IT General

Hot on the heels of Apple’s HomeView launch, Amazon has unveiled a massive 16-inch Echo Show and updated the Echo Studio with a built-in camera. Both devices are worth your attention as they aim to make Alexa more useful around the home, whether you want to manage connected gadgets, monitor your living room, or keep your daily schedule organized. The new Echo Studio and Echo Show lean on the latest Alexa with natural conversations and the ability to handle complex, multistep requests.

A rainy weekend stuck indoors is the perfect excuse to put your 3D printer to work on the house itself. While it hums along, you can line up new cabinet pulls without eyeballing them, replace that broken clip nobody sells anymore, and finally get the junk drawer under control. None of these projects need a garage full of tools, and by Sunday night something in your home will actually work better than it did on Friday.

Best early Black Friday Ninja deals at a glance Best air fryer deal Ninja Crispi Pro Glass Air Fryer $269.99 (save $30) Get Deal Best Ninja multicooker deal Ninja PossibleCooker Pro $109.99 (save $60) Get Deal Best Ninja ice cream maker deal Ninja Creami Scoop & Swirl $279 (save $70.99) Get Deal Best Ninja blender deal Ninja CrushBoss 3-in-1 Blender & Food Processor $199.95 (save $80.04) Get Deal Best Ninja pizza oven deal Ninja Artisan Pizza Oven $249.95 (save $50.04) Get Deal Best Ninja coffee maker deal Ninja Fresh Brew Coffee Maker $69.99 (save $20) Get Deal Best cooler deal Ninja FrostVault (50 quart, Lakeshore Blue) $229.95 (save $20.04) Get Deal

We've barely had time to eat stale candy corn, but Black Friday deals are already coming in hot. Every year, we look forward to early deals to get ahead of holiday shopping, and I have good news if you're a fan of Ninja kitchen appliances. We're already seeing excellent discounts with the brand on some of Mashable's favorite Ninja items.

SEE ALSO: Early Black Friday home improvement deals save big on power tools, smart lights, home security, and more.

Shopping early Black Friday kitchen deals makes sense if you're hosting Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas brunch, or you have a chef to shop for this season. Ninja makes a massive collection of kitchen appliances from luxury espresso machines to glass air fryers that you'll use everyday.

I've gathered the best Ninja deals below if you're looking to shop early or make some upgrades in your own kitchen.

Best coffee maker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Fresh Brew Coffee Maker $69.99 at Amazon
$89.99 Save $20   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Sometimes you just need a pot of drip coffee. Fancier options exist, but some of us need a giant mug of simple drip to make it through the season. If that's the case, the 12-cup Ninja Fresh Brew coffee maker is the way to go. The stainless steel design looks modern in any kitchen, and you can stop mid-brew to pour a cup right away.

Going with a simple coffee maker is also a great choice if you'll be hosting guests this holiday season since it can serve up 12 cups with one brew. No one will have to wait in line to get a cup. For other times, the Ninja has a small batch setting that brews between one and four cups.

More Ninja coffee deals

• Ninja Single Serve Coffee Maker — $89.99 $129.99 (save $40)

• Ninja Espresso & Coffee Maker — $229.95 $279.99 (save $50.04)

• Ninja Luxe Café Mini Plus — $449.99 $499.99 (save $50)

Best air fryer deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Crispi Pro Glass Air Fryer $269.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $30   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

The Ninja Crispi earned a Mashable Gift of the Year award and makes the list of the best kitchen gear we always recommend. The glass containers set this model apart from most other air fryers, and the Pro version comes with a 6 and 2.5-quart containers with storage lids.

Ninja equipped this model with six cooking functions like roast, crisp, and bake. Plus, the glassware and lids are dishwasher safe.

More Ninja air fryer deals

• Ninja Air Fryer XL — $99.99 $179.99 (save $80)

• Ninja DualZone Air Fryer — $149.99 $269.99 (save $120)

• Ninja French Door Premier Air Fry Oven — $199.99 $279.99 (save $80)

Best blender deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja CrushBoss 3-in-1 Blender & Food Processor $199.95 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $80.04   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

If you're anything like me, you put ice cubes, frozen mango chunks, banana, and spinach in the blender and expect it to perfect crush ice and frozen fruit. Not every blender is up for that task, but the Ninja CrushBoss can handle it. With a powerful 1,850W base, the blender is ready to chop and puree almost anything you toss at it.

The food processor attachment on this blender is excellent for helping out with food prep since it can slice and cut veggies. It can even mix dough so you don't have to spent time and manpower on the task.

More Ninja blender deals

• Ninja Nutri-Blender Pro — $73.99 $109.99 (save $36)

• Ninja Professional Plus Duo Blender — $109.99 $149.99 (save $40)

• Ninja Professional Plus Kitchen System — $159.99 $219.99 (save $60)

Best frozen treat deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Creami Scoop & Swirl $279 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $70.99   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Life is short. You should have soft-serve ice cream on demand in your own kitchen if you feel like it. The unique Ninja Scoop & Swirl can make ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, gelato, milkshakes, and give you the ability to become an expert soft serve swirler. Mashable Lead Shopping Reporter Samantha Mangino's review of the Ninja Scoop & Swirl proved it's worth the investment if you're a fan of frozen treats at home. Just be sure you have counter space to handle the addition.

