IT General

The AI era has been ushered in. People are using AI chatbots for almost any purpose, from cooking up recipes to coming up with gym routines and so much more. If you're out of the loop, when it comes to AI chatbot technology, the best chance to get up to speed is now.

Microsoft is making its Copilot+ AI features available to more Windows 11 computers. This change is being rolled out to Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel with build 26120.2510, allowing more people to try out the new features and share their feedback.

While the payoff of traveling is pretty big, packing and planning for those adventures around the world can be tedious and stressful. If you're buying a gift for someone with an acute case of wanderlust, prioritize items that can make their travels easier and more relaxing. A Bluetooth tracker could offer some comfort if they lose their phone at the airport or leave it in an Uber. A special neck pillow could help facilitate some shuteye during a layover. Whatever the travel ailment you'd like to soothe for them, they'll appreciate one fewer item on their "to buy" list — mostly so they can get back to spontaneously booking another stay. Below, we've rounded up the best gifts for travelers who need smart, tech-savvy, and multi-functional gear that makes it easier to pursue their passions — or simply helps to consolidate to get that damn suitcase zippered. Bon voyage.

Tech founders and Silicon Valley VCs who supported — and threw their money behind — Donald Trump are being handsomely rewarded by the President-elect.

Shortly after winning the 2024 election, Trump appointed one of his biggest supporters, Elon Musk, to head up a new agency called the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.

Now, Trump is rewarding another wealthy tech founder for their loyalty: investor and podcaster David Sacks.

"I am pleased to announce that David O. Sacks will be the 'White House A.I. & Crypto Czar,'" Trump announced in a post on his social media platform Truth Social. "In this important role, David will guide policy for the Administration in Artificial Intelligence and Cryptocurrency, two areas critical to the future of American competitiveness."

According to Trump, Sacks' role will be to "safeguard Free Speech online" and "work on a legal framework" for the cryptocurrency industry. Trump also shared that Sacks would lead the Presidential Council of Advisors for Science and Technology.

Sacks will be involved in crucial policy aspects of both a burgeoning technology in AI and a crypto industry ripe with fraud but expecting favorable treatment after throwing its support behind Trump.

Tweet may have been deleted

"Congrats to czar @DavidSacks!" OpenAI's Sam Altman posted on X shortly after the announcement from Trump.

Who is David Sacks?

Regular users of Musk's X, formerly Twitter, may have seen Sacks pop-up on the platform from time to time. Sacks' opinions obsessing over Russia's war with Ukraine have previously gone viral. He has often been critiqued for his seemingly pro-Russia and anti-Ukraine positions as well as fearmongering over a potential World War III.

However, Sacks and Musk actually have history with each other — and a similar background. Like Musk, Sacks emigrated to the U.S. from South Africa. And in 1999, Sacks worked with Peter Thiel at PayPal, joining Musk as a member in the "PayPal Mafia," a group of early PayPal employees and founders who went on to find greater success founding their own tech startups.

David Sacks and Elon Musk in 2006. Credit: Christian Grattan/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

In 2008, Sacks co-founded Yammer, a social media platform for enterprises. Microsoft acquired Yammer in 2012 for $1.2 billion. Microsoft would go on to integrate Yammer within its Microsoft 365 products.

Since then, Sacks has invested in a number of tech startups and companies. He founded a VC firm called Craft Ventures in 2017. In 2020, Sacks started the All-In podcast alongside Jason Calacanis, Chamath Palihapitiya, and David Friedberg. The podcast, where the four entrepreneurs discuss business and current events, has gained popularity in tech circles. Over time, the show has shown increasing support for right-wing politics, including hosting Trump for an interview in June and featuring Sacks broadcasting live from the Republican National Convention during the summer.

Sacks, specifically, has been increasingly making a name for himself in right-wing circles, opposing prominent progressive politicians and public servants over recent years. 

And while Sacks previously said that Trump's role in the Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol disqualified the former president from serving again, the VC quickly changed his tune and hosted a high-ticket fundraiser for Trump's campaign earlier this year.

