IT General

The DJI Mic Mini is down to a record-low price for Black Friday — save $90 on this creator favorite at Amazon

Mashable - Thu, 11/27/2025 - 10:52

SAVE $90: The DJI Mic Mini (2 TX, 1 RX, and Charging Case) is on sale for $79 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's $90 off and the lowest-ever price for this creator favorite.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mic Mini (2 TX, 1 RX, and Charging Case) $79 at Amazon
$169 Save $90   Get Deal

The Black Friday deals continue to roll in. Amazon's sale has delivered huge deals on Lego, TVs, AirPods, and everything in between. Most of the time, these deals are as good if not cheaper than what's being offering by other leading retailers. Amazon isn't unbeatable though, and for a long time, Best Buy was offering the best deal on the DJI Mic Mini.

We were all waiting patiently for Amazon to respond, and after a surprisingly long wait, they've done just that. The DJI Mic Mini (2 TX, 1 RX, and Charging Case) is on sale for $79 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's $90 off and the lowest-ever price for this bundle.

Mashable uses this cult-favorite microphone to make videos for social media. It has been tested (and loved) by multiple members of the Mashable reporting team. It's an absolute essential for anyone creating content on a regular basis. Simply clip it on magnetically and start recording. It's that straightforward.

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This lightweight mic offers high-quality audio with 48kHz sampling and up to 120 dB SPL. You can record from up to 400 meters away without losing clarity, and the adjustable noise cancellation adapts to your surroundings. You get up to 10 hours of use (48 hours with the additional charging case), so lengthy recording sessions won't be an issue with this mic and charging case.

Still looking for more deals? See the biggest discounts at Amazon’s epic Black Friday sale and save up to 70% on popular gifts, gadgets, and more goodies.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Black Friday: 9 things you should buy, and 3 to avoid

Mashable - Thu, 11/27/2025 - 10:30

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are beyond overwhelming. The biggest shopping holidays of the year feature so many products, categories, and retailers that it can be tough to keep track. Since Black Friday is no longer a single day, but an entire season, it's prime time for us to bestow a little advice on how to shop it successfully.

You don't want to get out over your skis and buy everything in sight, but if there's a good deal on something you need, you don't want to miss that either. It helps to know what to buy and what to avoid. Mashable has a hub for Black Friday coverage that can give you more in-depth analysis of every shopping category you can imagine, but here are a few quick tips on things to buy and things to avoid as you navigate Cyber Week.

Top 10 deals we've already seen for Black Friday 2025
  1. Apple AirPods 4 — $69 $129 (save $60)

  2. HBO Max (with ads) — $2.99/month for 12 months $10.99/month (save $8/month)

  3. Amazon Kindle$79.99 $109.99 (save $30)

  4. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select$9.99 $39.99 (save $30 with code STREAM4K)

  5. Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones$248 $399.99 (save $151.99 + get $30 Amazon credit)

  6. Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2$349 $799 (save $450)

  7. Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $749 $999 (save $150)

  8. PlayStation 5 Slim Disc Console (1TB) — $449 $489 (save $40)

  9. TCL 65-inch QM8K Mini LED QLED 4K TV$899.99 $2,499.99 (save $1,600)

  10. Samsung 55-inch The Frame QLED 4K Smart TV — $897.99 $1,197.99 (save $300)

Best things to buy on Black Friday

Mashable has lots of recommendations on everything from streaming services to Apple products to TVs, but Cyber Week is a great time to buy things you already planned on buying at some point. Don't spend big just because it is on sale — buy something you need and get it cheaper than the retail price. Here are the top categories to shop on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

SEE ALSO: What time Black Friday sales start for Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Best Buy 1. Apple products

Buying the fruit company's flagship tech during Black Friday is a major hack. If you're already planning on buying some of the most notoriously expensive tech on the market, why not buy it at a discount? You'll find the best selection of Apple deals at Amazon. In the days leading up to Black Friday, almost all of the latest AirPods, Apple Watches, iPads, and MacBooks were sitting at record-low prices there. Competitors like Best Buy, Walmart, and Target were matching some, but not all, of its offers.

2. TVs

Since the early days of Black Friday, when shoppers would line up at 3 a.m. and get in fist fights, TV deals have dominated Black Friday. It's the best time of year to buy a TV, hands down. So far in 2025, every single TV in Mashable's list of the best 65-inch TVs is already at a record-low sale price. Heads up: these deals do tend to sell out quickly, though.

3. Streaming services

Black Friday is the only time of year that we see widespread discounts on streaming services. This year, most of the heavy hitters have already thrown their hats in the ring — including HBO Max, Apple TV+, Disney+, Hulu, Peacock, and Paramount+. The best we've seen so far is HBO Max offering its ad-supported tier for $2.99 per month for an entire year.

4. Amazon devices

It's no secret that the biggest discounts of Prime Day are usually on Amazon's own devices, but somehow Amazon tends to one-up itself on certain gadgets on Black Friday. Whether you're working on building out your smart home or you're finally ready to pull the trigger on a new e-reader, expect record-low pricing on Echo devices, Kindles, Fire TVs, and more. Just stay away from Ring cameras (more on that below).

5. Kitchen gear

Kitchen appliances, cookware, and bakeware all tend to see widespread deals on Black Friday. From air fryers to Instant Pots to Mashable's favorite Ninja appliances, you'll likely find some all-time low prices this season. If you've been eyeing that Ninja Slushi, now's the time to grab it. It's $100 off at most of the major retailers, which drops it to a best-ever $269.99.

6. Headphones and speakers

Mashable's favorite brands of headphones and speakers drop to their lowest prices of the year during Black Friday season — and this year is no different. You can find all of Mashable's top picks for both headphones and speakers, from brands like Apple, Bose, Sony, and Beats, on sale for record-low prices before Black Friday proper even arrives. Of note: the AirPods 4 are only $69 (reg. $129), and the Sony WH-1000XM5s (our former top pick) are down to a new low of $248 and come with a $30 Amazon credit. In the speaker department, the JBL Charge 6 (our favorite Bluetooth speaker) is chilling at a new low of $129.95.

7. Smartwatches

In addition to sweet Apple Watch deals, you can bet that Cyber Week will bring steep discounts on Fitbits, Garmin smartwatches, and Samsung Galaxy watches. Already, we've seen early deals from Apple and Samsung, in particular.

8. Gaming deals

Upgrading your gaming console, laptop, monitor, or even buying new games feels like a drag — when you're doing it at full price, that is. Luckily, during Black Friday season, you can catch markdowns on both. So far this year, we've seen pretty epic early deals on gaming monitors, gaming laptops, and even the PlayStation 5 Slim. If there's a gaming-related purchase you need to make, Black Friday is the time to do it for less.

9. Toys

As the official holiday season kickoff, it only makes sense that all the hottest toys of the year — including Lego — drop down to all-time low prices for Black Friday. If there's a specific toy on your shopping list for the holidays, you'll likely be able to score it at its best price of the year. But as one of the hottest items to snag during Cyber Week, toys also tend to sell out quick.

Things to avoid on Black Friday

While Black Friday might have some great deals, there are some things to look out for. Here are a few quick tips on what to avoid on Black Friday.

1. Third-party sellers

In general, you can trust things sold and shipped by Amazon, Walmart, or Best Buy. However, all three of these retailers also allow third-party listings, which will often have outrageously low prices on high-demand items. While some of these sellers are genuine, others tend to be less reliable, and you run the risk of buying counterfeit products. If a deal from a third-party seller seems too good to be true, it probably is.

2. Ring doorbells and cameras

The steep discounts on Ring cameras and bundles might be tempting, but we don't recommend anything from Ring due to privacy concerns. Not only are they easily hackable, but Ring is also notorious for giving people's info away without their consent. There are plenty of home security deals from other brands on Black Friday, and if you need a little guidance on the good ones, check out our guide to the best home security cameras.

3. Anything you don't need

As we mentioned before, it's best to use Black Friday as a way to get something you need at a good discount. What's not as advisable is buying things just because. Something you don't need or won't use is still something you don't need or won't use, no matter how great the price is.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Black Friday drone deals: Score lowest-ever prices on DJI drones before a potential ban

Mashable - Thu, 11/27/2025 - 10:26
The best Black Friday drone deals at a glance: Best DJI drone deal DJI Mini 4K Drone Combo $309 (save $80) Get Deal Best Holy Stone drone deal Holy Stone HS720G Drone Bundle $191.99 (save $166) Get Deal

Drones have been all over the news lately, mainly due of DJI. While it's not official yet, it's possible that DJI drones will face a ban come December. Yes, December as in just a few weeks away. That means shopping Black Friday sales could be your last chance to snag a DJI drone, for a while at least.

Of course, this is 2025, and nothing is unexpected, so the buzz of a DJI ban could get swept off the table in an instant. But to be sure, consider this a great time to buy a new DJI drone, or any drone, for that matter.

Check back here as we continue to update this article throughout the Black Friday sale period. Keep in mind that if you're going with a DJI model, you might have to buy from a third-party seller. We've only included third-party sellers with positive reviews over the last year.

Best Black Friday DJI drone deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 4K Drone Combo $309 at Amazon
$389 Save $80   Get Deal Why we like it

Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, the DJI Mini 4K Drone is great for both beginners and expert drone fliers. Plus, it weighs less than 249 grams, which is the threshold for not needing a license in most locations to fly the drone. Other nice features of the DJI Mini 4K are the one-touch takeoff and landing function, in addition to the "return-to-home" command. Today's deal on the bundle gives you two batteries for up to 62 minutes of flight time. According to our favorite Amazon price tracker camelcamelcamel, this is the lowest Amazon has ever offered for this bundle.