The best early Black Friday board game deals The Best Early Black Friday Board Game Deal Slay The Spire: The Board Game $99.99 (Save $15) Get Deal Best Early Black Friday Strategy Board Game Deal Catan $39.99 (Save $10) Get Deal Best Early Black Friday Kids' Board Game Deal Operation $13.99 (Save $6) Get Deal Best Early Black Friday Dungeons & Dragons Deal Dungeons & Dragons - Starter Set: Heroes of the Borderlands $39.95 (Save $10.04) Get Deal

Looking to start up a board game night tradition? Now's the perfect time to do it, especially since retailers have started slashing prices on board games weeks ahead of Black Friday. In fact, some of the discounts we're seeing now are actually better than what showed up on Black Friday itself last year, which means you should go ahead and stock up while the discounts are so deep.

A board game isn't just the perfect thing to add to your arsenal of entertainment items at home. It's also a good gift idea for hard-to-shop-for relative, older kids, or family who just doesn't want or need anything else. There are some great titles available now with some significant price cuts too, so they're definitely worth grabbing now rather than hoping they're still around the week of Thanksgiving.

Here are the best early Black Friday board game deals we've found so far.

Best early Black Friday board game deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Slay The Spire: The Board Game $99.99 at Amazon
$114.99 Save $15   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

This cooperative deck-building roguelike, based on the video game of the same name, feels very similar to the digital version. Choose the Ironclad, the Silent, the Defect, or the Watcher, start with a bare-bones deck, and climb the Spire floor by floor. You work to add cards and relics while fighting through elites and bosses along the way, The box is stuffed with more than 650 cards plus four miniatures, map boards, and a token tray, so every game plays out differently. It works just as well solo as it does with a full table, and you can save a campaign mid-climb and pick it up next game night.

Best early Black Friday strategy board game deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Catan $39.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $10   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Catan is a veritable board game classic, and it's a great pickup to snag while it's discounted. Three to four players settle a randomly laid-out island, collecting wood, brick, wool, grain, and ore to build roads, settlements, and cities. Games wrap up in about an hour to 90 minutes, and it's fairly easy to learn. And if you're tired of playing the same things over and over, Catan's modular board means no two games set up the same way. It's a significant upgrade from Monopoly that's suitable for the whole family.

Best early Black Friday kids' board game deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Operation $13.99 at Amazon
$19.99 Save $6.00   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

This classic board game has delighted kids and families for years, and nothing has changed after all this time. Cavity Sam lies on the table with a dozen ailments like the Wishbone, Charley Horse, and Butterflies in the Stomach. Players take turns using the tweezers to pull each piece out without touching the metal edges. Brush the side and his nose lights up and buzzes, and you lose your turn. Once you've all taken all of the issues away from (and out of) Sam, the game is over. That buzzer may very well haunt your dreams for years.

Best early Black Friday Dungeons & Dragons deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Dungeons & Dragons - Starter Set: Heroes of the Borderlands $39.95 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $10.04   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

If you've ever wanted to get started with Dungeons & Dragons but didn't know how, this board game is the perfect introduction. It has a quick-start guide, player boards for the Cleric, Rogue, Wizard, and Fighter, and cards for species, backgrounds, spells, and gear so nobody has to build a character from scratch. Three to five players run through three adventure booklets split between combat, exploration, and roleplaying, and the poster maps for the Keep and the Caves of Chaos pull from one of the oldest modules in the game’s history. It's got everything beginners need and then some, so it's a much less daunting introductory experience.

More early Black Friday board game deals

• Catan on the Road Card Game — $7.99 $9.99 (save $2)

• Bananagrams — $11.99 $15.99 (save $4)

• Hot Dog Drop — $23.99 $29.99 (save $6)

• Dixit — $39.99 $44.99 (save $5)

• 7 Wonders — $51.10 $58.99 (save $7.89)

• Ticket to Ride Legacy: Legends of the West — $103.28 $119.99 (save $16.71)

• The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim The Adventure Game — $98.95 $149.99 (save $51.04)

My RTX 3080 now spends most of its life switched off, and that’s exactly how I want it. For years, I’ve wanted my mini PC to game like a desktop without bringing back a desktop’s heat, noise, and footprint, and USB4 finally makes that practical. Ugreen’s LinkStation eGPU Dock puts a full-size graphics card on the end of a single cable, and after a few weeks of plugging it in only when it’s time to play, it’s become my favorite PC gaming accessory.

You might need to take a break from salivating over every Grand Theft Auto VI trailer to clear some space on your PS5 or Xbox hard drive.

An X account called PlayStation Game Size allegedly caught wind of the install size for GTA 6 and posted it on Tuesday. Ladies and gentlemen, wait for the reveal...it's apparently 210GB. That's pretty huge (though still not as big as Call of Duty), which should be a surprise to no one. However, given that a base PS5 has a little less than 1TB of usable storage space, you might need to do some virtual inventory management if you also keep other big games installed.

