Technology
3 star-studded Netflix sci-fi movies to watch this weekend (October 9-11)
Netflix's U.S. top five is predominantly earthbound at the moment, which is no real surprise. Jacob Tremblay plays a young Ted Kaczynski while Shailen Woodley gives chase in Unabomber, Tyler Perry's Doing Life keeps his chart streak alive, and the true-crime doc TheWidower: 'Til Death Do Us Part is mesmerizing nonfiction (more on it in my weekly documentary roundup).
Mini PC vs. NAS: I've used both in my homelab for 8 years, but there's only one I'd recommend to beginners
I’ve been running a homelab for about eight years now, and during that time I’ve used both mini PCs and NAS systems for all kinds of workloads. I’ve also gone through several generations of Mini PCs and NAS. After all that experimentation, there is one I would recommend to most people starting their first homelab.
8 super-popular VS Code extensions you don't actually need anymore
Every extension you install adds startup time, uses memory, and gives you one more thing that can break after an update. Over the years, VS Code has absorbed many once-essential extensions by replacing them with built-in features. That means you might be running an extension for something VS Code can already do natively, making your setup more cluttered than it needs to be.
These brand-new gestures changed how I use my Pixel Watch
Google's one-handed gestures for the Pixel Watch have quietly grown from a niche trick into a real way to control the watch. With Wear OS 7 on the Pixel Watch 5, double pinch and wrist turn reach far more screens. Here's what they do and whether they're worth enabling.
Windows 8 wasn't the disaster people remember, but its split personality made it feel like one
I still clearly remember the first time I installed Windows 8 Professional on my computer. I was excited because I'd scored an amazing launch deal good enough that I could actually afford two copies of the OS for my computers.
These 5 gadgets are over 10 years old, but I still use them every day
The pace of technological development is frightening, with AI tools doing things we would have barely believed just a few years ago. That doesn't mean newer is always better; I still use several gadgets daily that are 10 years old or more.
Welcome home: Apple unveils special October event
Just when you thought Apple was done with big events for the year after the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo announcement last month, the company has announced another special fête for later this month.
Apple Senior VP of Worldwide Marketing Greg Joswiak posted a video on his X account on Thursday which teased an upcoming Oct. 13 event. The video shows two women cross-stitching a rainbow Apple logo with the words "Welcome home" and the event date below it.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.What products could Apple possibly be teasing for the event next week? It seems fairly clear that "welcome home" is referring to its Home products line.
Some long-rumored products that will likely be unveiled at the event include the HomePad, which is an entirely new product from Apple. HomePad isn't the official name for the product, so Apple could change it. However, the product is largely called that when referring to Apple's upcoming smart display device. It's meant to act as a smart home hub, like the HomePod, but with a display. Siri AI will be a major feature on the device as well.
Apple is also expected to launch a new HomePod mini 2, its smart speaker with AI assistant features, as well as a new Apple TV 4K. There hasn't been a new HomePod device since 2023. The Apple TV streaming device line was last refreshed in 2022. So, obviously, both lines are in need of an update.
There's also a good chance that Apple will also unveil the smart home product line it has partnered with LG on.
One interesting aspect about the video Joswiak posted is the design choice for the Apple logo. The rainbow Apple logo certainly looks like a call back to the old Macintosh era. Are we looking into this too much? Or does Apple have something retro up its sleeve that it's planning to unveil too?
We'll find out on Tuesday, Oct. 13.
Acer's 13-in-1 Laptop Docking Station upgrades your laptop for under $100
You're lucky to get a handful of ports on a new laptop, so it's worth investing in a docking station, like this one from Acer, to connect multiple monitors or other devices. It has a slimline design that fits most laptop bags, and you'll never have to stress about your limited port selection again.
The 17 best Prime Day tech deals still live after the sale: Last chance deals on MacBooks, TVs, headphones, and more
Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days sale is officially over, but not all of the deals are. If you missed out, there's still time to find some great savings. Particularly with tech, because some of the best tech deals are still clinging on to those low prices, just waiting to be snagged by last-minute bargain-hunters.
Mashable’s reporters and editors test tech year-round. For Prime Big Deal Days, we paired those hands-on findings with price-history checks to help you decide what’s worth buying, which upgrades are worth paying for, and where a cheaper model will do the job. We’ve been looking for discounts on devices we’d actually recommend: earbuds that stay comfortable during a commute, e-readers with responsive page turns, and creator cameras that help you stand out from the crowd. And below is the best of what's left on offer.
SEE ALSO: The 20+ best Prime Day deals on MicroSDs, SSDs, and hard drives: Our favorite deals to beat RAMageddonOur top picks include $79 AirPods, a MacBook that's $200 cheaper than usual, and $80 off Bose’s second-generation QuietComfort Headphones. With the sale now over, there's no time to lose — now's the moment to get those last-chance deals.
How do we pick deals? A low price doesn’t automatically make a good deal. We prioritize products recommended in Mashable’s reviews and buying guides, then use price-tracking tools such as camelcamelcamel to check whether the discount is unusually good. We also compare other retailers’ listings rather than assuming Amazon has the lowest price.
When we’ve tested a product, we explain what stood out in actual use. We also flag Prime membership requirements, third-party sellers, and other conditions that could change the value of an offer. With all this in mind, let's break down the top tech deals still available after the official close of Prime Day.
The best AirPods dealsThe best AirPods deal is actually available at Walmart, not Amazon, as part of Walmart's competing deals. This for the AirPods 4, a budget pick for iPhone users who prefer earbuds without ANC.
Just to reiterate, this deal is for the version that doesn't have active noise cancellation. In our AirPods 4 review, we tested the ANC model, but the buds have the same design. We found they stayed secure through flights and a treadmill run, although our reviewer experienced some discomfort after roughly eight hours of wear. The AirPods 4 reached $69 last Black Friday, so $79 isn’t their all-time low. But it is the lowest price so far in 2026 — and a reasonable buy.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $79.99$129 Save $49.01 Get Deal Save on Apple's newest MacBooks
We've been waiting for good deals on Apple MacBooks, and Amazon has finally delivered over October Prime Day, with both the MacBook Air and Pro marked down.
If you're a professional creative, developer, or AI enthusiast who needs a compact new laptop for work, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better option than the 14-inch, M5 Max-powered MacBook Pro. The "base" configuration with 36GB of RAM and 2TB of storage got a $500 price increase back in June, which bumped it from $3,599 to $4,099. But right now, Amazon has it on sale for just $3,499 — a $600 savings.
If you don't need the powerful MacBook Pro's features or the price tag, you can go with the M5 MacBook Air while it's on sale for $1,099, or $200 off the normal price. Not only is it highly portable, but it also uses the M5 chip, and it stays in a moderate lane without going wild with features not everyone needs. It's a great buy for students or professionals.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,099 at Amazon$1,299 Save $200 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Max, 36GB RAM, 2TB SSD) $3,499 at Amazon
$4,099 Save $600 Get Deal A tasty deal on a top-end espresso machine
Ninja is now well established as one of the most desirable brands in kitchen appliances. While you probably associate them with air fryers, this espresso machine is just as slick — a 3-in-1 coffee maker that serves up espresso, cold brew, and drip coffee, plus lots of variations in between (lattes, macchiatos, cappuccinos, and more).