For Sacks, it appears like the pro-Trump move has paid off — barring any future falling outs with the 47th President.

AI chatbots can be useful tools for making your daily tasks a little easier. You can get help with everything from planning trips or shopping to creating to-do lists or writing emails.

The tsunami warning that came screaming through my cell phone at 10:51 a.m. was blunt: "You are in danger."

The warning applied to 5.3 million people in California, according to the Associated Press, although not all received it — and many who did were shocked into disbelief.

A tsunami here? Impossible, I thought, at first. I live east of San Francisco, more than a mile inland from the Bay shoreline, about two hundred feet above sea level.

Then I thought: I need to get to my kids.

SEE ALSO: How to connect your iPhone to a satellite to send messages

I wasn't sure how a 7.0 magnitude earthquake hundreds of miles north of me could prompt a warning like the one I received from the National Weather Service.

But I also know enough about earthquake science and the west coast's seismic, volcanic "ring of fire," to understand that my state exists on the precipice of tectonic plates, both underground and deep in the sea. And that the tension in those plates can translate to unimaginable power.

One day, those underwater plates may cause a catastrophic rupture, one that leads to a deadly tsunami. Was this the day?

I needed to get more information about our risk, but doing so proved more difficult and confusing than I expected. I ultimately encountered an alarming map that indicated my family was indeed in a warning zone, but I had no guidance about what to do as a result.

Why so many people got the tsunami warning

I didn't know it at the time, but that warning map was not quite correct for my location and "not the best warning decision tool," according to David Snider, the tsunami warning coordinator for the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration.

In an interview, Snider also explained that the federal agency's tools for alerting the public to a tsunami are more imprecise than we might expect, thanks to the way that geographical boundaries are drawn.

If I'd been enjoying a day on the coast, I would've been grateful for the potentially lifesaving text message. But based on my location at the time, I probably shouldn't have gotten the blaring alert. Snider said this message is sent automatically via the Wireless Emergency Alert System following a tsunami warning.

Meanwhile, some people in the Bay Area didn't get that alert on their phones, but received news via text from their counties that it had been canceled. Others received nothing at all.

A "critical need in our next level of service is communicating to folks in exactly the right areas," Snider said, "and helping people know who don't need to move, that they don't need to move."

The map that nearly made me panic. Credit: U.S. Tsunami Warning Center

Snider added that the tsunami warning center website is undergoing major upgrades to improve the way that warning maps are visualized, which should clarify risk levels in the future.

But he also noted that those boundaries reflect the NWS' weather forecasting and alert zones, among other factors. Here's what that can mean: people who live near the shoreline or coastal waterways may be lumped into the same geographical area of people not far from the ocean but closer to elevated terrain, such as the Oakland and Berkeley Hills.

The result: a terrifying warning map where the entire San Francisco Bay Area is blanketed in red.

A crisis in believability

As a journalist with science reporting experience, I have a high tolerance for nuance and caution in moments of crisis. I understand that warnings are necessary to prevent death and disaster, even if the worst possible outcome never transpires.

But to be caught in limbo, with a serious warning and not much else, is to feel a unique kind of terror. It's the kind of fear, multiplied by thousands of individuals, that can generate widespread distrust of government experts and authorities. Over time, that mistrust can curdle into resentment.

For example, look at the replies to the National Weather Service's announcement on X that the tsunami warning had been canceled. One user accused the federal agency of lying to protect their "fat salaries / pensions / benefits." Another paged DOGE, the X account for Elon Musk's new government-slashing initiative otherwise known as the Department of Government Efficiency.

Tsunami warnings are rare, compared to other natural disasters like hurricanes and wildfires. And as Snider pointed out, people in immediate potential danger on the coast appeared to have heeded the alarm, followed directions, and started evacuating. In that sense, the system worked.

But if there were ever a time for disaster and emergency authorities to be highly communicative with the public, this moment was it.

Was I at risk?

