IT General

Score a monster discount on a monster Hisense TV for Black Friday — save over $400 on the Hisense 75-Inch E6 Cinema Series

Mashable - Tue, 11/25/2025 - 00:00

SAVE $400: The Hisense 75-Inch E6 Cinema Series QLED is on sale for $399.99 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's 50% off the list price of $799.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 75-Inch E6 Cinema Series QLED TV $399.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $400   Get Deal

It’s that special time of year once again. That’s right, it’s Black Friday week, which means that before we get to Thanksgiving and the Season To Be Jolly, it’s the season for buying massive tech at a massive discount. And they don’t come much more massive than $400 off a 75-inch smart TV.

The Hisense 75-Inch E6 Cinema Series QLED is currently on offer at Amazon for an incredible $399.99, which is a markdown of 50%. This TV is usually listed at $799.99. That's the lowest-ever price for this popular model.

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Its punchy, vibrant, AI-assisted visuals come via QLED display technology, with support for 4K, HDR 10+, and Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos. It has a dedicated game mode — and seriously, gaming on a 75-inch screen is a truly immersive experience — plus an Alexa-enabled remote. 

There’s also filmmaker mode for movie buffs, which optimizes movies to look exactly how the director intended. Other features include auto-adjusting brightness and a Fire TV operating system, which is becoming a frontrunner for the best everyday user-friendly OS. You’ll also get access to all your favorite streaming apps. It’s an awesome package for what is essentially a Black Friday budget price.

Get the Hisense 75-Inch E6 Cinema Series QLED for only $399.99 — that's 50% knocked off the list price of $799.99. Find more in our rundown of the best Amazon Black Friday TV deals.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Ditch the cloud with this compact 1TB USB-C and USB-A flash drive, now $45 off

Mashable - Tue, 11/25/2025 - 00:00

TL;DR: Save 1TB of data on this Dual USB-C and USB-A 3.2 High Speed Flash Drive, on sale now for just $64.97 (reg. $109.99) through Dec. 7.

Opens in a new window Credit: StackSocial Dual USB-C + USB-A 3.2 High Speed Flash Drive (1TB) $64.97
$109.99 Save $45.02   Get Deal

If you’re uneasy about your most important data drifting away in the cloud, but you don’t want to lug around clunky external hard drives, there’s a better option.

The Dual USB-C and USB-A 3.2 High Speed Flash Drive offers a compact and portable way to keep 1TB of data within reach, and right now it’s just $64.97 (reg. $109.99) until Dec. 7.

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Looking to store your most important files somewhere that won’t cost you a fortune in monthly storage fees? How about a tool that isn’t too bulky to pop in your pocket? This Dual USB-C and USB-A 3.2 High Speed Flash Drive can hold 1TB of data while remaining tiny enough to tag along anywhere.

Get instant access to your important files as needed, with no internet connection required. This Dual USB-C and USB-A 3.2 High Speed Flash Drive weighs in at just 3.84 ounces despite holding an ample 1TB of storage. And though it’s petite, don’t worry about its durability. It has an anti-drop design, and it’s also waterproof and dustproof so you can rest easy knowing your files are secure.

This flash drive’s USB-C and USB-A connectivity makes it super versatile — use it with Macs, PCs, smartphones, and gaming consoles easily. You’ll enjoy lightning-fast 20–30MB/s read and write speeds, so transferring large files is no problem.

Act fast to snag this Dual USB-C and USB-A 3.2 High Speed Flash Drive for just $64.97 (reg. $109.99) now through Dec. 7.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Finally keep up in fast meetings with an AI recorder that transcribes for you, now 56% off

Mashable - Tue, 11/25/2025 - 00:00

TL;DR: This voice-to-text recorder uses AI to transcribe and summarize meetings and lectures. Grab one while it’s 56% off ahead of Black Friday and enjoy free shipping through Dec. 14.

