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UPDATE: Oct. 2, 2024, 10:35 a.m. EDT This article has been updated with the latest Samsung Galaxy deals ahead of the October Prime Day event.

The best early October Prime Day Samsung Galaxy deals at a glance: BEST GALAXY BOOK DEAL Samsung 14-inch Galaxy Book4 Pro (Intel Core 7 Ultra, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,149.99 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal BEST GALAXY BUDS DEAL Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 $159.99 at Amazon (save $20) Get Deal BEST GALAXY PHONE DEAL Samsung Galaxy A35 (Unlocked, 128GB) $313.99 at Amazon (save $86) Get Deal BEST GALAXY TAB DEAL Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ (64GB, WiFi) $179.99 at Amazon (save $40) Get Deal BEST GALAXY WATCH DEAL Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (Bluetooth, 40mm) $195.30 at Amazon (save $104.69) Get Deal

The second Prime Day event of the year, dubbed Prime Big Deal Days, is around the corner. It officially kicks off Oct. 8, but in the typical Amazon fashion, there are already plenty of deals to shop — especially on Samsung Galaxy products.

It's no surprise, really, as Samsung is one of the brands we usually see major discounts on during big shopping events. July's Prime Day aligned with Galaxy Unpacked, which made the perfect recipe for heavily discounted Samsung products. This time around, we're hoping some of those new product launches from July will get the Prime Day treatment — particularly the near-perfect Galaxy Ring. We'll also be keeping our eyes peeled for new lows on the Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6.

We're tracking the best Samsung Galaxy deals below ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, which includes the Galaxy Tab, Galaxy Book, Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Watch, and of course, Galaxy phones. As the official savings event nears, we'll be updating the list with the latest and greatest deals — so stay tuned.

Best Galaxy Book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung 14-inch Galaxy Book4 Pro (Intel Core 7 Ultra, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,149.99 at Amazon
$1,449.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Released early this year, the Samsung 14-inch Galaxy Book4 Pro packs all the bells and whistles (an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H CPU with Intel Arc Graphics, a 3K AMOLED touchscreen, AKG Quad speakers, a new Knox security chip). The 14-inch base model has 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and an 18-hour battery life and typically retails for $1,449.99. Ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, however, you can slash $300 off and pick it up for $1,149.99. That's 21% in savings and matches its lowest price to date.

More Galaxy Book deals

• Samsung 16-inch Galaxy Book4 Pro (Intel Core 7 Ultra, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,603.17 $1,749.99 (save $146.82)

Best Galaxy Buds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 $159.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Just released into the world at the end of July, the Galaxy Buds 3 just got their first real discount. It's not huge, but it's still worth highlighting: ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, you can snag a pair for $159.99 instead of the usual $179.99. What's new about these buds? They can analyze internal and external sounds to enhance audio and noise cancellation in real time, they have a Voice Command feature that lets you control them without actually touching them or your phone, and a new real-time Interpreter feature powered by Galaxy AI. It's worth noting, however, that early adopters of these earbuds aren't exactly thrilled with how they fit.

More Galaxy Buds deals

• Samsung Galaxy Buds FE — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)

• Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro — $129.99 $229.99 (save $100)

Best Galaxy phone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung Galaxy A35 (Unlocked, 128GB) $313.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $86.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Samsung's Galaxy A35 is a "strong buy for the price," as our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) said in their review. The budget-friendly Galaxy phone was released as a more affordable alternative to the Galaxy S24. As a budget phone, it doesn't offer the same speed and performance as the S24, but it also doesn't cost over $1,000. It packs a gorgeous 6.6-inch display, Samsung's Exynos 1380 processor, a 50MP wide-angle camera with optical image stabilization, and a long-lasting 5,000mAh battery that supports fast-charging. It's not the most impressive phone on the market, but on sale for just $313.99, it's a pretty hard deal to beat. That's 22% off.

More Galaxy phone deals

• Samsung Galaxy S24 (Unlocked, 128GB) — $719.99 $799.99 (save $80)

• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (Unlocked, 256GB) — $1,049.99 $1,299.99 (save $250)

Best Galaxy Tab deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ (64GB, WiFi) $179.99 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ may not be as fancy as the brand's S9 lineup, but not everyone is looking for a tablet that practically doubles as a computer. If you just want something reliable that can handle the basics without breaking the bank, check out the A9+. Our friends at PCMag (which is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) called it the "best low-cost Android tablet you can buy," noting that it "succeeds at everything a low-cost tablet should." It sports an 11-inch screen, quad speakers powered by Dolby Atmos, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor, and expandable storage up to 1TB. The base model is already pretty affordable at its full price of $219.99. But ahead of Prime Day 2, you can grab it for only $179.99. That's 18% off.