More Black Friday DJI drone dealsBest Black Friday Holy Stone drone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Holy Stone Holy Stone HS720G Drone Bundle $191.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $8   Get Deal Why we like it

If you're not in the market for a DJI drone, Holy Stone is one of the biggest competitors. Thanks to this Black Friday Amazon sale and an on-page coupon, the Holy Stone HS720G Drone Bundle is on sale for just $191.99 instead of the list price of $357.99. The bundle includes two batteries, so you'll be good for a 52-minute flight with a 4K EIS camera. When you're done flying, fold it up and store it in the convenient carrying case.

More Black Friday drone deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

The best DJI deals worth shopping on Black Friday: Record-low deals on mics, drones, power stations

Mashable - Thu, 11/27/2025 - 10:21
The best Black Friday DJI deals at a glance: Best mic deal DJI Mic Mini $79 (save $90) Get Deal Best drone deal DJI Mini 4K Drone Combo $309 (save $80) Get Deal Best pocket camera deal DJI Osmo Pocket 3 $529 (save $270) Get Deal

When Black Friday rolls around each year, I always keep my eye out for significant discounts on premium tech. Black Friday may not officially begin until Nov. 28, but since the start of the month, we've been seeing a wide range of early-access deals on big brands like DJI. If you're looking for premium, DJI is a good place to start.

DJI features heavily in Black Friday sales, especially with the sale just a few days away. So far, I spotted discounts on the DJI Mic Mini, the DJI Osmo 360 camera, and the DJI Air 3 drone, just to name a few popular products. As Mashable has reported, a total ban on DJI drones in the United States could be implemented by the end of the year. With that uncertainty floating in the air, heavy discounts on DJI are needed now more than ever.

SEE ALSO: Everything we know about the looming DJI drone ban in the United States

I've tracked down seven DJI deals that have caught my eye for Black Friday. Check out my top picks below:

Editor's note: Currently, many DJI products are unavailable in the United States through official retailers, which is why we've included deals from third-party sellers at Amazon.

DJI Mic Mini

The DJI Mic Mini is a product that Mashable's tech editor, Timothy Beck Werth, considers to be among the best Black Friday tech deals available right now. This wireless mic, which is a huge hit with content creators, has a helpful magnetic attachment that can be clipped onto a shirt. Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard also tested out the mic, and determined, "If you need any degree of portability with your mic setup, the DJI Mic Mini offers a lot of versatility, and for a great value. That makes it a solid option for making vlogs and TikToks, and for anyone who feels less than confident with their tech skills — once I plugged the receiver into my phone, the mics connected easily and started working with the camera app automatically."

This particular offer comes as a bundle which includes two DJI Mic Mini TX, one RX, and a charging case with a few other accessories. The charging case offers up to 48 hours of battery life to keep you going for a couple of days without a recharge.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) $79 at Amazon
$169 Save $90   Get Deal DJI Osmo 360 Camera

If you're a content creator looking to add an action camera to your setup, this discount on the DJI Osmo 360 is well worth a look. Whether you're capturing footage during the day or night, it can support 8K/30fps videos for up to 100 minutes and offers plenty of space to hold everything (105GB of built-in storage, to be exact). Plus, it launched just earlier this summer, making this nearly $200 markdown especially impressive. (It's also out of stock on DJI's website.)

It even has a waterproof and cold-resistant design that's built to handle a variety of elements, so you don't have to worry about it getting damaged on shoot. This bundle comes with the Osmo 360 camera, an Osmo Action Extreme Battery Plus (1950 mAh), a protective pouch, a lens cleaning cloth, a USB-C to USB-C PD cable, and a rubber lens protector.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo 360 Camera Standard Combo $357.49 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $192.50   Get Deal DJI Mini 4K Drone Combo

Drone deals are something the Mashable team is keeping a close eye on over Black Friday, and DJI is no exception. One of the best we spotted so far is on the DJI Mini 4K Drone Combo.

Mashable's team had hoped to see the Mini 4K drone go on sale, and while it did briefly drop down to $239, it has since gone back up to $299. However, if you're able to invest a bit more, the combo set is $80 off for Prime members, and comes with a shoulder bag, two batteries, and a propeller holder, making it more convenient to take on the go (and giving you an additional 31 minutes of battery life over the non-combo version). You'll also get access to the same 4K video and three-axis gimbal stabilization you would on the cheaper drone.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 4K Drone Combo $309 at Amazon
$389 Save $80   Get Deal DJI Osmo Action 4

If you're looking for a cheaper action camera than the one listed above, the DJI Osmo Action 4 is also on sale right now at Amazon. It features a 155-degree FOV that supports up to 4K/60fps video recording and also features a durable build that's waterproof up to 18 meters and can handle cooler temperatures of -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit). No matter where you decide to take it, this little camera is ready for the adventure.

This Standard Combo will set you up with the DJI Osmo Action 4, a battery, a quick-release adapter mount, a horizontal-vertical protective frame, a curved adhesive base, an Osmo locking screw, a Type-C to Type-C PD cable, a lens hood, an anti-slip pad, and a DJI logo sticker.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo Action 4 Standard Combo $209 at Amazon
$299 Save $90   Get Deal DJI Power 2000 Portable Power Station

A good portable power station can go a long way, and this is one of our favorites. We consider the DJI Power 2000 to be the best portable power station for content creators, as it "proved its worth as a multi-tasker, charging up a phone and camera battery and cooking dinner in the air fryer at the same time." It is currently sporting a nice coupon on Amazon, so you can save during Black Friday.

It's normally listed for $1,299, but this Black Friday deal shaves its price nearly in half, bringing it down to $699 (which amounts to a 47% discount). If you're a content creator or someone looking to have backup power at home or on the go, this powerhouse is a worthy pickup with its 15 ports and expansion up to 22.5kWh.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Power 2000 Portable Power Station $699 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $600   Get Deal DJI Osmo Pocket 3

For content creators shopping around over Black Friday, this is another camera deal to check out before the main event. The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 vlogging camera features a one-inch CMOS sensor that can record up to 4K resolution videos at 120fps. It even features a touchscreen that can be rotated so you can choose to shoot horizontally or vertically.

There's a lot in this bundle to get you started. The camera comes with a protective cover, wrist strap, a handle with a 1/4-inch thread, and a Type-C to Type-C PD cable.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Vlogging Camera $529.99 at Amazon
$799 Save $269.01   Get Deal DJI RS 4 Mini Gimbal Stabilizer

If you're filming frequently, it's important to keep the camera you're using steady as you capture. The DJI RS 4 Mini Gimbal Stabilizer can help with that, and it's currently discounted at Amazon for Black Friday. This stabilizer can support mirrorless cameras, vlog cameras, and phones up to 2kg/4.4lbs. It also comes with everything you need to get started, including the DJI RS 4 Mini gimbal, a tripod, a quick-release plate, an L-shaped multi-camera control cable, a USB-C charging cable, and a screw kit.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI RS 4 Mini Gimbal Stabilizer $305 at Amazon
$369 Save $64   Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

The 20+ best Black Friday Lego deals: Record-low prices on Star Wars, Botanicals, Minecraft, and more

Mashable - Thu, 11/27/2025 - 10:16
A quick look at the best Black Friday Lego deals: Best Amazon Lego deal Lego Star Wars: Millenium Falcon 'A New Hope' 25th Anniversary 75347 $67.97 (save $17.02) Get Deal Best Target Lego deal Lego Botanicals Evergreen Collector’s Set 66809 $41.99 (save $18) Get Deal Best Walmart Lego deal Lego Minecraft The Crafting Table 21265 $40 (save $49.99) Get Deal Best Lego Direct deal Lego Trotting Lantern 80116 $77.99 (save $52) Get Deal Best Best Buy Lego deal Lego Wicked Elphaba and Glinda Figures Fantasy Playset 75682 $46.74 (save $8.25) Get Deal

Black Friday wouldn't be Black Friday without deals on toys, and Legos on sale are an absolutely crucial building block of Black Friday toy deals. 2025 has already seen such a strong wave of Black Friday Lego deals, and you might break a sweat trying to keep tabs on which retailers have which set — unless you're reading Mashable's daily curated list of the best Lego deals from across the internet.

Lego sets we've seen on sale so far include coveted Lego Star Wars (including sets retiring soon), Minecraft, Wicked, and more, almost all at record-low pricing. If the fleeting early Lego deals that dropped last week are any indication, popular Lego deals don't stick around for long. If one catches your eye, grab it while it's still available.

SEE ALSO: What is camelcamelcamel? Just our secret weapon for finding the lowest prices on Amazon.

We've gathered the very best Black Friday Lego deals spotted at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, Walmart, and the Lego website live as of Nov. 25.We'll keep this page updated with everything that drops (or sells out) throughout Cyber Monday.

Best Amazon Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars: Millenium Falcon 'A New Hope' 25th Anniversary 75347 $67.97 at Amazon
$84.99 Save $17.02   Get Deal Why we like it

The adorable Grogu with Hover Pram set is expectedly sold out after an incredible 50% discount. But that was hardly Amazon's only good Lego Star Wars deal. It's not nearly as massive as the $849.99 Millenium Falcon you can buy, but this sick Millennium Falcon midi scale set is still unquestionably display worthy. It's a special edition that celebrates the 25th anniversary of "A New Hope," exhibited by a special plaque that sits on the display stand.

More Amazon Lego deals Lego Star Wars: 'The Phantom Menace' Mos Espa Podrace Diorama 75380 $50.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $29.00   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Best Buy Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Jurassic World Dinosaur Fossils: T Rex Skull 76964 $24.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $15.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Minecraft The Crafting Table Set 21265 $71.99 at Amazon
$89.99 Save $18   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Classic Large Creative Brick Box 10698 $39.49 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $20.50   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas Tuxedo Cat Building Sets for Adults 21349 $80 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $19.99   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle and Grounds 76419 $135.99 at Amazon
$169.99 Save $34   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Disney and Pixar ‘Up’ House 43217 $37.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $22   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Dried Flower Centerpiece 10314 $34.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $15   Get Deal Best Lego direct deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Trotting Lantern 80116 $77.99 at Lego
$129.99 Save $52.00   Get Deal Why we like it

Super detailed Lego sets are some of the most fun. The fan favorite Trotting Lantern set looks like true decor when it's built and lit up with the Lego light brick, and can be customized with two alternative silhouette windows. Open it up to see three separate rooms inside, including a shadow theater and traditional new year food stalls.

