IT General

Legos Pikachu and Poké Ball has dropped to a new low price at Amazon — save $40.04 before Black Friday

Mashable - 10 hours 11 min ago

SAVE OVER $40: As of Nov. 12, the Lego Pokémon Pikachu and Poké Ball set has dropped to its lowest-ever price of $159.95 at Amazon. That's $40.04 off its full price of $199.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Pokémon Pikachu and Poké Ball $159.95 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $40.04   Get Deal at Amazon

Early Black Friday deals are already trickling in for Pokémon fans, including a few price cuts on select Lego sets.

If your eyes have been set on the delightful Pikachu and Poké Ball set as a must-have build for your collection, you'll want to grab your wallet: Amazon's knocked it down to a new low price ahead of its Black Friday sale.

As of Nov. 12, this set is available to shop for $159.95, just over $40 off its usual cost of $199.99. For a build that launched earlier this year, a deal like this is rare.

SEE ALSO: The Black Friday 2026 countdown is on: Our top 7 hacks for finding the best deals

This Pikachu and Poké Ball set comes with a total of 2,050 bricks that create the iconic Electric-type Pokémon leaping from a Poké Ball atop a lightning bolt-shaped base. That's just one way you can have it modeled, though. Pikachu can also be set up in a resting pose with the Poké Ball closed, if you want to change it up. Plus, the Pikachu figure's ears and limbs are posable.

The display base also features a little nod to Pikachu's Pokédex number, with the number "25" formed from Lego studs. Keep in mind its age rating is 18+, meaning it's geared towards adults. Kids can still get in on the fun with help.

There's no need to wait for Black Friday to save on this build. Act fast to score the Lego Pikachu and Poké Ball set at its lowest-ever price on Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

PS5 and PS5 Pro Black Friday deals 2026: What to realistically expect

Mashable - 10 hours 16 min ago

TL;DR: Standalone PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro discounts look unlikely for Black Friday 2026. Expect Sony's real savings to center on game-bundled consoles, DualSense controllers, and PlayStation Store deals.

If you are holding out for Black Friday on Nov. 27 to finally buy a PlayStation 5, it is time to set some realistic expectations.

Last year's Black Friday sale was a banner event for Sony shoppers, bringing $100+ markdowns and free pack-in games across almost the entire lineup. This year, however, the gaming market looks completely different, and expecting a repeat of 2025's record-low prices will set you up for disappointment.

Between a global RAM shortage that pushed Sony to raise console prices and the Nov. 19 launch of GTA 6, deep standalone console discounts are largely off the table. That does not mean you cannot save money on PlayStation gear during Thanksgiving week — you just have to know where the real deals will show up.

SEE ALSO: 'GTA 6' on PS5 vs. Xbox: What we know

Driven by rising memory costs from the AI boom and supply chain pressures, Sony officially raised U.S. retail prices across its entire console lineup on April 2. Today, the PS5 Slim Digital Edition starts at $599.99, the PS5 Slim Disc Edition sits at $649.99, and the flagship PS5 Pro retails for $899.99.

Even if Sony or major retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, and Target shave $50 to $100 off a PS5 Slim during Black Friday week, those sale prices will simply bring the console back down to what it used to cost before April. Meanwhile, standalone discounts on the PS5 Pro look practically nonexistent.

The Pro is already largely sold out across major U.S. stores ahead of GTA 6 launch day, so a realistic Black Friday "win" for Pro shoppers is simply catching an official restock at regular list price rather than paying third-party reseller markups.

Where you can save on PS5 hardware

If Sony does anything for PS5 consoles during Black Friday week, expect game bundles rather than raw price cuts. Sony loves keeping the console at full sticker price while tossing in a free pack-in game voucher — which is nice if you wanted the game anyway, but not much help if you just want a cheaper console.

To actually pay less out of pocket, look at PlayStation Direct's certified refurbished lineup. Sony currently sells official refurbished PS5 Slim models for $100 less than new units ($499.99 for Digital, $549.99 for Disc), making them the most reliable way to dodge this year's price hikes without risking sketchy third-party sellers.

Opens in a new window Credit: PlayStation PlayStation 5 (Certified Refurbished)   Shop Now at PlayStation Direct Early PlayStation Store deals are already live

While console hardware stays stubbornly expensive, Sony has already kicked off the digital side of its holiday promotion. The official PlayStation Store Black Friday sale launched on Nov. 4 and runs through Nov. 30, knocking up to 75% off thousands of PS5, PS4, and PS VR2 games, expansions, and DLC.

Sony is also scheduled to refresh the lineup with new titles on Nov. 16 (before select early offers wrap up on Nov. 20). Sony's initial Black Friday announcement made zero mention of hardware or console discounts, reinforcing that its biggest holiday push is centered on software rather than cutting console prices. If you want to browse the top digital markdowns live right now, check out our full roundup of the best early Black Friday PlayStation deals.

DualSense wireless controllers are also consistently Sony's most dependable Black Friday discount. Retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and PlayStation Direct discount standard and colored DualSense gamepads during Black Friday week, offering decent savings on one of the few PlayStation essentials that reliably go on sale every November.

You can also expect price drops on physical copies of first-party PS5 exclusives, as well as Sony's annual discount on 12-month PlayStation Plus memberships.

Opens in a new window Credit: PlayStation PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller $74 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Sony PlayStation Plus   Shop Now at PlayStation Should you buy now or wait for Black Friday?