SEE ALSO: A new 'GTA 6 Ultimate Edition' deal for the PS5 just dropped: How to save $15 with clever hack This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

A 210GB file size for a purely single-player (for now) game is massive. Just to compare it to a couple of other major open-world games from this console generation, Elden Ring is only about 65GB, Assassin's Creed Shadows was just north of 100GB, and Marvel's Spider-Man 2 asked for 98GB of space on your hard drive. That doesn't necessarily mean GTA 6 is twice as big as those games, as a lot of different variables can factor into file size, but it does mean that it's probably pretty huge regardless of how it compares to anything else.

Only a few more weeks now until it's finally in our hands. Remember: GTA 6 officially launched Nov. 19.

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SAVE $50: The brand-new Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation are on sale at Woot for $99, down from $149. That scores you a $50 discount (34% off) on Apple's latest open-ear noise-cancelling buds.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $99 at Walmart
$149 Save $50   Get Deal at Walmart

Apple’s brand-new AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation just took a massive price cut at Woot, dropping down to $99 from their standard $149 retail price. That is a straight $50 discount for a pair of earbuds that just hit the market. Apple managed to bring legitimate active noise cancellation to an open-ear design, ditching the silicone tips that many people find uncomfortable on the AirPods Pro.

Mashable’s Kimberly Gedeon awarded them a 4.6/5 score and a Mashable Choice Award. When she took them on an eight-hour flight across 3,319 miles, the earbuds handled the high-pitched drone of airplane engines and airport chaos with ease, while outlasting Apple’s battery ratings by clocking 5 hours and 12 minutes on a single charge with ANC turned on.

SEE ALSO: Everything Apple announced so far: M6 MacBook Pro, M6 iMac, and an OLED iPad mini

The AirPods 4 run on the upgraded H2 chip, which powers handy perks like Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness to lower your volume automatically when you start speaking to someone. Voice Isolation cleans up loud street noise during calls, while Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking gives music and movies an expansive, theater-like vibe.

The hardware received a subtle shape overhaul for a more stable one-size-fits-most fit, complete with an IP54 dust, sweat, and water resistance rating on both the buds and the case. That redesigned charging case is the smallest in the industry with wireless charging support, powering up via USB-C, standard Qi pads, or even an Apple Watch charger puck, with an integrated speaker for Find My tracking.

Get this no-brainer AirPods 4 deal while it lasts.

If your favorite green tool is broken or no longer works the way it should, don't toss it out and drop a bunch of cash on a replacement. A cheap spare part might be all you need, and you don't have to scroll through eBay to find it. Did you know Ryobi has a website where you can buy spare parts and accessories?

TL;DR: The Amazon Echo Show 16 is available for preorder for $399.99 (normally $499.99) at Amazon when you click the on-screen coupon. That's a $100 discount on a smart display that doesn't even release until Dec. 16.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Show 16 $399.99 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $100   Preorder at Amazon

Amazon just launched a new lineup of smart home tech, including an Alexa Photo Frame, an upgraded Echo Dot, and the Echo Show 16 — Amazon's "most advanced" Echo Show yet.

SEE ALSO: The 7 best Amazon Echo devices for 2026

Right now, you can preorder the Amazon Echo Show 16 for $399.99 at Amazon. Its sticker price is $499.99, so if you want to get it on sale before the holidays, now's your chance. This $100 discount is a limited-time introductory offer (via an on-screen coupon), and we don't expect it to last much longer after its official launch on Dec. 16.

The Echo Show 16 features a 16-inch display (10 percent larger than the Echo Show 15), Alexa voice remote, and built-in Fire TV. You can access thousands of apps, including your fave streaming platforms, manage your calendar, and order groceries, all with the touch of a button or Alexa+.

It also acts as a smart home hub, featuring a new Alexa Home Map that lets you scan your house with an iPhone to create a virtual layout of your devices. (I mean, IDK if that's a great idea, but if you're fully invested in the ecosystem, it makes controlling your lights and cameras pretty seamless.) It even comes with a wall mount right in the box, though you'll have to buy a stand separately if you prefer keeping it on the counter.

TL;DR: Pokémon GO kicked off its two-part Halloween 2026 event on Oct. 27, featuring top-hatted Zubat, cape-wearing Pikachu, the debut of Shiny Greavard, and up to 3× Candy and Stardust via the Halloween GO Pass through Nov. 5.

If you noticed PokéStops and Gyms looking a little more festive than usual this week, you aren't imagining things. Pokémon GO has officially kicked off its two-part Halloween 2026 celebration, running through Nov. 5.

Alongside seasonal map decor and the classic Lavender Town theme music remix playing in the game every night, the event packs costume debuts, massive resource multipliers, and a brand-new shiny ghost dog into a tidy schedule.

Part I kicked off Oct. 27 at 10 a.m. and runs through Nov. 1 at 10 a.m. local time. The initial stretch focuses on fresh seasonal costumes and map bonuses:

• Zubat wearing a top hat — Spawns in the wild, with a possible Shiny encounter.

• Pikachu wearing a hat and capelet — Featured in one-star raids, with a Shiny chance.