Lego's official Black Friday sale starts on Black Friday itself (Nov. 28). We're anticipating deals on some mega popular sets (like Star Wars ships that rarely see discounts). Plus, spending at least $65 will unlock a free Lego set that can't be purchased separately: Spend $65 to get the Lego Card Game Set, spend $170 to get the Lego Hot Chocolate Stand, or spend $250 to get the Lego Mini Knight's Castle. Make sure you're a Lego Insiders member (it's free!) to get access to any exclusive promos and redeemable loyalty points.

Note: We previously named the Lego Star Wars: Desert Skiff and Sarlacc Pit set our favorite Lego website deal. It sold out there, but Macy's still has it in stock at the same $63.99 sale price.

More Lego direct deals Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Duplo Ariel's Magical Underwater Palace $47.99 at Lego
$79.99 Save $32.00 Retiring soon! Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Wednesday & Enid's Dorm Room $53.99 at Lego
$89.99 Save $36.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Dreamzzz Cooper's Tiger Mech & Zero's Hot Rod Car $59.99 at Lego
$99.99 Save $40.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Dreamzzz Castle Nocturnia $139.99 at Lego
$199.99 Save $60   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego City F1 Garage & Mercedes-AMG & Alpine Cars $63.99 at Lego
$79.99 Save $16.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Travel Moments $89.99 at Lego
$149.99 Save $60.00   Get Deal Best Target Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Evergreen Collector's Set 66809 $41.99 at Target
$59.99 Save $18   Get Deal Why we like it

This cute Target-exclusive Lego Botanicals duo is $6 cheaper than when we first saw it on sale on Nov. 18. Now, you'll get both the Lego Mini Orchid and the Lego Lucky Bamboo sets together for $41.99 (a 30% discount). They'd make a relaxing office or windowsill decoration for any plant lover.

Target's official Black Friday sale started on Nov. 23, and with it came several new Lego deals we hadn't seen the week prior. A few of our favorite early Black Friday Lego deals at Target sold out quickly, so if you see a must-have on sale, grab it now.

More Target Lego deals Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back AT-AT Driver Helmet Building Set for Adults 75429 $67.99 at Target
$84.99 Save $17   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Sonic the Hedgehog Shadow the Hedgehog Gaming Gift and Sonic Playset 77000 $63.99 at Target
$79.99 Save $16.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars: The Clone Wars V-19 Torrent Starfighter 75432 $51.99 at Target
$64.99 Save $13.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas The Evolution of STEM 21355 $45.99 at Target
$79.99 Save $34.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Harry Potter Chomping Monster Book of Monsters 76449 $47.99 at Target
$59.99 Save $12   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas Willy Wonky and the Chocolate Factory 21360 $153.99 at Target
$219.99 Save $66   Get Deal Best Walmart Lego deals Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Minecraft The Crafting Table 21265 $40 at Walmart
$89.99 Save $49.99   Get Deal Why we like it

A best seller on the Lego website (but still full price on said Lego website), Walmart has the 15th anniversary Lego Minecraft Crafting Table for $40 — more than 50% off its usual $89.99. You don't need to punch any trees to get logs to build this crafting table. Minecrafters can hone a different type of building skill with this 1,195 piece set, which features five mini builds of 12 iconic Minecraft biomes inside the table itself.

Walmart dropped so many more great Lego deals for the kickoff of its Black Friday sale on Nov. 25. We've already watched on-sale Legos disappear at Walmart this month, so don't hesitate if you find a good price on a set you like.

More Walmart Lego deals Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Super Mario: Mario Kart Interactive Mario & Standard Kart 72043 $43.99 at Walmart
$54.99 Save $11   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Friends Explore Outdoors 66806 $25 at Walmart
$44.98 Save $19.98   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Artificial Wildflower Bouquet 10313 $47.95 at Walmart
$59.99 Save $12.04   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Santa's Sleigh 40499 $25 at Walmart
$42.95 Save $17.95   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Star Wars Executor Super Star Destroyer 75356 $40
$69.99 Save $29.99   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Wicked Glinda & Elphaba's Dormitory 75683 $48.97
$69.99 Save $21.02   Get Deal Best Best Buy Lego deals Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Wicked Elphaba and Glinda Figures Fantasy Playset 75682 $8.25
$46.74 Save $38.49   Get Deal Why we like it

Are you shopping for someone whose favorite song has been Defying Gravity for the past year? Fans of any age will be psyched to display these adorable sparkly-eyed Glinda and Elphaba figurines on a shelf. Behind them, there's a window overlooking Oz.

Best Buy's Black Friday sale doesn't have as many good Lego deals as other retailers, but Best Buy will be dropping more deals daily.

More Best Buy Lego deals Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Fortnite Peely Bone Collectible Kit for Adults 77072 $69.99 at Best Buy
$99.99 Save $30   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Wicked Elphaba and Glinda 75682 $46.74 at Best Buy
$54.99 Save $8.25   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego DREAMZzz Castle Nocturnia Building Toy 71486 $169.99 at Best Buy
$199.99 Save $30   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons McLaren MP4/4 & Ayrton Senna Model Race Car for Adults 10330 $67.99 at Best Buy
$79.99 Save $12   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Animal Crossing Nook’s Cranny & Rosie´s House Video Game Toy 77050 $54.99 at Best Buy
$74.99 Save $20.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego DC Batman: Batman Construction Figure & the Bat-Pod Bike Action Toy 76273 $55.24 at Best Buy
$64.99 Save $9.75   Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

160+ Best Buy Black Friday deals that beat the rest: Record-low AirPods, Sony headphones, and Samsung TVs

Mashable - Thu, 11/27/2025 - 10:02
Best Buy's best Black Friday deals at a glance: Best Apple deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $749 (save $250) Get Deal Best Windows laptop deal Asus Zenbook A14 (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD $549.99 (save $450) Get Deal Best TV deal TCL 65-inch QM5K Series 4K QD-Mini LED TV $449.99 (save $450) Get Deal Best headphones deal Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones $159.99 (save $190) Get Deal Best portable speaker deal JBL Charge 6 $129.95 (save $70) Get Deal Best fitness tracker deal Fitbit Inspire 3 $69.95 (save $30) Get Deal Best gaming deal "Kingdom Come Deliverance II" (PS5) $39.99 (save $20) Get Deal Best vacuum deal Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum $148 (save $151.99) Get Deal Best kitchen deal De'Longhi Classic Espresso Machine $149.95 (save $80) Get Deal Best beauty tech deal Shark FlexStyle (Straight & Wavy Hair, Indigo Rush) $189.99 (save $90) Get Deal

Best Buy started offering Black Friday deals earlier than everyone else (on Halloween — scary!), but at this point in the season, it's hardly the only store in Black Friday mode. Most major retailers' holiday discounts are already live well ahead of Black Friday proper on Nov. 28, making the competition pretty ferocious.

After spending way too long combing through Best Buy's virtual shelves and cross-checking its prices, I can tell you that lots of its Black Friday deals are being one-upped elsewhere. Many big-screen 4K TVs, Beats headphones, Sony portable speakers, robot vacuums, and other gadgets carrying its "Black Friday deal" badge are anywhere from two cents to $84 cheaper at other retailers with overlapping inventories. Amazon is the biggest culprit, as per usual.

SEE ALSO: Black Friday 2025: Live updates on the latest deals from Amazon, Target, Walmart, and more

That said, you'd be silly to ignore Best Buy completely this Black Friday. It's matching its rivals' prices on a ton of other in-demand products, including Apple MacBook Airs, JBL and Sony headphones, Garmin smartwatches, and De'Longhi espresso machines. It also carries a bunch of TVs and laptops that you won't find anywhere else, on sale or not, like TCL's cheapest mini-LED TVs and my favorite Windows ultraportable. (Amazon, Walmart, and Target can't beat its prices on stuff they don't stock to begin with.)

If nothing else, keep a lookout for Best Buy's holiday doorbusters, which typically involve its steepest discounts on popular tech — I'm talking 50% off or more. New ones go live every Friday through Christmas and only hang around until the following Sunday. Through Nov. 28, paid My Best Buy members get a $5 bonus reward for every $50 they spend on doorbusters.

Read on for my list of the very best Black Friday deals at Best Buy. Rest assured that I've only included products that aren't cheaper anywhere else.

Best Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $749 at Best Buy
$999 Save $250   Get Deal Why we like it

Best Buy is selling an even cheaper 13-inch MacBook Air — a $649 M2 model — but the M4 version is a way better buy for only $100 more. It's 48 percent faster, supports two external displays with its lid open, and has a much nicer 12MP Center Stage webcam. I strongly recommend it for students, but also just anyone who wants a fast, portable Apple laptop. This is its lowest price ever, FYI.

More MacBook dealsAirPods dealsApple Watch dealsBest Windows laptop deal 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 Why we like it

The Zenbook A14 is an amazing ultraportable and the best MacBook Air alternative for Windows users, in my opinion. It's speedy enough for everyday tasks, offers nearly 22 hours of battery life per charge, and comes with a gorgeous OLED display — something you won't find on any MacBook (for now). It also has a lighter design and double the starting storage of a current-gen MacBook Air. Now $549.99 (or 45% off), it's never been cheaper.