More Galaxy Tab deals

• Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ (128GB, WiFi) — $229.99 $269.99 (save $40)

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE (128GB, WiFi) — $385.99 $449.99 (save $64)

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 (128GB, WiFi) — $661.89 $799.99 (save $138.10)

Best Galaxy Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 $195.30 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $104.69 (Bluetooth, 40mm) Get Deal Why we like it

Since it's no longer the latest and greatest smartwatch in the Samsung Galaxy lineup (that would be the Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra), we've been seeing some pretty sweet deals on the Galaxy Watch 6. Ahead of the October Prime Day event, you can pick up the 40mm version with Bluetooth for only $195.30, which is 35% in savings and a new record-low (by about $1). The sixth installment of the Galaxy Watch was named the "king of the Android smartwatch mountain" by Mashable Tech Reporter Alex Perry when it launched last year. It features improved sleep and fitness features over its predecessor, including a nuanced breakdown of sleep habits, sleep coaching, personalized heart rate zones, and irregular heart rate notifications. It also lasts longer on a single charge and has a 20 percent larger display than previous models.

More Galaxy Watch deals

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (Bluetooth, 44mm) — $194.72 $329.99 (save $135.72)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Bespoke Edition (Bluetooth, 44mm) — $279.99 $379.99 (save $100)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (Bluetooth, 44mm) — $287.34 $329.99 (save $42.65)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic (Bluetooth, 43mm) — $329.99 $399.99 (save $70)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (LTE, 44mm) — $329.99 $379.99 (save $50)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (LTE, 47mm) — $581.62 $649.99 (save $68.37)

FREE $15 PRIME BIG DEAL DAYS CREDIT: As of Oct. 2, get a free $15 Prime Big Deal Days credit at Amazon when you use Amazon Photos to back up your memories. Prime members have unlimited photo storage for no extra charge.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon $15 Prime Big Deal Days Credit with Amazon Photos Signup Get Deal

October Prime Day is right around the corner (Oct. 8 and 9), and you can save big during the October shopping event thanks to the deluge of deals on their way. If you want to get a leg up on the savings, Amazon is giving you an easy way to get an additional $15 off your Prime Big Deal Days purchases by inviting you to use one of the Prime benefits you may not even know you have: unlimited photo storage.

As of Oct. 2, you can get a $15 credit for Prime Big Deal Days when you back up your photos using Amazon Photos. There's no purchase required, but you must be a Prime member to do so. You'll want to go ahead and sign up for Prime ahead of October Prime Day to make sure you can take advantage of the offer, or use a free trial if one is available to you, if you're interested in snagging the extra cash. Aside from that, there are no hoops to jump through and no hidden fees.

SEE ALSO: The best freebies during Amazon's October Prime Day

You'll need to download and sign in to the Amazon Photos app on your mobile device (phone or tablet, doesn't matter which) or your desktop. From there, use the Auto-Save feature to back up all the images on your computer or device to give you a bit of space back. But don't just rely on cloud storage, take it from us. You'll want to make sure you have a second backup if those photos are precious.

In four days after signing up for Amazon Photos and using it to give yourself a bit more space, you'll automatically receive an email with your $15 Amazon credit. This deal is only available through October 3, so you're going to have to hurry and sign up if you're interested. From there, you have through October 9 to use your credit. There are a variety of items you can't use it on, and you must apply it to an order of at least $30. That said, it's well worth uploading a single photo (that's all that's required) to Amazon Photos to get this little discount.

Amazon's October Prime Day savings event kicks off on Oct. 8, and plenty of deals are already pouring in on Apple products, smartwatches, TVs, and much more. We'll be reporting on all the best deals as they appear, and make sure to check out our guide on what to buy and what not to buy to set yourself up for shopping success.

Avid shoppers keeping their eyes on exclusive Prime Day discounts can enjoy a breezy shopping experience while they benefit from major deals this October thanks to Amazon's flexible payment options. Users are no longer limited to debit and credit cards, or Amazon gift cards. If you're an Apple loyalist, you can also use Apple Pay to make purchases on Amazon. (Note that not all vendors accept Apple Pay, and availability may depend on your location.)

SEE ALSO: How to use a Visa gift card on Amazon How to use Apple Pay on Amazon

Step 1: Set up Apple Pay on iPhone. If you haven't already, add your debit or credit card to your iPhone's digital wallet to set up Apple Pay on your mobile device.

Step 2: Open the Amazon app.

Step 3: Add items to your cart and go to checkout. If your vendor accepts Apple Pay, you'll see it under payment options (you can use the method only if you have linked a card to your iPhone's Wallet app); select Apple Pay.

Step 4: Confirm your address and payment details.

Step 5: Once Apple Pay's payment authenticator pops up on your screen, use your Face ID or Touch ID to authenticate the purchase.

Step 6: Confirm payment to finish the process.

How to use an Apple Card to make payments on Amazon

If your third-party vendor doesn't accept Apple Pay, you can work around it by using your Apple Card instead. The process is fairly straightforward.

Step 1: Make sure you add your Apple Card to the Wallet app on your iPhone by clicking on the + symbol.

Step 2: Now, go to the Amazon app.

Step 3: You'll find four clickable options at the bottom of the home screen. Start the process by clicking on the Account icon which is right next to the homepage icon.

Step 4: A new app page will appear. Tap on Your Account to access account details.

Step 5: Scroll down on the page until you see the Payments section and click on Your Payments.

