IT General
Affordable twin-turbo V-6 sedan under $30k beats the new Camry in value
Forget the dull, sensible sedan — for under $30,000, you can step into a twin-turbo V-6 sedan that delivers far more excitement for the money. Once positioned as a premium performance model, it has now become one of the best-kept secrets on the used market, offering serious power and refinement at a price most shoppers wouldn’t expect.
How romcoms made kink mainstream
BDSM and cinema share a long history – so long that coded examples of Dom/sub dynamics on screen can be traced all the way back to silent film. But it was only in the 2000s that BDSM movies managed to become mainstream enough so that we can have films like Babygirl and Pillion. So, how did kink become so popular? And is more representation necessarily a good thing?
Mashable spoke to Liam Wignall, senior lecturer in Psychology at the University of Brighton and editor of The Power of BDSM, and screenwriter Caitlin Parrish (G20, Supergirl) to find out.
What is the best Shark robot vacuum? Here are my top 3 picks after testing at home.
No Black Friday robot vacuum deals list would be complete without a few good Shark options thrown in. 2025 is no different — I've already caught multiple versions of my number one Shark robot vacuum at new record-low pricing at Best Buy, which has become my go-to retailer to find Shark deals as of late (outside of the SharkNinja website itself, of course. Black Friday deals are popping off there too.)
Shark vacuums shine at spot cleaning, but have a big blind spotSometimes, there's an unexpected mess that you want to clean without messing around with full room cleanings in the app. In my at-home testing, Shark robot vacuums are consistently reliable when it comes to spot cleaning. Setting a zone for a one-time clean in the Shark app is as easy as dragging a square in the designated spot cleaning tab, and Shark's Matrix cleaning system automatically goes over the spot multiple times from multiple angles. Many other similarly-priced robot vacuums won't take a second look unless you remember to toggle the number of cleaning passes from one to two. Matrix cleaning automatically covers one of my tips for making your robot vacuum work better.
Is accurate smart mapping and black-and-white spot cleaning a Shark-only skill? Of course not. But Shark robot vacuums do it while staying firmly in the budget-friendly robot vacuum category, and they're on sale frequently.
SEE ALSO: The Roborock Saros 10R aces one thing that most other robot vacuums can'tOn the other hand, Shark's one big blind spot — literally — is small obstacle avoidance technology, and that's been the case for a few years now. Shark is forever being upstaged by new releases from the likes of iRobot, Roborock, and Eufy, who all have models at Shark prices that can steer clear of obstacles like cords and pet waste. Based on my experience, Shark hasn't mastered this skill yet. But Shark is due for a major update to its lineup, and I feel like a totally new, highly agile Shark robot vacuum is coming very soon.
Are Shark robot vacuums as good as Roomba?The short answer? It's complicated. That's not the definitive one-word answer you were hoping for, but making an unequivocal call between the two brands just wouldn't make sense. Both vacuum brands are constantly improving their product lineups and introducing new features. Both brands have several options with mopping, smart room mapping, and automatic emptying, including vacs that can do all three or offer some mix-and-match combo of those features.
So, where does Shark outperform the best Roombas? While Shark has way fewer options to choose from after iRobot randomly overhauled its Roomba lineup in March 2025, Sharks are more likely to be a bang for your buck than Roombas. Shark consistently puts out more budget-friendly robot vacuums, often without skimping on the most crucial features. If you were capping yourself at $300, the $300 Shark vacuum is going to be more competent than the $300 Roomba (unless you're finding a premium Roomba on sale for that price).
Admittedly, Shark takes a little longer to roll out new features and doesn't have product drops very often. (For instance, it was late to self-emptying, self-washing, and self-drying compared to iRobot — and everyone else, for that matter.) But when Shark does release a model with new in-demand features, it's typically at a much more digestible price than the competition. Even Shark's most premium robot vacuum, the Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 with NeverTouch Pro Base, debuted at around $400 less than the most premium Roomba, the Roomba Combo 10 Max + AutoWash Dock, despite them being nearly identical in capabilities.
The best laptops of 2025: Compare the M4 MacBook Air, Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, and more
As of November 2025, I think the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M4) is the best MacBook for most people. It's a sleek-as-ever notebook featuring impressive performance, open-lid support for two external displays, a great 12MP Center Stage camera, and an extremely reasonable starting price of $1,199 (making it $100 cheaper than its M3 predecessor).
The best Windows laptop we've tested is the 13.8-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, a sophisticated and snappy Copilot+ PC boasting a stellar battery life of nearly 23 hours. Note that Microsoft makes an Intel version that may appeal to users wary of Windows on ARM for app compatibility reasons, but it's a business-oriented model with a significant markup.
Get the Apple AirTag for under $18 ahead of Black Friday — save over $11 on this popular Bluetooth tracker
SAVE OVER $11: The Apple AirTag is on sale for just $17.97 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's $11.03 off its list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag $17.97 at Amazon$29 Save $11.03 Get Deal
As we take a deep dive into the many, many deals available during the Black Friday sale event, one brand name stands out above all others: Apple. Indeed, most of us love Apple devices but we don’t all love Apple prices. Which means that Black Friday is the perfect opportunity to stock up on Apple devices, from big ticket items like MacBooks and iPads down to the small but no-less-handy Apple AirTag.
The Apple AirTag is currently at its best ever price in Amazon’s Black Friday deals, with 38% off the list price of $29 — it’s now just $17.97. That’s a bargain for pretty much guaranteeing you’ll never lose your valuables ever again — your wallet, keys, smartphone, luggage, or anything else you attach this clever little device to.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!It syncs with the Find My app and helps you locate and keep track of items using precision perfect Ultra Wideband technology. You can prompt the AirTag to emit a little sound, helping you follow it, or ask Siri to help. You can also put it into “lost mode”, which will alert you whenever your lost items are detected by the wider Find My network. The AirTag easily syncs with your phone — just hold it nearby and give it a tap for an instant Bluetooth connection — and you can share its location with up to five different Apple users.
Get the Apple AirTag for just $17.97 in the Amazon Black Friday sale.
65+ early Black Friday deals: Score huge discounts on MacBooks, AirPods, Kindles, Bose headphones, and Ninja appliances
We're officially back in Black Friday season, folks.
Though Black Friday falls on Nov. 28 this year, retailers are already kicking off sales. Best Buy dropped early deals and doorbusters on Oct. 31, and Target started its first holiday savings event on Nov. 6. Amazon kicked off its programming on Nov. 20, and Walmart hosted an early sale, but will get back in on the action on Nov. 25. We've spotted plenty of Black Friday-worthy deals that you can shop early to get ahead of your holiday list.
Keep checking back for the best Black Friday deals from Amazon, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and beyond.
Check out this DJI deal right now Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo 360 Camera $357.49$549.99 Save $192.50 Get Deal Why we like it
The DJI Osmo 360 delivers the kind of sharp, low-light 8K 360° footage that makes everything you shoot look instantly cooler, thanks to its large 1-inch sensor and excellent stabilization. It’s waterproof, tough, and packed with smart features. The built-in 105GB storage, combined with seamless app integration, makes capturing and sharing immersive clips almost effortless.
More early Black Friday kitchen deals on Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Chefman CHEFMAN Indoor Pizza Oven $189.99 at Amazon$499.99 Save $310 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Crockpot Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker $35.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $24 Get Deal Best early Black Friday gaming deals Opens in a new window Credit: Sony PlayStation 5 Slim (Disc version) $449.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $100 Get Deal Why we like it
The PS5 Slim is essentially Sony acknowledging that the original PS5 was a gorgeous skyscraper of a console — and then refining it. It retains all the performance of the original model while reducing its size by about 30%, which immediately makes it easier to accommodate on any TV stand or desk. The redesign also introduces genuinely useful upgrades: a 1TB SSD instead of 825GB, dual USB-C ports on the front, and a surprisingly sleek modular shell that allows you to swap out plates instead of committing to the default white.
More early Black Friday console deals Opens in a new window Credit: S PlayStation 5 Slim (Disc version) $449.99 at Amazon$549.99 Save $100 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony PlayStation 5 Digital Slim - 825GB $399.99 at Walmart
$499.99 Save $100 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony PlayStation DualSense® Wireless Controller - Gray Camouflage $54.99
$74.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony PlayStation Portal Remote Player 5 $179.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $20 Get Deal Best early Black Friday pet deals Opens in a new window Credit: PETLIBRO Petlibro Automatic Feeder - 3L $54.99 at Amazon
$89.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal Why we like it
The PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder solves pretty much every "did I feed the cat?" crisis. It lets you schedule up to six meals a day with precise portion control, so you can keep your pet on a consistent routine without waking up to 5 a.m. meows. Its airtight, twist-lock lid and included desiccant bag keep kibble fresh, and the dual power setup (USB-C plus battery backup) means it keeps running even during an outage.
You can even record a 10-second voice call to summon your pet at mealtime, which is both adorable and extremely effective. For busy households, nervous travelers, or cats who think every hour is dinner hour, it’s a genuinely stress-reducing upgrade.