More Windows laptop deals2-in-1 laptop dealsGaming laptop dealsBest TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 65-inch QM5K Series 4K QD-Mini LED TV $449.99 at Best Buy
$899.99 Save $450   Get Deal Why we like it

QLED TVs with mini-LED backlighting are brighter and more detailed than regular QLED TVs (which are already a step up from your standard LED display). Mashable's Leah Stodart, our resident TV expert, recommends them for people who watch a lot of sports at night. Best Buy is the only place where you can buy TCL's entry-level QM5K Series 4K mini-LED TVs, and all models are at least half off right now. The 65-incher, our ideal size for most people, is only $449.99 (normally $899.99).

43-inch TV deals50 and 55-inch TV deals65-inch TV deals70- and 75-inch TV dealsDeals on 77-inch TVs and biggerBest headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones $159.99 at Best Buy
$349.99 Save $190   Get Deal Why we like it

It's been several years since the WH-1000XM4s were Sony's flagship headphones, but we still think they're worth purchasing in 2025 — especially now that they're less than half the price of the newer XM5s and XM6s. Best Buy is selling them for just $159.99 (or 54% off) as one of its doorbusters for the weekend of Nov. 21 to 23, matching Amazon's pricing on a used pair. Paid My Best Buy members get $15 in bonus rewards for purchasing them.

More headphones dealsEarbuds dealsBest portable speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Charge 6 $129.95 at Best Buy
$199.95 Save $70   Get Deal Why we like it

The new JBL Charge 6 is our favorite Bluetooth speaker for most people: It's "big enough to produce sound that will fill an outdoor party, yet still small enough to live on your bookshelf," our experts said. It can also charge smartphones, headphones, and other devices via USB-C — very handy. Best Buy, Amazon, and the JBL website all had it on sale for $129.95 at the time of writing (or $70 off). That appears to be an all-time low.

More portable speaker dealsBest fitness tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Inspire 3 $69.95 at Best Buy
$99.95 Save $30   Get Deal Why we like it

Can't splurge on a shiny new Apple Watch SE 3 or Oura Ring 4? While both wearables are on sale this Black Friday, neither is as cheap as the Fitbit Inspire 3 (now just $69.95, or 30% off). It's our No. 1 fitness tracker for shoppers on a budget. According to our experts, "It has a comprehensive suite of health and fitness tracking features, a slim, low-profile design, and a straightforward user interface."

More smartwatch and fitness tracker dealsBest gaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Deep Silver "Kingdom Come Deliverance II" (PS5) $39.99 at Best Buy
$59.99 Save $20   Get Deal Why we like it

Kingdom Come Deliverance II is a medieval open-world action that recently secured itself a Game of the Year nomination. Best Buy has the physical PS5 version on sale for just $39.99 (or 33% off), beating its price in the PlayStation Store by two bucks. Apologies to Xbox players, as that version is still full price everywhere.

Video game dealsHandheld gaming console dealsVR headset dealsBest vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum $148 at Best Buy
$299.99 Save $151.99   Get Deal Why we like it

This cordless number from Shark is our favorite budget stick vacuum for pet hair — it's a much better buy than Dyson's V8 or V9 models, said Stodart. (In addition to covering TVs, she's also our in-house vacuum guru.) Best Buy is matching Amazon's Black Friday discount on it, which brings it down to an all-time low price of $148. That's a 51% savings.

More robot vacuum dealsStick vacuum dealsBest kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: De'Longhi De'Longhi Classic Espresso Machine $149.95 at Best Buy
$229.95 Save $80   Get Deal Why we like it

De'Longhi's entry-level espresso machine has 15 bars of pressure and a built-in frother with two steam settings (one for heating milk and another for making latte art). In the cheapest Black Friday espresso machine deal I've encountered so far, it's on sale for just $150 at Best Buy, as well as on AmazonCrate & BarrelWilliams-Sonoma, Macy's, and DeLonghi's website. It last hit that price in July.

More coffee maker and espresso machine dealsToaster oven and air fryer dealsKitchenAid stand mixer dealsBest beauty tech deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark FlexStyle (Straight & Wavy Hair, Indigo Rush) $189.99 at Best Buy
$279.99 Save $90   Get Deal Why we like it

Shopping for a multi-styler? After testing them both, Mashable's Bethany Allard recommends the Shark FlexStyle over the Dyson Airwrap. It "offers nearly everything the Airwrap does, and then some extras that the Airwrap doesn't, for half the price," she writes. This navy blue FlexStyle bundle is almost a third of the price of an on-sale Airwrap as part of Best Buy's Black Friday sale. It comes with four attachments meant for straight and wavy hair.

More hair tool dealsSkincare tool dealsBest Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Animal Crossing Nook’s Cranny & Rosie's House $54.99 at Best Buy
$74.99 Save $20.00   Get Deal Why we like it

This extremely adorable 535-piece set is the most elaborate build in Lego's original Animal Crossing collection, which launched in late 2023 in partnership with Nintendo. (Per the Lego website, it's set to retire soon.) Best Buy and Amazon both have it on sale for 27% off this Black Friday, which is its second-biggest discount to date. It sold out at Target after going on sale for the same price there.

More Lego deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Black Friday 2025 is here: How to find the best deals

Mashable - Thu, 11/27/2025 - 09:42

Black Friday has quickly morphed from a predominantly in-store experience to an online shopping craze that lasts an entire month. Even before pandemic circumstances deterred shoppers from heading to stores, things were starting to shift.

The day after Thanksgiving once marked the start of the holiday shopping season, but now, it's just the peak of a month-long deals bonanza. Best Buy kicked things off this year on Halloween — the earliest of any of the mega retailers. Target and Walmart weren't too far behind, throwing their initial early Black Friday sales on Nov. 6 and Nov. 14, respectively.

Amazon was surprisingly the last to throw its hat in the ring, with its official Black Friday sale running from Nov. 20 through Cyber Monday on Dec. 1. Needless to say, Needless to say, it's been a month full of epic deals already.

SEE ALSO: Black Friday 2025: Live updates on the latest deals from Amazon, Target, Walmart, and more

With an overall hunger for savings amidst inflation-concerned customers, the questions arise in 2025 more than ever: What are the best Black Friday shopping tips? Should you wait until the big day to snag a deal? Will things be cheaper on Black Friday or Cyber Monday? How can you find the best deals?

Cyber Week is always chaotic, but getting organized and knowing what you're looking for will have you shopping like a well-oiled machine. We've got you covered with shopping tips for securing the best deals on Black Friday 2025 and beyond.

1. Plan your shopping wisely

We'll spare you the sports references, but going into Black Friday without a game plan is risky as hell — and a great way to end up with buyer's remorse.

If you're unsure of what exactly you're looking for this season, you might want to take a glimpse at all of the major retailers' ad scans to get an idea of what's popular, what's getting discounted, and when the best time is to buy certain items. Make note that there are a ton of ad scans to sort through. To make your life a little easier, you can also just follow our mega list of deals from all major retailers instead and follow along with our live blog for the latest updates. TL;DR: We already did the sorting for you.

While planning your attack, be sure to set a budget to prevent overspending. It's easy to get click-happy when you see all of the sparkly discounts in front of you.

2. Organize your Black Friday wishlist

It's no surprise that Amazon's Black Friday sale is the most highly anticipated of the year. If you plan on shopping at Amazon this season, do yourself a favor and get your wishlist in order. Every product page on the retail giant's website has an "add to list" button. Do this with all of the gadgets and gizmos on your shopping list this season to organize everything, view it all at a glance, and even rank items based on priority. You'll be able to see which products have gone on sale and seamlessly scoop them up before they're gone.

SEE ALSO: Creating an Amazon wishlist is our go-to Black Friday shopping hack 3. Download apps from Walmart, Target, Amazon, Best Buy, and more

Shopping from your phone? It'd be smart to download mobile apps from your favorite stores — Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Amazon are big ones that will come in clutch for Black Friday. They'll obviously be plastering their biggest deals across the screen, making things organized and easy to navigate even on a bumpy commute or at a loud relative's house.

Not only will the apps help you out on the go, but they'll also give you access to exclusive app-only perks like wishlist alerts, personalized suggestions, scan-and-go features, and more. The Amazon app will even show you deals on recent items you've searched. It's like it knows you too well.

4. Take advantage of Alexa's exclusive features

Got a newer Echo smart speaker? Surprise — you can take advantage of exclusive features. Open up your Alexa mobile app and turn on the advanced deal alerts feature (you'll find it under More > Settings > Notifications > Amazon Shopping), then check the Deal Recommendations and Shopping Recommendations. If you already have a wishlist organized and ready to go, you'll get a pop-up alert or a yellow ring light on your Echo speaker whenever Alexa finds out about an upcoming deal on one of the items on your list. Alexa will even let you know if an item on your wishlist is going on sale up to 24 hours before the sale goes live, so you can plan accordingly.

5. Visit CamelCamelCamel like it's your job

So technically, it actually is our job to find the best deals, but we'll let you in on a little secret. When shopping for deals at Amazon, we always reference CamelCamelCamel to see the historical data on the sale prices for a particular item. At a glance, it allows you to see just how good that deal is (or isn't). Even if you're shopping elsewhere, you can get an idea of a product's price history before purchasing.

6. Utilize Buy Now, Pay Later when possible

If you can't afford to pay for your Black Friday haul in one lump sum, don't be afraid to take advantage of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options. When used responsibly, BNPL apps (like Affirm) can help you nab the deals you want while still making your monthly rent. Just note that BNPL services use a "soft inquiry" to determine your credit. While this shouldn't affect your credit score, there's no promise that your payment history won't be reported to credit bureaus.

7. Bookmark Mashable's Black Friday page

Not all heroes wear capes. (It's us. We're the heroes.) Mashable's Black Friday page is the hub for pretty much every Black Friday sale that matters, with links to all of our coverage, like that massive master list of the best Black Friday 2025 deals, plus spotlight deals broken down by retailer (Walmart, Amazon, Best Buy, Target, etc.), as well as by categories like TVs, robot vacuums, streaming services, or laptops. This will save you from wasting time trying to skim websites on your own and getting overwhelmed.