Step 6: Another page with all your linked cards and bank accounts will appear on the app. Go to the Wallet tab and press +Add.

Step 7: Click on Add a credit or debit card and input your Apple card details.

Step 8: Finally, click on Add and continue to finish the process. Now, you can use your Apple Card to make purchases on Amazon.

Shop the best early Prime Big Deal Days deals on soundbars:

Best Prime Day soundbar deals Best soundbar deal Amazon Fire TV Soundbar $94.99 at Amazon (Save $25) Get Deal Best Sony soundbar deal Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar $98 at Amazon (Save $31.99) Get Deal Best soundbar and streaming deal Roku Streambar SE $89.95 at Amazon (Save $10.04) Get Deal

Another Prime Day is coming. This time, Amazon is bringing back its October event, Prime Big Deal Days — expect two days jam-packed with deals. As we prepare for the sale to run October 8 and 9, we're ramping up our deal hunting; we already found the best Bluetooth speaker deals and TV deals, and now we're rounding up the best soundbar deals.

Now that we're in the thick of football season, WNBA playoffs, and just general cozy season, we're spending a lot more time at home in front of the TV. If your TV is just right, but maybe your sound system just isn't cutting it, October Prime Day is a great right time to get a soundbar. We're tracking the best early deals ahead of Prime Big Deal Days.

Best soundbar deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Soundbar $94.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Soundbars provide advanced sound to your home theater, but getting one can feel like you're signing up for yet another thing that requires yet another remote that will inevitably get lost in the couch. Luckily, Amazon streamlined their system so it works with your existing TV and streaming device. To set it up, just plug it into an HDMI port on your TV, and it automatically syncs with your TV and is controlled through your existing remote.

Beyond the easy set-up, it's equipped with DTS Virtual:X, providing a three-dimensional surround sound. Plus, Dolby Audio gives a rich, textured sound. It's also Bluetooth compatible, allowing you to play music right from your phone.

Normally $119.99, ahead of Prime Day, this soundbar is down to $94.99, saving you $25 for 21% off.

More soundbar deals

• VIZIO 2.0 Home Theater Sound Bar — $68.45 $79.99 (save $11.45)

• Roku Streambar SE — $89.95 $99.99 (save $10.04)

• Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar — $98 $129.99 (save $31.99)

• VIZIO V-Series 2.1 Home Theater Soundbar — $129.99 $159.99 (save $30)

• JBL Bar 300 — $299.95 $399.95 (save $100)

• Samsung HW-Q600C 3.1.2ch Soundbar — $397.99 $597.99 (save $200)

• JBL Bar 9.1 — $999 $1,199.95 (save $200.95)

PRE-ORDER NOW AND GET $27 OFF: As of Oct. 2, you can pre-order a Jack Skellington Echo Dot bundle for just $62.98, down from $89.98. That's 30% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Echo Dot (5th gen) + Jack Skellington shell $62.98 at Amazon
$89.98 Save $27.00 Pre-Order Here

Spooky season is officially here, and what better way to get into the spirit of Halloween than by inviting the Pumpkin King himself — or at least his digital counterpart — into your home?

As of Oct. 2, you can pre-order a special Echo Dot bundle with the Echo Dot (5th gen, 2022 release) and a limited-edition Jack Skellington shell on sale for $62.98. That's 30% off the original price of $89.98. According to Amazon, the item will be released on Oct. 8 (the first day of Prime Big Deal Days), just in time for All Hallows' Eve.

SEE ALSO: Home Depot's 12-foot skeleton gets more upgrades and friends in its huge Halloween drop

Remember, Jack's face is just a shell, so you can take it off or switch it out whenever you want. If you already have an Echo Dot (4th or 5th gen), you can buy the Jack Skellington shell separately for $39.99.

The Echo Dot itself is Amazon’s best-sounding smart speaker to date, with improved audio and Alexa capabilities for hands-free voice commands, setting timers and alarms, and listening to music without picking up your phone. Happy Halloween!

GET $60 OFF: As of Oct. 2, Prime members can score a Fire TV Stick and Luna controller for just $69.98, down from $129.98 at Amazon. That's 46% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: Fire TV Stick and Luna Controller $69.98 at Amazon
$129.98 Save $60.00 Get Deal

We’re officially one week away from October Prime Day, and Amazon’s already dropping prices on some of its most popular devices. One of the best deals we’ve seen so far is on a Fire TV gaming bundle.

As of Oct. 2, Prime members can score a Fire TV Stick 4K Max streaming device and Luna controller — which normally retails for $129.98 — for less than $70. That's 46% off. (This deal is not available to non-members.)

SEE ALSO: Creating an Amazon wishlist is our go-to Prime Day shopping hack

The only kicker is that if you don’t already have a Luna+ subscription (Amazon’s cloud gaming service), you’ll need to sign up for one, which’ll run you $9.99 monthly. (You can get a seven-day free trial, though.) But even with that additional cost, you're still getting a great deal on some solid streaming and gaming tech. All you have to do is set it up, and you’ll have access to hundreds of pick-up-and-play games from the cloud.