Personally, I couldn't wait to confirm whether or not I was truly in danger. My family's emergency bag, which I'd needed to be ready if the tsunami waves arrived at San Francisco by 12:10 p.m., as they'd been forecast, was incomplete.

It was during that frantic hour of packing the emergency bag, while searching for information, that I came across the NWS' tsunami warning system map.

The San Francisco Bay Area was covered in ominous red, indicating that everything in its domain — including my own home and my children's school — was subject to the warning.

This was hard to square with the phone alert I received, which said I needed to move to high ground, or inland, immediately. But what if I was already there and still under threat?

Plus, here's where a little knowledge might be a dangerous thing. I'd seen a different government map of the local tsunami risk, made several years ago. That map identified coastal waterways as the only danger areas.

So which map was right?

The emergency alert received by the author. Credit: Rebecca Ruiz / Mashable

Later, Snider told me that the tsunami warning system map didn't show precise tsunami hazards at the community level, so it's not "the complete story which helps all end users have a total answer in that moment."

But at the time, my mind scrambled for answers.

I imagined that a major tsunami-level surge in the Bay, which covers 1,600 square miles, could send water and debris rushing inland. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which killed 230,000 people, led to flooding three miles inland in some places. Images from that tragedy are still seared into my memory.

Still, I couldn't find any trustworthy explanations for why this warning covered so much of the Bay Area, or what I should do next.

Should I simply drive east, away from the Bay and ocean? That would take me through the Berkeley and Oakland hills, very high ground, the kind you'd assume was safe — but the hills were also technically covered by the warning. The text alert didn't point recipients to a website or resource for real-time updates or instructions.

I heard from no government official after the warning was issued. Looking at California Gov. Gavin Newsom's X account later, I discovered that he didn't post about the tsunami warning until it was canceled.

My children's school district sent a message out nearly an hour after the initial warning. "We are being advised to keep everyone in place," it said.

Though the National Weather Service is my go-to source during natural- and weather-related events and disasters, the agency's tsunami alerts account on X had posted only the warning.

The NWS Bay Area X account posted a single update between when the warning was issued and when it was cancelled. "We are still waiting for magnitudes of water rise," it read. "We will update you as we learn more".

Tweet may have been deleted

Friends reported trying to find the same information I had, but said that reliable websites timed out on them. Then, just before noon, the warning was canceled.

"Based on all available data... the tsunami threat from this earthquake has now passed," said the statement. It took about 15 minutes for county officials to text and email me that news.

What happens next time?

I don't know the most effective way to warn millions of people about a possible tsunami. The most important thing is that the people living on the coast got the alert as quickly as possible. But I do worry that what happened could undermine trust in the warning system.

Snider said that future updates to Tsunami.gov could better reflect tsunami hazard areas, which are already well known and are currently available in map form at the state and local level.

He understands that the public wants and needs information specific to their location that's streamlined and easy to access. Snider indicated that some of this work was already underway, in addition to upgrades to the tsunami warning system website.

The response to the earthquake and potential tsunami will be evaluated, Snider promised, with a focus on how information reached the public.

The forecasting and warning services that the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration provides are vital, but some members of the public may just assume the worst about what happened. Maybe they'll think the government sometimes tries to scare us for its own nefarious reasons. Perhaps they'll think the hard-working scientists behind the models that warn of potential disaster don't know what they're doing, and they'll turn to cranks or grifters making false pronouncements for clicks on social media instead.

Neither of these outcomes is good for the eroding state of trust in officials. Nor is the possibility that people will wave off future tsunami warnings if they felt like this one was unnecessary. Just because the threat of a tsunami was over just as quickly as it began doesn't mean people won't remember how they were warned — for all the wrong reasons.

If you've taken the plunge with the 13-inch iPad Pro, you'll want to kit it out with a case to protect it against accidental damage.

Following the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on Wednesday, the internet erupted with jokes, memes, and, later, thirst posts for the insurance magnate's shooter. The assassination was an event that could, for many, signal the start of a more critical look at corporations, how the people leading them treat the public, and how the public responds to those executives' choices.