We'll be updating these lists regularly before, during, and after the Black Friday and Cyber Monday shenanigans, so check back for all the latest and greatest deals that drop. Stores also love to throw in sneaky coupon codes or freebies. These can be easy to miss when you're in a hurry to order, so we'll let you know when we spot one.

8. Sign up for the Mashable Deals newsletter

Not about to be glued to the internet during family time? Cute — we will be, though. If you want to stay in the loop via email, we've got you covered. In the days surrounding the big sale, our regular newsletters will be filled with Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals that you may want to hop on.

The Mashable Deals newsletter is also just a clutch thing to get in general. True, we're probably biased, but we really think this is one email you won't be annoyed with when it pops up in your inbox. You'll be sent a quick rundown of deals we think you'll care about, like the best Amazon deals of the day or really solid discounts on popular streaming services.

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!
Categories: IT General, Technology

2025 Black Friday ads: Best deals from Walmart, Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Home Depot, and more

Mashable - Thu, 11/27/2025 - 09:39

Black Friday is fast approaching, but the reality is that it's already here in a big way. You can find discounts on hot products like MacBooks, AirPods, Lego, Pokémon, and so much more. It's the single best time of the year to secure a deal, with heavy discounts on offer from all the leading retailers.

The biggest retailers are always looking to get ahead of the competition by launching early-access deals, with savings-packed Black Friday ads that include a snapshot of what shoppers can expect. We recommend that savvy shoppers take some time to check out everything that's showcased in these ads, but if that sounds like far too much work, we can help you out.

SEE ALSO: Everything to know about Black Friday 2025: Best early deals, sale dates, price matching, and more

We've checked out all the best deals from the Black Friday ads of leading retailers. We're talking about the likes of Best Buy, Walmart, Home Depot, and Target. Amazon doesn't release a traditional Black Friday ad, but we've still gone ahead and pulled the best deals that you can already shop. Aren't we helpful.

These are the best Black Friday deals from Black Friday ads that you can already buy online.

Best Black Friday deals from AmazonBest Black Friday Apple deals

AirTags

Apple Watch

iPads

iMacs

Mac Minis

Macbooks

Headphones

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Categories: IT General, Technology

Pokémon TCGs Prismatic Evolutions Premium Figure Collection is near-market value in the Amazon Black Friday sale

Mashable - Thu, 11/27/2025 - 09:35

TL;DR: Pokémon TCG's Prismatic Evolutions Premium Figure Collection is down to $124.99 at Amazon, which is near-market value compared to TCGplayer's price of $118.90 including shipping.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Prismatic Evolutions Premium Figure Collection $124.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $25.00   Get Deal

Mega Evolution and Phantasmal Flames are kicking of the new era of Pokémon TCG with a massive bang, and Scarlet and Violet era print runs are still going strong. Prismatic Evolutions was ridiculously hard to grab at launch, but it looks like that's finally changing thanks to the Pokémon Company increasing production earlier this year.

Prismatic Evolutions is pretty much laser focused on Eeveelutions, but there's some stunning Secret Illustration Rares of non-Eeveelution Pokémon in this set. Roaring Moon ex, Ceruledge ex, and Dragapult ex all have ridiculously stunning artwork, for example.

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!

The good news is Amazon is near-market value on Prismatic Evolutions Premium Figure Collection. The $124.99 price is pretty much at market value when compared to TCGPlayer's lowest price at $118.90, especially when you take shipping into account.

TCGplayer Cyber Weekend 10% cashback event Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Prismatic Evolutions is some to the most expensive Pokémon TCG product in the modern era, and the other chase cards are up there in value. TCGplayer is running a 10% cashback event, which boosts up to 16% providing you've been a TCGplayer subscriber for long enough. This event comes at a time when Pokémon TCG in general is finding a new floor when it comes to sealed product and card value, so this is 100% the best time to buy up the chase cards you need and build up your collection:

  1. Umbreon ex - 161/131
    Near Mint Holofoil: $1,000
    Market price: $1,111.08
    Most recent sale: $1,099.99

  2. Sylveon ex - 156/131
    Near Mint Holofoil: $300
    Market price: $332.45
    Most recent sale: $340.94

  3. Leafeon ex - 144/131
    Near Mint Holofoil: $240
    Market price: $270.48
    Most recent sale: $250

  4. Glaceon ex - 150/131
    Near Mint Holofoil: $189
    Market price: $207.36
    Most recent sale: $190

  5. Vaporeon ex - 149/131
    Near Mint Holofoil: $181
    Market price: $194.77
    Most recent sale: $187.29

Categories: IT General, Technology

Everything we know about the looming DJI drone ban in the United States

Mashable - Thu, 11/27/2025 - 09:30

DJI, one of the world's largest drone manufacturers, is on the verge of a full-scale ban in the United States, with a Dec. 23, 2025, deadline looming. With less than a month to go, the ban marks the culmination of years of escalating restrictions on drones from the U.S. government, which has been eyeing DJI warily since as far back as 2017.

Those efforts have intensified over the past year, and now a DJI drone ban looks inevitable, barring a last-minute surprise.

SEE ALSO: The best Black Friday DJI drone deal is now live for everyone — score the best-ever price on the DJI Mini 4K

"This is about forcing the biggest manufacturer of drones out of the market so that American drone manufacturers don’t have to compete with them," said Adam Welsh, DJI’s Head of Global Policy, in a recent interview with Mashable.

The Department of Defense (sometimes unofficially called the Department of War) recently classified DJI as a "Chinese military company," which DJI denies. We've also seen multiple reports of Customs and Border Protection blocking DJI shipments from entering the country, even for non-drone products. These actions, however, are separate from the upcoming ban itself, which stems from a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) — the U.S. defense budget — requiring security audits for Chinese-made drones. If those audits aren’t completed within a year of the bill’s passage, companies like DJI will be barred from importing new products into the U.S.

However, there are no companies like DJI, which holds a unique place in both the consumer and commercial drone markets here in the United States. Earlier this year, a report from the New York Times detailed how a DJI drone ban would cause big disruptions to farmers and first responders who rely on DJI products. The impact of a DJI ban cannot be overstated. Back in 2020, a Drone Industry Insights report found that DJI commanded a staggering 77 percent of the U.S. consumer drone market. BCC Research later put DJI’s global share at roughly 70 percent — an almost unheard-of level of dominance in any tech sector.

"We are 70+ percent of the commercial sector, probably more like 90 percent of the ag sector, about 90 percent of the law enforcement, firefighter sector," Welsh estimated. "We did an impact study, and about 450-460,000 jobs are supported through the use of our products in the United States. Those jobs are all under threat if this ban goes into effect."

Even still, lawmakers have argued that relying so heavily on a foreign vendor in any critical industry poses too great a security risk.

So what does this mean for DJI customers? And should you still buy a DJI drone before the ban takes effect? Whether you’re a hobbyist, a farmer, or a first responder, here’s a breakdown of the major questions you may have about the DJI drone ban.

Why is DJI being banned?

As stated above, the ban stems from the fine print in the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2025, which passed in December 2024. In that bill, Congress stipulates that DJI (and Autel Robotics) must pass a formal security audit within a year of the bill’s passage, or else the FCC must automatically add all DJI drone equipment and services to the Covered List. This would effectively ground new DJI products in the U.S. by denying them access to FCC-regulated bandwidth.

Under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019, the agencies eligible to carry out that audit include the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National Security Agency (NSA), and the Department of Defense (DOD). However, according to DJI, responsibility for conducting the audit has bounced between those agencies, with none willing to take ownership.

Mashable contacted each agency by email and only received a response from DHS:

The Department of Homeland Security is continuing to assess the risk of communication services and equipment manufactured by DJI and Autel in order to inform a determination on the risk to the national security of the United States or the security and safety of United States persons. Upon completion of the determination, DHS will work with other Executive Branch agencies and the Administration to comply with the mandates of Section 1709 by the identified deadlines, as applicable.

Back in June, Welsh formally wrote to DHS requesting the audit, saying, "I write to request that any or all of your agencies begin this required evaluation of DJI’s products right away."

DJI has repeatedly stated in blog posts and in responses to Mashable that it is more than willing to participate in the evaluation. But so far, no agency has initiated it.

Given DJI’s confidence in passing an audit, it’s important to clarify that none of the agencies are actually required to conduct one to keep the company off the Covered List. If an agency did choose to perform the audit, whether DJI passed or failed, it would then be required to submit an unclassified report to several congressional committees explaining its decision.

Without an audit, DJI can’t clear its name, and the clock continues to tick toward a ban that the company can’t stop on its own.

When is the DJI drone ban?

With DJI unable to get any of the national security agencies to initiate an audit, the drone manufacturer is set to automatically be placed on the FCC's Covered List on Dec. 23, 2025.

This means any new DJI drones entering the U.S. will be classified as untrusted communications equipment — denying them FCC-regulated bandwidth, which you most definitely need to operate a drone.

Can I still buy a DJI drone? Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

The sort-of good news is that, for now, you can still buy a DJI drone, and a DJI representative told Mashable they will still be operable in the future, pending further action from the government. After Dec. 23, the company won't be able to launch new products in the U.S. Even worse, the FCC can now retroactively apply its Covered List designation to previously released DJI products as well. According to Welsh, who spoke to Mashable, the retroactive designation would not affect drones you've already purchased, but only DJI's ability to sell and market them.

SEE ALSO: I found 7 DJI deals worth shopping for Black Friday Why are DJI products hard to find in stock?

Buying DJI products right now can already be a hassle. At DJI's online U.S. store, virtually its entire product lineup has been listed as out of stock for months, and customers can only buy most DJI products from third-party sellers at retailers like Amazon. DJI has also delayed some products indefinitely for the U.S. market, despite launching them globally.