The Fire TV Stick is a fun add-on, too. This little streaming stick can hold 16GB of storage, double what most streaming sticks offer.

If you don’t have a smart TV or just want to upgrade your setup while the deals are hot, this bundle is a great way to do it.

We love a good sale, and Amazon offers up some of the best. Amazon kicks off Prime Big Deal Days on Oct. 8, a two-day event that'll offer discounts on Amazon devices, kitchen equipment, tablets, Apple products, robot vacuums, and plenty more.

But if you're aiming to keep your spending as low as possible, Amazon also has some free offers in store during the October Prime Day event. Here are some awesome free deals you can score already.

Prime Day deals that cost $0 Best free reading deal 3-month subscription to Kindle Unlimited $0 at Amazon (save $35.97) Get Deal Best free music deal 4-month subscription to Amazon Music Unlimited $0 at Amazon for Prime members (save $39.96) Get Deal Best free audiobook deal 30-day trial of Audible Premium Plus $0 at Amazon (save $14.95) Get Deal

Free is everyone's favorite price. If you're wondering how you'll pass the time this fall and winter, Amazon has some free entertainment offers in store during October Prime Day including audiobooks, music streaming, and Kindle books. Here's how to score these free deals.

Best free reading deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: 3-month subscription to Kindle Unlimited at Amazon
Get Deal Why we like it

Free access to Kindle books is truly one of life's greatest hacks. If you're new to Kindle Unlimited, sign up today to get three months of free access to millions of Kindle books, saving a total of $35.97 over the three-month period.

Amazon's Kindle Unlimited program includes over 4 million Kindle titles, including some bestsellers and popular series. Not only does the plan include unlimited reading, you also get access to thousands of audiobooks and the pleasure of browsing magazines.

If you don't already have a Kindle, check out the Mashable guide to the best Kindles to help you decide which model will suit you best.

Best free music deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: 4-month subscription to Amazon Music Unlimited at Amazon
Prime member exclusive Get Deal Why we like it

Music with no ads? It doesn't get any better. Amazon typically offers new subscribers a free one-month trail of the ad-free Amazon Music Unlimited, but as a treat during October Prime Day, you can sign up for four months of free access. However, this deal is limited to Prime members only, so you'll want to be signed up and logged in to grab this deal.

Amazon Music Unlimited comes with total control of what music you stream and when, all with no ads. You'll get unlimited access to listening while offline or skipping songs. The subscription also includes access to ad-free podcasts.

Best free audiobook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Our pick: 30-day trial of Audible Premium Plus at Amazon
Get Deal Why we like it

Audiobooks can really save the day. Whether you're stuck sitting in traffic, out walking the dog, or recovering from a cold, tuning into an audiobook can be the perfect way to relax and tune into something other than your own life. During October Prime Day, Amazon is offering a free 30-day trial to Audible Premium Plus, which typically costs $14.95 per month. The trial means you'll have free access to the Audible Plus catalog of audiobook and podcasts, some of which are exclusive to the service. The free trial of Premium Plus also comes with credit to purchase one title from the Audible premium selection.

Best early October Prime Day robot vacuum deals Best budget pick iRobot Roomba Q011 robot vacuum $139.99 at Amazon (save $110) Get Deal Best combo pick iRobot Roomba j5+ self-emptying robot vacuum and mop $450 at Amazon (save $279.99) Get Deal

Roomba is one of the more popular robot vacuum models, and honestly, it's for a good reason: They make really great products. Ahead of October's Prime Day event next week, a bunch of different Roomba models are on sale at pretty steep discounts. There will probably be more during the actual event when it begins on Oct. 8, but they're still worth checking out ahead of time. If you're interested in one of the more premium Roomba companions, we're actually hoping to see better deals on those during the Prime event now that the new Combo 10 Max is out.

If you hate doing chores as much as we do, check out our top Roomba deals ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, including price cuts on regular vacuums, mop combos, and more.

SEE ALSO: The best Dyson vacuums: A guide to the latest versions of stick, ball, and handheld cleaners Best budget pick Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot Our pick: iRobot Roomba Q011 robot vacuum $139.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $110.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you've never had a robot vacuum and don't want to blow a ton of money on one before you even know if you like it, this budget Roomba vac is only $139.99 ahead of Prime Big Deal Days ($110 in savings). It's got all the basics you need: Powerful suction, smart navigation, smartphone app controls, self-recharging, and Alexa support. It's easy to clean, too.

Best combo pick Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot Our pick: iRobot Roomba j5+ self-emptying robot vacuum and mop $450.00 at Amazon
$729.99 Save $279.99 Get Deal Why we like it

Combo robot vacuums are much more well-rounded devices compared to their vacuum-only counterparts. The Roomba j5+, for example, is also a mop and can clean itself. It's also $279.99 off ahead of October Prime Day, taking its price down to just $450. The j5+ features more powerful suction over Roomba's more budget-friendly options, smart mapping, and a sensor that'll help the vacuum steer clear of any pet-related accidents. If you want to knock three items off your chore list with one device (vacuuming, mopping, and cleaning the machine), you'll want to consider picking up this Roomba model.