• Sinistea wearing a bow — Appears in one-star raids alongside Pikachu, also eligible to be Shiny.

• Themed wild spawns — Duskull, Piplup wearing a Halloween Mischief costume, Drifblim wearing a Halloween Mischief costume, and more will appear in the wild.

• Spooky map surprises — Mischievous Pokémon leave behind objects on the overworld map; tapping them triggers encounters or awards Pikachu, Zubat, Sinistea, or Rare Candy.

Credit: The Pokémon Company

Part II picks up on Nov. 1 at 10 a.m. and ends on Nov. 5 at 8 p.m. local time. The second half shifts focus toward a new Shiny debut and battle upgrades:

• Shiny Greavard debut — Available for the first time in Pokémon GO, appearing in the wild, through Field Research tasks, and via the GO Pass.

• Themed wild spawns — Litwick, Rowlet wearing a Pokémon Halloween costume, Gengar wearing a Spooky Festival costume, and others will spawn in the wild.

• Super Max Level Mega Sableye — You can raise Mega Sableye's Mega Level to Super Max Level.

• Night Shade+ Charged Attack — Unlocking Super Max Level lets eligible Mega Evolved Pokémon learn a second Charged Attack, granting Sableye the move Night Shade+.

Credit: The Pokémon Company

Running across both halves of the event is the GO Pass: Halloween 2026. By completing pass tasks and collecting GO Points to rank up, you'll unlock passive resource multipliers at major milestones:

• Tier 1 (Rank 10) — Unlocks 2× Catch Candy, which bumps to 3× Catch Candy if you pick up the GO Pass Deluxe.

• Tier 2 (Rank 20) — Unlocks 2× Catch Stardust, which jumps to 3× Catch Stardust on the GO Pass Deluxe.

• Free GO Pass rewards — Ranking up grants encounters with event-themed Pokémon, themed Candy, Rare Candy, and Ultra Balls.

Every reward unlocked along your GO Pass must be claimed before Nov. 7 at 8 p.m. local time, or it disappears for good.

Clear out your item bag, crank up the in-game audio for the Lavender Town vibes, and get hunting — you only have until Nov. 5 to make the most of this year's haunted haul.

Adobe Creative Cloud offers some of the best applications for creative jobs. The only drawback? You have to pay up to $70 a month—or about $840 per year—to access them. There are first-year promotions available, but even those add up to about $740 per year. That is a big commitment, especially considering the annual subscriptions come with hefty early termination fees.

TL;DR: Krispy Kreme’s limited-edition All Jacked Up Dozen is currently live for $13 in shops, at drive-thrus, and online — running now through Thursday, Oct. 29.

If you’ve walked into a bakery lately, you already know holiday-themed treats usually come with a holiday-themed markup. Krispy Kreme seems to be going the other direction this week, quietly selling a full Halloween-themed box for roughly what you’d pay for a plain dozen.

The chain's limited-time All Jacked Up Dozen has dropped for $13, though you won’t have long to catch it. The promotion is only scheduled through Thursday, Oct. 29.

Thankfully, nobody tried to reinvent the wheel with artificial pumpkin glazes here. It’s just the classic melt-in-your-mouth pastry dressed up in a loud Halloween costume with a handful of playful toppings:

• Jack's Original Glazed Doughnuts (9) — The standard melt-in-your-mouth glazed ring, tinted festive orange with an extra drizzle of icing.

• Mummy Jack Doughnut (1) — An orange Original Glazed dipped in icing, piped with white vanilla buttercreme "bandages," and finished with a green iced stem.

• Jack O' Doughnut (1) — An orange-glazed base detailed with chocolate frosting to look like a mini carved jack-o’-lantern.

• Monster Jack Doughnut (1) — Topped with orange icing, crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, piped chocolate stitches, and a green stem.

You can grab one at participating shops, through the drive-thru, or via the app for pickup and delivery — just keep in mind that once Oct. 29 ends, the $13 run is done.

The best early Black Friday deals under $25: best Amazon device deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K $19.99 (save $40 with Prime-exclusive on-page coupon) Get Deal best apple deal Apple AirTag (2nd gen) $23 (save $6) Get Deal best toy deal Play-Doh Blooms Rosy Petite Flower Bouquet $18.74 (save $6.25) Get Deal best home deal Blink Mini 2K+ $16.99 (save $33) Get Deal

Working with a smaller budget this holiday season? You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars to pick up a great gift for White Elephant or treat yourself to something awesome. Believe it or not, you can grab plenty of deals for less than $25 during Black Friday sales.

Technically, Black Friday is still a few weeks away, but there are already lots of inexpensive items available. To point you in the right direction, we've rounded up some of our favorite deals we've spotted so far.

As with every major sale, we'll be keeping an eye on all the best deals leading up to and during Black Friday 2026. We'll update this list with any new budget friendly steals that pop up. For now, here are the best early Black Friday deals under $25.