There have been reports since late 2024 of CBP slowing or blocking DJI shipments over allegations that the company used forced labor. DJI has emphatically denied the claims, and it’s worth noting that the company is not currently on the DHS-published Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Entity List.

When Mashable reported on that situation earlier this year, CBP stated that federal law prevents it from disclosing trade secrets or sensitive law enforcement information. DJI, for its part, has called the customs holdup a "misunderstanding" and says it’s working with CBP to resolve it.

Because of the inconsistent CBP blocks, there's now a noticeable shortage of DJI drones across the U.S. supply chain. Major retailers are reporting low or no stock, and DJI's own U.S. inventory appears depleted as well. You can find DJI drones for sale from third-party sellers at Amazon, but that can be risky.

Who replaces DJI?

During Welsh's interview with Mashable, he argues that the driving force behind the DJI ban is straightforward U.S. protectionism.

This is about forcing the biggest manufacturer of drones out of the market so that American drone manufacturers don’t have to compete with them. - DJI Head of Global Policy, Adam Welsh

There’s reason to believe that’s the case, especially now that Trump has started his second term. Between sweeping tariffs and Big Tech being pushed into billion-dollar, U.S.-based data-center commitments for AI, the administration has made it clear that "restoring American manufacturing" is a core priority. In June, Trump signed two executive orders aimed at boosting the domestic drone industry — both stopping just short of an outright ban on DJI. One establishes a federal task force to “restore American airspace sovereignty.” The other directs the Federal Acquisition Security Council to “publish a Covered Foreign Entity List” identifying companies that could pose supply-chain risks. States like Florida, Arkansas, and Tennessee have even banned Chinese-made drones for public safety and government work.

Still, DJI says that it's faced additional scrutiny dating back to the first Trump administration and even the Biden administration as well.

So, if the endgame from the government is a U.S.-first drone market, the question becomes obvious: Who’s actually positioned to take over the lion’s share of consumer drones once DJI is pushed out?

That's a very tough question to answer, because DJI is the American consumer drone market. There are U.S. companies that manufacture commercial drones, but few of them produce products intended for everyday consumers. Looking at DroneU’s recommendations for U.S.-made, NDAA-approved drones, every option costs thousands of dollars and is clearly designed for enterprise, industrial, or government work — not for someone who just wants to film a hike or learn to fly.

AeroVironment is likely the largest drone manufacturer in the United States, but it is also a defense contractor through and through. Their drones are built for the military, not for Best Buy shelves.

So, when policymakers discuss a future where American-made drones fill the gap left by DJI, the reality is that no domestic company is currently positioned to replace DJI in terms of price, scale, or consumer accessibility.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolutions ETB is still at market value on Thanksgiving

Mashable - Thu, 11/27/2025 - 09:28

TL;DR: As of Nov. 27, Pokémon TCG's Mega Evolution Elite Trainer Box is still at market value for $79.95 at Amazon vs. listings at TCGplayer.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Mega Evolution Elite Trainer Box $79.95 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $20.04   Get Deal

The Mega Evolution Elite Trainer Box is still $79.95 at Amazon, which is quite unique for the big box retailer. Usually Pokémon TCG fluctuates daily, so whilst it's not MSRP, it's a sign that stock levels are getting better and it's a matter of time before retailers have to drop their prices back to retail levels. At the end of the day, market value is what buyers are willing to pay for a product, so this is a a decent deal for sealed product ahead of Black Friday.

SEE ALSO: Where to buy Pokémon cards in 2025 — avoid overpaying or missing out on new sets

Mega Evolution kicked of its era with a bang thanks to the return of the most-loved Pokémon mainline game gimmick to ever hit the franchise. Mega Lucario ex, Mega Garedevoir ex, and Mega Venusaur ex headline the set alongside some of the best artwork I've seen in the modern era. Special shoutouts to Mega Lucario ex SIR alongside the Bulbasaur Illustration Rare and Special Illustration Rare line in that regard.

Get 10% cashback at TCGplayer for Cyber Weekend Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

I always like to mention that you will likely save some money by just buying chase card outright, which is going to level up for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. TCGplayer is running their Cyber Weekend event, where trainers can get a flat 10% cashback on whatever they buy on site, with up to an extra 6% off for TCGplayer subscribers depending on how long they've been a memeber, plus free postage.

Here's the top chase cards for Mega Evolution right now with up to date value information and a quick link to catch it on TCGplayer:

  1. Mega Lucario ex - 188/132
    Near Mint Holofoil: $420
    Market price: $459.96
    Most recent sale: $419.99

  2. Mega Gardevoir ex - 187/132
    Near Mint Holofoil: $350
    Market price: $345
    Most recent sale: $300

  3. Mega Gardevoir ex - 178/132
    Near Mint Holofoil: $210
    Market price: $205.27
    Most recent sale: $206.45

  4. Mega Lucario ex - 179/132
    Near Mint Holofoil: $193
    Market price: $197.89
    Most recent sale: $180

  5. Mega Venusaur ex - 177/132
    Near Mint Holofoil: $154.95
    Market price: $153.29
    Most recent sale: $147

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Pips hints, answers for November 27, 2025

Mashable - Thu, 11/27/2025 - 04:00

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, the Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move onto the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity for how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 8, 2025

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible – and common – for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

  • Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

  • Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

  • Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

  • Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

  • Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for November 8, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Nov. 27 Pips

Number (3): Everything in this space must add to 3. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add to 5. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add to 1. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add to 2. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Nov. 27 Pips

Less Than(3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 0-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Everything in this red space must be equal to 4. The answer is 0-4, placed horizontally; 4-3, placed vertically.

Equal (5): Everything in this light blue space must be equal to 5. The answer is 5-5, placed vertically.

Equal (4): Everything in this green space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally; 4-5, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this space must add to 6. The answer is 6-1, placed horizontally; 4-5, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Nov. 27 Pips

Number (12): Everything in this space must add to 12. The answer is 2-6, placed vertically; 6-0, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 3-6, placed horizontally.

Equal (6): Everything in this light blue space must be equal to 6. The answer is 3-6, placed horizontally; 6-4, placed vertically.

Equal (4): Everything in this dark blue space must be equal to 4. The answer is 1-4, placed horizontally; 6-4, placed vertically.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 5-0, placed horizontally; 6-0, placed horizontally; 0-0, placed vertically; 0-2, placed vertically.

Equal (5): Everything in this green space must be equal to 5. The answer is 5-5, placed vertically; 5-4, placed vertically.

Equal (2): Everything in this red space must be equal to 2. The answer is 0-2, placed vertically; 2-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (4): Everything in this light blue space must be equal to 4. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically; 2-4, placed horizontally.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 27, 2025

Mashable - Thu, 11/27/2025 - 04:00

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easy if you love rivalry week.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, 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 the latest 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: Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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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.

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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: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

  • Yellow: Score here

  • Green: Thanksgiving entertainment

  • Blue: Rivalry

  • Purple: Spelled like a football team

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

  • Yellow: Places Where One Scores

  • Green: Associated with the NFL on Thanksgiving

  • Blue: College Football Rivalry "Cups"

  • Purple: NFL Teams, With The First Letter Changed

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: Sports Edition #430 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?
  • Places Where One Scores - END ZONE, GOAL, HOOP, PLATE

  • Associated with the NFL on Thanksgiving - COWBOYS, LIONS, MADDEN, TURDUCKEN

  • College Football Rivalry "Cups" - APPLE, COMMONWEALTH, GOVERNOR'S, TERRITORIAL

  • NFL Teams, With The First Letter Changed - FILLS, METS, PEARS, YAMS

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports Connections 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.

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 the latest Connections.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Hurdle hints and answers for November 27, 2025

Mashable - Thu, 11/27/2025 - 04:00

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 hint

A prejudiced person.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

BIGOT

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Between thirty and fifty.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 27, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

FORTY

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Motionless.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 27 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 27, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

STILL

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Pricked.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for November 27 Hurdle Word 4 answer

STUNG

Final Hurdle hint

A baby bird.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

CHICK

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

100+ Black Friday deals: We found record prices on AirPods, MacBooks, Samsung TVs, Kindles, and Ninja products

Mashable - Thu, 11/27/2025 - 03:10
Best Black Friday deals at a glance: Best Apple deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $749 (Save $150 at Amazon) Get Deal Best headphones deal Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones $299 (Save $130 at Amazon) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Narwal Freo Z10 Ultra $799.99 at Amazon (Save $500 at Amazon) Get Deal Best fitness tracker deal Oura Ring 4 $249 (Save $100) Get Deal Best TV deal Hisense 65-inch U6 Mini LED QLED 4K TV $547.99 (Save $300 at Amazon) Get Deal Best content-creator deal DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX) $66 (save $53) Get Deal Best power station deal Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station $349 (Save $450 at Amazon) Get Deal Best Kindle deal Amazon Kindle $79.99 (Save $30) Get Deal Best AirPods Deal Apple AirPods 4 $69 (save $60) Get Deal Best Streaming Deal Apple TV+ Prime Video Add-On $5.99 (save $42 over 6 months) Get Deal

We're vibrating with anticipation for Black Friday.

While Black Friday falls on Nov. 28 this year, the big retailers have already taken quite the head start on the sale. Best Buy dropped early deals and doorbusters starting Oct. 31, and Target started its first holiday savings event on Nov. 6. Now, both Walmart and Amazon have joined the fray, delivering record prices on AirPods, Apple Watches, Kindles, Legos, Ninja appliances, and Samsung TVs. We've spotted plenty more Black Friday-worthy deals that you can shop now to get ahead of your holiday shopping list or pick out something nice for yourself.

As we get closer to the big day, the deals are only going to get better so keep this page bookmarked throughout the sale. We'll be updating this guide with the latest Black Friday deals from Amazon, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and beyond. The major players have special daily deals you won't want to miss.