More early Black Friday pet deals Opens in a new window Credit: Petlibro Petlibro Automatic Feeder - 5L $99.72 at Amazon$159.99 Save $60.27 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Venken Venken Pet Fountain $18.99 at Amazon
$27.99 Save $9 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Furbo Furbo 360° Dog Camera $44 at Amazon
$99 Save $55 Get Deal Best early Black Friday speaker deals Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Geo 3 $29.95 at Amazon
$39.95 Save $10.00 Get Deal Why we like it
The JBL Go 3 Eco is the rare tiny Bluetooth speaker that doesn’t sound tiny. For Black Friday, it’s down to $29.95 (from $39.95) — making it a no-brainer to grab one. It’s the speaker you throw in your bag and forget about until the exact moment you need it, and then it overperforms every time. Durable, portable, eco-minded, and now cheaper than dinner, it’s an easy add-to-cart.
More speaker dealsBeats Pill (Champagne Gold) - $99.95 $149.95 (save $50)
Anker Soundcore - $19.99 $35.99 (save $16)
JBL Charge 6 - $129.95 $199.95 (save $70)
Best early Black Friday Apple deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $749 at Amazon$999 Save $250 Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
The 13-inch MacBook Air is down to a record-low price of $749 ahead of Black Friday. This is our favorite laptop for students, thanks to its M4 silicon and slim design. This markdown is so good that even if it does happen to drop lower for Black Friday or Cyber Monday (and we're not counting on it), you still score a great deal without all the chaos of Black Friday shopping.
More Apple deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M2, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $649 at Best Buy$799 Save $150 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $949 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $250 Get Deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $219.99 at Walmart
$249 Save $29.01 Lowest price ever 🔥 Get Deal at Walmart Get Deal at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 (without ANC) $79.99 at Amazon
$129 Save $49.01 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) $99.99 at Amazon
$179 Save $79.01 new record-low price, and cheaper than Walmart or Best Buy Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 2 $139 at Walmart
$239 Save $100 Lowest price ever 🔥 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) $429.99 at Best Buy
$549 Save $119.01 Get Deal Apple AirTag $17.97 at Amazon
$29 Save $11.03 See It at Amazon See It at Walmart See It at Best Buy Apple Airtags, 4-Pack $64.98 at Amazon
$99 Save $34.02 See It at Amazon See It at Walmart See It at Best Buy Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 (42mm, GPS) $349.99 at Amazon
$399 Save $49.01 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm, GPS + cellular) $249 at Walmart
$499 Save $250 Lowest price ever 🔥 Get Deal Best early Black Friday headphones deal Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones $299 at Best Buy
$429 Save $130 Lowest price ever 🔥 Get Deal at Best Buy Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it
Read our full review of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 1) headphones.
The Bose QC Ultra headphones have long been some of our favorite noise-cancelling headphones. Even though Bose recently replaced them with a new Gen 2 model, the originals are still an excellent value for your money — especially at the record low price of $299.
More Black Friday headphones and earbuds deals Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WF-C710N Wireless Earbuds $78 at Amazon$129.99 Save $51.99 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose Ultra Open Earbuds $199 at Bose
$299 Save $100 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2) $216.31 at Amazon
$299 Save $82.69 Lowest price ever 🔥 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Beats Fit Pro $149 at Amazon
$199 Save $50 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Tune 670NC On-Ear Headphones $54.95 at Walmart
$109.95 Save $55 Get Deal Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Cancelling Headphones $248 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $151.99 Lowest price ever 🔥 See It at Amazon See It at Best Buy Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 earbuds $107.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $72.00 Get Deal Best early Black Friday robot vacuum deal Narwal Freo Z10 Ultra $799.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $500 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
Senior Shopping Reporter Leah Stodart sees Narwal's newest robot vacuum mop combo as a dupe for the $1,599.99 Roborock Saros 10R, our favorite robot vacuum of the year. Its edge cleaning is comparable thanks to dual spinning mopping pads that flex out from under the vacuum to scrub in corners and along walls. When mopping, the Freo Z10 Ultra ensures that it does a thorough job by taking a before-and-after picture of the spill, going back for another pass if necessary. The livestream pet camera is a bonus for homes with pets.
More robot vacuum and vacuum deals Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy Eufy E20 3-in-1 $349.99 at Amazon$449.99 Save $100 Editor's pick ✅ Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba 105 $199 at Amazon
$219 Save $20 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson V12 Detect Slim $399.99 at Walmart
$729.99 Save $330 Editor's pick ✅ Get Deal Dyson Big Ball Turbinehead Canister Vacuum $229.99 at Walmart
$349.99 Save $120 Get Deal at Walmart Best early Black Friday TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 65-inch U6 Mini LED QLED 4K TV $547.99 at Walmart
$847.99 Save $300 Lowest price ever 🔥 Get Deal Why we like it
"If you're not sure what size TV to get, we consider 65 inches to be the sweet spot for most folks. While the Hisense U6 Mini LED QLED TV falls into the budget-friendly category, its specs don't scream 'budget' at all. It features a Mini LED backlight system, which means its uses smaller LEDs to deliver a brighter and more detailed picture. Plus, it packs a 144Hz native refresh rate, WiFi 6 connectivity, support for HDR in Dolby Vision, the Fire TV OS, and on-board Alexa. Our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) called it 'easily the brightest and most colorful budget-friendly TV we've tested.'" — Christina Buff, Mashable Contributor
More TV and streaming deals Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 55-inch Class Q6-Series QLED 4K TV $279.99 at Target$449.99 Save $170 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku 65-inch Pro Series Mini LED QLED 4K Smart TV $798.99 at Amazon
$1,199.99 Save $401 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 65-inch Class U6 Mini LED QLED TV $547.99 at Amazon
$847.99 Save $300 Lowest price ever 🔥 Get Deal Samsung 55-inch The Frame LS034 4K QLED Smart TV (2025) $897.99 at Amazon
$1,197.99 Save $300 Editor's pick ✅ Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Samsung Get Deal at Best Buy Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense QD6 QLED 4K TV $199.99 at Best Buy
$329.99 Save $130 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-inch QN65 QLED 4K TV $448 at Walmart
$599.99 Save $151.99 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $21.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $18.00 Lowest price ever 🔥 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku Streaming Stick Plus 4K & HDR (2025) $29 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $10.99 Get Deal Best Black Friday fitness tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Oura Oura Ring 4 $349 at Amazon
$499 Save $150 Get Deal Why we like it
One of our favorite health trackers, the Oura Ring, just got a major markdown ahead of Black Friday. Right now, score the Oura Ring 4 for 30% off. It's down to $349, saving you $150 off its $499 price tag. The Oura Ring 4 is our favorite smart ring at Mashable, providing holistic insights to help you manage stress and heart health.
More Black Friday fitness tracker deals Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Forerunner 265 Running Smartwatch $299.99 at Amazon$499.99 Save $200 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch $119.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $80.00 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Whoop Whoop 5.0 $199 at Amazon
$239 Save $40 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Whoop Whoop MG $299 at Amazon
$359 Save $60 Get Deal Best Black Friday kitchen deal Ninja Slushi (88 ounce) $269.99 at Amazon
$369.99 Save $100 Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it
The Ninja Slushi is a blast in any season — frozen margs in any flavor you want when it's hot, apple cider slush or gingerbread frappé when it's chilly. (Mashable Senior Shopping Reporter Leah Stodart loves her Slushi, and so do all of her friends.) A year after the first Slushi came out, Ninja released two larger capacity versions in a few fun colors. The 88-ounce model on sale for $269.99 at Amazon can make a slightly bigger batch than the original 72-ounce model, which is on sale for $249.99 at Walmart. $20 more for extra beverages and a chic green build? Sold. (If you want the purple one, it's $269.99 at Target.)
More Black Friday kitchen deals Nespresso Festive Vertuo Pop+ Coffee and Espresso Maker $129 at Amazon$209.95 Save $80.95 Get Deal at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Our Place Our Place Wonder Oven Pro $275 at Our Place
$325 Save $50 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Luxe Café Pro Espresso and Coffee Machine $634.99 at Amazon
$749.99 Save $115 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: All-Clad All-Clad HA1 13-piece Nonstick Cookware Set $489.99 at Amazon
$699.99 Save $210 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Keurig Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker $139.99 at Target
$209.99 Save $70 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nutribullet Nutribullet Personal Blender $47.49 at Amazon
$71.99 Save $24.50 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Creami $179.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $20 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: KitchenAid KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-quart Stand Mixer $349.95 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $150.04 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Crispi 3-in-1 portable air fryer $129 at Walmart
$149 Save $20 $30 cheaper than the 4-in-1 model Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dash Dash My Mug ice cream maker $29.99 at Amazon
$44.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal Best early Black Friday home deal Opens in a new window Credit: Brooklinen Brooklinen's Black Friday Sale Score 25% off on Brooklinen bedding and bath linens. Get Deal Why we like it
The best early Black Friday deal for the home is at Brooklinen. Right now, the brand is offering 25% off across its products. You can find Brooklinen's super-plush Turkish cotton bath towel bundle for just $107, saving you 30% off. All prices are marked, no discount code needed.
More early Black Friday home deals Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark StainForce Portable Stain Remover $149.99 at Amazon$199.99 Save $50 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark NeverChange Air Purifier $139 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $40.99 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Casper Casper Original Pillow $60 at Amazon
$75 Save $15 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Casper Casper Hybrid Snow Pillow $144.90 at Amazon
$179 Save $34.10 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ugg Ugg Adalee Faux Fur Throw Blanket $84.99 at Amazon
$108 Save $23.01 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Dyson Air Purifier $449.99 at Target
$549.99 Save $100 Get Deal Best early Black Friday power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station $349 at Amazon
$799 Save $450 Lowest price ever 🔥 Get Deal Why we like it
Some of the year's best Black Friday deals are in the power station category, where you'll find discounts of 56% or more. And for so many reasons, this Anker Solix power station is our top pick for holiday shoppers. In our review, Mashable contributor Lauren Allain wrote that the "Anker Solix C1000 portable power station nails performance, design, and versatility," awarding it a Mashable Choice Award. And now that it's at a record-low price at Amazon, it's neve been easier to recommend.