Best early Black Friday deal under $25 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2026) $19.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $40 with Prime-exclusive on-page coupon Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Every Fire TV Stick was hit with a price increase this year, but we're still seeing drastic discounts ahead of Black Friday. For instance: the brand-new Fire TV Stick 4K (just released last month) is on sale for just under $20 for Prime members, thanks to an on-page coupon. This recent release effectively replaces the 4K Select, though it just came out last year. Amazon heard the cries of customers over the 4K Select's limited app store and added over 2,000 more apps (including Spotify, Xbox, VLC, and a range of VPNs). It also comes with the Vega 2.0 OS, 8GB of storage, a quad-core 1.7GHz processor, support for WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, HDR10+, HLG, Alexa+, and a redesigned remote.

More early Black Friday deals under $25

• Anker USB-C to USB-C Cable (2-pack) — $9.99 $12.99 (save $3)

• Play-Doh Blooming Flower Garden Playset — $14 $23.99 (save $9.99)

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select — $14.99 $49.99 (save $35 with on-page code SELECT4K)

• Blink Mini 2K+ — $16.99 $39.99 (save $33)

• Amazon Fire TV Stick HD — $17.99 $39.99 (save $22 with on-page code HDFTV)

• Play-Doh Blooms Rosy Petite Flower Bouquet — $18.74 $24.99 (save $6.25)

• Play-Doh PD Blooms Wildflower Petite Bouquet — $18.74 $24.99 (save $6.25)

• Logitech MK270 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse — $19.99 $29.99 (save $10)

• Yeti Rambler Travel Bottle (22-ounce) — $21 $28 (save $7)

• Apple AirTag (2nd gen) — $23 $29 (save $6)

• Blink Wired Doorbell 2K+ — $23.99 $49.99 (save $26)

• Anker Nano Power Bank — $23.99 $29.99 (save $6)

• Anker Soundcore Select 4 Go — $23.99 $34.99 (save $11)

• Yeti Rambler Ceramic Lined Mug (10-ounce) — $24 $30 (save $6)

• Bluey Cruise Ship Playset — $25 $59.99 (save $34.99)

SAVE 75%: Proton VPN's Black Friday sale drops its two-year VPN Plus subscription down to $2.49 per month (billed as $59.76 for 24 months) — save 75% off the standard monthly rate.

Opens in a new window Credit: Proton VPN Proton VPN (2-Year Plan)   Get Deal at Proton VPN

If you have been putting off getting a VPN because you didn’t want to add another expensive monthly bill to your plate, this is the time to pounce. Proton VPN has rolled out its biggest sale of the year for Black Friday, slashing 75% off its two-year VPN Plus plan. That brings the price down from the regular $9.99 per month to just $2.49 per month (billed all at once as $59.76 for the first 24 months).

The biggest hesitation most people have with VPNs is simple: can you actually trust the company with your private browsing?

With Proton, the answer is built into the foundation. Unlike many providers that keep your data behind closed doors, Proton’s software is completely open-source, so independent security experts can inspect the code at any time. It runs on a strict no-logs policy, so whatever you search, stream, or click never gets tracked, stored, or sold off to advertisers.

Of course, solid privacy doesn't mean much if your connection grinds to a halt every time you try to stream a show. Proton solves that by giving you unlimited bandwidth with zero speed throttling across a massive network of over 20,000 high-speed servers in more than 140 countries. Thanks to its VPN Accelerator, which boosts speeds up to 400%, you can stream movies while traveling without annoying lag or buffering.

Plus, a single subscription covers up to 10 devices at once, keeping your phone, laptop, tablet, and smart TV protected under one login. Besides keeping prying eyes off your traffic, it actively cleans up your daily web experience. The built-in NetShield feature acts as an automatic bodyguard, wiping out annoying pop-up ads, trackers, and malicious phishing sites before they even have a chance to load.

SEE ALSO: How to protect yourself from AI scams — McAfee+ combines AI-powered scam protection, antivirus, VPN, and more

If you're still on the fence, you may as well take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee to see how it handles your daily browsing. Just keep in mind that once those initial 24 months wrap up, it rolls into a yearly renewal at $83.88 unless you turn off auto-renew.

Grab the two-year plan for $2.49 a month while the lowest price of the year is still live.

There's a common thing that happens with tech enthusiasts where, instead of being a means to an end, the actual technology becomes their hobby.

TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering The Hobbit Play Booster Box is on sale for $139.99 at Amazon, down from its $207.95 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering The Hobbit Play Booster Box $139.99 at Amazon
$207.95 Save $67.96 Get Deal at Amazon

Just when it seemed like Magic: The Gathering's The Hobbit Play Booster Box couldn't get any cheaper, Amazon has surprised us with another major price drop. Less than a week after the 30-pack display fell below $160 for the first time, this Middle-earth-themed box is now almost $20 cheaper again.

As of Oct. 28, the Magic: The Gathering The Hobbit Play Booster Box costs just $139.99 at Amazon. Compared to the $207.95 list price, that's a staggering $67.96 in savings after a 33% discount, bringing the cost of each of the 30 included packs down to $4.67. Better still, Amazon is handling both the sale and shipping — with free delivery set for Nov. 2, or as soon as Oct. 30 for Prime members.