Or it was just a perfect opportunity to laugh in the face of a bleak political and economic reality. The internet is as the internet does.

Tweet may have been deleted

But the online fete has stirred even more debate behind the scenes: In the age of re-contested free speech, where does content moderation (and platforms' anti-violence policies) fit into the class conversation?

SEE ALSO: Bluesky ramps up content moderation as millions join the platform

Nowhere has that been more documented than on Reddit. According to a 404Media report, the platform has removed dozens of posts about the CEO's death, tracked by a platform subbreddit known as r/undelete which grabs content that reaches the top 100 most popular on the site before being deleted. Many of the posts, the publication found, had thousands of upvotes and even more still exist on industry related subs like r/nursing and r/medicine. Subbredit moderators are struggling to curb the plethora of posts, which they say will inevitably be removed by Reddit for violating anti violence policies, if not first removed by moderators for violation of "no politics" and "no death" rules.

There isn't resounding agreement on whether posts like this should be removed, however. In posts and statements to 404Media, users and moderators alike have argued that discussion of the assassination do not violate Reddit's content policies given that it is a "newsworthy" event covered by reputable outlets.

Meanwhile, sites like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) have struggled to spot and remove online reactions, as well. An official Facebook post from UnitedHealthcare announcing Thompson's death was the subject of online fodder once users realized the healthcare giant's post of condolence was being "ratio'd" by laughing reactions. As of Dec. 5, the post had more than 31,000 "haha" responses, compared to just 1,900 "sad" reacts. United Healthcare later locked down its post, as well as similar ones on LinkedIn, from further commenting.

Reddit Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

Some have equated the resoundingly positive reaction online to the digital celebration of controversial Secretary of State Henry Kissinger's death in Nov. 2023 — a similarly meme-filled event that even got its own sexually-charged copypasta.

But while thousands interacted with and posted their United Healthcare memes, others online warned that they might want to cool their partying — or at least be prepared to deal with the possible repercussions. In a TikTok captioned "hot tips from a former lawyer" by account @fivefourpod, users amplified the right to remain silent: "If a person of government shows up at your door asking about a post on this app or another app... They're going to make it seem like you need to explain yourself. Shhhh. Do not talk to the government person."

Wondering how to watch college football this season? Here are your best options: Best for affordability Sling TV Blue Plan $20 for the first month, then $40/month (save $20 ) Get Deal BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV Pro plan 7-day free trial, then $59.99/month for 1 month (Save $20) Get Deal

The Tulane Green Wave (9-3) and the No. 24 Army Black Knights (10-1) will face off in the American Athletic Conference Championship this week at Michie Stadium in West Point, New York. The match will take place on Friday, Dec. 6, and is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

Tulane was ranked at No. 17 last week, but dropped out of the rankings after a loss to conference rival, Memphis football (now ranked at No. 25). The Black Knights peaked at No. 19 in Week 12, when the team was still undefeated, but they were dropped out of the rankings after a Week 13 loss to Notre Dame.

SEE ALSO: How to watch college football without cable Tulane vs. Army football kickoff time and network

The Tulane vs. Army football game is scheduled for a 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT start on ABC on Friday, Dec. 6.

Dave Pasch is expected to do the play-by-play, while Dusty Dvoracek will join him in the booth as the analyst.

Best streaming services for Tulane vs. Army football game

You need to choose a streaming service to watch college football without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Tulane vs. Army football game on ABC. 

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Pro plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Wondering how to watch college football this season? Here are your best options: Best for affordability Sling TV Blue Plan $20 for the first month, then $40/month (save $20 ) Get Deal BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV Pro plan 7-day free trial, then $59.99/month for 1 month (Save $20) Get Deal

The No. 20 UNLV Rebels (10-1) and the No. 10 Boise State Broncos (11-0) will face off in the Mountain West Conference Championship this week at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. The match will take place on Friday, Dec. 6, and is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.

These two teams faced off just six weeks ago, when the Broncos won 29-24 on the road.