It comes with a built-in frother for turning milk into creamy microfoam, as well as a conical grinder and smart technology that guides you through the coffee-making process.
At $499.95, it's just 95 cents from its lowest-ever price.
Opens in a new window Credit: SharkNinja Ninja Luxe Café Premier Espresso Machine $499.95$599.99 Save $100.04 Get Deal Google Pixel 11 Pro on sale
Apple customers were out of luck with October Prime Day smartphone deals, but Android users have enjoyed plenty of options. If you're looking for the best deal on an Android smartphone, then it's an easy choice — the new Google Pixel 11 Pro is still marked down for Prime members, now at $849.
This sale marked the first time the new Google flagship phone had ever dropped below $1,000. In our recent Pixel 11 Pro review, we noted that this phone has an incredible set of cameras, which is no surprise. For creators — or anyone who loves documenting family memories — this is the best Android phone for photography right now.
Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 11 Pro, Unlocked (256GB) $849.57 at Amazon$1,099 Save $249.43 Get Deal DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo
The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo is the more practical upgrade for creators who want steadier footage and better audio without building a full camera rig. The bundle includes a DJI Mic 2 transmitter, battery handle, and mini tripod — not just the camera.
The Pocket 3 combines a one-inch CMOS sensor with a three-axis mechanical gimbal, which stabilizes footage as you move. Its rotating two-inch touchscreen makes switching shooting orientation straightforward, while ActiveTrack 6.0 can keep you centered during a solo, talk-to-camera recording.
For creators who edit beyond basic cuts, support for 10-bit color and D-Log M provides more flexibility for color grading. That’s the reason to consider this older camera: the useful features are still here, even if a newer model exists. Read our review of the DJI Osmo Pocket 4.
Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo $495 at Amazon$629 Save $134 Get Deal A high-spec smartwatch at almost half price
Garmin is the king of high-quality smartwatches with rugged outdoor features and fitness tracking. If you move fast, you can pick up a premium model with a discount of 47%.
It offers advanced health and training monitoring and in-depth metrics, along with 16 days of battery, a built-in flashlight, and trainer-like guidance.
We've seen it go as low as $499.99 before, but even with an extra $30 on top, the current sale price of $529.99 is much like the athletes who use this smartwatch: seriously competitive.
Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Epix Pro SmartWatch $529.99$999.99 Save $470 Get Deal Best deal under $25: Apple AirTags
Apple released a new generation of AirTag trackers this year, the AirTag 2. The popular Apple tracker has fallen to an all-time low price, and we don't expect it to get any cheaper today. You can also grab the 4-pack on sale for $89.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag (2nd Gen) $24 at Amazon$29 Save $5 Get Deal Gaming gear with over $800 off
Gamers know that sale events — even the aftermath — are the time to pick up new hardware. And for those on the hunt for a new monitor, this LG UltraGear OLED monitor has a massive 47% off its list price right now, savings of $815. At 45 inches, it boasts WQHD resolution and a curved display for a more immersive gaming experience. With a refresh rate of 240Hz and a lightning response time of just 0.03ms, it's built for high-speed gaming and winning performance.
Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG UltraGear 45-inch Curved Gaming Monitor $884.99$1,699.99 Save $815 Get Deal Best Amazon subscription deal
This exclusive deal is for Prime members only, and it's a good one. For a limited time, Prime members can sign up for four months of Audible for just $0.99. You'll also get a $20 Audible credit to spend as you like.
Our advice? Take advantage of this deal and set a calendar reminder three months and 29 days in the future.
Opens in a new window Credit: Audible Audible $0.99 for 4 months + $20 Audible credit Get Deal Cheap wireless earbuds for under $25If you're prone to losing earbuds and just need something simple for everyday use, the popular Anker Soundcore P30i Earbuds are sitting at $24.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Soundcore P30i Noise-Cancelling Earbuds $24.99 at Amazon$49.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal The best iPad deals
Prime Big Deal Days cut $100 from the newest iPad Air, which is powered by the powerful M4 chip. It's our favorite tablet overall and won a Mashable Choice award earlier this year. (Read our full review if you're on the fence.)
If you want to upgrade to the M5 chip and a breathtaking OLED touchscreen, then you can also save $100 on the iPad Pro. Its display is incredibly bright, even in direct sunlight, and it has enough processing power to run video-editing software and handle 4K video files.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $649 at Amazon$749 Save $100 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) $1,099.99 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $99.01 Get Deal Bose QuietComfort headphones on sale
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are $80 off, and their appeal is more specific than “premium sound”: Mashable’s testing highlights their comfort, adjustable active noise cancellation, and all-day battery life even with ANC enabled.
The second generation increases rated battery life from 24 to 30 hours and adds USB-C wired playback, which can charge the headphones while you listen. There’s also passive playback through an auxiliary cable. Those are useful upgrades if you wear headphones through a workday or want a wired option when the battery runs out.
Prefer earbuds? The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are under $130 after a 28% discount. According to our reviewer, "you'll be hard pressed to find earbuds with better sound quality and battery life than these."
Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) $369 at Amazon$449 Save $80 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Earbuds $129 at Amazon
$179 Save $50 Get Deal A 65-inch TV for under $600
It wouldn't be a major sale event without at least checking out the prices of massive smart TVs, would it? This is our top pick of what's still discounted, a huge Hisense TV with all the bells and whistles in glorious 4K. The E7 Cinema Series runs on Fire TV and more than lives up to its name. It's built for home cinema setups, boasting a stack of features — including Dolby Vision IQ, AI-enhanced visuals, motion smoothing, and Filmmaker Mode — to immerse you in your movies and shows. Throw in gaming features, and it really is the full package. And it's now just $32 off its lowest-ever price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 65-inch E7 Cinema Series TV $579.99 at Amazon$999.99 Save $420 Get Deal A super-affordable Android smartwatch
If you're looking for a tracker and smartwatch hybrid that's super affordable, then we have to point you to the Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro. We called this an almost-perfect smartwatch in our review, and we named it a Mashable Choice product.
Grab this budget Android tracker, which boasts weeks of battery life, for just $59.
Opens in a new window Credit: Nothing Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro $59 at Amazon$79 Save $20 Get Deal
Android trackers have one big problem that Apple solved years ago
Android tracker tags have improved significantly over the past couple of years, but there are still a few areas where AirTag still reigns supreme. The focus is often put on software features, like notifying you when an item is left behind, but I think the real downside is something nobody talks about: their actual physical design.
Google is already removing a safety feature for the 2-year-old Pixel Watch 3
The Pixel Watch 3 was only released two years ago, but it's already shedding a potentially vital feature. Google has warned that LTE models of the Pixel Watch 2 and 3 are losing free cellular access to Safety Signal on December 12.
