IT General

25+ book deals to shop during Prime Big Deal Days from Ali Hazelwood, Abby Jimenez, and more

Mashable - 16 hours 23 min ago
Best Prime Day Book Deals Best book e-books deal 'Circe' by Madeline Miller $2.99 (save $30.01) Get Deal Best physical book deal 'The Love Hypothesis: Collector's Edition' by Ali Hazelwood $12.81 (save $22.19) Get Deal Best cookbook deal 'Something from Nothing' by Alison Roman $17.14 (save $20.85) Get Deal

While I love a beach read, nothing beats being inside on a chilly evening, all cozied up with a good book. If you've made your way through your summer TBR, it's time to build your fall stack. Prime Big Deal Days is underway with hundreds of book deals — hurry before the sale ends at 11:59 p.m. PT on Oct. 7.

The sale on books spans physical copies and e-books, too. And speaking of e-books, if you're interested in Amazon's e-readers, Kindles are on sale too. And don't forget to pick up a Kindle Click, a crucial device for your coziest season of reading yet.

Ready to shop? These are the best book deals from Prime Big Deal Days. Make sure to check out Target's buy two, get one free sale as well.

Best book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Circe by Madeline Miller $2.99 at Amazon
$33 Save $30.01   Get Deal

If The Odyssey revived your love of mythology, then you need to check out Madeline Miller's Greek reimaginings. Her novel The Song of Achilles is a BookTok hit, and her retelling, Circe, is now just $2.99 on Kindle during Prime Big Deal Days. This epic tale reimagines the life of Circe as she comes into her own power as some of the most famous figures in Greek mythology cross her island.

It's a page-turner, perfect for cozy reading season. Looking for something else? We've rounded up dozens of great book deals to shop, whether you love a physical copy or want to stuff your Kindle.

Physical booksCookbooksKindle Books

Time is running out for Prime members to shop Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days sale. Sign up for a Prime 30-day free trial if you want to save some cash, and follow Mashable’s guide to the best October Prime Day deals and live blog for the latest updates.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Android Auto's hidden battery drain you can't disable—here's the workaround

How-To Geek - 16 hours 24 min ago

I use wired Android Auto because, honestly, I prefer a cable. It feels simpler.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Wellness influencers have plenty of advice — and plenty to sell you

Mashable - 16 hours 38 min ago

Getting healthier apparently requires a lot of purchases. At least, that’s the impression your social media feed can leave. There’s always another supplement to take or coaching program to join, and a discount code to make it all a little more tempting.

New research from Pew Research Center shows how often wellness content comes with a promotion. Researchers analyzed more than half a million Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube posts from over 6,000 health and wellness influencers. Some 38 percent contained a sponsorship or another appeal to use a product, service, or subscription. Among posts directly discussing health and wellness, the share was nearly half.

You might follow a creator for their personality, recipes, or workout advice. But when those posts lead to product recommendations, you’re also a potential customer. At least according to the report, released Oct. 7, which examined posts published between February and April 2026. It found that 92 percent of the influencers included promotions at least occasionally, and around a third of them include ads in a majority of their posts.

Pew’s definition of a promotion includes disclosed sponsorships, product and service recommendations, and free resources such as workout guides. Creators promoting their own offerings can also qualify.

Credit: Screenshot: Pew Research Center

Promotions also appeared in 66 percent of posts about nonprescription medications and supplements, 56 percent about appearance, 56 percent about men’s health, and 52 percent each about nutrition and longevity. They were more frequent in posts from self-described dietitians and nutritionists; complementary, alternative, and integrative health professionals; authors; business owners; and coaches. Athletes and activists included them less frequently.

The commercial side is easy to spot, from a viewer's point of view. Kayla Itsines (15 mil on Instagram) offers workout programs through the subscription-based Sweat app, while Joe Wicks (2.9 mil on YouTube) sells Body Coach app subscriptions featuring workouts and meal plans. Mari Llewellyn co-founded Bloom Nutrition, which sells "Greens & Superfoods" powders, and physician/podcast host Mark Hyman's online store sells supplements and offerings such as his "10-Day Detox" program.

What’s actually in the wellness feed?

Just over half of the posts discussed healthy living, compared with about a third discussing medical issues. Fitness appeared in 25 percent, healthy habits in 20 percent, nutrition in 19 percent, and appearance in 14 percent. And if it feels like everyone is talking about protein; 42 percent of nutrition posts mentioned it directly. Thirty percent of posts didn’t discuss wellness at all, instead covering personal life or other subjects.

The report also complicates the idea that wellness influencers are simply nonexperts dispensing medical advice. Self-described healthcare professionals discussed medical conditions and treatments requiring professional involvement most frequently. Those topics appeared much less often in posts from creators who didn’t claim a medical background.

As I previously reported, "credential catfishing" involves fabricating the education, career, or status that signals authority online. Back in September, Mashable covered the story of influencer Angel Victoria Murdock who spent nearly two years documenting her supposed experience in Duke University’s Physician Assistant Program. Followers saw scrubs, medical notes, apparent Duke Health identification, and "get ready with me" videos for supposed rotations. She even posed in graduation attire outside Duke Chapel. But, spoiler alert: She had never attended the program. Murdock also promoted fashion and beauty products and participated in TikTok Shop’s affiliate program.

SEE ALSO: Welcome to the age of 'credential catfishing'

Even genuine experience has limits, as certified medical exercise specialist and personal trainer Courtney Babilya told the Associated Press in May. "We have to be careful with people who have an experience in one thing and suddenly become a 'coach' on that," she cautioned.