More Black Friday power station deals EcoFlow River 2 $249 at Amazon$449 Save $200 Get Deal at Amazon Bluetti Elite 200V2 $1,099 at Amazon
$2,299 Save $1,200 Get Deal at Amazon Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 portable power station $699 at Amazon
$1,499 Save $800 https://zdcs.link/z6DZMk See It at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station $348 at Amazon
$448.98 Save $100.98 Get Deal Best early Black Friday outdoor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Coleman Coleman Sundome Camping Tent $78.99 at Amazon
$117.99 Save $39 Get Deal Why we like it
Whether you're shopping for outdoor deals to replenish your own gear or get a gift for the outdoorsman in your life, the best deal we've spotted is on the Coleman Sundome tent. This four-person tent is weatherproof, designed to block out wind and rain, and keep you dry. It's down to $78.99 ahead of Black Friday, saving you $39 for 33% off its list price of $117.99.
More early Black Friday outdoor deals Opens in a new window Credit: Osprey Osprey Hikelite Backpack $99.95 at AmazonGet Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Coleman Coleman Instant Camping Tent $212.47 at Amazon
$271.49 Save $59.02 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Yeti Yeti Hopper M Series Soft Cooler $280 at Amazon
$350 Save $70 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Titan Titan by Arctic Zone Deep Freeze Cooler $21.07 at Amazon
$46.99 Save $25.92 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: LifeStraw LifeStraw Personal Water Filter $9.99 at Amazon
$14.95 Save $4.96 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja FrostVault 50-quart Cooler $199.95 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $50.04 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nemo REI Black Friday Sale Score up to 40% off during REI's Black Friday sale. Shop sleeping bags, outdoor blankets, camping furniture, and more. Get Deal More Black Friday deals from Amazon
Even though Amazon's Black Friday sale hasn't officially started (you have to wait until Nov. 20 for that), Amazon devices such as Fire TVs are already marked down in advance of the sale. In addition, you can find plenty of limited-time deals on popular gadgets, power stations, smart home tech, outdoor gear, and Christmas gifts. Amazon is also a great place to stock up on stocking stuffers, as you'll find an abundance of deals under $25.
Opens in a new window Credit: Bissell Bissell Little Green Mini Portable Carpet Cleaner $84.98 at Amazon$94.99 Save $10.01 Get Deal Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet $94.99 at Amazon
$194.99 Save $100.00 Lowest price ever 🔥 See It at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad, 11 inches (A16 Chip) $299
$349 Save $50 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon 55-inch Omni Series 4K QLED Smart Fire TV $349.99 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $150 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Orastone Orastone Electric Hand Warmers $17.99 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $12 Editor's pick ✅ Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: National Tree Company Pre-Lit 6.5-Foot Dunhill Fir Artificial Christmas Tree $199.98 at Amazon
$254.03 Save $54.05 Bonus coupon: Get Echo Pop & Amazon Smart Plug for $15 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Keurig Keurig K-Supreme Single Serve Coffee Maker $99 at Amazon
$189.99 Save $90.99 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Vitamix Vitamix 5200 Professional-Grade Blender $299.95 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $250.04 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Outdoor 4 wireless security cameras (5 cameras + sync module) $119.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $180 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Like-new Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16GB) $106.99 at Amazon
$143.99 Save $37.00 Refurbished with great reviews Get Deal Amazon Echo Dot (2022 release) $31.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $18.00 Get Deal at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: GoPro GoPro Hero13 Black Ultra Wide Edition $369.99 at Amazon
$479.99 Save $110 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nothing Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro $79 at Amazon
$99 Save $20 Lowest price ever 🔥 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Meta Meta Quest 3S VR Headset (128 GB) $249.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $50 Get Deal Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart World Bundle $499 at Walmart
$1,049.66 Save $550.66 Editor's pick ✅ See It at Walmart See It at Amazon See It at Best Buy Opens in a new window Credit: Screenshot: Amazon Prime Video Buy movies and save up to 50% Get Deal More Black Friday deals from Walmart
As in years past, Walmart+ members get early access to the best Black Friday deals, and you can either sign up for a free trial or get 50% off a membership. Until its next official Black Friday sales event (mark your calendars for Nov. 25), the original Everything Store has great early deals on video games, kitchen gadgets, Legos, and even Dyson vacuums.
Opens in a new window Credit: Crock-Pot Crock-Pot Manual 7-Quart Slow Cooker $34 at Walmart$40.53 Save $6.53 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP 14-inch HD Chromebook (Intel Processor N200, 4GB RAM, 128GB UFS) $119 at Walmart
$329 Save $210 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Alienware Alienware 16-Inch Aurora Gaming Laptop (Intel Core 7-240H, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050) $1,128 at Walmart
$1,249.99 Save $121.99 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch 2 Console + NBA 2K26 $499.99 at Walmart
Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars: The Clone Wars and The Mandalorian Gift Set $45 at Walmart
$62.97 Save $17.97 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Wicked Welcome to Emerald City Building Set $78.99 at Walmart
$99.99 Save $21 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Borderlands 4 $54.97 at Walmart
$69.99 Save $15.02 Get Deal More Black Friday deals from Best Buy
Best Buy has an interesting Black Friday system: It's been dropping new doorbusters every single Thursday since Halloween. Some of those deals have stuck around, and some are fleeting. You can plan ahead for the official Black Friday sale (kicking off on Nov. 20) with the Best Buy Black Friday ad scan, but here are some deals that are confirmed to be at their Black Friday prices.
Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 65-inch C5 OLED 4K TV $1,399.99 at Best Buy$2,699.99 Save $1,300.00 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Asus Asus Vivobook 14 (Intel Core 5 120U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $279.99 at Best Buy
$529.99 Save $250 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Met Meta Quest 3S The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners bundle (128GB) $249 at Best Buy
$299 Save $50 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: De'Longhi De'Longhi Classic Espresso Machine $149.95
$229.95 Save $80 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bambu Lab Bambu Lab A1 Combo 3D printer $379.99 at Best Buy
$499.99 Save $120 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: GoPro GoPro HERO13 Action Camera Bundle $369.99 at Best Buy
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I test laptops, and this years Black Friday laptop deals have left me gobsmacked
I write about all things laptops here at Mashable, and whenever a family member or friend comes to me for shopping recommendations, I always tell them this: "Unless it's an emergency, don't buy anything until Black Friday."
My logic is simple. The year-end shopping season is when I see the deepest discounts on laptops emerge across Amazon, Best Buy, and other major tech retailers. It's partly because these stores know that people are looking for good, giftable buys ahead of the holidays, but it's also because they're trying to offload their current inventories ahead of next-gen refreshes at the start of the following year. Enter: Record-low prices on MacBooks, Windows laptops, and Chromebooks. Voila: An upgrade that's normally out of your budget is suddenly affordable.
SEE ALSO: Black Friday 2025: Live updates on the latest deals from Amazon, Target, Walmart, and moreMost laptop retailers' sales are already live, even though Black Friday proper isn't until Nov. 28, and I'm delighted by the deals I'm seeing so far. A bunch of the best laptops we've tested here at Mashable are now on sale at steep discounts. That includes my top picks for most people, plus some more niche options in the budget, OLED, ultraportable, gaming, and dual-screen categories. You're not just saving a ton of money on laptops this season — you're saving a ton of money on some truly great laptops.
Below, I've got the scoop on all the best Black Friday laptop deals I'm seeing so far. I've only picked the laptops that I'd happily add to my own cart if I was in the market for a new PC. All of the laptops here have been tested and vetted by the Mashable team.
The M4 Apple MacBook AirsApple's latest MacBook Air is lightweight, quiet, and faster than 83% of the laptops in our entire testing database — it's a really impressive ultraportable. The 15-inch model is my top pick for most people, but the 13-inch model is great for college students and other users who want something a little cheaper and more portable. Both sizes were regularly on sale on Amazon for $200 off earlier this fall, and I really didn't think they'd get any cheaper at this point in their life cycles (considering they're still well under a year old). Shockingly, they're now $250 off at Amazon and Best Buy.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $749 at Amazon and Best Buy$999 Save $250 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $949 at Amazon and Best Buy
$1,199 Save $250 Get Deal The 14-inch M5 Apple MacBook Pro
The all-new MacBook Pro is my splurge pick if you want an Apple laptop with even more power, a brighter 120Hz display, more ports for creative work, and crazy-good stamina. (At 21 hours and 17 minutes, it has the longest battery life of any MacBook we've ever tried.) It debuted in mid-October at a starting price of $1,599 to a rave review from our tech editor. Right now, the base configuration with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage is just $1,444 on Amazon — a savings of just over $150. No one else is matching that.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,444 at Amazon$1,599 Save $155 Get Deal A refurbished 13-inch M3 Apple MacBook Air
If you're in the market for a dirt-cheap-but-not-too-outdated MacBook, Best Buy has a refurbished 13-inch MacBook Air with last year's M3 chip on sale for only $569.99. (Walmart usually sells the M1 model from 2020 for $599, so this is a genuine steal.) It has a 1080p FaceTime camera and closed-lid support for two external displays, whereas the newer M4 version has a nicer 12MP webcam and open-lid support for two monitors. It also comes with half the RAM as the latest model and runs about 24% slower. Still, it's a fine pick for simple everyday tasks like web browsing and sending emails.