Opens in a new window Credit: Focais Focais: Meet One – Your AI-Powered Assistant to Capture & Summarize Notes $64.97
$149 Save $84.03   Get Deal

Trying to keep up with notes during a fast-moving meeting or lecture is… exhausting. You want to stay locked in, but instead you’re scribbling nonstop or hammering away on your keyboard, praying you don’t miss something crucial. And after all that effort? You’re usually left with a messy, incomplete recap that doesn’t actually help much.

Instead, this AI audio recorder could capture every spoken word for you. Not only does the Focais AI voice-to-text device transcribe conversations, meetings, and lectures, but it can also summarize all the key points for you. Until Dec. 14, you can get this innovative little device for just $64.97 with free shipping (reg. $149).

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How is this smart voice recorder any different than just taking videos of meetings or classes on your phone? Here’s why:

  • It only records when it detects sound to save memory and battery

  • AI enhances voice clarity while minimizing background noise

  • OpenAI’s Whisper transcribes voices into text with 98% accuracy, including timestamps

  • AI automatically summarizes conversations

  • If you’re in a language course or international business meeting, you can also get AI translations in over 120 languages

Sure, you could record that hour-long lecture on your phone, upload it to ChatGPT, and see if you get a decent transcript to summarize. Or, you could just hit record on this gadget and have it all done automatically.

Listen to your recordings and view the transcripts and summaries on the iOS and Android app. You’ll also be able to easily share files with any of your colleagues or classmates — if you’re feeling generous.

Take a Focais Meet One AI-Powered Recorder home for the early Black Friday price of $64.97 through Dec. 14 with free shipping (reg. $149) before they’re sold out.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The 50 best tech gifts of the year, hand-picked by professional gadget nerds

Mashable - Mon, 11/24/2025 - 23:31

The coolest tech gifts may look like the most boring box in the present pile... until they're unwrapped. But in a second, you'll both unlock a new favorite memory: They get to gush over owning one of the most sought-after gadgets of the year, and you get to watch their face light up.

Our tech gift guide for 2025 includes some of the best new releases of the year from Apple, Nintendo, Shark, Razer, and GoPro, most of which we personally reviewed. We're obviously loving the latest upgrades, like the AirPods Pro 3 and the long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2. But even if you're not shopping for an early adopter, we've still found some awesome under-the-radar gadgets that'll speak to their niche interests. The skincare enthusiast on your list may not care about the new fleet of Echos that Amazon just announced, but they will freak over the Shark LED face mask.

To find the best holiday gifts for the techies in your life, Mashable's tech and shopping reporters have come together to curate a guide to our favorite gift-worthy gadgets of the year — the true 'I can't believe you got this for me' gifts. So, whether you're splurging on an iPad or searching for stocking stuffers, here are the best tech gifts for 2025.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I found 7 DJI deals worth shopping for Black Friday

Mashable - Mon, 11/24/2025 - 23:25
Best DJI deals Best mic deal DJI Mic Mini $79.99 (save $89.01) 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: Black Friday 2025: Live updates on the latest deals from Amazon, Target, Walmart, and more

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 early 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. At the time of writing, it's sold out at Amazon and DJI, but it is in stock at Best Buy for $79.99 — besting Amazon's sale price when it was in stock by about $20.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) $79.99 at Best Buy
$169 Save $89.01   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

This stunning LG Ultragear gaming monitor has hit its best-ever price for Black Friday — save over $800 at Amazon

Mashable - Mon, 11/24/2025 - 23:00

SAVE OVER $800: The 45-inch LG Ultragear gaming monitor is on sale for $896.99 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's over $800 off and the lowest-ever price for this model.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon LG 45-inch Ultragear OLED Gaming Monitor $896.99 at Amazon
$1,699.99 Save $803   Get Deal

You expect to see Apple products, big-screen TVs, and robot vacuums dominating the conversation around Black Friday, but we can't help but shout about the deals we're seeing on gaming monitors. We've seen so many huge discounts on top brands like Samsung and LG.