Boise State is currently assuming one of the top four seeds in the College Football Playoffs. In the newly implemented 12-team playoff format, the highest ranked conference leader in the top four conferences will take the top four seeds and earn a first round bye. The fifth highest ranked conference leader will take the No. 12 seed, and the rest will be filled out according to the rankings.

SEE ALSO: How to watch college football without cable UNLV vs. Boise State football kickoff time and network

The UNLV vs. Boise State football game is scheduled for a 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT start on FOX on Friday, Dec. 6.

Jason Benetti is expected to do the play-by-play, while Brock Huard will join him in the booth as the analyst.

The CFP committee will reveal the playoffs bracket on Sunday on ESPN. The show starts at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT.

Best streaming services for UNLV vs. Boise State football game

You need to choose a streaming service to watch college football without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the UNLV vs. Boise football game on FOX. 

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Orange Plan Get Deal

Sling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Pro plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Not all microphones are suitable for every situation. Picking the right microphone depends on your surroundings, the sound you want to capture, and your needs. Here’s an overview of common microphone types and their applications to help you make the best choice.

If you need a specific component to repair your broken or malfunctioning Xbox console, you can now order genuine parts for Microsoft's Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S models.

TAKE UP TO 55% OFF: The Best Buy 3-Day Sale has discounts on name brands like Apple, Samsung, LG, and more that take up to 55% off the regular price.

Best Buy's 3-Day Sale Highlights Best TV deal Insignia 55-inch Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV $199.99 at Best Buy (save $150) Get Deal Best tech deal Amazon Echo Dot $22.99 at Best Buy (save $27) Get Deal Best earbuds deal Jabra Elite 10 earbuds $124.99 at Best Buy (save $125) Get Deal

Did you miss out on shopping Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales? If you took off to a cozy cabin or spent the week offline, maybe you feel like you missed out on getting the best deals on the holiday season. But we're here to offer you some relief. Sure, a few deals are gone but major retailers like Best Buy are still dropping massive discounts on some great tech that's incredibly giftable (to others or yourself).

The Best Buy 3-Day Sale has impressive discounts on TVs, laptops, wearable tech, home appliances, and even toys. Here are some top deals to shop this weekend at the Best Buy 3-Day Sale.

Best TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Insignia Insignia 55-inch Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV $199.99 at Best Buy
$349.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Winter holidays are almost here which means you're bound to have some extra time on your hands at home. Why not spend it catching up on the best shows of 2024 that everyone said were incredible but you didn't have time to enjoy yet? If that's on your schedule and you've been kicking it with an old TV, upgrade to the 55-inch Insignia Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV. During the Best Buy 3-Day Sale, this model is just $199.99, down from the list price of $349.99. That means you'll be saving 43% off the normal price.

At 55 inches, this model is great for your living room or going for a luxury size in the bedroom. While it doesn't have a super fancy OLED or QLED display, the sale price of under $200 is pretty awesome for the size. Plus, the model is a Fire TV so you won't need to plug in any streaming device.

More TV deals

• Insignia 24-inch Class F20 Series LED HD Smart Fire TV — $49.99 $79.99 (save $30)

• TCL 50-inch Class Q5-Series 4K UHD HDR PRO+ QLED Smart Fire TV — $199.99 $399.99 (save $200)

• LG 65-inch Class UT70 Series LED 4K UHD Smart webOS TV — $399.99 $599.99 (save $200)

• Samsung 75-inch Class DU6950 Series Crystal UHD 4K Smart Tizen TV — $499.99 $749.99 (save $250)

Best tech deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Dot $22.99 at Best Buy
$49.99 Save $27.00 Get Deal Why we like it

A smart speaker is one of the most enjoyable home gadgets. Turning on some tunes to clean, cook, or workout to can entirely change the experience. Or tune into a great podcast while wrapping holiday gifts. However you choose to use it, the Amazon Echo Dot smartspeaker is a reliable and super functional speaker that's currently on sale for a irresistible price. Best Buy's 3-Day Sale has the Amazon Echo Dot at just $22.99, which saves you $27 from the usual price of $49.99.