Let your gaming calendar decide when you buy. If you want a PS5 Pro or need a console hooked up to your TV for GTA 6 on Nov. 19, grab one at standard retail price the moment you spot legitimate inventory — waiting for a holiday discount will only leave you fighting empty shelves.

If you are hunting down stock right now, check out our guide to the best console deals ahead of GTA 6 to see which retailers still have units available at retail price.

On the other hand, if you are shopping for a December holiday gift, picking up extra DualSense controllers, or stocking up on games, waiting until Thanksgiving week to see what bundles and accessory markdowns drop is the smarter play.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Samsung P9 USB4 portable SSD review: 4GB/s speeds that hold up on long transfers

How-To Geek - 10 hours 23 min ago

If you're a video editor, photographer, or other power user that needs ultra-fast portable storage, the options are relatively limited. Samsung's latest P9 USB4 External Solid-State Drive changes that, though, with up to 4,000MB/s transfer rates.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is live at Amazon: Buy for way under market price

Mashable - 10 hours 51 min ago

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is available for $59.99 at Amazon. That's way under TCGplayer's $110 market price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box $59.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon

After weeks of growing excitement and preorder wars, the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is out in the wild. And Amazon is celebrating by bringing back its stunning $59.99 deal.

As of Nov. 11, the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is on sale for just $59.99 on Amazon. Everything is handled directly by Amazon, but Amazon is still routing orders through its "request invite" system. We can see these are selling fast, so it's clearly a system that's working for many shoppers. Don't be discouraged by the invitation process.

Amazon’s deal is way under TCGplayer’s $110 market price. We rarely see deals this far below market price, so we understand the hype.

The 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box contains nine 30th Celebration booster packs, an exclusive full-art foil Nidorina promo card, 16 foil Basic Energy cards, 65 custom card sleeves, damage-counter dice, a condition marker, card dividers, a collector’s player guide, and a code card for Pokémon TCG Live.

Shop the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration ETB for $59.99 at Amazon, while supplies last.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best early Pokémon Black Friday deals: Shop live deals on 30th Celebration, Delta Reign, and more

Mashable - 10 hours 52 min ago
The best early Black Friday Pokémon deals: Best 30th Celebration deal Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box $59.99 (save $23.45) Get Deal Best Delta Reign deal Pokémon TCG Delta Reign Elite Trainer Box $93.45 (save $41) Get Deal Best multi-pack deal Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Tech Sticker Collection $39.95 (save $10.05) Get Deal Best Display Box deal Pokémon TCG Perfect Order Booster Display Box $187.28 (save $11.71) Get Deal Best video game deal Pokémon Legends: Z-A $58 (save $8.99) Get Deal

Black Friday is fast approaching, but Pokémon fans already have a vast selection of trading card deals to consider. Whether it’s the heavily in-demand 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box or the new Delta Reign expansion you're shopping for, there's something for everyone right now.

Black Friday falls on Nov. 27, but a massive number of price cuts are expected to arrive between now and the main event. The best early deals on Pokémon TCG stock could sell out quickly, so we'll keep this page updated regularly as we move towards the end of the month.

These are the best early Pokémon Black Friday offers we've found on Amazon, including an invitation-only ETB and a 36-pack display box for under $190.

Best 30th Celebration deal: Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box $59.99 at Amazon
$83.44 Save $23.45   Get Deal at Amazon

Amazon's $59.99 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box offer remains the go-to deal that’s hard to beat in the Pokémon TCG, especially against its typical $83.44 price. That's $23.45 off nine anniversary booster packs, a full-art Nidorina promo, 16 foil Energy cards, sleeves, and other playing accessories. It’s not only the best price seen on Amazon (confirmed by the price tracker camelcamelcamel), but it's also $54.61 below its estimated $114.60 market price on TCGplayer. 

The expansion also features 30 different Pikachu rare cards, with one included in every booster pack. As we’ve mentioned previously, the catch is that getting an ETB at this price isn’t 100% guaranteed, because you need to hit "Request invite" on Amazon and wait for approval when invitations to purchase are sent out as the retailer gets new stock. Quantities are limited, so selection isn't guaranteed, but requesting access costs nothing.

Best Delta Reign deal: Pokémon TCG Delta Reign Elite Trainer Box Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Delta Reign Elite Trainer Box $93.45 at Amazon
$134.45 Save $41.00   Get Deal at Amazon

Shortly after Walmart’s Delta Reign ETBs slipped under $100 last week, sellers have brought the Elite Trainer Box to its lowest-ever price on Amazon (confirmed with camelcamelcamel).

This ETB comes with nine Delta Reign boosters, a full-art Kyogre promo, 65 sleeves, six damage-counter dice, a coin-flip die, a plastic coin, a collector’s box plus dividers to keep everything organized, and a code card for Pokémon Trading Card Game Live.

Best multi-pack deal: Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Tech Sticker Collection Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Tech Sticker Collection $39.95 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $10.04   Get Deal at Amazon

If you don’t feel like paying three figures for a display box or waiting for an ETB invite, you can still buy into Pokémon’s 30th Celebration expansion with the Tech Sticker Collection — now under $40 via third-party seller TCG & MORE. 

In this particular collection, you get three boosters, a Lucario or Alolan Exeggutor foil promo, and a matching sticker sheet. Plus, camelcamelcamel has shown this is another all-time low from third-party sellers. At a new low price of $39.95, you’ll be paying $13.32 per pack before factoring in the extras. 