You don’t even have to follow a wellness creator to encounter their recommendations. Earlier Pew research found that 40 percent of U.S. adults get health and wellness information from influencers or podcasts. Among those consumers, 67 percent mostly encountered it rather than searching for it.

Some viewers are tired of the pitches. In a recent Reddit thread titled "Too many ads," one user wrote: "oh my god i love tiktok but im starting to get irritated that every video is either a regular ad, an undisclosed ad, a partnership, or a brand deal."

A promotion doesn’t automatically make advice bad SEE ALSO: How influencers and politicians built an unregulated supplement empire

Creators have bills to pay, too, and brand partnerships can help them keep making the content people follow them for. Plenty of viewers find that content useful: Pew’s earlier research found that 54 percent of people who get health and wellness information from influencers or podcasts said it helped them better understand how to be healthy.

But as viewers, it helps to be discerning about the advice we take. Disclosures are one thing to check: Look for a "Paid partnership" label, a clear #ad or #sponsored in the caption, or a disclosure within the video itself. You shouldn’t have to dig through someone’s profile or a pile of hashtags to find it. The Federal Trade Commission says influencers should clearly disclose brand relationships, including payments and free products, "even if you think your evaluations are unbiased."

Platforms have their own requirements, too. Instagram requires a paid partnership label for branded content involving an exchange of value. TikTok requires its disclosure setting for promotional content, labeling posts "Paid partnership" or "Promotional content." And YouTube requires creators to flag commercial relationships, which adds a disclosure at the beginning of the video.

Those requirements don’t guarantee that every promotion is labeled. And even a clearly disclosed partnership doesn’t tell you whether the health advice is sound. Sometimes the healthiest thing you can do for yourself — and your wallet — is let a discount code expire.

Categories: IT General, Technology

DIYers are obsessed with Ryobi’s smallest cordless tools

How-To Geek - 16 hours 54 min ago

Ryobi power tools are among the most popular options at Home Depot, and people everywhere love them. And while they're a big hit with homeowners and DIYers, Ryobi's smallest cordless tools are quickly catching up. I'm talking about the Ryobi USB Lithium platform, which runs on small USB-C rechargeable batteries and offers tools for repairs, projects, crafts, cleaning, and hobbies.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Home Depot just dropped deals on its iconic Halloween giants, including the big skeleton

Mashable - 17 hours 11 min ago

The Home Depot 12-foot skeleton has become an icon of lawns all across America since its debut in 2020, but it's far from the only oversized Halloween decoration in the home improvement store's lineup.

In fact, as of Oct. 7, plenty of giant monsters of various ilk are on sale at the store (perhaps in the spirit of October Prime Day). Though the 12-foot "Skelly" won't be on sale, you can pick up a six-foot app-controlled Skelly, several Nightmare Before Christmas characters, spooky trolls, dead brides, plague doctors, a nine-foot tree named Dry Rot Dennis — all of your basic Halloween essentials. (Some of these creatures are brand new to the 2026 lineup).

Below, we've rounded up the 15 best deals on Home Depot's Halloween giants, on sale just in time for you to spruce up your Halloween decoration game.

Best Home Depot Halloween decoration deal Opens in a new window Credit: Home Accents Holiday Home Accents Holiday 6.5-Foot Grave & Bones Animated LED App Controlled Ultra Skelly with LCD LifeEyes $179 at Home Depot
$279 Save $100   Get Deal

It may not be the tallest skeleton from Home Depot or the tallest monster on this list, but boy, does this six-and-a-half-footer still bring the heat. For starters, it features the same LCD LifeEyes that stand out in the dark of night, and give you 18 options for color customization, including "blue human," "brown human," flames, and hearts. The motion sensor skeleton also comes with five preset sounds, or the option to record up to 30 personalized recordings (with 30-second limits). Plus, the head, arm, mouth, and torso move — and can be controlled remotely via the app, in addition to customizable LED controls and colors. Best of all? Usually, it's only $20 cheaper than its 12-foot sibling, but with this deal, it's $120 less than the larger skeleton.

Opens in a new window Credit: Haunted Hill Farm Haunted Hill Farm 6-Foot Animated LED Hanging Clown Halloween Animatronic $39.99 at Home Depot
$49.99 Save $10   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Home Accents Holiday Home Accents Holiday 8-Foot Wicked Woods Giant-Sized Animated LED Tumble the Troll $159 at Best Buy
$249 Save $90   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Home Accents Holiday Home Accents Holiday 6-Foot Grave & Bones Animated LED John the Last Call Mixologist $179 at Home Depot
  Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Disney Disney 4.5-Foot LED Zero $79.98 at Home Depot
$129 Save $49.02   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Disney Disney 6.5-Foot Deluxe Life-Size Animated Jack Skellington $169 at Home Depot
$259 Save $90   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Disney Disney 6-Foot Deluxe Life-Size Animated Sally $169 at Home Depot
$259 Save $90   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Home Accents Holiday Home Accents Holiday 8-Foot Wicked Woods Giant-Sized Animated LED Perilous Plant Monster $199 at Home Depot
$299 Save $100   Get Deal Opens in a new window Universal 7-Foot Animated LED Frankenstein's Monster $210 at Home Depot
$279 Save $69   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Haunted Hill Farm Haunted Hill Farm 5-Foot Touch-Activated Animatronic Hanging Spinning Bride $55.99 at Home Depot
$69.96 Save $13.97   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Home Accents Holiday Home Accents Holiday 7-Foot Wicked Woods Animated LED App Controlled Lethal Lily $199 at Home Depot
$299 Save $100   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Home Accents Holiday Home Accents Holiday 6.5-Foot Grave & Bones Animated LED Raven $129 at Home Depot
$199 Save $70   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Home Accents Holiday Home Accents Holiday 9-Foot Wicked Woods Giant-Sized Color Changing LED Horrifying Hickory $179 at Home Depot
$279 Save $100   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Home Accents Holiday Home Accents Holiday 7-Foot Grave & Bones Animated LED Plague Doctor $129 at Home Depot
$199 Save $70   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Home Accents Holiday Home Accents Holiday 9-Foot Wicked Woods Giant-Sized LED Dry Rot Dennis $199 at Home Depot
$299 Save $100   Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