Amazon isn't the only retailer offering this price. Walmart has matched the $139.99 deal, although its listing is sold by Cataclysm Games and fulfilled by Walmart.

SEE ALSO: The Magic: The Gathering Marvel Super Heroes Play Booster Box is close to market price at Amazon — save over $70

You'll get 30 Play Boosters containing 14 cards apiece, plus an exclusive traditional foil Middle-earth Box Topper featuring a special reprint from The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-Earth. 

Every pack also includes at least one foil card and one to three rare or higher-rarity cards, with chances to uncover special alternate-art and borderless versions of characters from Bilbo's classic adventure in the original tale of The Hobbit book.

Most people only ever plug a charger into the USB-C port on their iPhone, but the interface is compatible with so many more devices. These can help you work or play, circumvent limitations, and get more done when you’re away from a “proper” computer.

At the first signs of fall, I'm getting cozy. As the leaves turn and temperatures drop, you'll find me under a pile of blankets with a warm beverage in hand. I relish getting into bed every night and getting under the covers with a good book, but there's nothing worse than cold hands. That's the appeal of a page-turning remote so you can turn the pages on your e-reader with your hands under the covers.

The market for e-reader remotes is incredibly popular. There are plenty of cheap ones being sold on Amazon, which inspired Kobo and Boox to make remotes to pair natively with their e-readers. Amazon has finally caught up with the release of its Kindle Click. I was more excited about the first Kindle remote than I was about the new Kindles, and I'm pleased to report it doesn't disappoint.

What to know about the Kindle Click The Kindle Click lets you turn the page and adjust the brightness on your Kindle. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The Kindle Click is a page-turning remote that connects to Kindle devices. It comes with two buttons that turn the page forward or back, and you can customize which does what in your Kindle settings. It also has two buttons on the side to adjust the screen brightness on your Kindle.

It connects to your device via Bluetooth. Pair it with your device by holding down any button until the light flashes blue, then find the device in your Kindle's Bluetooth settings. The remote stays connected, but you will need to wake it by pressing any button.

It's USB-C rechargeable and connects to all Kindles released in 2024 and onward. It costs $34.99 and is available to purchase on Amazon.

It's a breeze to use, with no screen obstruction

Plenty of people have gotten creative with page-turning remotes being sold on Amazon. The off-brand models usually have two components: one to tap the screen and another that operates as the remote. Having tested these, they work perfectly fine, except that they can't turn the page backward, and the screen clip obstructs the screen.

The Kindle Click is a much more sophisticated option as it connects via Bluetooth. It's just one remote, no screen-tapping clip required, aka no screen obstruction. It's also lightweight and easy to navigate by touch. The buttons have a nice tactile feel, so you can tell where the buttons are without looking. An optional wrist lanyard comes with the device, which I do find helpful as someone who has both a tendency to doze off while reading and a proclivity for losing remotes in blankets.

If I had any complaints about the Kindle Click, I do wish it had a slight curve, like the Kobo remote, to make it more ergonomic.

The brightness buttons are genius Adjust the brightness on your Kindle with the Kindle Click and your hands stay cozy under the covers. Credit: Samanta Mangino / Mashable

I would have been totally pleased if the Kindle Click came as is with its two page-turning buttons, but what absolutely blew me away was the inclusion of buttons to adjust the screen brightness. When you have your hands tucked under the covers, you don't want to reach for anything, but the other setting I most commonly adjust is screen brightness.

Every time I use the remote, I find myself needing to adjust the brightness, and those buttons are such a nice touch. It's not something I'd think to ask for, but I'm so glad it's there.

I wish it worked with more Kindles

Amazon is known to phase out Kindles, but plenty of models are still supported. That's why it's such a bummer that the Kindle Click only works with 2024 and 2026 Kindles. Since the 10th generation of the Kindle Paperwhite was released in 2018, the devices have included Bluetooth, allowing you to connect headphones to listen to audiobooks. Since the Kindle Click connects via Bluetooth, I'd think any Kindle with Bluetooth could pair with it. That is not the case, excluding many Kindle users.

So if you want to use a Kindle Click, you'll need to own or upgrade to a 2024 or 2026 Kindle.

Is the Kindle Click worth it? While you technically don't *need* the Kindle Click, it's nice to have. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

If you own a 2024 or 2026 Kindle, you should absolutely scoop up a Kindle Click. It's only $34.99, which is $5 more than Kobo's remote and slightly more expensive than the cheaper remotes you can find elsewhere, but it can do more. You can customize which buttons turn the page and adjust the screen brightness on the remote. It's well-designed and lightweight in your hand, with tactile buttons that make it easy to navigate by touch.

Sure, you don't need the Kindle Click, but it will level up your cozy evenings spent reading.

Kindle Click $34.99 at Amazon
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I'm the first to say you don't always need the newest product, but these new Kindles make it hard to resist. When Amazon revealed the new Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, it popped with its new colorful aluminum finish, but with most of its changes on the outside, I had to see just how much impact it would have on the e-reader's overall performance and value.