More early October Prime Day robot vacuum deals

• iRobot Roomba Q0120 robot vacuum — $179 $249.99 (save $70.99)

• iRobot Roomba Y0140 robot vacuum and mop — $199 $274.99 (save $75.99)

• iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO robot vacuum — $249.99 $430 (save $180.01)

• iRobot Roomba i5 robot vacuum and mop — $299 $349.99 (save $50.99)

• iRobot Braava Jet M6 robot mop — $399 $449.99 (save $50.99)

• iRobot Roomba j9+ self-emptying robot vacuum — $599 $899 (save $300)

• iRobot Roomba j9+ self-emptying and auto-fill robot vacuum and mop — $799 $1,399 (save $600)

UPDATE: Oct. 1, 2024, 8:10 a.m. EDT This post has been updated with the latest pricing and availability on Apple Watches ahead of Prime Big Deal Days.

Best Apple Watch deals ahead of Prime Day 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) $411.99 at Amazon (Save $17.01) Get Deal Best Ultra deal Apple Watch Ultra 2 $734.89 at Amazon (Save $64.11) Get Deal

Prime Big Deal Days (aka Prime Day part two) is nearly back again, officially kicking off on Oct. 8. As in years past, we're noticing some early savings drops on major categories, including Apple Watches.

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

With the sale just a week away, we're seeing price cuts on the Series 9, Ultra 2, and even the 46mm Series 10. Last week, we did see a nice $30 markdown on the 42mm Series 10, but we're expecting that we might have to wait until Prime Day nears, or officially starts, to see that price drop again. In the meantime, the $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.

We'll be updating this page often, so be sure to check back if you're interested in grabbing the best Apple Watch deals ahead of October's Prime Day. And in the meantime, check out our full list of early Prime Day deals (and even more Apple deals).

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 watches 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.

More early Apple Watch deals

Series 10

• Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm, GPS) — $411.99 $429 (save $17.01)

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) — $189 $249 (save $60)

• Apple Watch SE (44mm, GPS) — $229 $279 (save $50)

Ultra

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

UPDATE: Oct. 2, 2024, 10:34 a.m. EDT This list has been updated with the latest pricing and availability on AirPods ahead of Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale.

Best AirPods deals ahead of Prime Day 2 Best deal overall Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) $429 at Amazon (Save $120) Get Deal Best deal without ANC AirPods 4 $119 at Amazon (Save $10) Get Deal

Apple's AirPods are notoriously expensive — but they're popular for a reason. If you want to see what all the fuss is about without (completely) breaking the bank, shopping events like Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days can be a great time to pick up a pair of the headphones.

Though the October Prime-member exclusive sale doesn't officially kick off until Tuesday, Oct. 8, the AirPod deals are already rolling in — even on the newly released AirPods 4.

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

Last week, we saw deals on the AirPods Pro and AirPods 4 with noise cancellation that have since jumped back up in price. (The Pros drop to $199 so often that we don't really consider that a decent deal.) It's not uncommon to see products hit their full prices ahead of a sitewide sale, so with Prime Big Deal Days just seven days away, this isn't unexpected.

Even so, there are still savings to be had, if sparse. The AirPods Max are $120 off, putting them down at $429. It's not their lowest price ever — that honor would go to their $395 price tag we saw them hit earlier this summer — but if you really don't want to wait until Prime Day, this is a decent price to grab them at. If you don't need noise-cancelling, you can also save $10 on the newly released AirPods 4.

Below, you'll find our complete list of the best AirPod deals ahead of Prime Day. For folks who aren't married to the fruit brand, you'll also find plenty of more deals on headphones ahead of Prime Day here.

Best AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max (Lightning) $429.00 at Amazon
$549.00 Save $120.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the AirPods Max.

There are two differences between the Lightning port AirPods Max from 2020 and the USB-C AirPods Max from 2024 — not two main differences, but two differences, period. One, they have different charging ports. Two, they have different color ways. Performance wise, you'll be enjoying the same excellent active noise cancellation and sound profile on this 2020 model that you would on the new model. The third difference, at the time of writing, is that you can grab the AirPods Max for $120 off at just $429 (if you're cool with the pink colorway), while the lowest price on the USB-C Max headphones is $540.99, an $8 markdown on their $549 price tag.

More early AirPods deals

• Apple AirPods 4 — $119 $129 (save $10)

• Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) — $129.99 $169 (save $39.01)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 — $199 $249 (save $50)

• Apple AirPods Max (with Lightning) — $429 $549 (save $120)

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Oct. 2: OUR TOP PICK Amazon Echo Hub $124.99 at Amazon (save $55) Get Deal BEST BEAUTY DEAL Shark FlexStyle $249.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal BEST TV DEAL Amazon 55-inch Omni QLED Fire TV $415.99 at Amazon (save $184) Get Deal

October Prime Day is less than a week away and Amazon is ramping up the deals. As usual, you don't need to wait until the official start of the event to score big savings — especially on Amazon's own gadgets. We've rounded up three of the best deals you can grab at the mega retailer on Oct. 2 if you prefer to shop early.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If these deals don't speak to you, take a peek at our picks from yesterday, Oct. 1. Those discounts are still live, including the Echo Buds at their record-low Prime Day price. Be sure to check back tomorrow as well for all new picks and follow along with all of our Prime Day content as the shopping extravaganza nears.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Amazon Echo Hub $124.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $55.00 Get Deal