5 quick Netflix comedy shows for big laughs in 30 minutes or less

How-To Geek - 17 hours 24 min ago

Maybe you've been binging your way through Netflix's sweeping period drama East of Eden, or perhaps you're almost done with the dark and bloody thriller that is Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story—both excellent shows. But not every night has to call for a big-time prestige series. Sometimes, you just want to laugh, stat.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Miss browser games? Google wants you to build your own with AI

Mashable - Wed, 10/07/2026 - 23:38

Google wants the next hit browser game to start with a prompt. The company launched Playground on Oct. 7, an experimental platform for creating, playing, and sharing custom games.

"Playground lowers the barriers to creation, so bringing game ideas to life can now be as easy as describing it through a few prompts — no coding experience required," Google software engineer Maryam Karimzadehgan wrote in the announcement.

Creators can start from scratch, remix starter prompts, or use guided support to shape an idea, then test and revise it through a conversational interface. "Want to tweak the physics, rewrite the rules, customize the characters, or overhaul the environment? Just ask," Karimzadehgan adds. "You stay in complete control of the creative direction from rough concept to final product."

Credit: Screenshot: Google Playground

Users can choose genres such as trivia or racing, select 2D or 3D graphics, and upload visuals for the AI to transform into game assets. An upcoming Unity Spark integration promises "robust, professional-level mechanics, high-fidelity 3D capabilities, and the flexibility of the Unity runtime."

Games work in browsers on phones and laptops. Creators can keep projects private, share links, or publish to the Explore gallery, which highlights games based on ratings and play activity. Select genres support leaderboards and multiplayer, while Play Games profiles let users follow creators. Google says published games always undergo safety screenings.

Playground is initially available to U.S. adults, with creation access rolling out based on Google AI subscriptions. Browsing and playing are free; creation uses weekly tokens, with higher limits for Google One AI subscribers.

Credit: Screenshot: Google Playground

Google joins competitors, including Roblox, which announced its prompt-based Build tool in July, and Rosebud AI, which offers conversational game creation. You can also build games through general-purpose AI assistants. ChatGPT’s Sites tools can also create and host browser games, while Claude’s Artifacts lets users generate, revise, and share playable prototypes through conversation.

Google calls Playground an "early experiment," but the browser-game format may feel familiar to anyone who spent afternoons playing games on the family computer. This time, you can build the game you wish you'd found.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The strangest $5 upgrade I've made to my homelab

How-To Geek - Wed, 10/07/2026 - 23:30

You usually don’t need a monitor in a homelab. Once everything is configured, you expect to manage it over SSH, a web interface, or a remote desktop connection. Yet some systems behave very differently when no display is connected. Resolution options disappear, remote desktop sessions behave strangely, and some GPUs refuse to initialize certain features when they cannot detect a monitor.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Top 25 noise-cancelling headphone deals for October Prime Day: Time is running out to grab AirPods, Bose, Sony, and more

Mashable - Wed, 10/07/2026 - 23:19
The best October Prime Day noise-cancelling headphones deals: Best Overall Bose QuietComfort headphones (2nd gen) $319 (save $40) Get Deal Best Sony Headphones Deal Sony WH-1000XM6 Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones $378 (save $81.99) Get Deal Best AirPods Deal Apple AirPods Max 2 $429 (save $120) Get Deal Best Nothing headphones deal Nothing Headphone (a) $129 (save $70) Get Deal Best ANC earbuds Sony WF-1000XM6 $258 (save $71.99) Get Deal Best budget earbuds deal EarFun Air Pro 4 $50.50 (save $29.49) Get Deal Best Under $100 Sony WH-CH720N $88 (save $91.99) Get Deal Best Mid-Range ANC Heapdhones Bose QuietComfort Headphones (1st Gen) $169 (save $190) Get Deal

Just like that, Prime Big Deal Days is in its final hours. The 48-hour event kicked off Oct. 6 and wraps up at midnight Oct. 7, so you've still got some time to shop all the best deals. Don't worry; we've made it easy for you by combing through pages and pages of listings to find the deals that are actually worth grabbing. To be frank, the headphones deals are some of the best of the sale.

If noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds, in particular, are on your wishlist, many of Mashable's favorites are on sale. That includes the excellent Sony XM6 headphones and earbuds, the Technics EAH-AZ100 (our favorite premium earbuds), the AirPods Max 2 and Pro 3, and the Bose QuietComfort lineup. There are also pretty wild discounts on the lesser-known JBL Tune Buds and EarFun Air Pro 4.