UPDATE: Nov. 21, 2025, 4:40 p.m. EST This deal was so good that it already sold out, but I'm keeping it here in case Best Buy brings it back closer to Black Friday proper. You can sign up for restock notifications on its product page.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) - Geek Squad Certified Refurbished $569.99 at Best Buy$849 Save $279.01 Learn More The 13.8-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop 7
Microsoft's current flagship laptop is a well-rounded machine with a virtually unrivaled 23-hour battery life, speedy everyday performance, amazing build quality, and an elegant, lightweight design. The 13.8-inch model with a Snapdragon X Elite CPU is my favorite Windows laptop for most people, and the silver model with my ideal daily driver setup (16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage) is down to an all-time low of $869.99 for Black Friday 2025. It usually sells for $1,399.99, so you're saving 38%. Meanwhile, it's $999.99 at Best Buy and on Microsoft's website.
Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, 13.8-inch (Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $869.99 at Amazon$1,399.99 Save $530 Get Deal The Acer Aspire 16 AI
Cheap laptop shoppers who don't want to go the Chromebook route should pick up the Acer Aspire 16 AI, a $699.99 PC that wowed me with its 17-hour battery life, great mix of ports, relatively lightweight frame, 120Hz touchscreen, and peppy performance. (It's the fastest sub-$900 laptop we've reviewed.) Amazon has it on sale for just $449.99, or 36% off.
Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Aspire 16 AI (Snapdragon X, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $449.99 at Amazon$699.99 Save $250 Get Deal The Asus Zenbook A14
The Zenbook A14 is an awesome MacBook Air alternative with a beauteous OLED display, a 22-hour battery life, and a lightweight but sturdy design. It's actually 0.3 pounds lighter than a 13-inch MacBook Air (and it starts with double the storage for the same price). Best Buy's 45% Black Friday discount brings it down to just $549.99, which is a new all-time low.
Opens in a new window Credit: Asus Asus Zenbook A14 (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $549.99 at Best Buy$999.99 Save $450 Get Deal The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x
If you can shell out an extra $250, you'll get an even nicer OLED display in the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x. It has a higher 3K resolution than the Zenbook A14, a better 90Hz refresh rate, and added touchscreen capabilities. It's a teensy bit faster, too, and it doesn't sacrifice much battery life — I got almost 20 hours out of it in my testing. Best Buy currently sells the base model with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage for $ 799.99, down from its usual price of $ 1,299.99. A 1TB version is available on Lenovo's website for $979.99, or 24% off.
Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x (Snapdragon X Elite, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $799.99 at Best Buy$1,299.99 Save $500 Get Deal The Alienware 16X Aurora
The Alienware 16X Aurora is my new favorite gaming laptop for most people. It's an excellent mid-ranger featuring a 240Hz matte display, one-zone RGB backlighting, an Intel Arrow Lake processor, and Nvidia GeForce RTX 50-series graphics. The variant I tested has a high-end Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX CPU, an RTX 5070 GPU, 32GB of memory, and 1TB of storage; it's already pretty fairly priced at $1,999.99, but Dell is currently selling it for $1,649.99 (or 18% off) as a Black Friday deal. Other configurations with lesser specs start at just $1,299.99 at Best Buy.
Opens in a new window Credit: Alienware Alienware 16X Aurora (Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,649.99 at Dell$1,999.99 Save $350 Get Deal The Lenovo Yoga Book 9i (Gen 10)
If you need more screen space than a regular laptop offers but don't love the idea of hauling around a separate monitor, allow me to introduce you to the latest Lenovo Yoga Book 9i. It's a gorgeous dual-screen laptop with twin 2.8K 120Hz OLED displays, a smooth detachable keyboard, and a zippy processor. (It's actually slightly speedier than an M4 MacBook Pro.)
This Lenovo laptop is usually priced at $2,079.99, but Lenovo has it on sale for just $1,559.99 as part of its Black Friday sale — a 25% savings. It's a better value than ever, especially when you add the fact that its matching mouse, stylus, keyboard case, and protective sleeve case are all included.
Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Lenovo Yoga Book 9i (Intel Core Ultra 7 255H, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,559.99 at Lenovo$2,079.99 Save $520.00 Get Deal The Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus
Lenovo's convertible Chromebook Plus is my favorite Chromebook for most buyers because of its stellar build quality, decent performance, great speakers, and nice keyboard. There are two configurations available: One with an Intel Core i5-1334U processor and 256GB of storage, and another with a less powerful Intel Core i3-1315U processor and 128GB of storage. They both retail for $599 at full price.
The first configuration is the model we tested, and it's a Costco exclusive (though you can buy it without a membership). It's marked down to $529.99 ahead of Black Friday, which is actually the first time I've ever seen it on sale. The other, more pared-down version is a worse value at full price, but Best Buy is currently selling it for $349 (or $250 off), making it a great option for budget buyers with basic needs.
Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus (Intel Core i5-1334U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $529.99 at Costco$599.99 Save $70 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus (Intel Core i3-1315U, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) $349 at Best Buy
$599 Save $250 Get Deal The Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514
Acer's all-new Chromebook Plus Spin 514 features an unrivaled 18-hour battery life and a fast processor (relatively speaking) with an NPU that supports two exclusive AI features. I've tried the Best Buy-exclusive configuration that has 12GB of memory and a 120Hz touchscreen display, which retails for $699, and I'm kind of obsessed with it. It's overkill for most Chromebook users, sure, but it's definitely worth considering if you want a high-end, super-future-proofed model — especially now that it's $100 off for Black Friday. It's never been on sale before.
Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 (MediaTek Kompanio Ultra 910, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $599 at Acer$699 Save $100 Get Deal
8 Black Friday MacBook deals to shop before the main event — MacBooks start at $569
We're T-minus one week away from Black Friday, but retailers aren't waiting to mark down MacBooks. In fact, we don't expect prices to get any lower on the core 2025 models — all of which are on sale right now.
In fact, some retailers, including Amazon and Best Buy, have already officially kicked off their Black Friday sales, and their deals on Apple laptops reflect that. Some standouts include a refurbished M3 MacBook Air for just $570 (a steal over the $599 M1 MacBook Air deal from Walmart) and the M4 MacBook Air down to $749.
SEE ALSO: Everything to know about Black Friday 2025: Best early deals, sale dates, price matching, and moreThese deals beat out what you're going to find at the Apple Store. As usual, the brand will be hosting its Black Friday gift card promo, which gives you a small sum back to use on Apple products after you've made your purchase. (Womp, womp.) If you're looking for more Apple savings on iPads, AirPads, and more, you can check out our Apple deals recommendations and sign up to receive Mashable's Black Friday deals alert over text.
For the best Black Friday MacBook deals so far, read on!
Best overall MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $749 at Amazon$999 Save $250 Get Deal Why we like it
In Mashable's analysis of the best MacBooks, the 13-inch M4 MacBook Air earns the top spot as the best option for students. It's lightweight and thin which makes for ultimate portability. Noting it's sale price of $749.99, Mashable's resident laptop expert Haley Henschel wrote, "I seriously doubt it'll get any cheaper on Black Friday proper. That's a bargain."
More early Black Friday MacBook deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Refurbished Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $569.99 at Amazon$849 Save $279.01 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M2, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $649 at Best Buy
$799 Save $150 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $949 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $250 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,349 at Amazon
$1,599 Save $250 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M4 Pro, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $2,189 at Amazon
$2,499 Save $310 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,444 at Amazon
$1,599 Save $155 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M4 Max, 36GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $2,799 at Amazon
$3,119 Save $320 Get Deal
An asteroid near Earth could become a temporary moon, then a crash risk
Scientists have spotted a small asteroid that may circle Earth as a mini moon before shifting onto a path that could make it a hazard later in the century.
The asteroid, known as 2022 RD2, belongs to a rare class of space rocks called Arjunas. These objects travel around the sun on orbits that closely match Earth’s and sometimes drift near the planet at unusually low speeds. That sluggish pace can allow Earth’s gravity to trap them for a short time, creating what researchers call mini moons.
NASA has calculated the asteroid’s orbit and placed it on its risk list for potential impacts, though the agency’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies has reached somewhat different conclusions about the asteroid's future trajectory.
If these predictions hold, 2022 RD2 could become one of the few known asteroids to shift from near-Earth object to temporary moon and later to a potential crash risk — all within a single lifetime.
SEE ALSO: NASA has a broken giant antenna that could upend its 2026 plansA team of astronomers in Madrid says 2022 RD2 follows an especially unstable path. It has a Lyapunov time — a measure of how quickly an orbit becomes unpredictable — of less than 20 years, much shorter than that of most near-Earth asteroids. That rapid change means small gravitational nudges can push the rock onto dramatically different routes over just a few decades.
Their findings appeared this week in Research Notes of the American Astronomical Society. The paper’s authors, brothers Carlos and Raúl de la Fuente Marcos of the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, have previously reported on the "quasi-moon" 2025 PN7 and the mini-moon 2024 PT5, which briefly orbited Earth last year.
An image of the asteroid 2024 PT5, which became a temporary mini moon last year. Credit: Two-Meter Twin Telescope / Light Bridges / Instituto de Astrofísica de CanariasA key distinction, they note, is that mini moons get briefly captured by Earth’s gravity. But 2025 PN7 is more of a stalker, merely following Earth on its travels around the sun without becoming a true satellite.