But the upgrades aren't just superficial. After Amazon raised prices across its devices, there's added pressure to make sure the tech measures up to its higher price. After a few weeks with the new Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, Amazon did a phenomenal job on its new e-reader, making it worthy of the increased price.

What's new in the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition? The new Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition has an aluminum case and compatibility with all of Amazon's new accessories. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The changes between the 2024 and 2026 Kindle Paperwhite Signature Editions are visible. With a new aluminum casing, it feels more like an iPad Mini than it does the previous Kindle. But it still has the same matte paper-like display with adjustable brightness and warmth. The power button on the e-reader was moved from the bottom to the side of the device, a welcome change.

A big draw on the new Paperwhite Signature Edition is the compatible accessories. Amazon also released the Kindle Click, its first page-turning remote. While the Click is compatible with all 2024 and 2026 Kindle e-readers, Amazon's new Page Turn Cover is exclusively compatible with the 2026 Paperwhite Signature Edition and Colorsoft Signature Edition.

What's the difference between the Paperwhite and Paperwhite Signature Edition?

In the past, the Paperwhite has been Amazon's flagship e-reader, with the Paperwhite Signature Edition being the more luxe option. However, with the 2026 redesign, it seems like the script has been flipped, with Amazon pushing the Signature Edition while the standard Paperwhite takes a back seat.

Plenty remains the same between the devices. They have the same 7-inch screen with 300 ppi resolution and adjustable warmth and brightness. Both are waterproof with IPX8 ratings and 12-week battery life. The new devices also have easy-to-open back panels to make replacing the battery that much easier.

The Paperwhite is the cheaper option at $199.99, but it comes with only 16GB of storage (which, to be fair, is still plenty) and is available in graphite with a plastic casing. The Signature Edition is more expensive at $249.99, but comes with 32GB of storage and is available in the aluminum finish in seaglass green and graphite. Beyond its nicer finish, it also has an ad-free lockscreen, automatic front-light adjustment, a rotating screen, and wireless charging. The real perk of the Paperwhite Signature Edition is its compatibility with the Page Turn Cover, which adds page-turning buttons to your Kindle.

It feels as expensive as it is The aluminum casing makes the Paperwhite Signature Edition feel like a tablet rather than an e-reader. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The aluminum case on the Paperwhite Signature Edition is nearly enough to justify its $250 price tag. The Paperwhite Signature Edition is about the same size as the previous generation, but it's about one millimeter thinner and 10 grams lighter. Compared to the previous generation, it has squared edges and an aluminum case, making it feel more like a tablet or smartphone.

The pogo pins on the back of the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition connect to Amazon's Page Turn Cover. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Plus, it comes in a neutral graphite, but the seaglass green is a vibrant alternative that's really dazzling. It now feels like more sophisticated tech, which is enough for me to justify its price tag.

Its performance is great, but is it really better?

One thing I feel certain about Kindles is that they're fast — easily the quickest e-readers we've tested. Every time a new Kindle is released, Amazon touts that they're some percentage faster than a previous generation; that's the case with this year's base Kindle, which Amazon says is 30 percent faster. However, that claim is missing on the Paperwhite Signature Edition.

This year's Paperwhite Signature Edition still has quick processing time, but it doesn't seem faster than the previous generation. Before trying the 2026 model, I read with the 2024 Paperwhite Signature Edition daily, and I didn't notice any changes in processing speed between the two e-readers. That's not necessarily a bad thing, though, as it was already a zippy e-reader.

With a rotating screen, the page-turn cover is a must Screen rotation lets you use the Page Turn Cover buttons on the right... Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable ...or left side of the device. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Since Amazon discontinued the Kindle Oasis, Kindle users have been shouting from the rooftops that they want a Kindle with page-turning buttons. As reported by The Verge, Amazon has said it won't be making Kindles with buttons, but it's offering something in between. The new Kindle Page Turn Cover now magnetically attaches to Signature Edition Kindles and lets you turn the page by pressing the buttons on the case.

The case works seamlessly, and Amazon added a key feature to the Paperwhite Signature Edition — a rotating screen. The rotating screen is key when using page-turning buttons. That way, when you're reading in bed and want to roll over and switch sides, you can rotate the device to use your preferred hand, and the screen rotates too. The only downside is that you have to buy the cover separately for $79.99.

The Kindle pulldown menu on the Paperwhite Signature Edition now includes a screen rotation lock. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

We initially had a problem with the screen rotation, as the unit we were testing didn't support it. This appeared to be a glitch, and Amazon replaced the model. On the Paperwhite Signature Edition, the screen rotation worked seamlessly. In the pull-down menu, there's an option to lock the rotation too, if you don't want your screen to rotate while in use.

Is the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition worth its price? With an upgraded aluminum case, the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition feels expensive and earns its price tag. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Yes, the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is worth its $249.99 price tag. In fact, I think it's the first Signature Edition to really be worth the upgrade. It has the same perks as before, like 32GB of storage and automatic brightness adjustment, but what puts it a step above is its finer casing materials. It feels like a more advanced piece of tech, so while it's still the same reliable Kindle platform, it has a more sophisticated build.

Not to mention, its rotating screen and compatibility with the Kindle Page Turn Cover make it the most versatile and functional Kindle yet.