Best display box deal: Pokémon TCG Perfect Order Booster Display Box Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Perfect Order Booster Display Box $187.28 at Amazon
$198.99 Save $11.71   Get Deal at Amazon

To get the best per-pack price on Pokémon cards, no matter the expansion, Perfect Order’s Display Box is the best option — starting at $187.28 vs. a typical price of $198.99.

That's the lowest price this box has been since September (according to camelcamelcamel). With 36 packs inside, that's $5.20 per pack before delivery — giving you plenty of chances to pull its go-to chase cards, like Mega Zygarde ex, Mega Clefable ex, and Mega Starmie ex.

Best Pokémon game deal: Pokémon Legends: Z-A Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon Legends: Z-A (Nintendo Switch) $58.99 at Amazon
$66.99 Save $8.00   Get Deal at Amazon

After shooting up in price in October (according to camelcamelcamel), Pokémon Legends: Z-A for Nintendo Switch is back down to $58 through third-party seller Hollow Ridge Supply — saving you $8.99 compared to Amazon's $66.99 featured listing.

If you’ve never had the chance to play since it came out last year, this is an ideal chance to jump into Lumiose City and revel in the game’s introduction of real-time battles and the comeback of Mega Evolution. What’s more, if you’ve got a Nintendo Switch 2 and want to enjoy higher resolution and framerates, you can also buy the digital upgrade pack for $9.99 from Nintendo. 

More early Black Friday Pokémon deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Adobe isn't the only target: a vibe coder wants to replace Microsoft Office, too

How-To Geek - 10 hours 53 min ago

Open-source developers have spent decades proving that powerful software doesn't have to come with a price tag. GIMP, LibreOffice, and Blender started as alternatives to expensive commercial tools and have grown into applications people rely on every day. Now, AI coding assistants are speeding things up, making it possible for a single developer to attempt what once required an entire team. That's good news for anyone tired of subscription fees that can add up to hundreds of dollars a year.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Netflix drops Russell Brand documentary teaser

Mashable - 11 hours 8 min ago

Netflix is releasing a Russell Brand documentary.

On Thursday, days after the actor and comedian was found guilty of rape and three counts of sexual assault leading to a 10-year prison sentence, the streamer teased a feature documentary titled Russell Brand: Open Secret.

Directed by Olivia Isaacs (The Other Mrs Jordan) and produced by 72 Films (the Fremantle-owned company who made Netflix true crime documentary Jimmy Savile: A British Horror Story), the film does not yet have a release date.

Combining interviews with archive footage, Russell Brand: Open Secret will chart Brand's rise to fame and the Sept. 2023 joint investigation from The Times, The Sunday Times, and Channel 4 Dispatches — this coincided with the broadcast of Channel 4's documentary Russell Brand: In Plain Sight. The reporting prompted the Metropolitan Police inquiry that led to Brand's conviction and prison sentence in Nov. 2026.

If you have experienced sexual abuse, call the free, confidential National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), or access the 24-7 help online by visiting online.rainn.org.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google Pixel Tag Review: Basically perfect

How-To Geek - 11 hours 23 min ago

Android’s answer to the iPhone’s “Find My” network rolled out a couple of years ago, but it’s struggled to find its AirTag competitor. Google hopes to change that with its own branded Pixel Tag, and it has a few tricks that set it apart from previous Android trackers.

Categories: IT General, Technology

LGs 34-inch UltraGear WQHD gaming monitor hits best-ever price on Amazon — save $120 before Black Friday

Mashable - 11 hours 25 min ago

SAVE OVER $100: As of Nov. 12, the LG 34-inch Ultragear WQHD curved gaming monitor has returned to its lowest-ever price of $279.99 at Amazon. That's $120 off its full price of $399.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 34-inch Ultragear WQHD Curved Gaming Monitor $279.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $120   Get Deal at Amazon

This year has been particularly pricey in the world of tech, but Black Friday sales are fast approaching with some very welcome price cuts. If a new gaming monitor is at the top of your shopping list, Amazon already has plenty of early deals. That includes a big discount on the sleek LG 34-inch Ultragear WQHD curved gaming monitor.

As of Nov. 12, this monitor has dropped from $399.99 to $279.99 on Amazon, letting you pocket $120. More importantly, this marks a return to its lowest price, so what better time to grab it?

SEE ALSO: When do Black Friday sales actually start? Official sale times for Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Target

This LG monitor's curved 34-inch display offers plenty of screen space for playing your favorite games, but picture quality really shines. This is all thanks to the QHD Ultra Wide 1440p resolution and HDR10 support, which bring out fine details and vibrant colors on screen. It's sure to be a feast for the eyes once GTA 6 launches.

It also features a speedy 160Hz refresh rate and 1ms Motion Blur Reduction, which keep gameplay smooth and minimize blur and ghosting. Plus, it comes with AMD FreeSync Premium, which further reduces screen tearing, stuttering, and input lag.

Amazon currently has it tagged as a limited-time deal, so be quick to snag the LG 34-inch UltraGear WQHD curved gaming monitor ahead of Black Friday.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Daily Shows Desi Lydic reacts to Trump insulting CNNs Kaitlan Collins

Mashable - 11 hours 27 min ago

Donald Trump's sexist treatment of female journalists has not stopped, with the U.S. president once again insulting CNN's chief White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins during a press briefing.

Doing her job, the journalist asked Trump about Rep. Thomas Massie's resolution to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The President of the United States responded, "Massey's a loser, just like you're a loser at CNN, just like your ratings are a loser."

The Daily Show's Desi Lydic, who has previously called out the president's continued insults to female journalists, reacted to Trump's latest attack by mocking his response.