The newest member of the Amazon Echo family, the Echo Hub is basically your smart home's brain. Rather than keeping control of your smart devices locked inside of someone's phone, it offers a full-featured control panel with instant access to all of your gadgets — smart lights, cameras, switches, doorbells, thermostat, etc. Anyone can play music, stream videos, ask Alexa questions, dim the lights, adjust the temperature, or see who's on the other side of the door in one central spot in your home. It's regularly $179.99, but it's down to just $124.99 for the first time ahead of October Prime Day. That's 31% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark FlexStyle $249.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

It's no secret that we love Shark's beauty tech. The FlexStyle, in particular, is our favorite Dyson Airwrap dupe on the market. "[It's] hard for me to imagine a reason why you'd opt for the [Airwrap] unless you're into big purchases for the sake of big purchases, or if you're especially loyal to Dyson," Mashable Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard wrote in her review of the device. Ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, the FlexStyle is on sale for just $249.99 in both the curly and coily hair system and straight and wavy hair system. That's $50 off the usual cost. While that's not the lowest price it's ever been, it is the first time the hair tool has gone on sale since last Prime Day. The curly system comes with a diffuser, two 1.25-inch auto-wrap curlers, a styling concentrator, and a round brush, while the straight system swaps out the diffuser for a paddle brush.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon 55-inch Omni QLED Fire TV $415.99 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $184.00 Get Deal

The best-looking TV in Amazon's Fire TV lineup, the Omni QLED is like a more affordable version of Samsung's The Frame TV. It features an "Ambient Experience" mode that can display artwork, photos, or handy Alexa widgets soy our screen doesn't just look like a black rectangle when you're not watching it. It also features local dimming, an Adaptive Brightness feature, and support for Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive. The 55-inch option is on sale ahead of Prime Day 2 for $415.99 — that's 31% in savings. While that's not the lowest price we've ever seen, it's still $184 you get to keep in your pocket.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.

GET TWO FREE KINDLE BOOKS: Amazon Prime members get two free Kindle e-books with Amazon's First Reads program during the month of October. No Prime membership? Get these books for $1.99 to $4.99 each.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Two free Kindle books with Prime membership Non-members can score Amazon First Reads for $1.99 to $4.99 each Get Deal

Fall is here, and if you're planning to spend much of it snuggled up in a blanket with a good book, you're in luck. Amazon's First Reads program has you covered, helping you enjoy the cooler weather as you lounge around inside with some free books.

The First Reads program lets Amazon Prime members choose two totally free Kindle books from a selection of nine books to read without paying a dime. Normally, you just get one, making October's two-book selection a nice little bonus. Choose from a variety of genres, from horror to historical fiction and more, with options hand-picked by Amazon editors. You can also get a free short story: Joe Hill's Ushers, an Amazon original.

SEE ALSO: October Prime Day is just around the corner. Here's what to buy, and what not to.

Prime members can sign up for the Amazon First Reads program for free to choose your two October books. If you aren't a Prime member, you'll pay anywhere from $1.99 to $4.99 for each of these picks — still a bargain. They're great on Kindle, but you can read them anywhere you can log into the Kindle app. So whether you have a shiny new e-reader or you'd prefer to read on your phone, you can still get the free books and enjoy them throughout the season.

You have all month to score your free reads, but don't forget to check back for more free and cheap books as each new month arrives. Plus, don't forget to scope out the best Kindle deals ahead of Prime Big Deal Days next week.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, a new budget-friendly, mid-range phone unveiled on Thursday, is designed to allow users to experience some of the Galaxy S24 series' bells and whistles — without spending nearly $900.

I spent about two hours with the new Galaxy S24 FE. As someone who uses the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra every day, I was curious to see whether I'd notice a stark difference between the two.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Granted, we're comparing apples and oranges here. A better comparison would be the new Galaxy S24 FE (starts at $649.99) and the entry-level Galaxy S24 (starts at $859.99). They share more of the same specs and the price difference between the two is only $210.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, priced at a steep $1,299, is nearly $650 more than the Galaxy S24 FE. Still, I didn’t anticipate such a dramatic difference — and boy was I way off.

Samsung Galaxy S24 FE hands-on

The moment I picked up the Galaxy S24 FE, I said, "Whoa!"

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Only after holding the FE did I realize how luxurious my Ultra, with its refined titanium frame, truly feels.

• Galaxy S24 Ultra - Corning Gorilla Armor (on the back), Corning Gorilla Armor (on the front), and titanium frame

• Galaxy S24 FE - Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (on the back), Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front, and aluminum frame

The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, unsurprisingly, doesn't feel as robust. If I didn't know any better, and you told me the Galaxy S24 FE was demo unit of sorts, I would have believed you.