We thought this eye-popping deal on the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 monitor was our favorite from Black Friday, but the 45-inch LG Ultragear gaming monitor deal is forcing us to reconsider. For a limited time, the 45-inch LG Ultragear gaming monitor is on sale for $896.99 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's over $800 off and the lowest-ever price for this model.

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This huge 45-inch monitor boasts an 800R curve with a peak brightness of up to 1,300 nits. The 240Hz refresh rate with a 0.03ms response time ensures that your games are fast and smooth without lag. It's also compatible with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and NVIDIA G-Sync, so you get improved frame sync on both PC and consoles.

There honestly isn't much to complain about with this monitor, beyond the regular list price. $1,699.99 is outrageously expensive, even for the most dedicated of gamers. And $896.99 is still a lot of cash. We get that, but if you truly want the best this Black Friday, this deal is tough to turn down.

Save over $800 on the 45-inch LG Ultragear gaming monitor this Black Friday.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Watch Disneys new AI-powered Olaf robot wander around Arendelle

Mashable - Mon, 11/24/2025 - 22:56

The magic that powers Disney parks around the world is getting an AI upgrade.

The entertainment giant's parks division has released the first look at a new, AI-powered Olaf animatronic in a series of social media posts and a short YouTube documentary, showcasing the robot's ability to independently navigate around the park, move its limbs and facial expressions, and engage in Frozen-themed banter with guests.

SEE ALSO: What to know before you buy an AI toy

In promotional videos of the new robot, Olaf waddles through Disneyland Paris' World of Frozen land at a quick pace as the park's experts explain how he works. At one point, the animatronic stops between them, looks up, and, waving his stick arm, says a bright "Hello!"

Disney's crafty Imagineers designed the new generation animatronic using a form of artificial intelligence called reinforcement learning, allowing the self-propelling robot to mimic motions and navigate and interact with its environment independently. Disney partnered with NVIDIA and Google DeepMind to build a new open-source simulation framework called Newton and an accompanying simulator called Kamino to power the robotics.

The robot's nose and arms are also removable, just like in the films, and iridescent fibers were embedded across it's body to mimic magical snow. With additional AI powering its ability to speak and respond to guests on its own, Disney has called it the most expressive and true-to-life characters it's ever built.

"This debut marks a new chapter in Disney character innovation, one where technology, storytelling, and collaboration come together to bring screen to reality," the company wrote in a blog post, noting it plans to expand to the line of robots in the future. "The BDX Droids, self-balancing H.E.R.B.I.E., and now Olaf represent increasing levels of performance and innovation in bringing Disney characters to life. The speed at which we can create new characters and introduce them to guests is unprecedented."

The Olaf robot will start interacting with guests at Disneyland Paris soon, according to Disney, and will make limited appearances at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. Watch Disney's latest episode of "We Call It Imagineering," it's behind-the-scenes YouTube show, to see more:

Categories: IT General, Technology

Pebble cuts through the noise and goes 100% open source

How-To Geek - Mon, 11/24/2025 - 22:43

There’s been a bit of drama in the Pebble community lately, but it seems we’re heading in the right direction. Today, Pebble founder Eric Migicovsky shared an update on the future of the Pebble Store—and it's very good news.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The 3 shows in Netflix's top 10 actually worth watching this week

How-To Geek - Mon, 11/24/2025 - 22:36

Netflix's top 10 lists are a good way to see what's popular with other viewers, though they aren't necessarily an indicator of quality. You might want to watch everything on the list so that you're not left out of any watercooler discussions, but that's going to be time-consuming.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Don't rely on Google Photos—pick up a NAS during UGREEN's Black Friday sale

How-To Geek - Mon, 11/24/2025 - 21:42

When you look at the prices for cloud storage, a NAS is probably a recurring thought for you. Sure, it's more money up front, but it's a one-time purchase—and more importantly, it's yours, and not someone else's. If the price has been a turn-off, you can currently save a decent amount of money on UGREEN's best NASes this Black Friday.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google's ChromeOS replacement has a new name and more revealed details