"Yeah, your ratings are a loser. Your shirt's a loser. Your hair's a loser. I'm a loser. Oh god, it's just hitting me. I just lost so bad," Lydic said during Wednesday night's show. "By the way, can we just give props to Kaitlan Collins for not even flinching during that tantrum?"

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Categories: IT General, Technology

Walmarts early Black Friday sale is live: Save on Apple AirPods, Hisense TVs, Lego, and more

Mashable - 11 hours 39 min ago
The best early Black Friday Walmart deals: ENJOY THE PERKS Walmart+ 30-Day Trial Membership $1 (Save $11.95) Get Deal Best Apple deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199 (save $50) Get Deal Best TV deal Hisense 75-inch H5R1 Series 4K Roku TV $328 (save $340) Get Deal Best gaming deal Asus TUF Gaming A16 (AMD Ryzen 7 8745HX, RTX 5060) $1,299 (save $500) Get Deal BEST KITCHEN DEAL Nespresso Vertuo Pop Coffee and Espresso Maker by De'Longhi $69 (save $50) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Roborock Qrevo S5V Robot Vacuum and Mop $459.99 (save $440 ) Get Deal Lego Harry Potter Book Nook: Hogwarts Express $50 (save $29.95) Get Deal

Walmart's Black Friday sale is arriving in three waves this year, and the first major event is live now, running Nov. 12 through Nov. 15. While ad scans gave shoppers a sneak peek at the lineup earlier this week, the real discounts have officially hit the site.

This multi-day event is just the start, though. The retailer also has its main Black Friday sale planned for Nov. 23-29, followed by a Cyber Monday sale running from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2. Walmart+ members also get early access to select online-only deal drops during the first 24 hours of each event before remaining stock opens to everyone else.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Walmart's Black Friday 2026 sale: Store hours, early access, best deals

There are already plenty of standout deals worth a look while this first wave is live. Check out more of our favorite finds below — or for a deeper dive into everything on sale, our full rundown of early Black Friday deals at Walmart can help you out.

Best Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199 at Walmart
$249 Save $50   Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it

The AirPods Pro 3 are a solid everyday upgrade, cutting out twice as much background noise as the previous generation, so you can hear your music or calls in loud environments. They come with five ear-tip sizes for a comfortable fit and last up to eight hours on a single charge with noise cancellation turned on. Beyond audio, they can track your heart rate and calories burned across 50 workout types, translate conversations in real-time using Apple Intelligence, and switch automatically between your Apple devices.

More early Black Friday Apple deals at WalmartBest TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 75-inch H5R1 Series 4K Roku TV $328 at Walmart
$668 Save $340   Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it

While a budget-priced big screen like this sticks to a standard 60Hz refresh rate and Direct LED backlighting rather than pricey OLED or Mini-LED panels, the Hisense 75-inch H5R1 Series 4K Roku TV still punches well above its price tag with Dolby Vision HDR, DTS Virtual:X audio, and built-in Apple AirPlay support. Plus, the built-in Roku interface is one of the easiest smart TV menus to navigate right out of the box, making this an unbeatable way to turn a living room or basement into a giant home theater for more than half off.

More early Black Friday TV deals at Walmart

43 inches

50 to 55 inches

65 inches

75 inches

Best gaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Asus Asus TUF Gaming A16 (AMD Ryzen 7 8745HX, RTX 5060) $1,299 at Walmart
$1,799 Save $500   Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it

The Asus TUF Gaming A16 pairs Nvidia's RTX 5060 graphics card with an AMD Ryzen 7 processor to run modern games smoothly without slowdowns. You get a sharp 16-inch screen with extra vertical space for both games and everyday browsing, backed by 16GB of memory and a 512GB solid-state drive for fast load times. It is also built to survive bumps and travel better than most gaming laptops, though keep in mind that 512GB of storage will fill up fast once you install a few big games.

More early Black Friday gaming deals at WalmartBest kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nespresso Nespresso Vertuo Pop Coffee and Espresso Maker by De'Longhi $69 at Walmart
$119 Save $50   Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it

At just 7.72 pounds with a slim footprint and a removable 19-ounce water tank, the Nespresso Vertuo Pop by De'Longhi fits easily onto crowded kitchen counters, dorm desks, or office nooks. Despite its small size, it brews five drink sizes — from single and double espressos to 5-, 8-, and 12-ounce coffees, hot or iced — by scanning each capsule's barcode to dial in the extraction for rich crema. It heats up in 30 seconds, automatically ejects used pods, and comes with a complimentary tasting pack to sample its lineup of over 40 coffee blends right out of the box.

More early Black Friday kitchen deals at WalmartBest robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Qrevo S5V Robot Vacuum and Mop $459.99 at Walmart
$899.99 Save $440   Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it

If you want to hand off both vacuuming and mopping without constantly emptying bins or scrubbing dirty pads yourself, this nearly half-off Roborock deal is tough to beat. Its all-in-one dock handles almost all the maintenance on its own — emptying up to seven weeks of dust, refilling the water tank, washing the mop pads, and drying them with warm air so they do not start to smell. The vacuum packs strong 12,000Pa suction with anti-tangle brushes built for pet hair, an extendable mop arm that reaches into corners, and automatic mop lifting so it will not dampen your rugs when moving off hard floors.

More Black Friday vacuum deals at WalmartBest Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Harry Potter Book Nook: Hogwarts Express (76450) $50 at Walmart
$79.95 Save $29.95   Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it

The Lego Harry Potter Book Nook: Hogwarts Express packs 832 pieces into a clever shelf display that opens for play with Harry, Ron, Hedwig, and Scabbers, folds shut between books, or splits into matching bookends. Interior mirrors even make the train look deeper than it actually is, making it a fun, compact gift for fans ages 10 and up.