Below, find the 25+ best Prime Day deals on noise-cancelling headphones, with savings from all of the best audio brands.

Best noise-cancelling headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort headphones (2nd gen) $319 at Amazon
$359 Save $40   Get Deal Why we like it

Bose's latest mid-range launch, the second-generation QuietComfort headphones, brings the best parts of the QuietComfort Ultra headphones for less money. They offer comparable comfort and noise cancellation (with the latter being manually adjustable), and are the first non-Ultra headphones to feature immersive audio. The ear cushions are replaceable for future proofing, and the sound quality is warm and well-rounded. Plus, they fold up small and have unique colorways, making them great for taking on the go and adding to your outfits.

Pro tip: If you're looking to save even more money, the past-gen Bose QuietComfort headphones (which we also love) are on sale for Prime members for just $169.

Read Mashable's full review of the second-generation Bose QuietComfort headphones.

More noise-cancelling headphones dealsBest noise-cancelling earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: EarFun EarFun Air Pro 4 $50.50 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $29.49   Get Deal Why we like it

While we're big fans of the Panasonic Technics EAH-AZ100s, which are $65 off for Prime Big Deal Days, you might not want to spend over $200 on a pair of earbuds. If you're looking for a more affordable pick, our top recommendation is the EarFun Air Pro 4. They're our favorite pair of budget earbuds at full price, but their current discount drops them to just $50. They punch above their weight class, offering hours of listening time, excellent manually adjustable ANC, solid sound quality, great multipoint pairing, and a companion app with plenty of options for customizing your listening experience. The touch controls are kind of iffy, but that's one of the only areas where these earbuds show their price point.

More noise-cancelling earbuds deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Wondering what to buy on Prime Day? Shop our top 10 deals before the sale ends tonight.

Mashable - Wed, 10/07/2026 - 23:16

Amazon's October Prime Day event is underway with tons of deals begging for your attention. It's tough sorting through what's actually worth your hard-earned cash, so we've taken it upon ourselves to do that part for you.

Mashable's shopping team has been hunting deals in the weeks leading up to Prime Big Deal Days and now that it's officially here, we gathered our top 10 deals of the sale. If you're itching to knock out some early holiday shopping or simply have a "treat yourself" kind of week, but aren't sure what to buy, here are our picks for the best Prime Day deals so far.

And if something catches your eye, don't wait to shop. Prime Big Deal Days wraps up on Oct. 7 (that's tonight!), and Amazon won't keep these deals around for long.

The newest Apple Watch Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm) $349.99 at Amazon
$399 Save $49.01   Get Deal Why we like it

Apple's latest flagship smartwatch is just a few weeks old, but it just got its first notable discount for Prime Day. What's new about the Series 12? More regular heart rate variability (HRV) readings, quicker charging, a faster processor, and a new Daily Readiness score. Unfortunately, the battery life is still the same at around 24 hours.

A limited-edition Yeti cooler Opens in a new window Credit: Yeti Yeti Tundra 45 Hard Cooler $243.75 at Amazon
$325 Save $81.25   Get Deal Why we like it

Spotting a Yeti cooler on sale is like finding a four-leaf clover: rare, but possible if you look hard enough. This gorgeous limited-edition ultramarine violet Tundra 45 hard cooler can squeeze in 26 cans with a 2:1 ice-to-contents ratio, can keep ice frozen for days, and is 25% off for Prime members. It's a bit hefty to tote around, but that heft is what makes it virtually indestructible.

The 30th Celebration ETB for close to market price Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box $159.99 at Amazon
  Get Deal Why we like it

This box comes with the same collection of packs and bonuses as before: nine titular booster packs, a full-art foil Nidorina promo, 16 foil Basic Energy trading cards, 65 sleeves, dice, a coin, dividers, a player’s guide, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card.

However, keep in mind that the $159.99 is for invitation requests only. At only just over $11 above market price, this will sell fast.

A speedy new MacBook Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,099 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $200   Get Deal Why we like it

The M5 MacBook Air is Mashable's favorite MacBook for most people, thanks to its absurdly powerful M5 chip, sleek design, portability, and unrivaled performance for the price. Our laptop expert Haley Henschel calls it "the sweet spot in Apple's lineup." This $200 discount basically negates the price hike from earlier this year.

Noise-cancelling headphones that are actually comfortable Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Noise-Cancelling Headphones (1st Gen) $169 at Amazon
$359.99 Save $190.99   Get Deal Why we like it

Whether you have a long trip approaching or just need something to quiet the noise of your commute, Bose's QuietComfort headphones deliver all-day comfort and excellent noise cancellation. Mashable Lead Shopping Reporter Sam Mangino said these are her all-time favorite headphones, even after testing a ton of other options.

A portable SSD that's virtually indestructible Opens in a new window Credit: SanDisk SanDisk Extreme 1TB Portable SSD $209.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $90   Get Deal Why we like it

Despite the global memory crisis causing steep increases to SSDs, this SanDisk Extreme 1BT Portable SSD is the cheapest it's ever been at $90 off. It's built to withstand practically anything, from spills to drops, and is ridiculously speedy compared to previous generations. Plus, it packs an entire terabyte of storage space.