Meanwhile, my Galaxy S24 Ultra feels like it's full of heft, density, and gravitas. If both were personified as wrestlers in a ring, you'd definitely be concerned for the Galaxy S24 FE while the Ultra model flexes its brawn.

The Galaxy S24 FE is also much lighter, which I thought I'd appreciate — but I don't. You know that satisfaction you get from wearing a high-end watch? It's heavier and more solid, and as such, it feels more quality. A budget watch, on the other hand, feels lighter and more flimsy.

This isn't to say that the Galaxy S24 FE is delicate — it's definitely not. It's still a well-crafted phone, but coming from the Galaxy S24 Ultra, you can really feel the difference.

The display threw me off

Again, keep in mind, that the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the display that I'm accustomed to.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

And it comes with the following specs:

• 6.8 inches

• 1,440 x 3,120-pixel resolution

• 2,600 nits of peak brightness

The 6.7-inch Galaxy S24 FE has a familiar size that's not too far off from my 6.8-inch Galaxy S24 Ultra, but with a 1,080 x 2,340-pixel resolution OLED screen, I noticed the difference right away.

The rich and vivid colors that I enjoyed on my Galaxy S24 Ultra were slightly reduced. There was also a minor loss of sharpness and detail. The Galaxy S24 FE, by itself, is well saturated, but compared to my Galaxy S24 Ultra, the budget model doesn't do it for me.

I'm also not a fan of the wider bezels on the FE model. On the plus side, I love how zippy it was to navigate on the Galaxy S24 FE with its 120Hz variable refresh rate. That's an experience that matches my Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Colors don't fit my taste

My Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra comes in a striking Titanium Yellow color, which makes it look as if it's been dipped in gold.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra in Titanium Yellow Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The Galaxy S24 FE phones have pastel vibes, meaning they're devoid of vividness.

Credit: Samsung

As someone who prefers rich, deep colors, my only option is Graphite, which is miles better than the other offerings: (barely-there) Blue, (merely) Mint, and (ghostly) Gray.

Cameras are OK

Keep in mind that I only had two hours with the Galaxy S24 FE, but I shrugged when I took a selfie with the phone's 10MP front-facing camera.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

One of the best selling points of the Galaxy S24 Ultra is its selfie camera. Whenever I take selfies with my friends, even the iPhone snobs, they gush about how good the 12MP selfie lens is.

When I briefly tested the 10MP selfie lens, I was neither blown away nor disappointed; the picture was just OK.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

I guess I expected better color reproduction. Again, it's not bad. I'm just used to the impressive pictures that the Galaxy S24 Ultra takes.

Galaxy AI is a fun addition

I'm relieved that Samsung didn't reserve Galaxy AI for its flagship lineup. Galaxy AI may not be perfect, but it's been fun to explore on my Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Samsung Galaxy S24 FE series Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Whether you want to remove an object in a photo, need to communicate in a foreign language, or summarize a long-winded story, Galaxy AI has your back.

Conclusion: I'm too bougie for the Galaxy S24 FE

I get that some folks downgrade from a high-end phone once it’s run its course and splurging isn’t feasible, but I’d feel totally disoriented if I had to move from the Galaxy S24 Ultra to the Galaxy S24 FE.

I know what you're thinking. "Duh! Of course the Galaxy S24 FE doesn't come close to the Galaxy S24 Ultra." As I mentioned at the outset, I'm aware of this and even made a point to say that the Galaxy S24 base model would be a better comparison.

However, this hands-on was meant to highlight how taken aback I was regarding the stark differences between my Galaxy S24 Ultra. If you ever wondered if the Pro Maxes, Ultras, and XLs of the world are truly that distinct from their budget counterparts, the answer is a resounding yes.

The differences are far more pronounced than I expected, leaving me with an even greater appreciation for my Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Still, the Galaxy S24 FE appears to be solid sub-$700 phone with a 50MP wide camera that matches the Galaxy S24 (though not as good as the 200MP lens on my Galaxy S24 Ultra), Galaxy AI support, and a slightly bigger battery.

Once I receive a review unit, I’ll shift my focus and assess it through the eyes of a mid-range phone user, putting aside my spoiled experience with the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra $1,049.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $250.00 Get Deal

TL;DR: Through Oct. 27, you can get the 15-course 2024 Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle for only £29.89 (reg. £1,121.83).

Whether you’re looking to start a career in coding or just want to learn for fun, the 2024 Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle is great for beginners and experienced users alike. With 15 online coding courses and 213 hours of content, this collection of lessons teaches you the basics of coding, game development, ChatGPT, and more while allowing you to learn at your own pace. And for a limited time, it's on sale for £29.89.

Lessons are taught by leading industry experts like Jose Salvatierra (founder of Teclado and a software engineer) and give you essential tools to get started in web development. Learn to create your own software, design a video game, or utilise OpenAI technologies — the creative opportunities are plentiful. 