More early Black Friday Lego and toy deals at Walmart
Categories: IT General, Technology

Jimmy Kimmel has a scathing response to Trumps memorial arch

Mashable - 11 hours 50 min ago

Donald Trump is trying to push ahead with plans to build his 250-foot memorial arch by Arlington National Cemetery, despite a lawsuit attempting to stop him.

As Jimmy Kimmel points out in the clip above, the president is trying to frame the arch as something veterans have asked for (veterans have both protested and supported Trump's arch), with White House spokesperson David Dingle saying it will serve "as a visual reminder of the noble sacrifices borne by so many American heroes." And notably, the arch could cost as much as $100 million.

"Hey Dingle, your boss' dumb vanity project is gonna cost us at least $100 million, maybe $200 or $300 million," responds Kimmel. "You know what could use that money? The VA [Veterans Affairs], which is now in worse shape than ever, largely thanks to his big, beautiful budget cuts. Donny bone spurs and his sidekick Elon cut thousands of veteran jobs last year. 28,000 of those jobs were at the VA, including thousands of nurses, psychologists, and social workers. So unless that arch is filled with benefits for the men and women who serve this country, maybe put a sock in it and go play outside with the other kids."

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Categories: IT General, Technology

I turned my smart home into a video game where the puzzles use my real devices

How-To Geek - 11 hours 53 min ago

Gaming is great, but it usually takes place in a virtual world on your gaming device of choice. I wondered if it would be possible to create a game that spilled over into the real world. With a cheap handheld and Home Assistant, I was able to do exactly that.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Seth Meyers reacts to reporter calling Trump a loser

Mashable - 12 hours 2 min ago

Still reeling from the blue wave post-midterms, Donald Trump's media appearances lately have been somewhat subdued.

It's a through-line Seth Meyers picked up on during Late Night on Wednesday, from the president's viral 60 Minutes appearance to his real-time reaction to the election results calling into Fox News.

"The sadder Trump gets, the more emboldened the press gets," said Meyers. "In fact, there's one clip from a few days ago that really sums up the mood at the White House right now."

That clip? Sky News international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn asking Trump, "How does it feel being a loser, Mr. President?" Choosing not to answer, the president can be seen walking quickly away from the group of reporters outside the White House.

"Damn, he was out of there so fast, I thought he was gonna Mary Poppins out of frame," reacted Meyers. "It's so funny to get asked what does it feel like to be a loser and then walk away alone in the rain. How does it feel to be a loser? I'll take my answer non-verbally."

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Categories: IT General, Technology

OLED TV deals at Best Buy: 10 stunning discounts on LG, Samsung, and Sony

Mashable - 12 hours 17 min ago
The best OLED TV deals at Best Buy: Best LG deal LG 48-Inch Class B6 OLED AI 4K $599.99 (Save $600) Get Deal Best Samsung deal Samsung 65-Inch Class S90H OLED 4K $1,399.99 (Save $1,300) Get Deal Best Sony deal Sony 65-Inch Class BRAVIA 6 OLED 4K $1,199.99 (Save $800) Get Deal

Best Buy's early Black Friday sale is officially live, and if an OLED TV is on your shopping list this year, there are some great deals already available.

There's a pretty decent selection to choose from, whether you're looking to replace an aging TV or finally treat yourself to that bigger screen you've been eyeing up for years. OLED TVs tend to come with a hefty price tag, but the retailer has cut prices on models from LG, Samsung, and Sony. From smaller screens to massive TVs that'll take over your living room, we've rounded up the best discounts we've spotted so far.

Best LG OLED TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 48-Inch Class B6 OLED AI 4K $599.99 at Best Buy
$1,199.99 Save $600   Get Deal at Best Buy Why we like it

The TV comes with a 4K OLED display, a 120Hz refresh rate, and Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for a high-quality viewing experience. Its α8 AI Processor automatically adjusts picture and sound quality based on what you're watching, and it has four HDMI 2.1 ports, NVIDIA G-Sync, and AMD FreeSync Premium, making it a great choice for gamers, too.

More LG OLED TV dealsBest Samsung OLED TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-Inch Class S90H OLED 4K $1,399.99 at Best Buy
$2,699.99 Save $1,300.00   Get Deal at Best Buy Why we like it

If you really want to level up your movie or gaming nights, this TV is a great choice. Its Glare-Free technology helps reduce annoying reflections, and the NQ4 AI Gen3 Processor upscales lower-resolution content to 4 K resolution. There's also a refresh rate of up to 165Hz, alongside NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro for a smoother experience. And for an all-around great experience, you'll get Dolby Atmos audio, plus AI-powered sound settings that let you adjust dialogue, background music, and sound effects.

More Samsung OLED TV dealsBest Sony OLED TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony 65-Inch Class BRAVIA 6 OLED 4K $1,200.02 at Best Buy
$1,999.99 Save $799.97   Get Deal at Best Buy Why we like it

This Sony OLED TV uses more than eight million self-lit pixels to showcase deep blacks and sharp contrast. It also benefits from Triluminos Pro technology that produces more than a billion colors for a vibrant picture. It runs on Google TV, so you'll get easy access to streaming apps such as Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video. It's well suited to gamers, too, with 4K gaming at up to 120Hz, variable refresh rate support, and HDMI 2.1 features.