October Prime Day is over: 100+ best deals still live, including $200 off MacBooks and $79 AirPods
Another huge Amazon sale for Prime members has officially come to a close. This year, Prime Big Deal Days (aka "October Prime Day") ran Oct. 6 and 7, and while the 48-hour event is officially over, a handful of lingering discounts are still up for grabs.
The best October Prime Day deals provided some much-needed relief from the RAMageddon price hikes impacting the tech industry. Amazon recently increased prices on nearly two dozen Kindles, Fire TV Sticks, Echo smart speakers, and eero routers because of rising component costs. Seasonal sales like Prime Big Deal Days (and later Black Friday) help cancel out some of those markups.
SEE ALSO: Try Amazon Prime for free for 30 days to get access to October Prime Day 2026While the official event has wrapped up, we're keeping an eye out for any leftover post-Prime Day savings that haven't expired yet. You can also check out our guides to the best October Prime Day tech deals, kitchen deals, and outdoor deals to see what remaining discounts you can still score.
How we choose Prime Day dealsMashable shopping reporters and editors regularly review the latest products from brands like Apple, Bose, Kindle, Ninja, Nintendo, Sony, and Samsung. We've also been covering major shopping events like Prime Big Deal Days for almost a decade.
Before recommending a deal, we use price-tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel to check its price history, and we prioritize record-low discounts. We also check prices at other retailers (big-box stores like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy are also hosting fall sales right now), so we can point you to the lowest price at any given moment, even if it's not at Amazon.
Deals marked with a ✅ are Mashable award winners and editor favorites. Deals marked with a strikethrough are no longer available.
Best audio deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Headphones (1st Gen) ✅ $169 at Amazon$359 Save $190 Get Deal Why we like it
For October Prime Day, you can save 53% on the first-generation Bose QuietComfort Noise-Cancelling Headphones. Now, to be clear, these are not the newest version of these popular headphones, but it's really hard to argue with a discount like this. These headphones are incredibly comfy even after hours of use, and they offer true active noise-cancellation.
We also have to call out the first-ever deal on the new version of these headphones, the Bose QuietComfort (2nd Gen). Mashable's audio expert Bethany Allard says they offer the best possible combination of comfort, noise cancellation, sound quality, and value in the entire headphones category, full stop. Currently, they're $319, down from $359 — a $40 saving that makes them an even better value. Read our full review of the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen).
More headphone dealsJBL Tune 730BT headphones — $59.95 $89.95 (save $30)
Sony WH-CH720N — $88 $179.99 (save $91.99)
Beats Solo 4 wireless headphones — $99.95 $199.95 (save $100)
Nothing Headphone (a) — $129 $199 (save $70)
Sony WH-CH730N ANC headphones — $148 $179.99 (save $31.99) ✅
Beats Studio Pro — $149.95 $299.99 (save $150.04)
Sony WH-1000XM5 ANC headphones — $198 $248 (save $50) ✅
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) — $319 $359 (save $40) ✅
Sony WH-1000XM6 ANC headphones — $378 $459.99 (save $81.99) ✅
Anker Soundcore P30i noise-cancelling earbuds — $24.99 $49.99 (save $25) ✅
Anker Soundcore AeroClip Open Earbuds — $105.99 $169.99 (save $64)
Nothing Ear (3) — $99 $149 (save $50)
Beats Fit Pro (1st Gen) sports earbuds — $124.95 $199.95 (save $75)
Soundcore Sleep A30 Special — $168.99 $199.99 (save $31)
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 — $179 $229 (save $50) ✅
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 — $179.95 $249.95 (save $70)
SHOKZ OpenFit Pro Open Earbuds with Noise Reduction — $199.45 $249.95 (save $50.50) ✅
Technics EAH-AZ100 — $234.99 $299.99 (save $65) ✅
Sony WF-1000XM6 ANC Earbuds — $258 $329.99 (save $71.99) ✅
Anker Soundcore 2 Bluetooth Speaker — $33.99 $45.99 (save $12)
JBL Go 4 Bluetooth Speaker — $34.95 $49.95 (save $15)
Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 Portable Waterproof Speaker — $54.14 $99.99 (save $45.85) ✅
Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Bluetooth Speaker — $91.99 $129.99 (save $38)
Bose Soundlink Flex — $99 $159 (save $60)
Bose SoundLink Plus Portable Bluetooth Speaker — $179 $269 (save $90) ✅
$249 Save $50 Get Deal Why we like it
We found 21 Apple products at record-low prices for Prime Day, which is more than we expected to be frank! But our top pick was a Prime Day classic. The basic AirPods just got an upgrade with the new AirPods 5, but last year's Apple AirPods Pro 3 are back on sale. During the sale, the AirPods Pro 3 dropped to $179 — $70 off their $249 list price. Now that the sale is over, the price has risen to $199, now only $50 off the MSRP.
These famous Apple earbuds have ANC, a more comfortable fit, and support for live translation with a compatible iPhone. They're a good pick for commuters and even measure your heart rate during workouts.
Read our full review of the Apple AirPods Pro 3.
More Prime Day Apple dealsAirPods deals
Apple AirPods 4 — $79 $129.99 (save $50.99)
Apple AirPods Max 2 — $429 $549 (save $120)
Apple Watch deals
Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) — $219 $249 (save $30) ✅
Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm) — $349.99 $399.99 (save $50) ✅
Apple Watch Ultra 3 (GPS + Cellular, 46mm) — $699.97 $899 (save $199.03)
iPad deals
Apple iPad (A16, 128GB, WiFi) — $399 $449 (save $50)
Apple iPad Air (M4, 128GB, WiFi) — $649 $749 (save $100) ✅
Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 512GB) — $1,299 $1,499 (save $200) ✅
Apple iPad Pro, 11-Inch (M4, WiFi, 2TB, nano-texture glass) — $1,899 $2,099 (save $200)
MacBook deals
Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,099 $1,299 (save $200) ✅
Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,399 $1,599 (save $200)
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,839 $1,999 (save $160) ✅
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5 Max, 36GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $3,499 $4,099 (save $600) ✅
Mac deals
Apple 2026 Mac mini Desktop (M6, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $779.99 $899 (save $119.01)
Apple 2026 Mac mini Desktop (M6, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $949.99 $1,099 (save $149.01)
Apple 2026 Mac mini Desktop (M5 Pro, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,549.99 $1,699 (save $149.01)
Apple 2026 Mac Studio Desktop (M5 Max, 36GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $2,299.99 $2,499 (save $199.01)
Deals on Apple accessories
Apple MagSafe Charger — $39.99 $49 (save $9.01) ✅
Apple Pencil USB-C — $69 $79 (save $10)
Apple AirTag 2 (4-pack) — $89 $99 (save $10)
$329.99 Save $130 Get Deal Why we like it
Prime Big Deal Days is a 48-hour sale, and Amazon is dropping new deals throughout the event. And the latest “Today’s Big Deals” drop from Amazon includes one of the best Prime Day TV deals we've seen yet. If you're looking for a budget set, this Toshbia Fire TV has a 43-inch QLED display, and it's never been priced this low before.