A mid-range OLED TV for a budget-friendly price Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-Inch S90H OLED 4K TV $1,497.99 at Amazon
$2,699.99 Save $1,202.00   Get Deal Why we like it

If an OLED TV has been on your wishlist, now's a great time to make the leap. The S90H is Samsung's mid-range OLED model from 2026, which is just a step down from our favorite OLED of the year. It packs superior contrast, a brightness increase from last year's model, an upgraded anti-reflection display, support for 4K at 165Hz, and gaming perks like NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. It's also down to its best price ever.

The latest AirPods Pro Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $179 at Amazon
$249 Save $70   Get Deal Why we like it

Time to replace your AirPods? You might as well grab the Pro 3's while they're just $10 away from their best-ever price. They're no longer the latest AirPods, but they are the latest Pro model, featuring a bunch of excellent features — Live Translation, heart rate sensing, adaptive noise cancellation, and three-dimensional spatial audio. They can even act as hearing aids.

A basic Kindle for just over $100 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle (2024) $103.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $46.00   Get Deal Why we like it

Amazon raised the prices of its Kindle models over the summer, then dropped a whole batch of new ones. None of the new editions are on sale for October Prime Day, but the basic Kindle from 2024 (the exact model I own) is on sale for just over $100. That knocks it back down below its price pre-increase. While it may not be the newest Kindle on the market, it remains the best e-reader on a budget.

A rare deal from Dyson Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Supersonic Nural $349.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

The Supersonic Nural is designed to adjust its airflow and temperature as you dry your hair, using built-in Nural sensors to adapt the device throughout your styling. One of its standout features is Scalp Protect mode, which monitors temperature and automatically reduces heat as the dryer approaches your scalp, keeping the drying temperature at a more comfortable 130°F. Any deal from Dyson is worth considering, but this $100 price cut is seriously tempting.

Time is running out for Prime members to shop Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days sale. Sign up for a Prime 30-day free trial if you want to save some cash, and follow Mashable’s guide to the best October Prime Day deals and live blog for the latest updates.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I found 15 October Prime Day earbuds deals to shop before the sale ends: Bose, Apple, Beats, and more

Mashable - Wed, 10/07/2026 - 23:14
The best October Prime Day earbuds deals: Best Apple deal Apple AirPods 4 $79 (save $50.99) Get Deal Best Apple deal with ANC Apple AirPods Pro 3 $179 (save $70) Get Deal Best Bose deal Bose QuietComfort Earbuds $129 (save $50) Get Deal Best open earbuds deal Shokz OpenDots One $139.95 (save $60) Get Deal Best sleep earbuds deal Soundcore Sleep A30 Special $159.99 (save $70) Get Deal

It's leaf-peeping season, and that means it's time for another massive sale event at Amazon. October Prime Big Deal Days runs Oct. 6 and 7, and today is your last day to shop the deals. Amazon is bursting with offers, especially on earbuds.

Many of us depend on earbuds like we depend on water. On the checklist before walking out the front door, we need our wallet, phone, keys, and of course, earbuds. They're with us from a morning walk with the dog to bedtime YouTube viewing. If your current pair is not up to these tasks, October Prime Day deals are coming to the rescue.

SEE ALSO: 12 expert-sourced deals on headphones and earbuds ahead of October Prime Day: Shop Beats, AirPods, and Sony

From incredibly comfortable Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd gen) to the Soundcore Sleep A30 Special, we're seeing plenty of great deals on earbuds, and I've rounded up the best options below. Keep an eye on Mashable's Prime Day coverage as we near the end of the sale.

Best Apple earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $79 at Walmart
$129.99 Save $50.99   Get Deal Why we like it

At the affordable price of $79, the Apple AirPods 4 are on sale at Walmart. Redesigned for comfort, the AirPods 4 come with a massive 30-hour battery life with the included charging case. And good news on that front: Apple made the case smaller and compatible with USB-C charging.

Keep in mind that the base model of the Apple AirPods 4 does not come with active noise cancellation. If that's a priority, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 with ANC are on sale for $179.

SEE ALSO: The 5 headphones deals we want to see on sale during October Prime Day Best Bose earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Earbuds $129 at Amazon
$179 Save $50   Get Deal Why we like it

If you're looking for the most comfortable earbuds, the Bose QuietComfort earbuds are a top pick. Mashable's analysis of the best Bose headphones and earbuds notes that these Bose buds are the best budget earbuds. "They’re focused on a great fit, as they come with multiple ear tips and multiple bands you can change out on the earbuds for a better fit on the crest of your ear," wrote Mashable Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard.

Best open earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shokz Shokz OpenDots One $139.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $60   Get Deal Why we like it

If you'll be wearing earbuds while running or working out at the gym, open earbuds might be the best option. The design focuses on solid sound quality while also keeping you aware of your surroundings. The Shokz OpenDots One are among Mashable's favorite open earbuds, and they're on sale for under $140 for Prime Day. Need more convincing? They're also Mashable's top choice for running earbuds.

The sale price of $139.95 is the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.

Best sleep earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Soundcore Anker Soundcore Sleep A30 Special $159.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $70 get a free Anker Soundcore Eye Mask Get Deal Why we like it

If you struggle to sleep on account of environmental noise, sleep earbuds might be a great solution. Instead of using earbuds that hurt when sleeping on your side, sleep earbuds are specially designed for comfort, no matter which sleeping position you prefer. Mashable's favorite sleep earbuds are the Anker Soundcore Sleep A30 Specials, and they're on sale for $159.99 for October Prime Day. That's a new record-low price.