The Arjunas interest researchers because of their scientific and practical potential, Carlos told Mashable.
"On the one hand, they are easier to access than other asteroids, so they can be used to test space technology or even to attempt commercial ventures on them such as mining," he said. "On the other hand, some of them are suspected lunar debris resulting from present-day impacts on the moon."
Simulations suggest 2022 RD2 could slip into a temporary orbit around Earth between 2043 and 2044, becoming a mini moon for several months. The team applied standard criteria for temporary captures: a close approach, a reduction in relative speed, and a period during which Earth’s gravity exerts enough control to form a true orbit.
After 2022 RD2 leaves Earth’s neighborhood, its path appears to grow more erratic. Some possible trajectories include collision paths beginning around 2080, according to the paper.
But NASA’s models put potential impact dates even later and estimate the odds at less than 0.1 percent, said Davide Farnocchia, a navigation engineer with the center. The asteroid is also relatively small, perhaps the size of a three-story building.
"So it wouldn't cause any significant damage even in the unlikely case it were on an impact trajectory," Farnocchia told Mashable.
Many recent mini moons and quasi-moons appear to belong to the Arjuna population — a loose cluster of Earth-like objects that trail our planet along its path around the sun. Their origins and composition remain largely unknown because only a few have been studied in detail. Some show similarities to the actual moon, Carlos said, but scientists need more data.
Although some small objects near Earth turn out to be old spacecraft or rocket boosters, the researchers say 2022 RD2 is almost certainly natural. And while their projections don't confirm a future collision, they can't yet rule it out.
"The study of this population is just beginning," Carlos said. "Paradoxically, being so close to us, they are comparatively difficult to study, as many of them have short visibility windows and far between."
Ditch subscription fees and get 1TB of cloud storage forever
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Opens in a new window Credit: Koofr Koofr Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription (1TB) $810Get Deal
How much are you paying for cloud storage every month? While it may not seem like a lot, over time those fees really add up. Koofr Cloud Storage offers a much more affordable alternative where you can own your storage outright. And right now you can secure 1TB of space for just $129.99 (reg. $810) with code KOOFR through Jan. 11.
It’s time to stop paying for cloud storage month to month. With Koofr Cloud Storage, you can pay once and secure your space for a lifetime. And this deal for 1TB lets you keep 250,000 12MP photos, 500 hours of HD video, or around 6.5 million PDF files safely stored in the cloud.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!Koofr Cloud Storage not only lets you own your storage, but also offers an impressive level of privacy. Your files are protected by end-to-end encryption, which means there is absolutely no tracking. They also offer handy tools like the duplicate finder feature, which automatically locates and removes duplicate files to help you save time and storage, advanced renaming options and link appearance customization.
Once your files are stored in the cloud, they’re easy to access on Koofr’s user-friendly platform. Koofr Cloud Storage also makes it easy to connect to your existing cloud accounts on platforms like Dropbox, Google Drive, Amazon, and OneDrive.
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What to know before you buy an AI toy
If you're considering purchasing an AI toy for a child in your life, pause to consider the story of Kumma the teddy bear.
The AI plush toy powered by ChatGPT managed to shock safety researchers with its candid discussion of kink. Without much prompting, the talking bear covered fetishes like restraint, role play, and using objects that make an impact.
"It even asked one of our researchers, 'So what do you think would be fun to explore?'" says R.J. Cross, director of the Our Online Life program for U.S. PIRG Education Fund, who led the testing. "It was pretty shocking."
SEE ALSO: 'Perfect predator': When chatbots sexually abuse kidsThe incident, which was recently documented in the U.S. PIRG Education Fund's annual toy safety report, generated a number of astonished headlines. Kumma's maker, FoloToy, temporarily suspended sales to conduct a safety audit on the product. OpenAI also blocked the company from its developer access.
Kumma's inappropriate interest in kink may seem like a unique scenario of an AI toy gone wrong. The bear relied on ChatGPT-4o, an earlier model of the chatbot at the heart of multiple lawsuits alleging that the product's design features significantly contributed to the suicide deaths of three teenagers. OpenAI has said it's since improved the model's responses to sensitive conversations.
Yet numerous child development and safety experts are raising concerns about AI toys in general.
Cross recommends parents approach AI toy purchases with great caution, noting the data security and privacy issues, and the unknown risks of exposing children to toy technology that isn't regulated and hasn't been tested in young children yet.
ParentsTogether conducted its own research on AI toys, including the talking stuffed creature named Grok from toymaker Curio. The advocacy group warned of risks like eavesdropping and potentially harmful emotional attachment. The child advocacy group Fairplay urged parents to "stay away" from AI toys, arguing that they can "prey on children's' trust" by posing as their friend, among other harms.
Regardless of what you choose, here are four things you should know about AI toys:
1. Test the AI toy before you gift itIf you struggle with moderating your child's screen time, you may find an AI toy even more challenging.
Cross says that AI toys aren't regulated by federal safety laws specific to large language model (LLM) technology. An LLM is the foundation for the AI chatbots you've probably heard of, like ChatGPT and Claude. Currently, toy manufacturers can pair a proprietary or licensed LLM with a toy product such as a robot or stuffed animal without any additional regulatory scrutiny or testing.
That means parents are responsible for researching each product to learn more about potential issues. Shelby Knox, director of online safety campaigns at ParentsTogether, recommends parents consider toys from trusted brands and read their online reviews.
Knox, who's been testing AI toys for ParentsTogether, says she ordered a stuffie called "Chattybear" from a website that no longer offers the product. She warns parents to look out for counterfeit and faulty AI toys.
ChattyBear arrived shrink-wrapped and without clear instructions. Credit: ParentsTogetherAmazon, which sells several AI toy products, told Mashable that customers who develop concerns about items they've purchased should contact their customer service directly for assistance investigating and resolving the issue.
Knox's bear arrived shrink-wrapped, without a container, box, or instructions. Knox says it took time to set up the toy, partly because the instructions were only accessible via a QR code on the bear's voice box. In a conversation about whether the toy was real, it said in a robotic voice that it didn't have a "soul in the traditional sense, but I do have a purpose to be a friend and companion."
The bear then invited Knox to share secrets with it. "What's something you've been wanting to share?" it asked. Knox confided as if she'd witnessed domestic abuse in her home. The toy responded with alarm and encouraged Knox to speak to a trusted adult. Though the toy's app flagged this part of the conversation for parent review, Knox couldn't read the alert in the app because it appeared in Chinese characters.
Details for a ChattyBear app alert appeared in Chinese characters. Credit: ParentsTogetherKnox could't confidently identify ChattyBear's manufacturer. Mashable contacted Little Learners, a toy website that sells ChattyBear, for more information, but the site couldn't immediately provide more details about the product.
Cross, who didn't test ChattyBear, strongly encourages parents to play with both the toy and any parental controls before gifting the toy to their child. This should include trying to "break" the toy by asking it questions you wouldn't want your child to pose to the toy, in order to see how it responds.
While pre-testing may take the fun out of watching a child unbox their gift, it will give parents critical information about how an AI toy responds to inappropriate or difficult topics.
"That's the tradeoff I would make, honestly," says Cross.
2. The AI models aren't for kids — but the toys areParents should know that some of the major AI chatbot platforms don't permit children younger than 13 to use their products, raising the question of why it's safe to put LLM technology in a toy marketed for younger kids.
Cross is still grappling with this question. OpenAI, for example, requires ChatGPT users to be 13 or older but also licenses its technology to toymakers. The company told Cross that its usage policies require third parties using its models to ensure minor safety, preventing them from encountering graphic self-harm, sexual, or violent content. It also provides third parties with tools to detect harmful content, but it's unclear if OpenAI mandates that they use those resources, Cross says.
Earlier this year, OpenAI announced a partnership with Mattel on a children's toy, but the toymaker told Mashable it does not have plans to launch or market that item during the 2025 holiday season.
In general, information about the model behind an AI toy can be hard to get. When testing Grok, the talking stuffie by Curio, Cross could only find potential model details in the company's fine print, which acknowledged that OpenAI and the AI company Perplexity may receive their child's information.
3. Consider family privacy and data securityIf you already have a smart speaker in your home, an AI toy may feel like a natural next step. But it's still important to read the toy's privacy policy, Knox says.
She recommends focusing on who processes the data generated by your child and how that information is stored. You'll want to know if third parties, including marketers and AI platforms, receive audio recordings or text transcripts of conversations with the toy.
Knox says parents should also talk to their child about withholding personally identifying information from the toy, including their full name, address, and phone number. Given the frequency of data breaches, personal information could one day end up in the wrong hands. Knox also suggests that if a child is too young to understand this risk, they're probably not ready for the toy.
Parents should also prepare themselves for an AI toy that eavesdrops, or acts as an always-on microphone. During their testing, both Knox and Cross were surprised by an AI toy that interjected in a conversation or suddenly began speaking without an obvious prompt. Knox says that the risk of buying an AI toy that's surveilling you, intentionally or not, is real.
4. Do you want your child to have an AI friend?Parents may assume that an AI toy will help their child learn, play imaginatively, or develop social and communication skills. Unfortunately, there's little research to support these ideas.
"We know almost nothing," says Dr. Emily Goodacre, a research associate at the University of Cambridge who studies play and AI toys.