As everything else gets more expensive, somehow flat-screen TVs keep getting cheaper. So, for those of us who can't afford to drop $1,500 on a premium OLED TV, we don't have to settle too much. This 4K TV features an HDR10+ display and supports Dolby Vision, which is pretty good for a TV under $200.
More TV deals40 to 55-inch TV deals
Amazon Ember 40-inch 2-Series Fire TV — $179.99 $249.99 (save $70) ✅
Roku 43-inch Select Series 4K TV — $179.99 $249.99 (save $70)
Amazon Ember 55-inch 4-Series Fire TV — $279.99 $459.99 (save $180) ✅
Samsung 55-inch M70H Mini-LED 4K TV — $299.99 $347.99 (save $48)
Amazon Ember 55-inch Artline QLED 4K TV — $499.99 $899.99 (save $400) ✅
Hisense 50-inch S7 Canvas Hi-QLED 4K TV — $649.99 $1,299.99 (save $650)
Samsung The Frame 55-inch LS03F 4K QLED Art TV — $797.99 $1,097.99 (save $300) ✅
LG 55-inch LX7B Gallery Mini LED 4K TV — $699.99 $1,299.99 (save $600)
Sony 48-inch Bravia 6 OLED 4K TV — $998 $1,299.99 (save $301)
65-inch TV deals
Roku 65-inch Plus Series QLED 4K TV — $429.99 $649.99 (save $220)
Hisense 65-inch E7 Mini-LED Hi-QLED 4K TV — $579.99 $999.99 (save $420)
Hisense 65-inch S7 Canvas Hi-QLED 4K TV — $899.99 $1,999.99 (save $1,100)
TCL 65-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $1,077.99 $2,499.99 (save $1,422) ✅
LG C6 Series OLED 4K TV — $1,499.99 $2,699.99 (save $1,200) ✅
Samsung 65-Inch S90H Series OLED 4K Smart TV — $1,497.99 $1,897.99 (save $400) ✅
Samsung 65-Inch S95F Series OLED 4K Smart TV — $2,319 $2,499.99 (save $180.99) ✅
75 inches and above TV deals
Samsung 75-inch M70H Mini-LED 4K TV — $547.99 $729.99 (save $182)
Hisense 85-inch S7 Canvas Hi-QLED 4K TV — $1,797.99 $3,999.99 (save $2,202)
Hisense 100-inch E7 Mini-LED Hi-QLED 4K TV — $1,697.99 $2,999.99 (save $1,302)
TCL 98-inch QM7L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $2,197.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,802)
TCL 85-inch QM8L SQD-Mini-LED QLED 4K TV — $2,147.99 $3,999.99 (save $1,852)
$199.95 Save $65.96 Get Deal
If your morning routine centers around iced lattes or a quick espresso shot, this bundle gives you a legit cafe-level setup without taking over your entire countertop. The Vertuo Pop+ Deluxe packs Nespresso's single-touch brewing into an ultra-compact footprint, spinning pods at high speeds to pull rich, crema-topped espresso or full-sized coffee mugs in seconds. Plus, the Deluxe version adds a bigger side water tank, so you're not constantly running to the sink between brews.
The real star here is the included Aeroccino3 milk frother. Instead of buying a frother separately to make lattes, this bundle gives you one-touch hot- or cold-foam for cappuccinos and iced drinks right out of the box. Grabbing the machine-and-frother combo in Matte Black Gold is an absolute steal for upgrading your morning coffee with zero hassle before this Prime deal vanishes.
More Prime Day home and kitchen dealsStaub Ceramic 0.75-quart Petite Pumpkin Dish — $29.99 $59.99 (save $30)
Caraway Non-Stick Ceramic Large Baking Sheet Duo — $110 $130 (save $20)
Ninja PossibleCooker PRO Plus 9-in-1 slow cooker — $139.99 $179.99 (save $40)
Vitamix 5-Speed Immersion Blender bundle — $174.95 $199.95 (save $25) ✅
Viking PureGlide Pro 3-Ply Nonstick Frying Pans (9.5-inch and 11-inch) — $159.95 $239.99 (save $80)
Levoit Sprout Smart Air Purifier — $170.98 $279.99 (save $109.01) ✅
Ninja Crispi Pro Glass Air Fryer, 6 quarts — $249.90 $299.99 (save $50.09) ✅
GE Profile Opal Mini Nugget Ice Maker — $269 $299 (save $30) ✅
Vitamix Propel Series 510 Professional Blender — $389 $499.95 (save $110.95) ✅
$134.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal Why we like it
Whether you're gearing up for tailgate season, a weekend fishing trip, or just need to keep a mountain of drinks icy for a backyard party, this massive Coleman cooler is a total workhorse. Its 100-quart capacity holds up to 160 cans, while the fully insulated body keeps ice frozen for up to five days. Plus, the outer shell has a built-in UV coating so it won't crack in the sun.
Built for rough outdoor use, it packs rust-resistant hardware, rugged 6-inch wheels for dragging across sand or dirt, and a leakproof drain plug. The reinforced lid even doubles as a seat that supports up to 250 pounds and comes with built-in cup holders. Getting this much heavy-duty cooler space for under $100 is an absolute steal before the discount vanishes.
More outdoor dealsCooler deals
Igloo Trailmate Cooler (50 quart) — $99.99 $119.99 (save $20)
Igloo Maxcold Glide (110 quart) — $169.99 $179.99 (save $10)
Ninja FrostVault (Spanish moss, 50 quart) — $199.99 $249.99 (save $50)
Camping deals
LifeStraw Peak Series Personal Water Filter Straw — $23.50 $24.95 (save $1.45) ✅
Breeo 40-inch Steel Fire Pit Poker — $55.20 $69 (save $13.80) ✅
Coleman Sundome 4-Person Camping Tent — $81.68 $117.91 (save $38.31) ✅
Coleman Triton 2-Burner Propane Stove — $89.99 $129.99 (save $40)
Kelty Trash Pak — $90.93 $129.95 (save $39.02)
Sea to Summit Frontier Ultralight One Pot Cook Set — $99.95 $114.95 (save $15)
Jackery SolarSaga 40W Air — $99 $129 (save $30)
Renogy 100W Portable Solar Panel — $109.99 $124.99 (save $15)
Coleman 4-Person Instant Cabin — $149.99 $218.49 (save $68.50) ✅
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite NXT Ultralight Camping Pad — $199.95 $239.95 (save $40)
Coleman RoadTrip 225 portable propane grill — $259.99 $364.99 (save $105)
Breeo Smokeless Fire Pit X Series 19 — $322.05 $399.99 (save $77.94) ✅
$699 Save $269.01 Get Deal Why we like it
"Bluetti is bringing out some of my favorite portable power stations lately. For starters, the Bluetti FridgePower can keep your refrigerator cooling for up to 20 hours during an outage. But I'm especially excited about the new Bluetti Elite 100 mini.