In Mashable's review of the Sleep A30 Specials, Allard wrote, "Soundcore's quick upgrade to the recently released Sleep A30 earbuds is a welcome one, delivering a longer battery life and lower price point, making a great pair of sleep earbuds even better."

If you're searching for solutions to get better sleep, consider these sleep earbuds while they're on sale for the best price.

More earbuds dealsEarbudsOpen earbudsSleep earbuds
Categories: IT General, Technology

Microsoft is hinting what Windows 12 will look like, and you may not be happy about it

How-To Geek - Wed, 10/07/2026 - 23:09

Microsoft's Surface and Windows event was interesting, to say the least. The festivities closed out on a high note with a super-anticipated Surface Laptop Ultra reveal, but everything up until that point left me wondering whether I'd drank enough caffeine this morning. Endless conversations about AI agents, the "hybrid intelligence" operating system, and new AI-powered fixes for Windows' weakest features.

Categories: IT General, Technology

These 5 Obsidian shortcuts changed how I organize my notes

How-To Geek - Wed, 10/07/2026 - 23:00

There's something wonderful and appealing about navigating your favorite software with just a few keystrokes. Sometimes, it can be easy to forget that not everyone feels comfortable navigating their software using shortcuts and commands. And while it's certainly impressive to show your co-workers how fast you are with a keyboard (hey, the Gen Z kids who work for me think it's cool), sometimes it's not always intuitive or easy to work that way. Luckily, my favorite Knowledge Base/notes program, Obsidian, is full of useful shortcuts. I've tried most of them. But only a few changed the way I take notes.

Categories: IT General, Technology

What Mashable readers are buying on October Prime Day: Top 10 most popular products

Mashable - Wed, 10/07/2026 - 22:44
A quick look at what Mashable readers bought on October Prime Day: Pokemon TCG: 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box (invite only) $159 Learn More The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo Switch 2) $59.88 (save $10.11) Pre-Order Here Owala FreeSip Twist (24-ounce) $19.97 (save $10.03) Get Deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $179 (save $70) Get Deal Yeti Tundra 45 hard cooler $243.75 (save $85.25) Get Deal

Mashable's shopping team loves to help our readers stretch their dollars further. During October Prime Day (and every other day, for that matter), we're relentlessly scanning product listings, tracking prices, and curating the best deals for y'all so you can get more bang for your buck. We'll shout about our favorite tech deals, which Apple products are at all-time lows, and what deals we think are actually worth it. But when it comes down to it, one of the best ways to decide what to add to your cart is to see what other people already added to theirs.

Below, we're breaking down the top 10 deals Mashable readers purchased during Prime Big Deal Days this year. If you're still looking to do some shopping, the official October Prime Day event wraps up at the end of the day on Oct. 7. Although, you may still be able to snag a few lingering discounts in the days following.

Here are the most popular items Mashable readers are adding to their carts:

Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration swag Opens in a new window Credit: Pokémon Pokemon TCG: 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box (invite only) $159 at Amazon
  Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Pokémon Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Booster Bundle $93.50 at Amazon
  Get Deal

The Pokémon 30th Celebration expansion has been fluctuating in price since it came out, but you can request to buy it at $159.99 (just $11 above market price) for October Prime Day. And Mashable readers have been submitting invite requests left and right. It comes with nine titular booster packs, a full-art foil Nidorina promo, 16 foil Basic Energy trading cards, 65 sleeves, dice, a coin, dividers, a player’s guide, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card. The Booster Bundle is also a hot ticket item for Prime Day, which includes six booster packs from Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time pre-orders Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo Switch 2) $59.88 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $10.11   Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Digital Code) $59.99 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here

While preordering the physical edition of Nintendo's upcoming remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Switch 2 typically costs $69.99, Amazon has it on sale for $59.88 for Prime Big Deal Days. Many Mashable readers have already secured the game for less, so don't miss your shot ahead of its Nov. 5 launch.

A pastel pink Owala FreeSip Opens in a new window Credit: Owala Owala FreeSip Twist (24-ounce) $19.97 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $10.02   Get Deal

The Owala FreeSip is the water bottle of the moment and the 24-ounce Twist, which easily slips into backpack side pockets and cup holders, is on sale for under $20 for Prime Big Deal Days. This baby pink (referred to as angel food cake) has particularly called to Mashable readers, but several other color options are discounted as well.

A swanky 3D printer Opens in a new window Credit: Bambu Lab Bambu Lab P1S Combo $499 at Amazon
$549 Save $50   Get Deal

We love a good splurge, and the popularity of this swanky 3D Printer from Bambu Labs shows our readers do also. As Mashable contributor Soumya Kumar puts it, "The Bambu Lab P1S earns our top spot because it nails the trifecta: speed, output quality, and pure convenience." It's approachable for newbies, but powerful enough for seasoned vets.

The latest AirPods Pro Opens in a new window Credit: Apple AirPods Pro 3 $179 at Amazon
$249 Save $70   Get Deal

There's no denying the AirPods Pro 3 are great earbuds, but we like them significantly more when they're on sale. While we regularly see the price tag drop to $199, it's rarer to see them at $179, making this a smart purchase.

The 11-inch classic iPad Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, 128GB, WiFi) $399 at Amazon
$449 Save $50   Get Deal

Over 20 Apple gadgets are at record-low prices this October Prime Day, but none of those gadgets are iPads. Still, there are plenty of iPad deals worth grabbing and readers are flocking to the classic iPad. It's on sale for just $399, making it the most affordable iPad option by a long shot.