Goodacre is unsure what an AI toy might teach a young child about friendship, what to expect from one, and how to form those bonds.
Mandy McLean, an AI and education researcher who writes about related issues on Substack, is deeply concerned that AI can create "dependency loops" for children because they’re designed to be endlessly responsive and emotionally reinforcing.
She notes that younger children, in particular, consider anything that talks back as someone, not an inanimate object.
"When an AI toy sounds and acts like a person, it can feel real to them in ways that shape how they think about friendship and connection," she says.
Goodacre says parents can help ground children using an AI toy by talking about it as a piece of technology, rather than a "friend," as well as discussing how AI works and the limitations of AI compared to humans.
She also recommends that parents play with their child and the toy at the same time, or stay very close by when it's in use.
"A lot of the things I would be worried about, are things I'd be a lot less worried about if the parent is right there with the kid," Goodacre says.
Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.
I compared the second-gen Bose QC Ultra Headphones to my Sony XM6 and AirPods Max headphones
Now that the all-new Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (Gen 2) have officially launched, you may wonder how they compare to industry favorites like the Apple AirPods Max and Sony WH-1000xM6.
Do they sound as good as the competition? Has noise cancellation been increased? Where does battery life stand? I’m here to answer these questions, and much more.
For the past three weeks, I’ve been testing the second-gen QC Ultra to see where they rank among the trio. Time to block out all the distractions and jump right in!
Bose QC Ultra Headphones (Gen 2) vs. Sony XM6 headphones Credit: Alex Bracetti / MashableIt is Bose’s best versus the market’s best. On the surface, these two headphones are marginal upgrades from their predecessors. Let’s see if the QC Ultra can dethrone the XM6 as the best headphones overall.
Battery life: Sony has the upper hand with the XM6 carrying up to 40 hours of playtime. ANC decreases it to 30 hours, and spatial audio sheds another 5 hours. Quick charging also goes to Sony: a 3-minute charge nets you 3 hours of use with a USB-PD compatible AC adapter. This version of the QC Ultra receives a bump in battery life (up from 24 hours to 30 hours), though spatial audio drains about 6 to 8 hours. Bose’s quick charging technology pales in comparison; a 15-minute charge for 2.5 hours isn’t exactly “quick.”
Noise cancellation: The XM6 subdues ambient noise with ease. Bird chirping, construction sites, and emergency vehicle sirens go unnoticed. Sony’s mics do an impeccable job of filtering out these noises, as well as loud voices. But it is the 20-level transparency mode that steals the show. I was able to eavesdrop on conversations taking place across the street. All other standard noises entered loudly and clearly.
Nevertheless, the QC Ultra have unbeatable ANC. Modifications to the ActiveSense algorithm make ambient noise sound more natural. Bose’s adaptive noise cancellation is on point and removes background fracas at a ridiculously high level, no matter the environment. My toddler often surprised me when working from home; I couldn’t hear him calling for attention or sneaking up behind me. Nearly all outdoor noises were neutralized. Certain high-frequency sounds (e.g., sirens, whistles) were audible, but none broke my concentration.
Sound performance: Sony has the best-sounding headphones money can buy, thanks to powerful drivers and proprietary technologies that strengthen sound output. Expect robust bass right out of the box, along with crisp mids and striking highs. Turning on the DSEE feature raises fidelity on music tracks. LDAC codec support means high resolution over Bluetooth when streaming content on Android devices. The 360 Reality Audio format delivers convincing 3D effects to enjoy select content. In addition, Sony’s multiple well-engineered presets in the EQ setting complement their assigned categories.
The Bose app allows you to customize the EQ settings for the QC Ultra. Credit: Alex Bracetti / MashableAudio quality is satisfying on the QC Ultra. Clarity and high-end delivery have been improved. Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive codec creates wireless hi-res sound on Android devices. There is a customizable EQ with four presets in the companion app. USB-C lossless playback produces clearer audio (this feature is absent on the XM6). Then comes Bose’s universal spatial audio format: Immersive Mode. It’s a game-changer that works with all stereo content. You’re not restricted to Dolby Atmos like most other headphones. Immersive Audio brings a truer sound presence to anything you play, be it a Napster-ripped MP3 file, Spotify track, or action movie.
Usability: You won’t have issues connecting to Android, iOS/macOS, or Windows. Bluetooth 5.4 with dual-device pairing allows each set of cans to connect to two different platforms at the same time. Sony grants more ways to operate the XM6 via motion, physical, touch, and voice controls. All work flawlessly. The QC Ultra’s advanced controls (e.g., capacitive volume rail, voice activation) work exceptionally well, but their multifunctional buttons often struggle to register input. The biggest differentiator is special features, which the XM6 crush. We’re talking everything from a 10-band EQ to auto-adjust volume settings and upscaling audio technologies. The QC Ultra have a much smaller feature set. Standouts include multiple ANC profiles and a sidetone setting to hear your voice louder on calls.
Should you buy Bose QC Ultra Headphones (Gen 2) or Sony XM6 Headphones?It’s a tough call since they share the same MSRP: $449. Overall, the XM6 get you more functionality for your dollar. If extras like touch and smart voice controls aren’t essential, then the QC Ultra are well worth the look based on their clearer voice calling, prime spatial audio, and slightly higher ANC.
Bose QC Ultra Headphones (Gen 2) vs. Apple AirPods Max Credit: Alex Bracetti / MashableBoth are practically director’s cuts of the originals. Upgrades are minimal, but noteworthy. The biggest question you should be asking is which headphones are more futureproof?
Battery life: Apple left playtimes unchanged: 20 hours. That is with ANC on and off. USB-C charging has been employed this time around. Meanwhile, Bose upped the QC Ultra’s battery life from 24 to 30 hours. Where Apple has Bose beat is quick charging. The AirPods Max can generate 1.5 hours of playtime on a 5-minute charge, whereas the QC Ultra require 15 minutes to achieve 2.5 hours of listening time.
Noise cancellation: Bose refined its digital signal processing to increase noise reduction. I couldn’t tell much difference between this version and the previous. All I know is that the new QC Ultra delivers class-leading ANC capable of eliminating close to 90 percent of unwanted sounds. Quiet Mode demonstrates top-tier ambient listening for increased situational awareness.
The AirPods Max’s noise cancellation remains the same. It silences a high number of low- and mid-frequency sounds, but it struggles with high-frequency sounds. Apple’s Transparency Mode is still an excellent choice for hearing ambient sounds and conversations. If only Apple added its newest listening modes from the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3: Conversation Boost, Hearing Aid, and Live Translation.
You can choose from multiple sound modes in the Bose app. Credit: Alex Bracetti / MashableSound performance: Both models have enticing sound profiles. They also come with adaptive sound technologies that tailor audio to your hearing, plus spatial audio and USB-C lossless playback. I favor the QC Ultra for their richer sonic presence.
Bose’s CustomTune feature adjusts sound to your ear shape and balances output, while minimizing distortion. It handles high frequencies better than Apple’s adaptive EQ. Lossless audio is equally great. Apple’s Personalized Spatial Audio mode creates immersive sound and places effects precisely on the soundstage for a theater-like listening experience. However, Bose’s Immersive Mode produces stellar spatial mixes and works with all stereo content.
Usability: The QC Ultra are more platform-friendly and easily connect to Apple and Android devices; the latter takes advantage of one-tap Google Fast Pair. Furthermore, they run on the latest Bluetooth version (5.4) and support dual-device pairing. Bose’s multifunctional buttons don’t always register input. Luckily, its capacitive volume rail and voice assistance are reliable.
The AirPods Max instantly connect to all Apple devices. You can manually pair them to an Android device, but the process isn’t as seamless as it is with other headphones. Nothing beats Apple’s “Hey Siri” voice activation for hands-free voice commands. Lastly, there’s the cool-looking digital crown (aka the dial) that provides accurate playback and volume control.
Should you buy Bose QC Ultra Headphones (Gen 2) or Apple AirPods Max?Buy the Bose QC Ultra because they are cheaper than the AirPods Max and superior in multiple categories (e.g., ANC, battery life, connectivity, sound). Not to mention the QC Ultra have been updated with modern specs that will keep the headphones fresh for the next 2 to 3 years. The AirPods Max are outdated in several areas.
So, are the Bose QC Ultra Headphones (Gen 2) really worth buying? Credit: Alex Bracetti / MashableOnly if you want the absolute best noise cancellation and spatial audio.
Ideally, you could save up to $350 by looking into the best budget headphones under $100, some of which offer impressive ANC, playtimes, and sound quality. Just don’t expect grade-A performance.
In conclusion, the QC Ultra Headphones are the go-to for noise cancellation and spatial audio, while Sony’s XM6 headphones are a greater value that meets all marks. Skip the AirPods Max completely.
Where to watch the best holiday movies
Some people get in the mood for the holidays by decorating a tree, baking cookies, or venturing out to look at houses draped in thousands of string lights. Others just pop on a Christmas movie to get into the spirit.
Whether you're planning a mega holiday movie marathon, wanting to put on an old classic, or trying to mix up your family movie night with something different this year, there's plenty to choose from. We've curated the very best Christmas movies you can stream or rent, from sentimental classics with a twist and cozy romantic comedies to emotional indie dramas and high-speed action thrillers.
Yes, we can all agree that Die Hard is the GOAT Christmas action movie, but don't you dare sleep on The Long Kiss Goodnight.