I love the single handle built into the side of this model. I find it much easier to carry compared to the pop-up handle that goes down the middle of many power stations. Plus, Bluetti's built-in LED light on the warm setting is perfect for evening illumination." — Lauren Allain, Mashable Contributor
More power station dealsJackery Explorer 300 — $239 $289 (save $50) ✅
Anker SOLIX C800X Portable Power Station and 100W Solar Panel — $429.99 $509.99 (save $90)
Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 — $469.99 $599 (save $129.01) ✅
Jackery HomePower 1000 v2 — $499 $649 (save $150) ✅
Bluetti Elite 100 V2 with 200W Solar Panel — $699 $999 (save $300)
Ecoflow Delta 3 Classic with 220W Solar Panel — $699 $1,099 (save $400) ✅
Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 and 200W Solar Panel — $664 $879 (save $215)
Anker Solix S2000 — $649.98 $1,199 (save $549.02)
Bluetti FridgePower — $949 $1,499 (save $550) ✅
Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 — $864 $999 (save $135) ✅
Bluetti Elite 200 V2 — $899 $1,199 (save $300) ✅
Ecoflow Delta 2 Max — $1,029 $1,399 (save $370)
Bluetti Elite 300 — $1,199.99 $1,499 (save $299)
Jackery HomePower 3000 — $1,384 $1,499 (save $115)
Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus — $1,538.04 $1,899 (save $390.06)
$299.99 Save $150 Get Deal
Note: This product is sold out at Amazon, but you can still find it for 50% off at the SharkNinja website.
Why we like it"Year after year, this Shark stick vacuum is one of the best Prime Day deals on vacuums, and I'm glad to see it back on sale for Prime Big Deal Days. One of our former reporters swore by this vacuum, calling it a literal 'game-changer' for his dog-hair-filled New York City apartment. It has a brush head that's designed to make pet hair disappear, and you can't go wrong with a 50% discount, can you?" Timothy Werth, Mashable Tech Editor
More Prime Day vacuum dealsShark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum (2026 model) — $179.99 $299.99 (save $120) ✅
Shark AI Ultra Robot Vacuum — $434.54 $599.99 (save $165.45) ✅
Shark PowerDetect Robot Vacuum & Mop Combo — $399.99 $549.99 (save $150)
Roborock 2026 New Qrevo S Pro Robot Vacuum and Mop — $399.99 $699.99 (save $300)
Dyson V10 Konical Cordless Vacuum — $399.99 $499.99 (save $100)
eufy C28 Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Mop Combo — $499.99 $799.99 (save $300) ✅
Dreame L40 Ultra Gen 2 Robot Vacuum and Mop — $569.98 $749.99 (save $180.01)
Dyson V15 Detect Origin Cordless Vacuum — $589.99 $839.99 (save $250) ✅
$299.99 Save $50 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: SanDisk SanDisk 512GB microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2 $153.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $46 Get Deal Why we like it
"SanDisk is a favorite of mine when buying memory products, and I use their Extreme portable SSDs to back up my own photo and video collection. (As a tech editor, I take a lot of photos and videos.) Thanks to RAMageddon, you have to take any opportunity you can find to save on portable SSDs, flash drives, microSD cards, and hard drives. Already, some of SanDisk's most popular memory products are on sale, like their microSD Express card for the Switch 2 and the new version of their popular Extreme drive." — Timothy Werth, Mashable Tech Editor
More SSD and hard drive dealsSanDisk 64GB High Endurance Video microSDXC Card — $26.99 $44.99 (save $18)
SanDisk 500GB Portable SSD — $109.99 $128.99 (save $19)
Seagate 2TB Portable Hard Drive — $119.99 $149.99 (save $30)
Samsung T7 Portable SSD 1TB — $229.90 $274.99 (save $45.09)
Samsung SSD 990 PRO 2TB, PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 — $389.99 $639.99 (save $250) ✅
Samsung T9 Portable SSD 2TB — $979.99 $1,144.99 (save $165)
$21.99 Save $2.20 Get Deal Why we like it
If you don't have the space (or cash) for a full set of dumbbells, this stackable Hpygn resistance band set gives you a portable home gym setup for under $20. It packs five latex bands ranging from 10 to 50 pounds each, allowing you to combine them with the heavy-duty steel buckles for up to 150 pounds of total resistance. The bundle comes fully loaded with cushioned non-slip handles, ankle straps, a door anchor, and a compact travel pouch so you can squeeze in a quick workout anywhere.
More fitness dealsBala Bangles Wrist & Ankle Weights — $44 $55 (save $11)
CAP Neoprene Hex Dumbbell 100-Pound Set (10 weights) — $9.14 $9.99 (save $0.85)
Hyperice Hypervolt Go 3 Percussion Massage Gun — $119 $149 (save $30)
Theragun Therabody 3-Speed Massage Gun — $119.99 $159.99 (save $40)
Renpho Thermacool 2-in-1 Foot Massager — $159.99 $199.99 (save $40)
Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro — $59 $79 (save $20) ✅
Garmin Vivoactive 5 — $191.99 $299.99 (save $108) ✅
Google Pixel Watch 5 (41mm) — $429.99 $499.99 (save $70)
Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire — $529.99 $999.99 (save $370)
$99.99 Save $20.04 Get Deal Why we like it
Building the iconic Millennium Falcon is already a rite of passage for any Star Wars fan, but this 885-piece set upgrades the classic build with Lego's interactive Smart Play system. On its own, it’s a detailed, screen-accurate model featuring fold-out top panels for interior play, stud shooters, and four minifigures — Han Solo, Chewbacca, Luke Skywalker, and C-3PO.
What makes this release special are the built-in Smart Tags. When paired with a Lego Smart Brick (from an All-In-One set), the ship instantly responds with authentic sound effects and dynamic lights as kids play—bringing lightsaber duels and hyperdrive jumps to life.
More Lego dealsLego Super Mario: Mario Kart — Interactive Mario & Standard Kart — $29.39 $54.99 (save $25.60)
Lego Disney Princess Advent Calendar 2026 — $31.49 $44.99 (save $12.50)
Lego Botanicals Succulents — $34.99 $49.99 (save $15)
Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar 2026 — $35 $44.99 (save $9.99)
Lego Marvel Advent Calendar 2026 — $35.99 $44.99 (save $9)
Lego Star Wars Darth Vader Bust — $39.99 $49.99 (save $10)
Lego Star Wars SMART Play: Yoda’s Hut and Jedi Training — $47.49 $69.99 (save $22.5)
Lego Botanicals Hibiscus Flower — $55.95 $69.99 (save $14.04)
Lego Star Wars SMART Play: Mos Eisley Cantina — $63.95 $79.99 (save $16.04)
Lego Super Mario: Mario Kart Baby Peach & Grand Prix Set Home Circuit — $62.12 $79.99 (save $17.87)
Lego Star Wars: Andor K-2SO Security Droid — $71.99 $89.99 (save $18)
Right now, eligible Prime members can get four months of Audible Standard for $0.99 per month — $3.96 total. On top of that, you get a free $20 credit to spend on the title(s) of your choice.