Best 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 for Black Friday this year. 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 Cyber Monday (and we're not counting on it), you still score a great deal without waiting for shopping chaos later this week.

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 Amazon
$249 Save $29.01 Lowest price ever 🔥 Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Walmart Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 (without ANC) $69 at Amazon
$129 Save $60   Get Deal Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) $99.99 at Amazon
$179 Save $79.01 Selling out fast! Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Walmart Get Deal at Best Buy 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) $399.99 at Best Buy
$549 Save $149.01   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) $339 at Amazon
$399 Save $60   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M1, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $549 at Walmart
$649 Save $100   Get Deal Best Black Friday headphones deal Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones $299 at Amazon
$429 Save $130 Lowest price ever 🔥 Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Best Buy 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 at Amazon
$299 Save $83 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 Opens in a new window Credit: JLab JLab JBuds Lux ANC headphones $27 at Walmart
$79.99 Save $52.99   Get Deal Best 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 Omni C20 Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo $329.99 at Amazon
$699.99 Save $370   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum $148 at Amazon
$299 Save $151 Editor's pick ✅ Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy Eufy E20 3-in-1 $297.49 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $152.50 Editor's pick ✅ Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba 105 $169 at Amazon
$219 Save $50   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 $209.99 at Walmart
$349.99 Save $140   Get Deal at Walmart Best 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 F35-Series 4K HDR LED Smart Fire TV (2025) $169.99 at Best Buy
$329.99 Save $160 Doorbuster deal Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV 2-Series HD Smart Fire TV $99.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $50.00   Get Deal 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 $797.99 at Amazon
$1,199.99 Save $402   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: Samsung Samsung 65-Inch S90F 4K OLED Smart TV (2025) $1,397.99 at Amazon
$1,997.99 Save $600 Editor's pick ✅ Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $19.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $20.00 Lowest price ever 🔥 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku Streaming Stick Plus 4K & HDR (2025) $19 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $20.99   Get Deal Best Black Friday fitness tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Oura ring Oura Ring 4 (Silver) $249 at Amazon
$349 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

One of our favorite health trackers, the Oura Ring 4, just got a major markdown ahead of Black Friday. Right now, you can save $100 on the Oura Ring 4, which now starts at $249. The Oura Ring 4 is our favorite smart ring at Mashable, providing holistic insights to help you manage stress and heart health. Not sure about your size? Start with the Oura Ring sizing kit for only $10.

More Black Friday deals on fitness trackers and smartwatches Opens in a new window Credit: Nothing Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro $79 at Amazon
$99 Save $20 Editor's pick ✅ Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel Watch 4 $349.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $50 Lowest price ever 🔥 Get Deal 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) $419.52 at Amazon
  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 $599.95 at Amazon
$749.99 Save $150.04   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 $134 at Walmart
$149 Save $15 $30 cheaper than the 4-in-1 model Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dash Dash My Mug ice cream maker $29.18 at Amazon
$44.99 Save $15.81   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Creami Scoop & Swirl $229.99 at Ninja
$349.99 Save $120 Use code 'DAY4' at checkout for $50 off. Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Moccamaster Moccamaster 53928 Select Coffee Maker (10-cup) $239.99 at Amazon
$359 Save $119.01   Get Deal Best 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 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 as marked, so no discount code is needed.

More 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 $129.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $50   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Casper Casper Original Pillow $54 at Amazon
$75 Save $21   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 $54.99 at Amazon
$108 Save $53.01   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Dyson Air Purifier $449.99 at Target
$549.99 Save $100   Get Deal Best 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 never 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   See It at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station $349 at Amazon
$448.98 Save $99.98   Get Deal Best 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 Black Friday outdoor deals Opens in a new window Credit: Yei Yeti Tundra 45 $260 at Yeti
$320 Save $60   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Yeti Yeti Rambler 42-ounce Tumbler $31.50 at Amazon
$45 Save $13.50   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Osprey Osprey Hikelite Backpack $74.95 at Amazon
$99.95 Save $25   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Coleman Coleman Instant Camping Tent $199.99 at Amazon
$271.49 Save $71.50   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: Anker Anker Solix EverFrost 2 (40-liter) $598.49 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $301.50   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

It's no surprise that some of the best Black Friday deals of 2025 come from Amazon, which officially kicked off its sale on Nov. 20. The Everything store is hosting record sales on Amazon devices like Kindles and Fire TVs, but also some of our favorite products from brands like DJI, Ninja, Yeti, and Samsung. Amazon is also a great place to stock up on Christmas gifts, stocking stuffers, and deals under $25.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple TV Apple TV+ Prime Video Add-On $5.99 at Prime Video
$12.99 Save $7 $5.99 month for 6 months ($42 savings) Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX) $66 at Amazon
$119 Save $53   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Mini Bonsai Trees Building Set $44.99 at Amazon
$64.99 Save $20.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bissell Bissell Little Green Mini Portable Carpet Cleaner $74.99 at Amazon
$94.99 Save $20   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) $279 at Amazon
$349 Save $70   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 $15.99 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $14.00 Editor's pick ✅ Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: National Tree Company Pre-Lit 6.5-Foot Dunhill Fir Artificial Christmas Tree $179.99 at Amazon
$254.03 Save $74.04 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 Amazon Kindle Kids $94.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $35.00   Get Deal at Amazon 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: Amazon Amazon Smart Plug (2-Pack) $23.98 at Amazon
$49.98 Save $26.00 Lowest price ever 🔥 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Supersonic Nural $399 at Amazon
$549 Save $150   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Rally Rally Orbital Massager $399 at Amazon
$499 Save $100 With on-page coupon. 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: Dewalt Dewalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill Driver Set $99 at Amazon
$179 Save $80   Get Deal 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 access to the best Black Friday deals, and you can either sign up for a free trial or get 50% off a membership. With the start of its official Black Friday sales event on Nov. 25, the original Everything Store has even more great deals on video games, kitchen gadgets, Legos, and even Dyson vacuums than we saw leading up to the sale.

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) $899.99 at Walmart
$1,249.99 Save $350   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 $47.98 at Walmart
$69.99 Save $22.01   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Magic Bullet Magic Bullet Essential Blender $15 at Walmart
$39.99 Save $24.99   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar $35.99 at Walmart
$44.99 Save $9   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Flex $30.01 at Walmart
$69.95 Save $39.94   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Qrevo Series 35S $459.99 at Walmart
$749.99 Save $290   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 75-inch H5 QLED 4K Roku TV $378 at Walmart
$499 Save $121   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 Friday since Halloween. Some of those deals have stuck around, and some are fleeting. For inspiration, you can check out the Best Buy Black Friday ad scan, but we've also collected the best Best Buy deals of the moment.

Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 55-inch F35 4K UHD HDR LED Smart Fire TV (2025) $169.99 at Best Buy
$329.99 Save $160 Doorbuster TV Deal Get Deal 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
$479.99 Save $110   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: SteelSeries SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini 60% Wired Gaming Keyboard $64.99
$129.99 Save $65.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 27-inch Odyssey G50D QHD Gaming Monitor $199.99 at Best Buy
$349.99 Save $150   Get Deal

Still looking for more deals? See the biggest discounts at Amazon’s epic Black Friday sale and save up to 70% on popular gifts, gadgets, and more goodies.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stranger Things Season 5 review: Im already exhausted, but cant wait for more

Mashable - Thu, 11/27/2025 - 02:01

At some point throughout its five-season, nine-year run, Stranger Things decided it didn't really want to be a TV show anymore.

The shift began as early as Season 2, when the show dropped the word "season" from its marketing. Stranger Things Season 2 simply became Stranger Things 2, the change positioning the new season less as a TV continuation and more as a tentpole sequel in the vein of a Marvel movie. The shift continued in the three-year wait between Seasons 2 and 3, a ludicrous timeline that has now unfortunately become a norm for a medium where the standard was once one season per year.

SEE ALSO: 'Stranger Things' Season 4 recap in 60 seconds

By the time Season 4 rolled around, the de-TV-ification of Stranger Things was complete. Creators the Duffer Brothers delivered a blockbuster season chock-full of epic battles, new Upside Down mythology, and supersized episodes. Every installment was over an hour long, two crossed the 90-minute mark, and the finale was a taxing two-and-a-half-hour affair. As gripping as the season was — we all remember where we were when Max (Sadie Sink) escaped Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) with the help of Kate Bush — it felt too big, too unwieldy to truly be called TV.

Those maximalist urges are once again on full display in Stranger Things' fifth and final season, which I can only sum up as "gargantuan." That scale can often be frustrating, bordering on exhausting, as Stranger Things has moved light-years beyond its more intimate, sleeper hit beginnings. But even with all the flaws that come with overstuffing a season, I can't help but admit that Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 1 signals the beginnings of an effective send-off for the characters (and actors) we've watched grow up over the last nine years.

What's Stranger Things Season 5 about? Credit: Netflix

When last we left the town of Hawkins, it had been split apart by an apocalyptic rift to the Upside Down. In the year since, however, the citizens of Hawkins have settled into a new normal — under military quarantine, that is.

However, the Stranger Things squad isn't taking their tentative safety lightly. They know Vecna is still out there, and every so often, they set out on elaborate "crawls" through the Upside Down to find him. These are all-hands-on-deck operations, meaning everyone, from the Hawkins high schoolers to adults like Joyce (Winona Ryder) and Hopper (David Harbour), is in on the plan.

SEE ALSO: There are way too many Demogorgons in the 'Stranger Things' Season 5, Volume 1 trailer

The involvement of everyone is both refreshing and tiring. Refreshing, because in the past, Stranger Things has tended to split its cast into groups with varying levels of information. While it's been fun to watch these disparate crews piece together different elements of each season's big mystery, it's sweet to watch everyone banding together and getting something to do from square one. Yet it's also tiring to watch Stranger Things spin tens of plates from the get-go. There's little to no time to ease back into the world of Hawkins. Instead, it's all systems go, right from the jump, which can be tough when you're adding new main characters to focus on in addition to all the Stranger Things mainstays.