How-To Geek - Mon, 11/24/2025 - 21:34

ChromeOS is getting replaced by... Android. We've known for a while that Google's eventual goal is to merge ChromeOS into Android and replace that with an Android-based desktop operating system. It won't be quite Android, though. And now, we have a few details on how this OS might be shaping up.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Affordable Japanese hybrid that delivers 50 mpg and it's not a Prius

How-To Geek - Mon, 11/24/2025 - 21:00

Shoppers hunting for maximum fuel savings in 2025 don’t have to spend luxury-car money to get it. While hybrid technology keeps advancing, a few models still stand out for delivering exceptional efficiency at an attainable price point. And among today’s Japanese hybrids, one in particular has become a go-to choice for buyers who want genuine 50-MPG performance without sacrificing comfort or practicality.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Ninja Creami Scoop and Swirl is downright fun — and down to its lowest price ever

Mashable - Mon, 11/24/2025 - 20:36

SAVE $52.50: As of Nov. 24, the Ninja Creami Scoop and Swirl is down to its lowest price ever of $297.49. That saves you $52.50 off its usual list price of $349.99.

Ninja Creami Scoop and Swirl $297.49 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $52.50   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Ninja Kitchen

One thing about Black Friday, it's going to bring deals to even the newest tech. Earlier this year, Ninja debuted its Creami Scoop and Swirl, previously known as just the Ninja Swirl. Some tech is exciting, some is innovative, and the Creami Scoop and Swirl is all of that but most importantly, it's just straight up fun. It brings the whimsy of the ice cream shop to your home, and it just dropped to its lowest price ever ahead of Black Friday.

As of Nov. 24, the Ninja Creami Scoop and Swirl is down to $297.49. That's the biggest discount the ice cream maker has ever seen, knocking $52.50 off its $349.99 MSRP for 15% off. This deal is Amazon as the retailer is beating Ninja's price by 50 cents.

The Creami Scoop and Swirl has garnered plenty of accolades since its 2025 release. In our review, we gave the Scoop and Swirl a Mashable Choice award for its fresh take on the ice cream maker that lets you concoct soft serve in 24 hours or less. Plus, even Oprah has taken notice, putting it on the 2025 list of her favorite things.

Get the Ninja Creami Scoop and Swirl for just $297.49, its lowest price ever and save $52.20 at Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Uber One adds family sharing just in time for the holidays

How-To Geek - Mon, 11/24/2025 - 20:20

Uber One members can now share their subscription benefits with their family at no extra charge, just in time for the busy holiday travel season. Uber is rolling this out alongside a wave of seasonal perks, including complimentary ride upgrades and exclusive deals.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Chilis Wicked margaritas are all over TikTok

Mashable - Mon, 11/24/2025 - 20:14

Wicked: For Good has hit theaters — and it's perhaps the biggest movie moment of the year. But TikTok may have fallen in love with the musical's branded margaritas at Chili's as much as the movie itself.

If you've not seen the margaritas, they're kind of exactly what you'd expect from Wicked-branded margaritas from Chili's. (And that is said with deep respect and admiration.) One is an unnaturally neon green, the other pink — to match main characters Elphaba and Glinda, respectively — and you'll often see TikToks with the drinks served in pint glasses. You know, standard practice for margaritas. Some folks even chug down the margs simultaneously with two straws. (Don't do that, drink responsibly.)

But people are loving the margaritas, chatting about maybe having too many of them, and generally getting in the Wicked spirit with some wicked-looking spirits.

This is just another instance of Chili's somehow becoming the internet's favorite chain restaurant. It has undergone a complete revival as the internet has fallen in love with its Triple Dipper platter and iconic mozzarella sticks. And now the internet is back at Chili's — but this time for drinks.

Categories: IT General, Technology

What Xs new country based in feature tells us about fake accounts

Mashable - Mon, 11/24/2025 - 19:47

Your suspicions about the user you're arguing with on Elon Musk's X being a fake might just be true.

That's an experience that many users on X, formerly Twitter, are sharing since the platform's new "About this account" page went live with its "Account based in" feature. Basically, each X profile now discloses the country of origin a user is posting from. 