Sony's flagship noise-cancelling headphones Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM6 noise-cancelling headphones $378 at Amazon
$459.99 Save $81.99   Get Deal

The latest flagship headphones from Sony come with a steep price tag, so any chance to get them at a discount is worth taking. For what it's worth, Mashable's tech editor says they mostly justify their full cost, thanks to elite noise cancellation, a comfortable fit, a travel-friendly design, and close to the best sound he's ever heard.

This cutie mini power bank Opens in a new window Credit: UGREEN UGREEN Nexode Pro mini power bank $36.07 at Amazon
$54.99 Save $18.92   Get Deal

We all suffer from low-battery anxiety, so it's no shock here that readers are scooping up this mini power bank. Plus, it's pretty cute and small enough to fit in your palm.

A hefty Yeti cooler in violet Opens in a new window Credit: Yeti Yeti Tundra 45 hard cooler $243.75 at Amazon
$325 Save $81.25   Get Deal

Yeti deals are rare, so this 25% discount on the classic Tundra 45 hard cooler is certainly worth adding to your cart. And if you're a big Yeti fan like me, several other deals on drinkware, camping gear, and more are worth a second look.

Kindle e-readers and accessories Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle (2024) $103.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $46.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Click $34.99 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here

Literacy crisis be damned. Mashable readers are buying Kindles (particularly the last-gen basic Kindle, the last-gen Kindle Paperwhite, and the brand new Kindle Paperwhite) in droves. Plus, we're seeing folks securing their pre-orders for the new Kindle Click, aka the page-turner of our dreams.

More popular deals Mashable readers bought
Categories: IT General, Technology

This new Android feature helped me finally fix my worst organizational habit

How-To Geek - Wed, 10/07/2026 - 22:30

Once I put something important away in a nice, secure spot, my brain almost immediately forgets where I hid it. It's great for keeping things hidden and secure, but not so great when it's time to find what you've stashed. My solution has been to leave everything out and accessible, which is obviously an incredibly flawed system and one that needs a more permanent, organized solution.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Microsoft just invented the ultimate laptop USB-C port

How-To Geek - Wed, 10/07/2026 - 22:25

Microsoft's long-expected Surface Laptop Ultra release came with a surprise: a new approach to charging. The tech giant has unveiled a Magnetic Connect feature that serves as the equivalent to Apple's MagSafe for Windows PCs, with its own set of advantages and tradeoffs.

Categories: IT General, Technology

iPhone vs. Android on privacy-invasive bloatware: Which lets users remove pre-installed apps?

Mashable - Wed, 10/07/2026 - 22:19

Apple has long been criticized for the iPhone's "walled garden," the closed ecosystem that the company has built with iOS that gives Apple tight control over which apps and services can run on its smartphone. Android devices have long been viewed as the more "open" option, giving users more control over what's on their smartphone.

But, when it comes to bloatware, that may not be the case. In fact, a recent study from cybersecurity company Surfshark found that iPhone users can remove more pre-installed apps from their devices than users of phones from some of the top Android smartphone makers like Samsung and Google.

According to the study, the iPhone comes with up to 50 pre-installed apps. Users in the EU can remove 48 of these apps or 96 percent of them. (The Phone app and the Settings app are the only two pre-installed apps that cannot be deleted in the EU.) In the U.S., iPhone users are able to delete 44 of these apps or 88 percent of them.

Samsung devices, on the other hand, come with a whopping 88 pre-installed apps and only 50 of them or 57 percent were marked safe to remove. For Google's Android devices, the database listed 71 pre-installed apps, but only 38 percent of them or 27 apps were marked as safe to remove.

The report states that the average smartphone user has between 60 and 90 apps installed on their device. However, they use roughly 10 of these apps on a daily basis and around 30 of them each month. That leaves many apps unused and taking up space.

But, even worse than that, these apps may not just sit there. They can operate in the background, collecting personal data, making bloatware a privacy risk too.

Apple apps collected on average 8 data types per pre-installed app, which includes location data, behavioral data, and other sensitive information. Apple Music and the Apple Store app collected the most user data types, according to Surfshark, listing 17 and 18 data types, respectively, out of 35 different data types.

The pre-installed apps analyzed on Google devices collected an average of 13 data types per app. Google Gemini and the Google app list the most data types, with each disclosing 29 of 38 different data types, which is more than double the average of the other apps.

The average pre-installed app analyzed on a Samsung device also collected 13 data types. However, the Samsung dataset includes Facebook and Instagram, which are the worst offending apps in the report. These apps disclosed a whopping 37 out of 38 data types.

"Data collection practices by popular applications, particularly social media platforms and chatbots, raise privacy concerns," said Surfshark's Chief Security Officer Tomas Stamulis in a statement. "While certain data points are necessary for basic operational functionality, entities may harvest information for targeted advertising or may even share it with undisclosed third parties. Even never-used applications can gather personal data and link to your device."

"Relying entirely on pre-installed applications can affect your privacy, as apps don't always protect user data as you might expect," Stamulis continued. "Shifting to third-party alternatives that are privacy-focused can help minimize data collection, limit overall exposure, and reduce unwanted targeted ads. It can also mitigate the risks associated with potential data breaches as your personal data is not stored in a single database."