The most egregious example of this is the character of Holly (Nell Fisher), the younger sister of Nancy (Natalia Dyer) and Mike (Finn Wolfhard). In prior seasons, she's been a toddler mostly confined to a high chair. Now, all of a sudden, she's 10 years old and extremely central to the plot. Fisher is immediately endearing, bringing the plucky sweetness of her turn in 2024's indie gem Bookworm to the massive new stage of Stranger Things. Yet the intense focus on Holly, especially in the first episode, had me groaning, "Great, there's more?"

Stranger Things Season 5 is TV maximalism at its most dangerous. Millie Bobby Brown in "Stranger Things." Credit: Netflix

That sentiment of "Oh man, more?" permeates the entirety of Stranger Things Season 5, as the Hawkins squad goes from convoluted plan to convoluted plan to... you get the idea. Yet those plans are as fun as they've always been, especially an early season highlight that calls to mind Home Alone booby traps and the Nancy, Jonathan (Charlie Heaton), and Steve (Joe Keery) Demogorgon takedown from Season 1. Is it strange to be nostalgic for an episode of TV from only nine years ago? Maybe! But Stranger Things is a series built on nostalgia, and during its marathon run, that nostalgia has also become self-reflexive.

The trap scenes also highlight the effectiveness of Stranger Things' more grounded action scenes, ones that are just a bunch of kids against one monster, as opposed to psychic showdowns in the sinister tentacle-palooza of the Upside Down. There's quite a lot of that this season, which brings car chases, helicopters, and even full military bases into the Upside Down. On the "dumb-cool" continuum, these skew more towards "dumb," especially as the overly murky Upside Down begins to lose its mystique the more time we spend in it.

SEE ALSO: Netflix drops 'Stranger Things' Season 5's first 5 minutes

It also loses more of its mystique as the Duffer Brothers further expand it and Vecna's mythos. Case in point: a five-minute cold open that returns us to Will's (Noah Schnapp) time in the Upside Down in Season 1, when Vecna apparently encountered him. Frankly, I preferred it when Season 1 was just about a boy and the monster chasing him, and when the Upside Down was just a spooky, mysterious place. Sometimes, less really is more.

The case against Stranger Things' growing maximalism lies, once again, in the real-world scenes, especially the return of the flashing Christmas lights that came to be one of the defining visuals of Season 1. Their comeback here is glorious (and yes, a case of that self-reflexive nostalgia), but also proof that Stranger Things' simplest tricks are often more effective than the several massive set pieces set in another dimension.

I still can't get enough of Stranger Things' characters. Winona Ryder in "Stranger Things." Credit: Netflix

But what Stranger Things can never give me enough of is the myriad distinct relationships across its ever-expanding cast of characters. And thankfully, we get that in spades this season.

Much of the focus here is on the Stranger Things mainstays, like Hopper and Eleven's (Millie Bobby Brown) father-daughter bond, or Mike, Will, Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin), and Dustin's (Gaten Matarazzo) tight-knit adventuring party. It's moving to just see where their arcs have brought them: Eleven, training her powers harder than ever, is basically a full-fledged action hero. In grieving Eddie (Joseph Quinn), Dustin has basically become his mini-me, alienating himself from his friends, including Steve. Lucas is similarly brought low by grief, routinely sitting by Max's hospital bedside and playing her Kate Bush in the hopes she'll wake from her coma, a scene that's a real twist to the heart. The internet often jokes about how much older the child actors are now than when they started, and it does take several heaping tablespoons of disbelief to accept them as high schoolers. Yet their visible maturity weirdly ends up working to their advantage, emphasizing how much the Hawkins kids have had to grow up before their time.

Stranger Things Season 5 also fleshes out new partnerships this season. Will finds an ally in Robin (Maya Hawke), who endeavors to be his queer mentor. Jonathan and Steve, so often vying for Nancy's affections — a storyline that I cannot wait to die — get some surprising heart-to-heart time. And any chance for more Nancy and Mike sibling sleuthing is a welcome one. The effectiveness of each combination proves that whatever Stranger Things loses in its attempts to outdo itself on an "epic" level, it wins back a hundredfold in its focus on character.

Ultimately, that's what resonates most about Stranger Things Season 5's first four episodes. The flashy battles and lore bombshells can get the blood pumping, but it's the characters who have kept viewers coming back for many, many years. Knowing we'll be saying goodbye to them only makes these episodes sweeter, exhaustion be damned.

Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 1 is now streaming. Volume 2 premieres Dec. 25 at 8 p.m. ET, and the series finale premieres Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. ET.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Scammers blast Black Friday shoppers with AI-made text messages, emails

Mashable - Thu, 11/27/2025 - 00:10

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the biggest shopping days of the year — and prime season for scams. Now in 2025 scammers are more emboldened than ever, thanks to AI.

According to research from cybersecurity company Guardio, there has been a 30x increase in shopping-related scams and fraudulent text messages over the past month. November is already the top month for online scams in 2025, even before Thanksgiving weekend.

Guardio has also seen a rise in the number of unique email addresses promoting Black Friday-related campaigns in the past week — by more than 500 percent.

What's driving the rise? The company points to research from earlier this year from the organization Anti-Phishing Working Group that found that 76 percent of phishing websites now use AI-generated content. 

AI isn't just helping scammers create content for their schemes, its also aiding scammers in carrying out more convincing fraud.

The usual telltale signs of a scam — spelling or grammatical errors, a lack of familiarity with the company and its products it's trying to imitate — are on their way out. With AI, scammers can perfectly replicate entire websites for their phishing campaigns.

AI-generated voices and videos can also provide scammers with convincing impersonations of company employees. In short, AI helps scammers appear authentic. 

Bad actors targeting Black Friday shoppers have focused on a few popular brand names over the past few months, Guardio's research found. Those brands include AT&T, Amazon, Apple (virtual and brick-and-mortar stores), Loews, Verizon, Costco, Walmart, and Kroger. 

An example of a scam text message format utilized by bad actors. Credit: Guardio

Why target Black Friday and Cyber Monday? It's not just because there are more consumers spending online over that period. The usual holiday distractions, combined with the urgency of getting limited time deals, results in consumers becoming more vulnerable to scams.

The most common scam tactic, Guardio says, is the "urgent account alert." These are text messages that inform targets that their Amazon account has been suspended, say, or their Verizon bill payment was declined. Recipients may be more inclined to fall for these scams as they seek to fix the issue in time for the holidays.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), U.S. consumers lost more than $432 million in online shopping scams in 2024 — and 2025 will likely see those losses rise.

One of the easiest ways to avoid being scammed is not to click any links received via email or text message. Go directly to these companies' websites from your web browser, or via their official mobile apps, instead.

Categories: IT General, Technology

It's time for USB-A to die: Why my next PC will be USB-C only

How-To Geek - Thu, 11/27/2025 - 00:00

It’s time for USB-A to retire, plain and simple. For nearly 30 years, USB-A has held center stage, but I’m ready for USB-C to be the only port my desktop has.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Jackery HomePower 3000 power station has never been cheaper — save over $1,500 this Black Friday

Mashable - Thu, 11/27/2025 - 00:00

SAVE OVER $1,500: The Jackery HomePower 3000 is on sale for $1,423 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's a 53% discount and the lowest-ever price for this model.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery HomePower 3000 $1,423 at Amazon
$2,999 Save $1,576   Get Deal

Amazon's Black Friday sale is very much up and running, with big offers on just about anything you could imagine. Are you imaging portable power stations right now? Good, because you can secure the lowest-ever price on the Jackery HomePower 3000 at Amazon.

The Jackery HomePower 3000 is on sale for $1,423 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's a 53% discount and a better price than we saw over October Prime Day. So if you've been patiently waiting for the right time to "add to cart," this is it. What are you waiting for? Whole home backup awaits.

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!

The Jackery HomePower 3000 has an impressive 3,600W output (7,200W surge) and a 3,072Wh capacity, meaning it can power your fridge, fan, WiFi router, lights, and more for hours in an emergency. You can also charge multiple devices at once thaks to the AC, USB-C, USB-A, and DC ports, including dual 100W PD ports for your smartphones, iPads, and drones.

Jackery is one of the biggest names in the power station game, but there are other options out there if this doesn't tick your boxes. We've lined up the best Black Friday deals on Bluetti's range of power stations, so check that out before you commit.

Get the best-ever price on the Jackery HomePower 3000 in the Amazon Black Friday sale.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Give the gift of more time with these Microsoft Office apps for less than $3 each

Mashable - Thu, 11/27/2025 - 00:00

TL;DR: Give the gift of improved productivity with Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows, on sale now for just $19.97 (reg. $229).

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows $19.97
$229 Save $209.03   Get Deal

There’s nothing more priceless than time, and now you can get some back for just $20. This Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows license does just that — giving you a much-needed productivity boost with seven essential apps.

Gift your PC (or a loved one’s) this Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 license for just $19.97 (reg. $229).

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!

Whether you’re trying to soar through a workday or you need tools to tackle your homework, Microsoft Office is there for you. It has been helping people get things done for decades, and this Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows license gives your PC seven power-packed apps to work with.

Draft documents with Word, build budgets with Excel, and perfect your presentations with PowerPoint. You can also tackle communication with Outlook, take digital notes with OneNote, manage databases with Access, and design professional documents with Publisher.

If the year of this edition gives you pause, don’t worry. The apps have been redesigned and are packed with enhanced features like new analysis capabilities in Excel, new presentation tools in PowerPoint, and updated email and contact management features in Outlook. You’ll also enjoy improved cloud connectivity.

After purchasing, you’ll receive an instant delivery and download. If you run into any issues, you’ll have access to free customer service.

Get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows for only $19.97 (reg. $229) just in time for the holidays.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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