The feature, which X head of product Nikita Bier first teased last month, was originally rolled out on Friday night. Hours later, X removed the feature with Bier claiming there were some changes that needed to be made to address users that utilized VPNs to hide their location. However, by Saturday night, X had once again made the country of origin feature live for each account.

SEE ALSO: X's location revealing feature is live. Here's how to make it less precise.

There are ways to obscure your location in X's settings. Users can choose to only show a general region like North America or Europe instead of the specific nation like the United States or Germany. While this might protect users who are afraid of being doxxed or need to be more private living under an oppressive regime of a more authoritarian country, these settings don't really affect how fake accounts are revealed.

For example, X users discovered that the account @American, complete with a U.S. flag and bald eagle in their avatar, was not in fact a user from the United States but someone posting from "South Asia."

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Another account called "Mariana Times" presented themselves as a U.S. citizen who spoke out about wanting to deport New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani because "we want a nation" and not "foreigner" who has not "assimilated into American culture." While their avatar had an Israeli flag with an AI-looking woman standing in front of it, X's new feature revealed that Mariana is actually posting from India.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Many social media users have long wondered if foreign actors have been behind prominent anonymous political accounts that use the platform to sow discord or even just make easy money through monetization schemes. It's unclear just how large the scale is, but X's new location feature certainly confirmed the suspicion that this is happening.

In addition, it shows that Elon Musk's goal to "defeat the bots" on X has largely been a failure. In fact, studies have shown that the bot and fake account problem on X has been even worse since Musk took over and made changes to the platform that made it easier for these type of fake accounts to prevail.

However, with X's latest change, spearheaded by the newly-hired Bier, at least users will now get a good idea if they are arguing with one of these fake accounts. And more transparency is always a good thing.

So, that "Make America Great Again" themed account that you've been duking it out with online for years? You may just now find out that the user claiming to be from the U.S. is actually from Russia, Nigeria, India, or elsewhere.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
Categories: IT General, Technology

The 3 best Black Friday gaming monitor deals that will level up your setup

Mashable - Mon, 11/24/2025 - 19:30
The best Black Friday gaming monitor deals at a glance: LG 45-Inch Ultragear OLED Curved Gaming Monitor $896.99 (save $803) Get Deal ASUS 32-inch ROG Swift 4K OLED Gaming Monitor $899 (save $400) Get Deal Samsung 49-inch Odyssey OLED G9 Curved Gaming Monitor $898 (save $427) Get Deal

'Tis the season for a gaming upgrade. Gaming hardware generally comes with a bit of sticker shock, but Black Friday is the perfect excuse to grab those big-ticket purchases — like OLED monitors — for less.

Just like a good TV can enhance your cinematic experience, making the switch to an OLED gaming monitor can completely transform your gaming experience. If your current setup feels a bit lifeless, it's a great time to upgrade. Some major contenders are on sale for record-low prices and we've rounded up our favorites below. Be sure to check out our full list of gaming discounts and follow along with all of our coverage in Mashable's Black Friday hub to score the best deals of the season.

The best Black Friday gaming monitor deals Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 45-Inch Ultragear OLED Curved Gaming Monitor $896.99 at Amazon
$1,699.99 Save $803   Get Deal Why we like it

Curved monitors take some getting used to, but once you've enjoyed the immersive gaming experience they deliver, you likely won't go back. The 45-inch LG Ultragear OLED's WQHD display features a steep 800R curvature and 21:9 aspect ratio, which means the screen will quite literally wrap the action around you. It packs a peak brightness up to 1,300 nits, a 240Hz refresh rate, and a 0.03ms response time, so gameplay is fast, smooth, and vibrant. It's also compatible with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and NVIDIA G-Sync and offers plenty of ports for your gaming peripherals. Usually an outrageous $1,699.99, it's down to only $896.99 for Black Friday. That's nearly 50% in savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS ASUS 32-inch ROG Swift 4K OLED Gaming Monitor $899 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $400   Get Deal Why we like it