Categories: IT General, Technology

Microsoft just gave AI agents guardrails so they can't delete your files by mistake

How-To Geek - Wed, 10/07/2026 - 22:15

AI agents are more capable than ever, and that is exactly what makes them a potential problem. Today, most AI agents have the same permissions and file access as you do, so one hallucination can wipe out an entire folder. Today, Microsoft announced that its fix, Microsoft Execution Containers (MXC), is now generally available. MXC isolates AI agents from the rest of your system, limiting the problems caused by accidents or malicious prompts.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Buying physical discs feels like stealing from Hollywood, but the people who made them still get paid

How-To Geek - Wed, 10/07/2026 - 22:15

When I first got Netflix, it was a fantastic deal. It cost literally 20 times less than my satellite subscription; it had a huge library of shows and movies, and the convenience was unparalleled.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best October Prime Day gaming deals: We found PS5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox deals worth grabbing now

Mashable - Wed, 10/07/2026 - 22:00
The best October Prime Day gaming deals: Best video game deal Starfield (Standard Edition PS5) $40.33 (save $9.66) Get Deal Best console deal Nintendo Switch (Renewed) $203.99 (save $135.01) Get Deal Best gaming monitor deal Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G5 $219 (save $130.99) Get Deal Best gaming headset deal HyperX Cloud III S $113.99 (save $66) Get Deal Best gaming keyboard deal Razer BlackWidow V4 X $80.74 (save $49.25) Get Deal Best gaming mouse deal Razer Basilisk V3 $34.98 (save $35.01) Get Deal

Amazon’s October Prime Day is here, and the gaming deals are getting better with each day. We’re seeing decent price cuts on PS5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox games, as well as cheaper consoles, gaming monitors, headsets, mice, keyboards, and other setup upgrades for the sale, which is set to end at close of business today, October 7.

Our top picks include a sub-$200 renewed Nintendo Switch, the best deal on Starfield on PS5, and sizeable savings on gaming gear from HyperX, Samsung, Razer, and more.

SEE ALSO: October Prime Day 2026 live: Updates on the latest deals on AirPods, Kindles, and Yeti coolers

These are the best gaming deals live right now.

Best video game deal Opens in a new window Credit: Xbox Starfield (Standard Edition PS5) $40.33 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $9.66 discount with on-page coupon Get Deal Why we like it

Starfield only made the jump to PS5 in April, and the Standard Edition is already at a sizable discount. The game is currently listed at $47.31 (usually $49.99), but an on-page coupon drops it to $40.33 at checkout — for a saving of $9.66 in total. This is the full base game rather than a trimmed-down edition, giving you Bethesda’s huge sci-fi RPG with deep character customization, ship building, and over 1,000 planets to explore.

More Prime Day video game deals

PS5

Nintendo Switch

Xbox

Best console deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo/Amazon Renewed Store Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Red Joy-Con (Renewed) $203.90 at Amazon
$339 Save $135.10   Get Deal Why we like it

The standard Nintendo Switch is still hovering above $300, but Amazon Renewed is once again offering a much cheaper way into the platform. The Neon Blue and Red Joy-Con model is down to $199 in refurbished "Excellent" condition, saving $140 on its $339 list price.

You’ll need to be fine with some light cosmetic wear, but you’re still getting the full 6.2-inch Switch experience with detachable Joy-Con and handheld, tabletop, and docked TV play for plenty of both first-party Nintendo and third-party multiplatform games.

Best gaming monitor deal Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G5 (G50F) Series QHD Gaming Monitor $219 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $130.99   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Finding a 32-inch 1440p panel from a top-tier brand for around $200 is nothing to scoff at. You're getting a 180Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time, plus G-Sync and FreeSync support to keep fast-paced action smooth and free of screen tearing. It also comes with a height-adjustable ergonomic stand right out of the box, so you can pivot, tilt, and swivel to your setup's needs — a practical feature most budget displays cut to trim costs.

More gaming monitor deals Best gaming headset deal Opens in a new window Credit: HyperX HyperX Cloud III S – Wireless Gaming Headset for Multi-Platform $113.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $66.00   Get Deal Why we like it

The HyperX Cloud III S is a wireless upgrade at $129.99, down $50 from its $179.99 list price — that's its lowest-ever price on Amazon (confirmed by price tracker camelcamelcamel). In exchange, you’re getting up to 120 hours of battery life over 2.4GHz, or as much as 200 hours through Bluetooth, alongside 53mm angled drivers and HyperX’s memory foam cushioning. It also works on PC, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Mac, and mobile devices, with both USB-A and USB-C connectors included for easier switching between platforms.

More gaming headset deals Best gaming keyboard and mouse deals Opens in a new window Credit: Razer Razer BlackWidow V4 X Mechanical Gaming Keyboard $81.07 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $48.92   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Razer Razer Basilisk V3 $34.98 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $35.01   Get Deal Why we like it

Getting a top-tier wired mouse at half off makes the Razer Basilisk V3 an easy pick. It has 11 programmable buttons, a smart scroll wheel that toggles between tactile clicks and free-spin scrolling, and a thumb rest shaped for long gaming sessions.

If you're upgrading your keyboard too, the Razer BlackWidow V4 X has real tactile mechanical switches instead of those squishy membrane keys. It includes six dedicated macro keys, custom RGB lighting for each key, and a physical volume roller right above the number pad, so you don't have to tab out of your game to tweak audio.

More keyboard and mouse deals

Prime members only have 48 hours to shop Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days sale. Sign up for a Prime 30-day free trial if you want to save some cash, and follow Mashable’s guide to the best October Prime Day deals and live blog for the latest updates.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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