At that price, it makes a great gift for a neighbor, co-worker, or a stocking stuffer for the teen who's incredibly hard to buy presents for.

More tech deals

• TP-Link Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Light Dimmer Switch (4-pack) — $39.99 $89.99 (save $50)

• Amazon Echo Spot — $44.99 $79.99 (save $35)

• Amazon Echo Show 5 — $44.99 $89.99 (save $45)

• Apple AirTag (4-pack) — $79.99 $99 (save $19.01)

• Starlink Mini Kit AC Dual Band Wi-Fi System — $449.99 $599.99 (save $150)

Best earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Jabra Jabra Elite 10 earbuds $124.99 at Best Buy
$249.99 Save $125.00 Get Deal Why we like it

With a focus on comfort, the Jabra Elite 10 earbuds get an impressive 36 hours of battery life on a single charge. Jabra uses ComfortFit technology to give listeners the ability to use the earbuds all day thanks to unique oval EarGels that conform to your individual ear. The semi-open design is also meant to provide a more comfortable wearing experience.

When it comes to sound quality, the Jabra Elite 10 use 10mm speakers with active noise cancellation. They're also great for working out since they water and dust proof.

The Jabra Elite 10 typically cost $249.99 but Best Buy's weekend sale drops them to just $124.99 which works out to a 50% discount.

More wearable tech deals

• JBL Tune Flex Earbuds — $49.99 $99.99 (save $50)

• Soundcore by Anker Sleep A20 Noise Masking True Wireless Earbud — $119.99 $149.99 (save $30)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Aluminum Smartwatch (40mm) — $149.99 $299.99 (save $150)

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones — $299 $429 (save $130)

• Oura Ring Gen3 Horizon — $349 $449 (save $100)

ASUS has announced the ZenScreen Smart MS32UC. It's a 31-inch monitor that doubles as a smart TV, using the Google TV operating system.

Good news for Google Pixel users — they're bringing back a beloved old feature.

The new update will have manual controls for the main screen in the 9.7 version of the Pixel Camera app, making it easier to control white balance, brightness, and shadows — just like it used to, according to Tom's Guide.

In the current version of Pixel 9 Pro, you can still control the white balance, brightness, and shadows, but you have to go into the camera's settings menu to do so. Now, you can pin those settings so you don't have to toggle them as much.

SEE ALSO: Google Pixel 9 review: Officially too much AI

The update is still rolling out, so you might not have access to it just yet. Despite that, fans seem primed for the new change. Nearly all of the comments on Google Pixel sub-reddit are some version of "Thank God, old manual control is so much easier to use than new one," and "Win after win, it's been a good Pixel year this one."

As Android Police points out, that's not the only photo-related new feature in the update, either. The cameras on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Pixel Fold will now have a Dual Screen Portrait Mode on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Pixel Fold.

GET UP TO $160 OFF: As of Dec. 6th, get the Apple iPhone 13 (128GB, unlocked) for $389.99 and save $160 to connect with a qualifying carrier plan. Or, get the iPhone for $489.99, for $60, and connect your phone to any existing carrier,

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 13 (128GB, unlocked) $389.99 at Best Buy
$549.99 Save $160.00 when you connect with a qualifying carrier plan Get Deal

Though the model might have been out of the news cycle for the last couple of years, the iPhone 13 is still a powerful smartphone. And you can get a great deal on a new phone right now at Best Buy's 3-Day Sale.

As of Dec. 6th, get the Apple iPhone 13 (128GB, unlocked) for $389.99, down from $549.99, and save $160 when you connect with a qualifying carrier plan. Or, get the iPhone for $489.99, for $60 off, and connect your phone to any existing carrier.

SEE ALSO: The latest Apple AirPods 4 are at their lowest-ever price on Amazon

The 2021 iPhone model sports a 12MP wide and 12MP ultra-wide camera on its rear, while its front side has a TrueDepth camera (also 12 MP) that includes night vision. A 6.1-inch screen gives you room for swiping or gaming, and its signature Apple retina XDR display it looks great too.