If you want something that takes up a bit less desktop real estate, the 32-inch ASUS ROG Swift gaming monitor is another standout for Black Friday. At $899, it's a full $400 off its regular list price of $1,299 and down to a new record low. Like the LG monitor, it also boasts a refresh rate of 240Hz and a response time of 0.03ms for smooth, lag-free gameplay, and compatibility with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and NVIDIA G-Sync for tear-free visuals and low latency. It supports a range of aspect ratios between 24.5 inches and 27 inches, so you can select what works best for specific games. FWIW, our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) called it a "near-perfect 4K OLED gaming display."

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 49-inch Odyssey OLED G9 Curved Gaming Monitor $898 at Amazon
$1,325 Save $427   Get Deal Why we like it

Our favorite ultrawide gaming monitor, the massive 49-inch Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 features an 1800R curvature and 32:9 aspect ratio that essentially wraps around your entire head. It may be overkill for casuals, but if you're looking for the most immersive gameplay you can get, this bad boy is your best bet. While the curve is the main attraction, it's not the only perk this monitor offers. It also features high-quality visuals with a 5,120 x 1,440 pixel display, a solid 240Hz refresh rate, 0.03ms response time, 110 pixels per inch, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and HDR support, and the ability to use it as a two-in-one display. Usually listed for over $1,300, this Black Friday deal knocks it down below $900. That matches its best price ever.

Categories: IT General, Technology

7 monitor specs that are officially too old in 2025

How-To Geek - Mon, 11/24/2025 - 19:30

We don't often think of our monitors as something that holds the rest of our computer back, but your monitor is the component you use as a window into your computer. It's one of the peripherals you spend the most time using, by far. So when certain specs and missing features start limiting what your PC can offer you, whether for work or play, then it's probably time to start looking for a new screen as your most important upgrade.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google Gemini 3 vs ChatGPT: How they compare

Mashable - Mon, 11/24/2025 - 19:29

In the battle to improve the capabilities of artificial intelligence, Google and OpenAI have both released new versions of their flagship chatbots: Gemini 3 and GPT-5.1. Google calls Gemini 3 its "most intelligent model yet," while OpenAI pitches GPT-5.1 as "smarter" and "more conversational."

When you compare the two, it really comes down to what you want from your environment-killing chatbot. On the AI side, both Gemini 3 and GPT-5.1 feel like real sequels instead of point upgrades. Google says its Gemini 3 model builds upon the agent-y, multimodal ideas from Gemini 2 and 2.5, fusing them into a single model that is better at reasoning, handling long-context multimodal work, and planning ahead. It also now powers features like Google's new Antigravity developer platform and a Deep Think mode for genuinely challenging problems.

SEE ALSO: White House pulls back on AI laws executive order

GPT-5.1, meanwhile, reportedly keeps the raw intelligence of GPT-5 but makes it way more direct and enjoyable to talk to. Instant and Thinking both adjust how much they "think" based on the question; they follow instructions more consistently, and they let you dial in the exact tone and personality you want across every chat.

So, to be as useful as possible, here's a short breakdown of the key differences between the two models.

Gemini 3 versus GPT-5.1: Price

When it comes to cost, the two models occupy different price points. GPT‑5.1 from OpenAI has API pricing at about $1.25/ 1 M input tokens and $10.00/ 1 M output tokens. Meanwhile, the Gemini 3 Pro from Google lists token-based tiers at roughly $2.00 input / $12.00 output per million tokens for contexts of up to approximately 200,000 tokens, and about $ 4.00 and $18.00 for much larger contexts beyond that.

On the consumer subscription side, Gemini 3 offers a Pro tier at around $19.99 / month and an Ultra/Enterprise tier with custom pricing (reported to be up to ~$250/month for full features), while GPT-5.1-related consumer plans fall in the approximately $20/month and up range, depending on workflow needs.