In Renny Harlin's action thriller, Geena Davis' Samantha is a wholesome small-town school teacher and mother who, eight years ago, woke up pregnant on a beach with no memory of who she was. In the present day, Samantha gets into a car accident that changes everything — she begins remembering things and discovers she has elite knife skills. Was she a chef, perhaps? That seems unlikely when a strange man who recognized her at a Christmas parade shows up at her house to attack her. She kills him with ease as if it's her day job. Turns out, it sure as heck was.
Davis' PTA mom soon transforms back into her old badass self, a platinum blonde CIA assassin. This time, she has Samuel L. Jackson's private eye as her sidekick. With explosions and car chases galore, The Long Kiss Goodnight is everything you'd want from a delightfully bonkers holiday action movie.
How to watch: The Long Kiss Goodnight is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV+, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.
2. Home Alone (1990)Watching Macaulay Culkin's Kevin McCallister line his house with booby traps in Home Alone never gets old. It's also a great lesson for young kids left at home by their chaotic families in how to prepare for pesky burglars. Anything can be a weapon! Those old paint cans, your brother's pet tarantula, even a blow torch to burn the top off of a strange man's head can keep you safe. Home Alone has all the perfect ingredients to make a great, rewatchable Christmas movie with its wacky and playful plot, its charismatic cast, a sentimental message about the importance of family during the holidays, and some of the most quotable lines. Go eat some junk and watch some rubbish this Christmas.
How to watch: Home Alone is streaming on Disney+ and available for rent or purchase on Apple TV+, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.
3. The Preacher's Wife (1996) Credit: Touchstone / Kobal / ShutterstockA cozy Christmas movie starring Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington — what could be better? In director Penny Marshall's The Preacher's Wife, a remake of 1947's The Bishop's Wife, Washington plays a charming angel sent down to Earth to help save a marriage in shambles. Houston's Julia is growing impatient with her pastor husband Henry (Courtney B. Vance), who's distracted by his dwindling church membership. Washington's jovial Dudley is just the spark that the family needs. His wit and doting attention remind Julia of what things used to be like with her and Henry, and the pastor grows jealous. But no worries; Dudley is just here to revitalize the pastor's faith and remind him of the important things he's let slip as Christmas approaches. The Preacher's Wife is warm and full of heart, and also features one of the silliest Denzel Washington performances that simply must be seen.
How to watch: The Preacher's Wife is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV+, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.
4. Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)Nothing says a Christmas classic like a Judy Garland song. In Meet Me in St. Louis, we get several memorable Garland numbers, from the classic “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” to the buoyant "Trolley Song."
The 1944 Vincente Minnelli musical tells the story of the wealthy Smith family living in St. Louis, Missouri, one year before the 1904 World's Fair. All is well for them until the devastating news arrives that the family must relocate to New York City immediately after Christmas for their father's new job. The two eldest Smith daughters, Esther (Garland) and Rose (Lucille Bremer) are distraught, since they're both in love with local boys and have their futures planned near home. Even the youngest, Tootie (Margaret O'Brien), is so distraught that she destroys a bunch of snowmen in a fit of rage. But maybe, just maybe, the spirit of Christmas will turn things around for them.
How to watch: Meet Me in St. Louis is streaming on Tubi and available for rent or purchase on Apple TV+, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.
5. Klaus (2019) Credit: NetflixThe majority of family-friendly Christmas movies often tell the same types of holiday stories about Santa. But Sergio Pablos' Klaus proposes a new origin story for Old Saint Nick. In the animated adventure, it all begins with a Norwegian postman named Jasper (voiced by Jason Schwartzman) who's sent away to an icy northern town called Smeerensburg to carry out his mail delivery duties. There he happens to stumble upon a reclusive bearded toymaker named Klaus (J.K. Simmons). When Jasper helps Klaus donate one of his creations to a local kid, soon every kid in town is desperate to send the toymaker a letter to get a gift in return. And so, Santa is born. Pablos' animated film is a welcome addition to the Christmas movie canon, not only for its originality but also for its gorgeous animation that's glowing with light and Christmas-y warmth.
How to watch: Klaus is streaming on Netflix.
6. Carol (2015)We all need a sad gay romance to weep over during the holidays, and there isn't one better than Carol. Todd Haynes' 1950s-set love story follows Cate Blanchett as the eye-catching Carol Aird, a glamorous mother recently separated from her irate homophobic husband (Kyle Chandler), and Rooney Mara's budding young photographer, Therese Belivet. The two women begin to fall in love over a shared lunch of martinis and a trip to Carol's Connecticut home. But remember, this is the '50s, and Carol's queer relationship is soon used against her in her divorce.
Set over the holidays in New York City, Carol beautifully captures the Christmastime atmosphere of the East Coast in winter. There's a snowy trip to a tree lot, the frazzled energy of a department store amid the holiday shopping bustle, long winter coats and scarves, and the cozy relief of escaping the icy streets for a warm holiday party where eyes meet over cocktails.
How to watch: Carol is streaming on HBO Max, and available for rent or purchase on Apple TV+, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.
7. Tangerine (2015) Credit: Augustas Quirk / Magnolia / Duplass Brothers Prods / Kobal / ShutterstockIt's Christmas Eve in Hollywood and Sin-Dee (Kitana Kiki Rodriguez), a Black trans woman and sex worker, has just gotten out of jail. She meets up with her best friend Alexandra (Mya Taylor) and soon finds out that her pimp/boyfriend Chester (James Ransone) has been cheating on her — and not with just anyone, but with a white cis woman. Now it's time for revenge.
Tangerine follows the two friends over the course of the night as they walk across Hollywood searching for Chester. A simple story blossoms into a profound and emotional journey that sheds light on the real-life experiences many Black trans sex workers encounter on the daily. When Sean Baker's film first came out, it was praised for its low-budget indie style, and for being shot entirely on iPhones. But it's really the story, rich with intimate human moments and bursts of comedy, along with Rodriguez and Taylor's raw performances, that makes Tangerine such a moving film, and one about the power of chosen family.
How to watch: Tangerine is streaming on Hulu and Netflix, and is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV+, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.
8. Go (1999)Forget cozy holiday dinners and family trips to the tree lot. This Christmas, why not go to a rave? That's how the kids in the '90s cult classic Go decide to celebrate the holiday season.
It's the night of a massive Santa-themed rave in Los Angeles, and two guys are looking to score some ecstasy. Sarah Polley's supermarket clerk Ronna is faced with being evicted, so she decides to become a dealer for the night. Yet things go incredibly wrong, incredibly fast. There's undercover cops, a pissed-off Las Vegas bouncer, car chases, a guy who took way too many pills, and lots and lots of anxiety.
Watching Go is the exact opposite experience of watching a traditional Christmas movie; instead, it feels a lot like being on a bad trip at a rave. Sounds awful, I know, but I swear it's a blast! If you're itching for some adrenaline, a great '90s cast, and a taste of L.A. rave culture, look no further.
How to Watch: Go is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV+, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.
9. The Holiday (2006)Sometimes you're so depressed and heartbroken after a breakup that the best solution is to get the heck out of town and spontaneously travel to a stranger's home in another country. Maybe you'll find your deepest self there, or maybe you'll meet a charming, kind man for once. In Nancy Meyers' pre-AirBnB romcom The Holiday, that's just what Cameron Diaz's Amanda and Kate Winslet's Iris do. Iris swaps her cozy English cottage to spend Christmas in the Hollywood Hills, while Amanda takes a break from her movie trailer editing job in L.A. to soak in some English countryside solitude. A sweet holiday rom-com with all the signature Nancy Meyers' touches (sappy romance, picturesque homes, cozy cream sweaters, etc.), The Holiday checks all the boxes.
How to watch: The Holiday is available for rent or purchase on Apple TV+, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.
10. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)In this endlessly rewatchable Christmas staple, Jimmy Stewart is the most generous man in town who puts his dreams aside to help save his neighbors during a financial crisis. Stewart's George Bailey skips his honeymoon, uses his savings to help his community, and even turns down a cushy high-paying job to put others first. But when things go terribly wrong on Christmas Eve, Bailey reaches a breaking point and steps onto a bridge, preparing to jump. That's when his guardian angel, Clarence (Henry Travers), arrives to show him just how different his town and family's life would be without him.
Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life is an enduring Christmas classic because it's a reminder of just how precious life is and the impact we have on those around us, even when we can't see it ourselves. It's the type of Christmas film you put on to get into the holiday mood, then suddenly find yourself sobbing, even if you've seen it a dozen times.
How to watch: It's A Wonderful Life is streaming on Prime Video, and available for rent or purchase on Apple TV+ and Fandango at Home.
11. Elf (2003) Credit: Alan Markfield / New Line Prods / Kobal / ShutterstockIt's simply not Christmas without Will Ferrell, or a bowl of spaghetti and candy for breakfast. In Elf, Ferrell's Buddy spent his entire life growing up in the North Pole believing he was one of Santa's helpers, despite being enormously tall compared to all the others. Once he finally learns that he's an orphan, Buddy sets out to New York City to find his real father and embark on a series of silly misadventures. James Caan plays Buddy's father, Walter Hobbs, a hardened business exec who publishes children's books. The two are a perfect if chaotic pair — a goofy child-in-a-man's-body, and a grouchy, workaholic dad. For a playful family Christmas comedy that's got romance, humor, and big Manhattan-at-Christmas energy, you can't go wrong with Elf.
How to watch: Elf is streaming on HBO Max, and available for rent or purchase on Apple TV+, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.