Your membership lets you download one audiobook per month. including classics, new releases, and BookTok faves like the ACOTAR series. And if 99 cents feels a little high, you can also sign up for a 30-day free trial.
More Amazon subscription dealsKindle Unlimited — 3 months free
Amazon Music Unlimited — 4 months free with Prime
Grubhub+ — Free with Prime. Enjoy unlimited $0 food delivery fees on eligible orders. Terms & additional fees apply.
Buy or lease a new car, get a $1,500 gift card for free with Prime
$349.99 Save $50.99 Get Deal Why we like it
Shark's red light face mask not only costs half as much as the competition, but it also offers cooling therapy and blue light therapy for good measure. We spent 10 months testing this face mask to make sure it lived up to the hype, and in the end, we named it a Mashable Choice product.
During Prime Big Deal Days, you can get this Shark beauty mask at its lowest-ever price. Read our full review of the Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask.
More beauty tech dealsRevlon One-Step Volumizer — $40.49 $65.99 (save $25.50) ✅
L'Ange Hair Le Volume Dryer Brush — $46.50 $69 (save $22.50)
Revlon 3-in-1 Multi-Styler — $76.49 $89.99 (save $13.50)
Laifen SE Lite Ionic Hair Dryer — $95.99 $119.99 (save $24) ✅
Solawave 4-in-1 Red Light Therapy — $94.99 $169 (save $74.01) ✅
L'Ange Hair Axia HaloRing Hair Dryer — $99 $129 (save $30)
Shark SpeedStyle Hair Dryer — $129 $229.99 (save $100.99) ✅
Therabody TheraFace Depuffing Wand — $134.99 $169.99 (save $35)
Shark FlexFusion Ceramic Air Styler — $299.99 $399.99 (save $100) ✅
T3 Aire 360 Multi-Styler — $284.99 $349.99 (save $65)
TheraFace Therabody Mask Glo — $299.99 $379.99 (save $80) ✅
$349.99 Save $130 Get Deal Why we like it
"Finding a 32-inch, 1,440p panel from a top-tier brand for around 37% off is nothing to scoff at. You're getting a 180Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time, plus G-Sync and FreeSync support to keep fast-paced action smooth and free of screen tearing. It also comes with a height-adjustable ergonomic stand right out of the box, so you can pivot, tilt, and swivel to your setup's needs — a practical feature most budget displays cut to trim costs." — Ben Williams, Mashable contributor
More gaming dealsRed Dead Redemption — $24.99 $29.99 (save $5)
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 — $24.99 $49.99 (save $25)
The Last of Us Part II Remastered — $37.49 $49.99 (save $12.50)
The Last of Us Part 1 — $37.99 $69.99 (save $32)
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 — $44.75 $69.99 (save $25.24)
SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard — $49.99 $54.99 (save $5)
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time — $59.88 $69.99 (save $10.11) ✅
Razer BlackWidow V4 X Mechanical Gaming Keyboard — $84.99 $129.99 (save $45)
Samsung 27-inch Odyssey (G50F) QHD Gaming Monitor — $169.99 $279.99 (save $110) ✅
Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Red Joy-Con (Renewed) — $199 $339 (save $140)
Alienware 24.5-inch (AW2525HM) Full HD Gaming Monitor — $189.99 $249.99 (save $60)
Samsung 32-inch Odyssey (G55C) Curved Gaming Monitor — $189.99 $329.99 (save $140) ✅
LG 27-inch UltraGear OLED Gaming Monitor (27GS93QE-B) — $499.99 $899.99 (save $400) ✅
$134.99 Save $15.01 Get Deal Why we like it
Forget carrying a tangled mess of cords — this Anker power bank solves travel cable management by building two USB-C cables directly into the body, including a 2.3-foot retractable option.
It hits right under the airline 100Wh restriction, making it completely flight-approved despite packing a massive 25,000mAh capacity and a 165W total output. With three separate USB-C ports capable of up to 100W each, it can fast-charge a MacBook Pro and an iPhone simultaneously. It's an absolute essential for digital nomads, commuters, and heavy tech users looking for serious portable power on sale.
More mobile accessory dealsAnker Nano Smart Display Charger — $29.99 $39.99 (save $10)
Twelve South HiRise 2 Deluxe 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Station — $38.99 $79.99 (save $41)
Anker MagGo Power Bank, 10,000mAh — $63.99 $79.99 (save $16)
$39.99 Save $10.00 Get Deal Why we like it
Amazon is loaded with board game deals during October Prime Day, and if you have plans for a board-game Thanksgiving gathering, now's a great time to stock up.
"If you haven't yet dabbled in the joy of Ticket to Ride, I recommend this game for any group. I've played with friends, family, and even people I don't really like, but the game has made the gathering enjoyable. It's easy to learn gameplay, has a few fun twists, and it's a great geography lesson, too." — Lauren Allain, Mashable Contributor
More Prime Day board game dealsSushi Go! — $11.99 $14.15 (save $2.16)
Bananagrams — $11.95 $15.99 (save $4.04)
Blueberry Cat D&D Dice Set — $12.99 $19.99 (save $7)
Dungeons & Dragons Young Adventurer's Collection Box Set — $13.32 $34.99 (save $21.67)
Azul — $31.99 $39.99 (save $8)
Splendor — $31.99 $39.99 (save $8)
Dixit — $37.43 $44.99 (save $7.56)
Trekking The National Parks — $34.99 $49.95 (save $15.96)
Catan Board Game — $39.99 $49.99 (save $10)
Dungeons & Dragons Strategy Board — $29.99 $34.99 (save $5)
Cascadia Board Game — $37.40 $39.99 (save $2.55)
Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set: Heroes of the Borderlands — $39.95 $49.99 (save $10.04)
Time is running out for Prime members to shop Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days sale. Sign up for a Prime 30-day free trial if you want to save some cash, and follow Mashable’s guide to the best October Prime Day deals and live blog for the latest updates.
I’ve written about mechanical keyboards for 5 years. I regret recommending this "upgrade" to everyone
The mechanical keyboard hobby has evolved significantly over the past few years. What was once a fairly niche hobby for gamers and typists has become much more mainstream.
GTA 6 Cyberleek update: Everything leaked so far, what could be next
Since August, someone (or perhaps a group of people) called Cyberleek has been very busy sharing various gameplay clips of Grand Theft Auto 6. On Aug. 20, Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of GTA-maker Rockstar Games, filed subpoenas against Microsoft and Discord to try to unmask the leaker, followed soon after by subpoenas against Google and X Corp. Those filings specifically cited "stolen content," seemingly confirming that at least some of the Cyberleek videos are legitimate.