Gemini 3 versus GPT-5.1: Model rankings

According to the latest LMArena rankings, Gemini 3 is sitting at the very top of the board with a score of 1324, making it the current fan favorite across thousands of votes. It’s not just edging out the competition, either. The next closest model is Gemini 2.5 Pro at 1249, which means Gemini 3 is leading by a meaningful margin.

GPT-5.1, listed on the board as GPT-5-chat, comes in further down with a score of 1222, placing it solidly in the upper tier but clearly behind Gemini 3’s surge. What’s interesting is the company GPT-5.1 has in those rankings: it’s surrounded by previous GPT generations and models, such as o3 and Claude Opus, all clustered tightly in the low 1200s.

Gemini 3, meanwhile, is the only model that breaks out of that pack entirely. The vibe from LMArena voters is pretty unmistakable. Gemini 3 is the model to beat right now, while GPT-5.1 is respected and well-liked but not commanding the same kind of top-of-the-charts energy.

Gemini 3 versus GPT-5.1: Key features

When it comes to multi-modal and long-context capabilities, Gemini 3 clearly outperforms. According to Google, it supports massive contexts (hundreds of thousands of tokens), handles images, text, and code with seamless transitions, and introduces a Deep Think mode for higher-order reasoning and planning across domains.

Meanwhile, GPT‑5.1 focuses more on conversational quality and reliability. The chatbot maintains strong performance in pure text generation and instruction following, with tone adjustments and personality fine-tuning built in. However, tests conducted by Tom's Guide indicate that it doesn’t yet match Gemini 3’s breadth in modality or long-form reasoning.

In terms of accessibility and feature set for typical users, GPT-5.1 offers familiar workflows, including chat-based input, strong coherence over shorter contexts, and a refined interface for controlling tone, style, and persona. OpenAI says this makes it great for writing, Q&A, and interactive assistance.

On the other hand, Gemini 3 is built to scale for grander tasks — including multimodal inputs, more complex planning, and longer spans of context — which gives it the edge when tackling multi-step workflows, combining visuals and text, or generating highly technical outputs.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, filed a lawsuit in April against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Black Friday deals on unlocked phones

Mashable - Mon, 11/24/2025 - 19:16
Best Black Friday unlocked phone deals at a glance Best Google Pixel deal Google Pixel 10 (256GB) $699 (save $200) Get Deal Best Samsung deal Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 $1,599.99 (save $200) Get Deal Best Motorola Deal Motorola Moto G Stylus $284.99 (save $115) Get Deal

If you've been limping along with a sad phone that will no longer hold a charge, it's time to make the upgrade. Even if you try to limit the amount of time spent looking at your phone, it's a necessary piece of tech these days. An unlocked phone allow you the ability switch plans, carriers, or swap to a new phone if you'd like. Plus, they're excellent for installing an e-sim for international travel.

While Black Friday isn't officially here yet, the major retailers aren't waiting and they're packed with great deals on unlocked phones. Options include basic budget models that are perfect for kids or anyone who doesn't need fancy features. Or you can go with some of the latest and best designs. Keep in mind iPhones tend to be the exception here, and it's not common to find a great deal on an unlocked iPhone. Carriers tend to offer the best value for those.

Before we fill up on pie later this week, shop these unlocked phone deals before they disappear.

Best Black Friday unlocked phone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 10 $699 at Amazon
$899 Save $200   Get Deal Why we like it

Google's lineup of Pixel phones rarely disappoints. Instead, they offer a great value for those aren't tied to iOS. The Pixel 10 comes with all the essentials we've come to love about Pixel phones like solid battery life, a bright display, and a telephoto camera lens. In Mashable's review of the Pixel 10, Tech Reporter Alex Perry noted it's a great upgrade if you current phone needs an update and he was able to get about 26 hours of life before it asked for a recharge, not including time spent sleeping. The $699 sale price applies to the 256GB version, which is $200 off and matches the record-low. But you can also go with less storage and spend $599 on the 128GB Pixel 10 which is also $200 off the normal.

More unlocked phones on sale for Black Friday
Categories: IT General, Technology
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