistakes. Discarding completed work shifted my relationship with creativity and got rid of that nasty attachment to a story.

The real lesson it taught me? Think less. Just do the work.

There's some scientific backing to this idea as well. A 2020 study of jazz guitarists found that experienced guitarists playing better improvisations relied on mechanisms that "were largely automatic and unconscious, and they came from the left posterior part of the brain," the American Psychological Association wrote. In other words, they weren't thinking about what to create, they were just creating.

I've since taken this approach to social media, and, my god, I am in desperate need of you birdbrains to do it too. If you have to think about if you want to post something on X for more than 20 seconds, don't post it. If you have anything sitting in your drafts, delete them. It's a create and delete or create and immediately post kind of world now. Think of most of the best things you’ve seen online. They’re often in the moment and unique — something only that person could do — rather than someone squeezing the life from the latest trend. When Jools LeBron created “very demure, very mindful” it worked because it was her voice and her personality shining through. Then the world got ahold of it and, as the internet does, watered it down to a mind-numbing trend. 

SEE ALSO: Which streaming service should you cancel? All of them (most of the time).

The best things online aren’t the workshopped-to-death TikToks hoping to be the next viral sound or a tweet asking "name a '90s movie you loved as a kid." If you’re agonizing over a draft thinking of who it’s for, then it’s probably time to send it into the ether.

If you need to really lean into this, create a new account on your favorite social media site. Tie it to nothing personal. Follow no one. Keep it on private. Make everything auto-delete after 24 hours. Post the first thoughts that pop into your mind. And, when you're ready, the posts will eventually flow.

Not every piece needs to be destroyed or hidden from the world, but this approach can ultimately make your work more meaningful.

The pressure some artists have to constantly post content online, particularly if they need to maintain visibility, limits artistic risk-taking and encourages safe, boring, algorithm-friendly content. Disconnect from the cycle!!

Liberate yourself!!! Delete your drafts!!! 

October Prime Day: Here's the latest news on the deals

More on Prime Day: Here are all the best deals to shop so far

SAVE $49.96: As of Oct. 9, the Beats Fit Pro are on sale for $149.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 25% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Fit Pro $149.99 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $49.96 Get Deal

Beats is one of the most recognizable names in the audio field, so you know that with these products comes great quality. There are few options as reliable when it comes to upgrading your sound quality. And is there any better excuse to upgrade than Amazon's October Prime Day?

As far as wireless earbuds go, there are plenty of incredible offers to be had over the remaining 24 hours, but as you can tell from our review, we're big fans of the Beats Fit Pro.

SEE ALSO: The all black Beats Studio Pro headphones are down by 51% on October Prime Day

With immersive sound quality, incredible noise cancellation, and a seriously impressive battery life (we're talking days, not hours), any deal on these earbuds is a win. The design is another big win, especially for fitness enthusiasts. The silicon tip slides into your ear seamlessly, staying put for all types of activity and all intensities — runners to Pilates lovers, you're all safe with these.

And as of Oct. 9, you can save 25% at Amazon and pick these up for just $149.99. But move quick, Prime Day is coming to an end.

Shop more headphones deals

• Amazon headphones deals

• Best Buy headphones deals

• Walmart headphones deals

SAVE $110: As of Oct. 9, the iRobot Roomba Q011 robot vacuum is on sale for $139.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 44% on list price, and the lowest it's ever been on Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roomba iRobot Roomba Q011 $139.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $110.00 Get Deal

If a robot vacuum is on your wish list, you'll probably have heard of Roomba. One of the top robot vacuum manufacturers, the devices are both useful and smart.

As of Oct. 9, you can shop the iRobot Roomba Q011 as part of Amazon's October Prime Day. Reduced by $110, you can swap out your manual model for just $139.99.

The Q011 features self-docking and has a power-lifting suction that adjusts based on the type of floor. But our favorite feature of this model is its compatibility with Alexa. With this, you can control the vacuum using simple voice commands so you can start, stop, or schedule cleaning sessions without lifting a finger. Yes, you can boss around your vacuum.

SEE ALSO: Plenty of self-emptying robot vacuums are on sale this October Prime Day

However, it's worth noting that this model does not have self-emptying capabilities nor does it map out your space with AI (rather, it uses basic navigation sensors to avoid bumping into obstacles), so this one requires slightly more upkeep. But for the low sale price, we reckon you can't go wrong.

Ready to remove vacuuming from your list of chores? Move fast before this deal runs out.