Prior to the August "Extended Look" on Netflix, the GTA 6 leaks represented the first real glimpse of gameplay from the hotly anticipated title. After the Netflix trailer, Cyberleek stopped for more than a month, before suddenly reappearing in October with a 24-minute gameplay video. We're not going to embed or link to any of these clips; however, they're easy enough to find on X or Reddit if you look hard enough.
SEE ALSO: What is Cyberleek? Everything we know about the alleged GTA 6 leakers. Every GTA 6 leak from Cyberleek so farAt the time of publication, more than a dozen gameplay clips and map screenshots have been posted by Cyberleek that show different aspects of GTA 6, including glimpses of cutscenes. The leaker did post some minor story spoilers in the most recent release, so be careful if you want to avoid them.
Here are the GTA 6 leaks Cyberleek has shared so far:
Map sneak peek 1: A small, cropped portion of the in-game world map, showing a location called Dalton Island.
Map sneak peek 2: Another cropped portion of the map showing locations called Tequesta Retreat, Gloriana Key, and Catalan Key.
Basketball video: A clip of protagonist Jason Duval throwing a basketball into a hoop in a mini-game.
Full map: An alleged view of the entire in-game map.
Random video 1: A clip of Jason driving around for a little bit before beating up a truck driver.
Taser video: A clip of Jason driving at night, stealing a security guard's taser, and using it on him. Jason then repeatedly kicks the guard while he is on the ground.
Junkies video: A clip that appears to show a healing drug called Zombix. A tooltip indicates that Zombix's effects will weaken over time if the player uses it too much.
Plane video: A clip of Jason flying a plane over Vice City, with much of the game world visible below. At the end, whoever is playing the game in the clip shoots the word "LEEK" into a wall with bullets, suggesting the leaker has a playable build of the game.
Hypercar part 1: A clip of Jason driving a high-end sports car around Vice City.
Hypercar part 2: A clip of Jason driving the sports car some more, before committing armed robbery.
Strip club: Jason wanders around a strip club, then a short clip of an in-game cutscene is shown.
Gas station: Jason causes trouble at a gas station, steals a truck with a bed full of gasoline, and crashes and dies; more of the previous cutscene is shown.
Plane video 2: Jason flies a plane over Vice City at night.
Nudist colony: Jason explores a nudist hangout spot (where the NPCs are, obviously, nude) and attacks NPCs.
Nightclub: A pretty uneventful video of Jason walking around the interior of a nightclub.
Beach cycling: Jason riding a bicycle on a beach full of NPCs.
Video game store: Jason walking around a video game store with shelves full of fake video game boxes.
How does Cyberleek drive?: Jason steals a hotrod and evades the police; the clip ends with a cutscene showing Lucia Caminos, the game's second playable character, for the first time. Caminos talks about someone who "drives like a bitch."
Lucia prologue: A four-and-a-half-minute video of a prologue introducing Caminos; the clip includes minor story spoilers.
24-minute extended leak: A long video featuring multiple vehicular races, car customization, first-person gameplay, and both protagonists rendered in the nude.
The latest Cyberleek video ended with an allusion to some sort of long-term "project," the likes of which we know nothing about. It's not clear if more leaks are coming or not, but given the October dump, it's possible we'll see more from Cyberleek before the game launches in November.
You can see the game officially nowSpeaking of the Netflix trailer, it's now on YouTube in all of its 26-minute glory. There were plenty of little details that Cyberleek never showed, such as gameplay footage of Lucia, among many other things. If you want a real idea of how GTA 6 works, you're probably better off watching the Netflix video than anything Cyberleek posted at this point.
Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.
Updated on Friday, Aug. 28 at 1:30 p.m. ET — We've updated this story with additional details.
Updated on Wednesday, Aug. 26 at 3:20 p.m. ET — We've updated this story with details on Rockstar's statement and additional GTA 6 leaks.
Updated on Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 11:40 a.m. ET — We've updated this story to reflect the latest Cyberleek videos.
Updated on Monday, Aug. 24 at 1:30 p.m. ET — We've updated this story to reflect the latest Cyberleek leaks.
Updated on Friday, Aug. 21 at 3:00 p.m. ET — Take-Two Interactive Software Inc., the parent company of Grand Theft Auto-maker Rockstar Games, has filed two subpoenas naming Microsoft and Discord as it hunts the leaker known as Cyberleek. The legal filings specifically cite "stolen content," seemingly confirming that the leaks are legitimate. Take-Two is also requesting the removal of leaked material that violates its copyrights, as well as information that could unmask the leakers. Read more about the Microsoft and Discord subpoenas.
Updated on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 2:15 p.m. ET — We've updated the story to reflect the latest Cyberleek leaks.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are still less than $200 following October Prime Day
Save 50%: As of Oct. 8, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are on sale for $198 at Amazon, knocking $201.99 off their $399.99 list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 $198 at Amazon$399.99 Save $201.99 Get Deal
Just one month ago, Sony launched a pair of mid-tier headphones targeted toward the more budget conscious consumer who didn't want to sacrifice quality. Who knew that 30 days later, Sony would be offering a deal on its former flagship headphones that offered an even better value?
As of Oct. 8, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are on sale for $198, bringing them down to their lowest price ever, and slashing $201.99 off their total price of $399.99. At first glance, this already looks like a pretty great deal. The context behind it, however, makes it even better.
Let's start with how these headphones compare to the current flagship model, the WH-1000XM6 headphones. While the XM6s come with some minor upgrades, including improvements in sound and folding ear cups, in my head-to-head comparison, I didn't find any wild discrepancies between the two headphones. They're visually very similar and have the same exact battery life. While the XM6's eke out as a slightly better pair overall, they also retail for $459.99 at full price (and are currently on sale for $378). In other words, even on sale they're $180 more — expensive enough that you could nearly buy the XM5s on sale twice over.
SEE ALSO: The 13 best headphones of 2026: We tested the top contenders from Sony, Apple, Bose, and BeatsThat's not all. The new WH-1000XM4C from Sony were designed for people who didn't need the best of the best, but still wanted a solid-performing pair of headphones that could stand the test of time. Being a newer pair, they didn't go on sale for October Prime Day and are currently available for their list price of $299.99. Considering they're still over $100 more expensive than the XM5s, the choice seems a no-brainer, unless you're really committed to the look of the XM4Cs or having folding ear cups (which the XM5s do not).
Amazon's flagged the pink XM5s as a "deal selling fast," and the only other color available, on sale, and still in stock is the midnight blue, so if you're interested, you'll want to act sooner rather than later.
5 new shows to watch this weekend across Netflix, Prime Video, and more (October 9-11)
The top story in Hollywood is easily the official merger of Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery to form Skydance. How it will affect the entire streaming landscape has yet to be seen. For now, turn your attention toward things you can actually control, like picking out shows to watch this week.
When it comes to election advice, maybe AI isnt so bad after all?
When I read on NPR this week that people are turning to ChatGPT to tell them how to vote, I shook my head. Here we go again, I thought: another search for the easy way out. Voting is too serious of a right to turn over the thought process to AI.