More Sony OLED TV deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Hisenses huge 85-inch U6 Pro Series TV is 50% off at Amazon — shop this best-ever Black Friday deal

Mashable - 12 hours 27 min ago

SAVE OVER $1,000: As of Nov. 12, the Hisense 85-inch U6 Pro Series Mini‑LED ULED 4K TV is down to its lowest-ever price of $997.99 at Amazon. That's $1,002 off its full cost of $1,999.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 85-Inch U6 Pro Series Mini‑LED ULED 4K UHD HDR Gaming AI Smart Fire TV $997.99 at Amazon
$1,999.99 Save $1,002   Get Deal at Amazon

Early Black Friday TV deals are already popping up, which is great news if you're eager to grab a new screen right away rather than waiting for the main sales to start.

If a big TV upgrade is on your wishlist this year, Amazon can help. As of Nov. 12, it has the Hisense 85-inch U6 Pro Series Mini‑LED ULED 4K TV — our favorite budget TV of 2026 — down to a record-low price of $997.99.

This is half off its list price of $1,999.99, saving you a grand total of $1,002. That's a fantastic discount on such a massive display, and one with some mighty impressive specs.

SEE ALSO: The Black Friday 2026 countdown is on: Our top 7 hacks for finding the best deals

This Hisense TV pairs Hi-QLED technology with Mini-LED backlighting to deliver a stunning picture, with vibrant colors and deep contrast that bring your movies, shows, or games to life. Plus, 4K resolution makes everything look crisp and clear, and its glare-free display helps prevent reflections and light from disrupting your view.

When it comes to on-screen action, from watching live sports to playing a game, it also features a native 144Hz refresh rate that helps reduce blur and keep everything looking fluid and smooth. And to top it off, it boasts high-quality DTS-powered audio and a built-in subwoofer to help you feel fully immersed in what you're watching or playing.

Black Friday sales may be coming up, but this deal is well worth grabbing now. Don't miss out on 50% off the Hisense 85-inch U6 Pro Series Mini‑LED ULED 4K TV at Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best console deals for GTA 6: Where to buy PS5 and Xbox ahead of launch day

Mashable - 12 hours 33 min ago
Where to buy the PS5 or Xbox ahead of 'GTA 6' launch day: Best budget Xbox option Xbox Series S (512GB) $499.99 at Xbox Shop Now Best budget PS5 option PlayStation 5 Slim Digital Edition (825GB) $599.99 at Best Buy Shop Now Best PS5 for physical game discs PlayStation 5 (1TB) $649 at PlayStation Direct Shop Now Best high-end Xbox console Xbox Series X (1TB) $799.99 at GameStop Shop Now Best PlayStation console for top-tier visuals PlayStation 5 Pro (2TB) $899 at PlayStation Direct Shop Now

GTA 6 finally launches on Nov. 19, and if you still need hardware to play, here's the truth: none of the consoles are actually on sale. Between massive launch hype and tight hardware supply, Sony and Microsoft are holding firm at standard retail prices across the board, so your best move right now is simply finding a legitimate system in stock before shelves clear out.

With launch day right around the corner, inventory is already drying up — especially on higher-end models like the PS5 Pro, which is largely sold out at major stores. Because there is no PC version at launch and older systems like the PS4 and Xbox One cannot run the game natively, everyone is scrambling for the handful of current-gen PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S models that are still in stock.

To save you from wading through third-party marketplace listings charging hundreds of dollars above sticker price, we rounded up the consoles that can play GTA 6 on day one — and where you still have a solid shot at grabbing them at regular retail price before they vanish.

Best budget Xbox option Opens in a new window Credit: Xbox Xbox Series S (512GB) $499.99 at Xbox
  Shop Now at Xbox

If you want to play Grand Theft Auto VI on day one without spending a small fortune, the Xbox Series S is the cheapest brand-new ticket into Vice City. Because it is an all-digital console with no disc drive, you will need to download the game directly from the Xbox Store. Even with simpler graphics settings and a lower screen resolution than the flagship consoles, it still runs the game at the exact same 30 fps as the PS5 Pro and supports quick game-switching, while keeping plenty of cash in your bank account.

Best budget PS5 option Opens in a new window Credit: Sony / PlayStation PlayStation 5 Slim Digital Edition (825GB) $599.99 at Best Buy
  Shop Now at Best Buy

If you want a PlayStation without paying extra for a disc drive, the PlayStation 5 Slim Digital Edition is Sony's lowest-priced current-gen console. Because it is a digital-only system, you will need to download Grand Theft Auto VI directly from the PlayStation Store, though its 825GB hard drive gives you plenty of room out of the box. You still get the exact same power and DualSense controller features — including haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and 3D audio — as the disc version, and you can always buy Sony's external disc drive add-on separately later if you change your mind.

Best PS5 for physical game discs Opens in a new window Credit: Sony / PlayStation PlayStation 5 (1TB) $649 at PlayStation Direct
  Shop Now at PlayStation Direct

If you prefer buying physical game discs instead of relying solely on downloads, the standard PlayStation 5 Console is the only current-gen PS5 model with a built-in Blu-ray drive out of the box. Having a disc drive lets you pick up a physical copy of Grand Theft Auto VI at a local store, lend it to a friend once you roll credits, or trade it in later. It also bumps the built-in solid-state drive up to a full 1TB, giving you plenty of storage space, along with the same DualSense controller features, fast load times, and the pre-installed Astro's Playroom game as in the Digital Edition.