The iPhone 13 uses an A15 bionic chip, which is a few generations behind the new iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, but this chip is still fast.

As of Dec. 6 you can get the Apple iPhone 13 for up to $160 off at the Best Buy 3-Day sale. With a ceramic shield for durability and an ingress protection (IP) rating of 68, this device is so hardy that you might be using it until the iPhone 19 releases.

SAVE $25: As of Dec. 6, you can get the JBL Vibe Beam true wireless earbuds for just $24.95 at Amazon. That's a 50% discount and $25 off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Vibe Beam true wireless earbuds $24.95 at Amazon
$49.95 Save $25.00 Get Deal

If you’re still looking for gifts or just want to treat yourself to a new pair of true wireless earbuds, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better deal than the JBL Vibe Beam earbuds, which are currently available on Amazon for $24.95.

For less than $25, you can’t really complain about the features and performance of these earbuds. While Mashable’s RJ Andersen did give these buds a four-out-of-five star rating in his full review, at this price, the sound quality makes sense, and the overall experience is actually quite impressive for what you're paying.

SEE ALSO: Are JBL's $50 Vibe Beam Earbuds too good to be true?

These earbuds have a great battery life (up to eight hours of listening time without the case and 24 additional hours with), and the fast-charge feature will give you two extra hours of playtime with just a ten-minute charge. The controls are fairly standard and easy to pair and unpair with your other devices.

They’re also surprisingly comfortable: “I have fairly small ears, which makes finding comfortable headphones a challenge, and I was impressed that the Vibe Beam earbuds didn’t slip out of my ears while I was working out,” Andersen writes. “They also didn’t leave my ears aching when I finally stepped off the treadmill.”

While these earbuds aren’t the absolute best true wireless options out there, they’re still a solid choice for anyone who’s on a budget and doesn’t need a symphony orchestra-level soundstage.

SAVE $27: As of Dec. 6, you can snag an Echo Dot (5th gen) for just $22.99, down from $49.99, at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target. That's 54% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Dot (5th gen) $22.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $27.00 Get Deal

Echo devices are pricey throughout the year, so if you’re looking to get one for a discounted price, now’s the time to go online and hit “add to cart.”

As of Dec. 6, you can snag an Amazon Echo Dot (5th gen) for just $22.99 at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target. That’s 54% off the list price, or a savings of $27.

SEE ALSO: Echo Dot vs. Echo Pop: Which Amazon device should you buy for Black Friday 2024?

The Amazon Echo Dot (5th gen) is the newest version of Amazon’s most popular smart speaker. According to Amazon, it’s the company’s “best-sounding Echo yet," with updated speakers and speech recognition technology that can hear you from across the room, even when music is playing.

You can set alarms and reminders, control your other smart home device (I use mine to turn my Christmas tree on and off), or learn about the news, weather, and more.

With the holidays right around the corner, this Echo Dot deal could be the perfect gift for anyone on your list. Plus, at only $22.99, it’s a steal.

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Dec. 6: OUR TOP PICK Apple AirPods 4 $138.99 (save $40.01) Get Deal BEST SUBSCRIPTION DEAL Audible Premium Plus $0.99 per month for three months (save $41.88) Get Deal BEST SPEAKER DEAL Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 $79.99 (save $20) Get Deal BEST TABLET DEAL Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ (64GB) $149 (save $70.99) Get Deal BEST SMARTHOME DEAL Amazon Echo Pop $17.99 (save $22) Get Deal

Skipped shopping on Cyber Weekend? No worries. There are plenty of deals hanging around at Amazon. Some are astonishingly even better than Black Friday. We've had our eyes peeled and rounded up a few of the best deals we think are worth adding to your cart on Friday, Dec. 6.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. Check out our picks from Dec. 4 and Dec. 5, as well. Many of those are still live, including a record-low price on the excellent Sony ULT Wear headphones and 30% off the Lego Icons Poinsettia building kit.