Then I ran the experiment myself, and while I still stand by my old-world views of doing the homework yourself, I must admit that, barring just voting blindly, AI might be better than doing nothing at all.
Politics has been my obsession for as long as I can remember. In college, one of my top goals was to become a press secretary on Capitol Hill. I got there at 23, the youngest press secretary on the Hill at the time, and spent seven years there before moving into a career in public relations.
Now, in a bit of a full-circle moment, I'm an opinion columnist writing about politics for several sites. That’s why I have always taken the right to vote very seriously, and for most of my life, I prided myself on voting for the best person, not the party.
That self-imposed rule came undone in recent years. I won't pretend otherwise.
But my politics are beside the point here. Because of who I am, and my encyclopedic knowledge of politics, my friends, neighbors and family from all over the country reach out to ask who they should vote for in their districts and states.
SEE ALSO: Who are we expecting to save us from AI?Until a few years ago, I never would have offered a name or a party. I'd tell them to pick the issues they care about most, go to each candidate's website, see where they stand, and decide who has the best point of view or gets the most done. I tried to be impartial.
So, to see if they, too, could be impartial, I asked ChatGPT and Claude, "Who should I vote for?"
Both gave me essentially the answer I give my friends. Neither gave recommendations. Both pointed me toward finding my ballot, choosing my issues and checking the candidates' records. When I listed the issues, both laid out a side-by-side comparison of where the candidates stand.
That is a shortcut, but it's a shortcut to the research, not around it. So, before I proceed, I won’t be using AI to help me cast my ballot, but if all else fails for you, then maybe it’s not such a bad idea.
I say this with a hint of reservation, and with consideration for how most voters get their information, and that’s through the impartiality of political ads. They begin running ad nauseam the Tuesday after Labor Day and repeat over and over and over again until Election Day.
When you mouth the words coming out of the candidate’s mouth as their ad runs, you know you’ve seen it one too many times.
That’s intentional. Drumming messaging into the heads of voters is a time-honored tradition. And those ads have an implicit call to action. They are built to make you angry or to make you cheer, to vow to vote with or against someone. They can also be misleading and downright mean-spirited.
For many Americans juggling jobs, kids, extracurriculars and managing budgets, those 30-second spots are the only contact they might have with the people asking for their vote. Relying on those ads is not the best way to determine who to vote for, but sometimes it’s the only option available.
Compared with that, an AI assistant that helps you map out a strategy and gives you a quick, organized take on where candidates stand looks like a step up.
I'm not suggesting this replaces the real work. It's still best to read the candidates' own platforms, do your own research and dig into the records. And sure, reach out to friends or acquaintances who might know a little more than you.
I may be old-fashioned, but I still believe in carefully weighing every candidate. However, for those short on time, getting a little help from an AI tool is far better than being swayed by attack ads, guessing blindly, or closing your eyes and picking a name at random.
There is one condition, and it matters more than anything else. If you take the time to ask the question and figure out where the candidates stand, you must take the time to act on it. Vote. Whether you drop your ballot in the mail or step into a booth, nothing beats the pride of knowing you did your civic duty, and that you took the time to prepare and do it right.
Someday, as AI spreads into every corner of our lives, you may be able to tell an assistant who you want to vote for and it will handle the rest. Don’t laugh, because snail-mail ballots might be the last vestige of doing things the old-fashioned way.
Stranger things have happened. But if it ever comes to that, I'll do it the tried and true way, just as I prefer to research my candidates on my own.
This article represents the opinions of its writer.
John Casey is a columnist at Raw Story, the Advocate, Daily Beast, and Outsports. He's also the author of Love: The Heroic Stories of Marriage Equality.
Google's new AI note-taker doesn't need the cloud
The application of AI in the productivity space, especially note-taking, has been growing rapidly. We've seen newer tools like Granola and Fathom gain popularity, while established platforms like Notion have also integrated AI, helping users generate transcripts and notes from hours-long meetings. It looks like Google is also experimenting in the space but with a twist—a tool called Google AI Edge Foresight that runs locally on your Mac leveraging Apple Silicon. The company is experimenting with Foresight through Google AI Edge wing, a collection of technologies and tools designed to run AI models locally on devices.
I stopped using Excel as a task manager and switched to this free, open-source app
Excel is one of those tools I can reach for whenever I need to organize something, which is exactly why I ended up using it as a task manager. But there's a point where a growing list of things to do stops being a spreadsheet problem and starts being a workload problem. So I turned to Super Productivity, and it has become my go-to when I need to get a handle on everything I have to do.
Best Buys Ocarina of Time midnight launch events will be your next chance to grab the sold-out Zelda Switch 2
If you haven't been able to get your hands on Nintendo's special-edition Legend of Zelda Switch 2 console yet, plan on camping out at your local Best Buy next month.
In a press release Thursday, the electronics chain confirmed that some of its stores will have the Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 available in limited quantities on Nov. 5, at its late-night launch events for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The system's matching Pro Controller will also be up for grabs while supplies last.
These launch events will kick off at 12 a.m. ET on Nov. 5 or the local equivalent. Best Buy stores in the Central Time Zone will open at 11 p.m., West Coast stores will open at 9 p.m., and so on. You can find participating stores near you using Best Buy's store locator tool.
Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch 2 "The Legend of Zelda" 40th Anniversary Edition $519.99 at Best BuyLearn More Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller "The Legend of Zelda" 40th Anniversary Edition $99.99 at Best Buy
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Gamers who preorder a physical copy of Ocarina of Time from Best Buy will be able to pick it up in person during the festivities. If you already opted to have a preorder delivered, you can change it to store pickup on the Purchase History page of your My Best Buy account.
Featuring gold Triforce accents and green Joy-Con 2 controllers, the Zelda Switch 2 system has been extremely difficult to buy since it first went up for preorder on Sept. 8. (It's set for release on Oct. 29.) GameSpot reported that it sold out "immediately" and spotted reseller listings on eBay with 50% markups. Nintendo has randomly dropped restocks over the past few weeks, but they go fast. At the time of writing, it was out of stock everywhere.
The Zelda Switch 2 costs $519.99, or $30 more than the standard version of the console (which got a $50 price hike this fall amid "RAMageddon"). Of note, it does not include a copy of Nintendo's Ocarina of Time remake — you have to buy the game separately. The Zelda 40th Anniversary Pro Controller costs $99.99, and it's also sold out everywhere.
A physical copy of Ocarina of Time will set you back $69.99, though preorders have been discounted for the last few weeks at Amazon and Walmart (which both promise free release-day delivery). The digital version of the game costs $59.99 and can be pre-loaded on your Switch 2 console so you can play it as soon as it's out.
"The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" (Nintendo Switch 2) $59.88 at WalmartPre-order Here at Walmart Pre-order Here at Amazon Pre-order Here at Best Buy "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" (Nintendo Switch 2 digital code) $59.99 at Amazon
Pre-order Here at Amazon Pre-order Here at Best Buy Pre-order Here at Nintendo