Best high-end Xbox console Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft / Xbox Microsoft Xbox Series X (1TB) $799.99 at GameStop
  Shop Now at GameStop

If you want sharper 4K visuals and a built-in disc drive on the Xbox side, the Microsoft Xbox Series X Console is the best model to grab. Unlike the cheaper Series S, it comes with a full 1TB of storage space out of the box, plays physical game discs, and makes Vice City look noticeably sharper while running at the same 30 fps speed as every other console. Outside of Grand Theft Auto VI, features like Quick Resume let you hop back into different games without waiting on loading screens, and it plays older games from four generations of Xbox — including classics like Red Dead Redemption 2, Grand Theft Auto IV, and Halo 3.

Best PlayStation console for top-tier visuals Opens in a new window Credit: Sony / PlayStation PlayStation 5 Pro (2TB) $899 at PlayStation Direct
  Shop Now at PlayStation Direct

If you want the sharpest picture and best lighting possible when exploring Vice City, the PlayStation 5 Pro Console is the system to buy. Even though Grand Theft Auto VI still runs at 30 fps on the Pro just like every other console, Rockstar confirmed it gets exclusive ray-traced shadows and cleaner image upscaling that you will not find anywhere else. It also comes with a massive 2TB solid-state drive that easily swallows the huge game file, leaving plenty of room, though keep in mind it ships without a disc drive — so you will need to download the game digitally or buy Sony's detachable disc drive separately.

Console discounts might be off the table right now, so your best move is to lock down your system at regular retail price before Vice City traffic clears the rest of the shelves.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Whats the cheapest way to play GTA 6 on launch day?

Mashable - 12 hours 44 min ago

TL;DR: The cheapest way to play Grand Theft Auto VI natively on launch day is pairing the 512GB all-digital Xbox Series S ($499.99) with the standard digital edition of the game ($79.99), bringing your total day-one setup to $579.98.

Buying a brand-new console for a single video game is an expensive pill to swallow, but GTA 6 is forcing that choice. With Rockstar skipping PC at launch, anyone planning to cruise through Vice City on Nov. 19 will need dedicated console hardware.

If you look at the premium options, the price tag is intimidating. The PS5 Pro costs $899.99 before you even purchase software, which pushes a day-one setup past $979. Fortunately, you do not need to spend that kind of cash to be there at launch.

The cheapest way to play GTA 6 on day one is pairing the Xbox Series S with the standard digital edition of the game.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft GTA 6 $79.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Xbox Series S (512 GB) $499.99 at Xbox
  Shop Now at Xbox

That puts you in Vice City for exactly $400 less than a PS5 Pro setup, and saves you anywhere from $100 to $250 compared to the other current-gen disc and digital consoles.

Opting for the lower-priced console does not mean you miss out on fluid gameplay compared to the rest of the market. Rockstar confirmed that GTA 6 targets 30 frames per second on every system, including base consoles and the PS5 Pro.

Sony's flagship hardware provides higher native resolution and enhanced ray-traced lighting, but it will not run the title at 60 fps at launch. On the Series S, you get lower resolution output and dialed-back graphical settings, but you experience the identical 30 fps gameplay, story missions, and open-world mechanics as every other player.

SEE ALSO: 'GTA 6' on PS5 vs. Xbox: What we know The 212GB storage issue

The biggest compromise with the entry-level Xbox is storage. The baseline Series S comes with a 512GB solid-state drive, which leaves around 364GB of usable space after the operating system takes its share.

With pre-loads confirming Grand Theft Auto VI requires a massive 212GB download, the game will take up over half of your internal drive on day one. You will likely need to clear out other big titles before installing it, but as long as you keep your drive free of excess clutter, you have plenty of room to pre-install and jump into Leonida when servers go live at 1 a.m. ET on launch day.

Just be sure to preorder before Nov. 19. That locks in the Vintage Vice City Pack and a free month of GTA+, while Xbox Smart Delivery guarantees your copy jumps to a Series X for free if you upgrade later.

If clearing out your other games to make room for that 212GB download feels like too much of a compromise, Microsoft also sells a 1TB Xbox Series S for $599.99. Pairing that with the base game brings your total day-one spend to $679.98 — still $300 cheaper than a PS5 Pro, with double the onboard storage.

Why you can skip the Ultimate Edition

Rockstar also offers a $99.99 Ultimate Edition, but the extra $20 only buys cosmetic items and early vehicles — including the '95 Grotti Cheetah sports car, custom revolvers, and instant access to specialty vehicle and tattoo shops like Rideout Customs.

None of those bonus items affect the core campaign. If you preorder the standard edition before Nov. 19, you still receive the Vintage Vice City Pack and one month of GTA+ included with the Ultimate edition.

The catch with Xbox One cloud streaming

If you still have an original Xbox One from 2013 hooked up to your TV, you don't technically need to buy new hardware. Rockstar and Microsoft confirmed the title will stream via Xbox Cloud Gaming on launch day, running on the Xbox Series S graphics profile.

That sounds like an easy budget win on paper, but it comes with some strings attached. You still have to purchase the standard digital game for $79.99, since it is not included free with Game Pass. You are also subject to Microsoft's cloud playtime limits, which restrict streaming to 5 to 15 hours per month depending on your subscription tier, with additional blocks priced at $4 for every 10 hours.

Plus, Rockstar's cloud agreement blocks streaming to phones, tablets, and PCs entirely. If you own a Series S, though, standard local Remote Play still works, so you can stream your game locally from your console to a phone or tablet over your home WiFi without burning through cloud hours.