This bundle includes the following comprehensive online coding courses:

• Learn to Code with Python 3

• C++ for Absolute Beginners 2024

• ChatGPT Series: OpenAI Fundamentals 2024

• MySQL & SQL for Beginners

• The Complete Python Course: Learn Python by Doing in 2024

• Google Assistant Automation IoT Development

• Computer Vision & Deep Learning with OpenCV and Python: Build 15 Projects

• JavaScript Complete Guide with Practical JavaScript Projects

• Web Development with Vuex (2024)

• Flutter & Dart: Complete Flutter Dart Programming Course

• Java Programming for Complete Beginners

• Salesforce Platform App Builder Certification Training

• ChatGPT for Salesforce Development

• 2024 Complete Ruby on Rails 6 Bootcamp

• Game Development and Coding for Kids

Through Oct. 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT, get the 2024 Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle on sale for just £29.89 (reg. £1,121.83), with no coupon needed.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Joseph Delgadillo The 2024 Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle £29.89 at the Mashable Shop
£1,121.83 Save £1,091.94 Get Deal

Do you want to move your Windows 11 OS files to an SSD to improve your computer's speed? Or is your current drive running out of space, and you want to move the OS files to one with more space? Whatever the reason may be, it's very easy to move your Windows 11 OS files to a new drive.

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for September 30 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for September 30 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Words with weight

These words are pugilistic divisions.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

The answers are weight classes in boxing

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Boxing.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for September 30

• Feather 

• Heavy

• Light

• Boxing

• Cruiser

• Bantam 

• Middle 

• Welter

SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for September 30

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.

Microsoft Teams has replaced Skype for Business for more than half a decade, but Microsoft Teams can also be used outside your work environment. In this article, I'll outline why you should consider using it, where to find it, and some of the things I use it for. I invite you to give it a try too.

Industry's Season 3 finale is both a blessing and a curse for viewers who ship Robert Spearing (Harry Lawtey) and Yasmin Kara-Hanani (Marisa Abela).

After three seasons of buildup, the pair finally admit their love for each other and have sex for the first time. Then, just hours later, Sir Henry Muck (Kit Harington) announces that he and Yasmin are engaged. Talk about whiplash.

SEE ALSO: 'Industry' stars Myha'la and Marisa Abela break down Harper and Yasmin's big fight: 'This is the end for them'

The announcement comes at a lavish birthday dinner for Henry's uncle, Otto Mostyn (Roger Barclay). Dozens of guests gather around a long table, chattering loudly and enjoying the rich feast before them. But in the moments following the news of the engagement, the revelers disappear, leaving only Yasmin and Robert staring at each other from across the table.

"I'm sorry," Yasmin tells Robert.

"I understand," he replies. And so do we: For Yasmin, the entire season has been built around trying to find security in the wake of her father's disappearance and various legal troubles. Marriage to Henry would mitigate these woes, especially since Otto all but told her that if she stayed with Henry, he'd ensure none of his tabloids would run stories about her involvement in her father's death. Matchmaking by blackmail, if you will.

The exchange between Yasmin and Robert is only two lines long, but the decision to clear everyone else from the room for it speaks volumes. For almost all of its run, Industry has rooted itself in realism. With Season 3, it's begun taking more stylistic swings, like Robert's surreal ayahuasca trip and now this near-fantasy moment with Robert and Yasmin. As the world narrows to just the two of them, we feel like we're watching something out of a period drama — think the dance scene between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy in the 2005 Pride & Prejudice, when all the other dancers fall away. Yasmin and Robert's entire stay in Henry's manor plays out like a period drama overall, so the choice to depart briefly from reality here is further proof of the show's playing with genre.

SEE ALSO: How the Pet Shop Boys became the soundtrack to 'Industry' Season 3

However, as Lawtey revealed in an interview with Mashable, the sequence wasn't originally scripted that way. Instead, the disappearance of the rest of the crowd came about as a request from Lawtey and Abela.

"[Marisa and I] were both talking about that scene a lot days in advance. We knew it was a really significant moment, perhaps the climactic moment of their relationship thus far, and we really wanted to get that right," Lawtey said. "Even though it was only two lines, it was all in the atmosphere and connection of that instant."

In order to nail the scene, Abela and Lawtey asked co-showrunners and finale directors Mickey Down and Konrad Kay whether they could be the only two actors in the room for their close-up coverage, since the supporting cast wouldn't be in frame.

"We thought it might be easier to have some stillness in the room and really find that moment organically," Lawtey said.

Down and Kay agreed, and once they'd shot the close-ups, they ended up liking the visual of the almost-empty room so much they realized they wanted to incorporate it into the show.

"It was a very instantaneous, almost impulsive decision that came from what was ultimately a practical request from Marisa and I. I think that really speaks to [Down and Kay's] freedom as showrunners, and this 'best idea wins' kind of culture and ability to just go with the flow of shooting, which can be very unpredictable and hard to restrain," Lawtey said. "If what is often a very technical process can generate something that feels creatively interesting, then we all have license to pursue that and follow it."

Industry Season 3 is now streaming on Max.

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

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for September 30's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

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

Floating condensed water vapor.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter C.

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

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

CLOUD.

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

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

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

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

Microsoft Word isn't just for typing documents; it has a built-in feature called the Similarity Checker that checks your document plagiarism right from your word editor. This tool not only highlights potential plagiarism but also guides you in citing sources correctly.