If you're ready to upgrade your e-reader, the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is the absolute best one you can buy. If you want something more budget-friendly but equally colorful, go for the standard Kindle. But if you're wondering if the Paperwhite Signature Edition is worth its price, without a doubt, it is.

Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $249.99 at Amazon
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When I heard that new Kindles were coming, there was one thing I wanted above all else — page-turning buttons. Few e-readers have them, which is why I love the Kobo Libra Colour so much. Unfortunately, Amazon isn't reviving the Kindle Oasis, but it did introduce the next best thing: the Kindle Page Turn Cover.

The new accessory is compatible with the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition and Colorsoft Signature Edition e-readers, and, in addition to protecting your Kindle, it adds buttons to it. While testing the newest Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, I tried the new cover, and it's the perfect e-reader companion.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Page Turn Cover $79.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon How does the Kindle Page Turn Cover work? The case connects to the device through pogo pins. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The Kindle Page Turn Cover has no battery and doesn't need to be charged. To set up the cover, all you need to do is place your Kindle (Signature Edition models only) into the case, and it's ready to use. The cover connects via pogo pins that press into the port on the back of the Kindle.

You can customize the buttons of the cover in the settings of your Kindle. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The case has two buttons that you can customize to go back or forward in your Kindle's settings. Plus, when you rotate your Kindle to use the opposite hand, it preserves which button turns the page forward or back. The cover snaps shut magnetically. It wakes the screen or puts it to sleep, and you can fold it over while in use so it stays flat.

It couldn't be easier to use In addition to page-turn buttons, this case also has an automatic wake/sleep cover. Credit: Samatha Mangino / Mashable

The appeal of accessories like AirPods for iPhone users is their seamless connectivity. Kindle has essentially done its own version of that with the Kindle Page Turn Cover. It works perfectly with the Kindle Signature Edition models, and I was so pleased at how quickly I could start using it. Once it's in, the buttons work immediately.

Adjusting the settings is a breeze too. There's now an accessories tab in the Kindle settings where you can adjust which button turns the page forward or back. Once I had mine set up, I tucked in for a cozy night of reading.

The Kindle Page Turn Cover works no matter what hand you read with. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The best part is that when I was lying in bed reading, if I rolled over to swap hands, I rotated the device and the screen followed suit. Plus, the button orientation stays the same when rotated.

It's so unbelievably easy to use that anyone, no matter how tech-savvy, can use it. With no battery in the case, you never have to worry about charging it either.

It's perfectly designed — with extremely limited compatibility

From the outside, the Kindle Page Turn Cover isn't normally what I'd go for in a case. It's a little plain, and I usually like a MagSafe case over a sleep cover case. But I can't deny how perfectly it's designed. It's slim and sturdy without adding any bulk to the device.

The Amazon Kindle Page Turn Cover adds a seven-millimeter edge to your e-reader. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The case adds a seven-millimeter edge to the screen, with two well-placed buttons you can easily tap. Since it's so thin, I thought the edge wouldn't provide enough grip, but it ended up being totally comfortable for hours of reading.

What really impresses me is how well the cover folds flat. With the magnetic closure, it snaps tightly to the back of the cover and stays totally out of the way, so you're not dealing with a cover flapping around while you're trying to binge-read the latest Sarah J. Maas.

When folded, the Page Turn Cover is still exceptionally thin. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

But here's the bummer of the cover. It only works with two Kindles: the Paperwhite Signature Edition and the Colorsoft Signature Edition, meaning the basic Kindle and Paperwhite don't work with it.

Take it to the pool or beach because it's waterproof, too

The Kindles that are compatible with the Page Turn Cover are both waterproof, and luckily, so is this case. It's made from plant-based leather (primarily composed of corn and viscose fiber) and has a plush microfiber interior screen. The case has an IPX8 rating, which covers splashes and rain, and is the same IP rating as Kindle Signature Edition e-readers.

I don't love its price

My least favorite thing about the Kindle Page Turn Cover is its price. At $79.99, that's an incredibly expensive case, since you can find plenty on Amazon for under $15. Yes, this case does a lot more than a typical protective case, but $80 is still a lot, especially when you factor in the cost of the e-reader.

This case only works with the 2026 Paperwhite and Colorsoft Signature Editions, meaning if you're buying this case, you're also buying a new e-reader. The Paperwhite Signature Edition costs $249.99, while the Colorsoft Signature Edition is $319.99. That means for both a new Kindle and e-reader you're paying over $300 and in the case of the Colorsoft, nearly $400.

Is the Kindle Page Turn Cover worth it? If you're buying the new Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, the Page Turn Cover is an essential accessory. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

As much as I don't like the price of the Kindle Page Turn Cover, I think it's an exceptional accessory. If you miss the buttons on Amazon's now-discontinued Kindle Oasis, this cover fills the void. There's practically no setup, and it works seamlessly. The design is a marvel, too, as it's fully waterproof and comfortable for your next reading marathon.

For me? It's definitely coming along with me as I dive into A Court of Splintered Harmony.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Page Turn Cover $79.99
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