Between choppy streams, lag, and launch-night traffic, relying on the cloud is a gamble for a game this big. If you want a smooth, headache-free experience on day 1 without dropping nearly four figures, the $499.99 Series S and the $79.99 base game give you the smartest route into Vice City.

Save the $400 premium for your actual holiday shopping — the entry-level Xbox is more than enough to handle day one.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Read in luxury — these are the 3 best e-readers for the bath

Mashable - 12 hours 52 min ago

I remember the days when if you dropped your phone in a puddle, you put it in a bag of rice and prayed for the best. Luckily, tech has been waterproofed in recent years, so now your phone and tablet are safe if they get a little wet. E-readers have also been waterproofed, with many holding an IPX8 rating.

But not all e-readers are waterproof, and it's important to know which ones are before you take one to the bath. So if you're buying an e-reader and plan to be a bath time reader, these are the e-readers to look at.

And if you want the most luxurious experience, we recommend checking out e-reader accessories, too.

Categories: IT General, Technology

A free way to make your earbuds sound better? Give them a deep clean.

Mashable - 12 hours 53 min ago

I say this without judgment: you're likely overdue for an earbud clean.

Earwax, sweat from workouts, dirt, and dust — daily use exposes earbuds to a myriad of ways to get nice and dirty. And when was the last time you spot-cleaned them? Exactly.

"Please don't forget to clean us," - your earbuds, probably. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

That's where the deep clean comes in. In addition to the sanitation of it all, cleaning your earbuds periodically can help prevent damage that might impact their use, whether it be causing issues with the charging case, wear detection features, or even how the buds themselves sound. In other words, the less dirt getting into the internals of your buds, the better. Even the best earbuds can start to suffer without proper maintenance. For optimal performance, Bose recommends cleaning your earbuds every two months.

If the idea of cleaning your earbuds makes you worried you'll cause more harm than good, don't fret. It's easier than you think, and you likely have most, if not all, of the supplies already.

Supplies for cleaning earbuds
  • Micellar water (or distilled water, though regular water can also be used in a pinch)

  • A clean microfiber cloth

  • Cotton swabs

  • Optional: A soft-bristled toothbrush

How to deep clean your earbuds Total Time
  • 5 minutes
What You Need
  • Micellar water
  • Clean microfiber cloth
  • Cotton swabs

Step 1: Remove the ear tips.

How to do this can vary slightly from model to model, but generally a light pinch and pull will get the job done.

Step 2: Wipe down the earbuds and exterior of the case with a dry microfiber cloth.

Step 3: Check specific earbuds guide for any areas you may need to avoid during cleaning.

For example, Apple's AirPods Pro instructions make clear where to avoid cleaning.

Credit: Apple / Screenshot

Step 4: Apply a very small amount of micellar water to a microfiber cloth, cotton swab, or soft bristled toothbrush. Lightly clean earbuds' mesh for 15 to 30 seconds.

You can repeat this step as many times as needed, but be sure to dry the mesh immediately after with a dry microfiber cloth.

Step 5: Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the interior of the case.

You can use a small amount of micellar water here, but make sure your cloth is damp, not wet. If possible, avoid getting charging pins wet.

Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

Step 6: Wipe ear tips down with microfiber cloth.

In most cases, it's completely fine to also use a damp cloth here. However, if you're unsure, check specific instructions for brands. Sony recommends not getting the XM6 ear tips wet, while Bose and Apple say you can submerge the ear tips in water.

Step 7: Set aside ear tips to dry if necessary.

Tapping the ear tips on a towel to remove any excess moisture can work well here. You'll want to leave them sitting out in a secure, clean space while the rest of your earbuds dry.

Step 8: Dry case and earbuds for at least two hours.

This may seem like overkill (and honestly, in some cases, this probably is excessive), but letting the case dry open and the earbuds sit out on a clean surface guarantees that not a drop of moisture will threaten the performance of your earbuds.

Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

Step 9: Replace the ear tips, and enjoy your newly cleaned buds!

General rules of thumb for earbud cleaning

DO: Double-check the specific manufacturer instructions for your earbuds. That might mean actually cracking open the user guide. Oftentimes, guides or specific cleaning instructions will tell you the specific areas to avoid on your earbuds.

Find cleaning instructions for Apple AirPods Pro models, Apple AirPods 4 and 5, Bose earbuds, Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds, Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 earbuds, and Soundcore earbuds.

DON'T: Put earbuds back into their charging case until both the earbuds and the case are completely dry. You didn't get your earbuds extra clean just to introduce moisture problems.

DO: Be aware of small openings and ports. Minimizing moisture is key, so even when using a lightly damp cloth, it's important to avoid getting liquid into tiny openings, as it could affect the efficacy of the hardware. After using any damp materials for cleaning, dry your earbuds with another microfiber cloth immediately. Do NOT use any heat, such as hair dryers, as they're liable to cause damage.

One of these is better than the other. (Hint: it's not the rubbing alcohol). Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

DON'T: Turn to harsh alcohols for disinfecting. While some brands — Beats and Soundcore included — mention using rubbing alcohol as a cleaning tool, several other brands warn against it. The harshness of the alcohol can degrade earbuds and ultimately affect performance, so relying on water, micellar water, or a dry cloth is ultimately the safest route.

DO: Be careful with cotton swabs and charging cases. Though cotton swabs are a great shape for getting into nooks and crannies, their fibers can easily get caught and lodged into those same nooks and crannies. The best solution is to use a microfiber cloth instead — if you're having trouble maneuvering it, you can always wrap the cloth around the cotton swab to give yourself more dexterity.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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