Our top pick: Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) $138.99 at Amazon
$179.00 Save $40.01 Get Deal

During Cyber Week, we only saw the AirPods 4 drop to $164.99. Considering they were only released in September, the minimal discount was understandable. However, Apple just threw us for a loop with a bigger price drop on Dec. 6. The fourth-generation earbuds with noise cancellation are now down to $138.99 at Amazon, a savings of 22% and the best price we've seen yet. Wondering if they're worth the upgrade? Our reviewer Kim Gedeon said, "I love them so much, they have replaced my AirPods Pro as my new daily driver earbuds."

Check out our review of the AirPods 4.

Audible 3-month subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Audible Audible 3-month subscription $0.99 per month for three months (save $41.88) Get Deal

Through Dec. 31, you can score three months of Audible Premium Plus for only 99 cents per month. That's a massive savings of $41.88 or 90%, as it usually costs $14.95 monthly. The deal is available to anyone who is not an existing Audible member. A Premium Plus membership gives you discounted or even free audiobooks from the Audible Plus catalog, including Audible Originals and podcasts. You'll also get one free title from the Audible Premium selection, as well as exclusive members sales and discounts on other purchases.

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 Opens in a new window Credit: Ultimate Ears Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 $79.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

The Wonderboom 4 from Ultimate Ears is a tiny powerhouse that comes out on top as our favorite sub-$100 Bluetooth speaker. It packs a well-rounded sound profile that is quite powerful for a speaker of its size and can last for up to 14 hours on a full charge. Not to mention, the rugged design can endure drops from up to five feet or be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes. We wish it offered a companion app for more customization, but it's still overall a solid pick — especially while it's 20% off. At $79.99, the fourth-generation speaker is steadily sitting at its lowest price on record.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ (64GB) $149.00 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $70.99 Get Deal

Top of the line iPads are great, but not everyone needs a tablet that competes with their computer. If you want a tablet that's reliable and can handle basic everyday tasks proficiently and is budget-friendly, you can't go wrong with the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+. It's nothing fancy, but it checks all the right boxes a low-cost tablet should. It features an 11-inch display, quad speakers powered by Dolby Atmos, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor, and expandable storage up to 1TB. Our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) called it the "best low-cost Android tablet you can buy" earlier this year. Usually the 64GB version with WiFi is $219.99, but as of Dec. 6, it's down to only $149. That's just one cent away from its all-time low.

Amazon Echo Pop Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Pop $17.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $22.00 Get Deal

The Echo Pop is the least expensive way to add Alexa to your home — especially when it's down to its best-ever price of $17.99. Basically an Echo Dot lite, the Pop is made "for people who like to keep music playing, and who also use Alexa as a home assistant." Plus, it adds a fun pop of color (get it?) to your home. While it's not particularly groundbreaking for the Echo lineup, as our reviewer noted, it is a budget-friendly speaker that sounds great in any room of your home.

Check out our full review of the Echo Pop.

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

GET $150 OFF: As of Dec. 6th, get an Insignia 55-inch 4K Smart Fire TV for just $199.99, down from $349.99. That's a 43% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Insignia Insignia 55-inch 4K Smart TV $199.99 at Best Buy
$349.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal

Want a big TV for a small price? Get some serious bang for your buck with this Insignia smart TV deal from Best Buy’s 3-Day Sale.

As of Dec. 6, get the Insignia 55-inch 4K Smart TV on sale for $199.99, down from $349.99, at Best Buy. That's $150 off, or a discount of 43%.

SEE ALSO: I write about TVs, and $130 off this Toshiba 43-inch 4K Smart Fire TV is a steal

Whether you're looking for a new TV for your next rewatch of The Sopranos, or you're after a new screen to keep up with a super secret Xbox Series X holiday gift that's on the way, this screen has you covered.

With 4K UHD resolution, this TV is loaded with pixels and will look good with older content and new. Console gamers will appreciate its 60Hz response rate, which is quick enough to handle modern online gaming.

With Fire TV built in, this budget beast comes with services like Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, and Sling TV loaded. However, what you watch is entirely up to you.