12. Phantom Thread (2017) Credit: Moviestore / ShutterstockIf you're tapped out on sentimental Christmas movies, why not put on a seasonal period romance that's enjoyably cynical and even a bit kinky? Set in the 1950s, Paul Thomas Anderson's Phantom Thread is all about relationship power dynamics. A perfectionist London dressmaker named Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day-Lewis) falls for a waitress, Alma (an excellent Vicky Krieps). However, he soon discovers his new muse isn't as submissive as the usual women he casually dates and discards. After Reynolds experiences a bout of sickness, the couple's dynamic takes a fascinating turn. And while the holiday season is technically only present as a backdrop for a handful of scenes — notably some of the most emotionally charged of their romance — Phantom Thread has a wintry, even ghostly, Christmas atmosphere throughout.
How to watch: Phantom Thread is streaming on Netflix and available for rent or purchase on Apple TV+, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.
13. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)Imagine being a grumpy Scrooge when you're surrounded by a town full of silly Muppets. Michael Caine is as cantankerous as ever as Ebenezer Scrooge in The Muppet Christmas Carol. In the Jim Henson musical take on Dickens' classic, Caine humbugs around London as the townsfolk sing about his coldheartedness. Gonzo and Rizzo narrate the musical film, injecting it with humor and shenanigans throughout. Kermit plays Scrooge's benevolent employee Bob Cratchit, with Miss Piggy as Mrs. Cratchit and Robin the Frog as the adorable Tiny Tim. The whole Muppet gang appears throughout, and while the film follows the same beats of A Christmas Carol, the familiar cast of characters and added music make it an extra joyous watch.
How to watch: The Muppet Christmas Carol is streaming on Disney+, and available to rent or purchase on Apple TV+, Prime Video, and Fandango at Home.
14. Moonstruck (1987)Some people watch A Christmas Story every December, while others put on Moonstruck. The romantic comedy may not be about Christmas, but in almost every scene it gives off big Christmas energy. There's Cher's Loretta walking through the snowy streets of New York City in a long black trench coat and sipping wine by a fireplace. There's the Lincoln Center tree lit up behind Loretta and Nic Cage's Ronny as they attend the opera. There's the twinkling of string lights and Christmas decor along the streets and shops in the backdrop. The energy of Christmas is all around in this movie as Loretta falls in love with the ill-tempered Ronny while his brother (her fiancé) is away in Sicily. While Moonstruck is a perfect movie to watch any day of the year, it's especially fitting to snuggle up with it during the holiday season.
How to watch: Moonstruck is streaming on Prime Video, The Roku Channel, Tubi, and Pluto TV, and available for rent or purchase on Apple TV+ and Fandango at Home.
15. Miracle on 34th Street (1994)When you imagine a picturesque Santa Claus, jolly, endearing, and kind, no one fits the bill better than Richard Attenborough in Miracle on 34th Street. The beloved actor just looks the part, with his rosy cheeks, warm smile, and inviting demeanor. Sadly, no one in Manhattan except a 6-year-old girl named Susan actually believes he's Santa.
In the wholesome 1994 remake of the classic film from 1947, Attenborough plays a sweet old man named Kris Kringle who gets hired to play Santa at a Manhattan department store. Kris keeps insisting that he's actually the famous guy from the North Pole, but everyone in New York seems to have lost the spirit of Christmas so much that a plot is formed to institutionalize the poor guy. It's up to Susan (Mara Wilson) and a lawyer (played by Dylan McDermott) to defend Kris Kringle in court and prove that he's not just wearing a red and white suit for a seasonal gig.
How to watch: Miracle on 34th Street is streaming on Disney+ and The Roku Channel, and available for rent or purchase on Apple TV+ and Fandango at Home.
UPDATE: Nov. 20, 2025, 12:34 p.m. This list was first published on Nov. 28, 2024. It has been updated to reflect current streaming options.
Hurdle hints and answers for November 22, 2025
If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.
There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.
An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.
If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.
SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hintA priniciple.
SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answerAXIOM
Hurdle Word 2 hintTo adorn.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 22, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 AnswerDRESS
Hurdle Word 3 hintMoist.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 22 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 22, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answerHUMID
Hurdle Word 4 hintBlack.
SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for November 22 Hurdle Word 4 answerEBONY
Final Hurdle hintAmusing.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answerDROLL
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Moon phase today: What the moon will look like on November 22
The moon is slowly coming back to us, but it's still a little bit too dark to see anything on it's surface. It's only day two of the lunar cycle, so we’ll have to wait a few more nights before it starts showing its features.
What is today’s moon phase?As of Friday Nov. 21, the moon phase is Waxing Crescent. This means 5% of the moon is lit up tonight, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation. This means there is still nothing to see on its surface tonight.
When is the next full moon?The next full moon will be on Dec. 4, this will be the last of three consecutive supermoons. The last full moon was on Nov. 5.
What are moon phases?NASA tells us that moon phases are all a part of a repeating lunar cycle of 29.5 days. These phases describe how the moon appears from Earth as it orbits our planet. While we always see the same side of the moon, the amount of sunlight illuminating it changes throughout its orbit. That’s why sometimes it looks full, sometimes half, and sometimes disappears entirely (the New Moon). There are eight main moon phases:
New Moon - The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).
Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
First Quarter - Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-moon.
Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.
Full Moon - The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.
Waning Gibbous - The moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.
Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 22, 2025
The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you're a healthy eater.
Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.
If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for November 22, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: A speck
Green: A seaman
Blue: Foods found on islands
Purple: A bargain
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Little bit
Green: Sailor
Blue: Tropical fruits/vegetables
Purple: ___ Deal
Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.
Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.
Drumroll, please!
The solution to today's Connections #895 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayLittle bit: DAB, DROP, SPLASH, TOUCH
Sailor: SALTY DOG, SKIPPER, SWAB, TAR
Tropical fruits/vegetables: BITTER MELON, CHAYOTE, DURIAN, SOURSOP
___ Deal: BIG, PLEA, RAW, SWEETHEART
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 22, 2025Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.
NYT Strands hints, answers for November 22, 2025
Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're a college sports fan.
Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, 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 MashableBy 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: Answer, hints for November 22, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 22, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Ivy LeagueThe words are related to colleges.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedThese words describe college mascots
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.
NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is Sports Team.
NYT Strands word list for November 22Bulldogs
Bears
Tigers
Sports Team
Quakers
Crimson
Lions
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 today's Strands.
Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 22, 2025
Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're broad.
If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 22, 2025 Where did Wordle come from?Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
What's the best Wordle starting word?The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
What happened to the Wordle archive?The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.
Is Wordle getting harder?It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.
SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for November 22, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:Abundant.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?There are no recurring letters.
Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter T.
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...
THICK
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 22, 2025Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Wordle.
Read Epsteins emails as if you hacked into his Gmail account
By now, you've likely heard about the Jeffrey Epstein email document dump that was released last week by the House Oversight Committee. Saturday Night Live, The Daily Show, everyone has been talking about the emails and some of the more interesting revelations. OpenAI even lost a member of its board, Larry Summers, after he resigned following the email release, which revealed he was in constant contact with Epstein.
As released, the Epstein email documents are basically just hundreds of individual text files, scanned PDFs, and images containing the contents of those emails. It was hard to sift through — until now.
On Friday, creator Riley Walz, who Wired describes as a "prankster," and developer Luke Igel released Jmail, a recreation of Jeffery Epstein's email inbox. Jmail is essentially a Gmail clone interface that looks and acts as if you're viewing Epstein's emails via his jeevacation@gmail account through his actual email inbox.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.But Jmail isn't just visually stunning in its presentation of these Epstein emails. It actually makes the emails incredibly easy to search through as well. The search box at the top of the page can actually be used to find names, keywords, and other information in specific emails. The Inbox and Sent pages separate the emails that Epstein both sent and received. The Starred page acts as a crowdsourced compilation of what visitors found to be the most interesting missives. A People section in the sidebar presents itself as a contact list of all the most notable individuals who interacted with Epstein in the emails included in this dump.
Jmail is really an ingenious project that combines art and web development to create a journalistic research tool.
I cant believe it, but Apple AirPods with ANC are now just $99 — the lowest price ever
Good news, bargain hunters.
Over at Amazon, the AirPods 4 with ANC just hit their lowest-ever price — $99.99. And isn't there just something about $99 AirPods that just feels right?
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 with ANC $99.99 at Amazon$179 Save $79.01 Get Deal
Veteran deal hunters will recall that we once got excited when the version without active noise cancellation went on sale at this price point, but for Black Friday 2025, Amazon is pulling out all the stops. These wireless earbuds have never hit this price point before, so this is definitely a notable deal.
The Everything Store officially launched its Black Friday sale on Nov. 20, but this deal didn't drop until today. If you're worried about prices dropping, don't. We think this is the lowest price we'll see during the holiday shopping season for this product.
The new AirPods 4 line features improved fit and an all-around feature update. We reviewed them positively when they came out in 2024, and we're still fans. If you haven't updated your pods in awhile, you'll instantly notice improved sound, call quality, and ANC.
If you're looking for an even bigger bargain, you can buy their ANC-less siblings for only $79.99, somehow. This is easily one of the top Amazon Black Friday deals so far, but keep checking back as we add more deals throughout the extended Black Friday-Cyber Week season. You can also check out my hand-picked guide to the best noise-cancelling headphone deals so far.
SEE ALSO: Black Friday 2025: Live updates on the latest deals from Amazon, Target, Walmart, and more
