Technology

Save $1,500 on this massive 77-inch LG OLED TV

How-To Geek - 1 hour 11 min ago

Retailers are beginning to prep for the holiday shopping season, with stores like Best Buy leading the way, slashing prices and adding on massive markdowns on tons of products and gear—good news if you're looking to get your shopping done early. A fantastic strategy is to look at products that are just slightly out of season, like this massive 77-inch OLED TV from LG.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Walmart Fall Deals to shop: See the biggest discounts on TVs, vacuums, and toys

Mashable - 2 hours 36 min ago
The best Walmart Fall Deals: Best TV deal 65-inch Vizio Class Quantum 4K QLED HDR Smart TV (VQD65R-10) $328 (save $170) Get Deal Best earbuds deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $179 (save $70) Get Deal Best gaming deal Super Mario RPG $34.87 (save $24.13) Get Deal Best Lego deal Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle and Grounds (76419) $136.99 (save $33) Get Deal Best vacuum deal Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum (NV380) $118 (save $61) Get Deal Best kitchen deal Ninja Foodi DualZone Air Fryer (8-quart) $109 (save $40) Get Deal

Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days runs Oct. 6-7, which means every other major retailer is currently scrambling to steal your attention with competing sales. (Honestly, in this economy, I definitely don't blame them.)

Walmart is taking on the retail giant with its own "Fall Deals" event that officially kicked off at 12 a.m. ET on Oct. 5 and runs through Oct. 11. The best part about Walmart's event is that you don't have to be a paid member to shop. With the main event officially started, we're seeing 50% off home goods, 40% off tech, and 30% off toys.

SEE ALSO: Target Circle Deal Days also runs Oct. 6-7

A word of caution: If you see a deal that's too good to be true while you're perusing the site, it most likely is. We've found tons of sketchy, third-party sellers selling items with inflated list prices. (Anything you buy should have a little note that reads "Sold and shipped by Walmart.com.") That said, all of the deals in this roundup are legit — it's literally our job to find them for you.

Best Walmart TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Vizio 65-inch Vizio Class Quantum 4K QLED HDR Smart TV (VQD65R-10) $328 at Walmart
$498 Save $170   Get Deal Why we like it

Whether you like sports or not, you can't argue this deal. The 65-inch Vizio Class Quantum 4K QLED HDR Smart TV (VQD65R-10) is currently on sale for $328, down from $498. That's a $170 price cut and a damn good deal for a vibrant QLED display with enhanced Dolby Vision HDR.

More TV deals Best Walmart headphones and earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $179 at Walmart
$248.95 Save $69.95   Get Deal Why we like it

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are some of the best noise-cancelling earbuds in the biz, especially if you're an Apple user. They have class-leading ANC, great battery life at eight hours per charge, clear and detailed sound out of the box, and unique additional features like live translation and a built-in heart rate monitor. At $179, they're just $10 away from their lowest price ever.

Looking for more headphones deals? Check out our Prime Day headphones deals guide.

More headphones and earbuds dealsBest Walmart video game deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Super Mario RPG $34.87 at Walmart
$59 Save $24.13   Get Deal Why we like it

Anything Mario Bros-related is definitely worth snagging while it's on sale. If you're looking for something else to play on your Switch (and you haven't experienced the Mushroom Kingdom, Walmart has the Super Mario RPG game on sale for $34.87.

More video game deals Best Walmart Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle and Grounds (76419) $136.99 at Walmart
$169.99 Save $33   Get Deal Why we like it

The Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle and Grounds (76419) is a big-ticket holiday gift. It's currently on sale for $136.99, down from $169.99. It's possible this will get cheaper the closer we get to the actual sale, but a $33 isn't too shabby.

More Lego deals Best Walmart vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum $118 at Walmart
$179 Save $61   Get Deal Why we like it

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum (NV380) is ideal for pet owners or parents who need an easy-to-maneuver vacuum for quick cleanups. And, right now, you can get it for $118, down from $179. That's a $61 savings, but stock is low, so this discount may not last until Oct. 5.

More vacuum deals Even more deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

October Prime Day is almost here: We found 35+ deals on Apple, Bose, Kindle, and Garmin favorites

Mashable - 2 hours 36 min ago
The best early October Prime Day Deals at a glance: Best headphone deal Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) $319 (save $40) Get Deal Best Apple deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $179 (save $70) Get Deal Best Kindle Deal Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $169.99 (save $80) Get Deal Best TV deal Amazon Ember 55-inch Artline QLED 4K TV $499.99 (Save $400) Get Deal Best Vacuum Deal Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum $149.99 (save $150) Get Deal Best power station deal Bluetti Elite 100 V2 $499 (Save $400) Get Deal Best Memory deal SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD $251.94 (Save $48.05) Get Deal Best smartwatch deal Garmin Vivoactive 5 $181.97 (save $118.02) Get Deal Best Deal Under $50 Amazon Echo Dot $39.99 (save $40) Get Deal Best Deal Under $25 Apple AirTag (2nd Gen) $24 (save $5) Get Deal

Another Amazon Prime Day is upon us. Prime Big Deal Days (aka "October Prime Day") runs Oct. 6 and 7, with competing festivities at Target and Walmart. Deals are underway, delivering major sales across all categories.

October Prime Day deals could be a chance to get some relief from the RAMageddon price hikes impacting the tech industry this year. For its part, Amazon increased the prices of nearly two dozen Kindles, Fire TV Sticks, Echo smart speakers, and eero routers this summer because of rising component costs. Seasonal sales like Prime Big Deal Days (and later Black Friday) could offset some of those markups.

SEE ALSO: Try Amazon Prime for free for 30 days to get access to October Prime Day 2026

We've sifted through hundreds of October Prime Day deals to find the best ones for you. With the sale ramping up, prices are dropping. Kindles are now on sale, and the AirPods Pro 3 are $70 off. We'll be regularly updating our picks throughout Prime Big Deal Days. You can also check out our guide to the top October Prime Day tech deals for more savings.

Deals marked with a ✅ are Mashable editor favorites. Deals marked with a strikethrough are no longer available but could return once the sale starts.

Best headphone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort (2nd Gen) Headphones ✅ $319 at Amazon
$359 Save $40   Get Deal Why we like it

Ahead of October Prime Day, we spotted the first deal on the second-generation Bose QuietComfort headphones. Mashable's audio expert Bethany Allard says that the Bose QuietComfort (2nd gen) are the best combination of comfort, noise cancellation, sound quality, and value. An right now, they're $319, down from $359 — a $40 saving that makes them an even better value.

More headphone dealsMore wireless earbuds dealsBest Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 ✅ $179 at Amazon
$249 Save $70   Get Deal Why we like it

The basic AirPods just got an upgrade with the new AirPods 5, and last year's Apple AirPods Pro 3 are back on sale. They were $234 in the lead-up to October Prime Day, but have since dropped to $179 — $70 off their $249 list price. The earbuds have ANC, a more comfortable, redesigned 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, which is great for athletes who love a good workout playlist.

More Prime Day Apple deals

AirPods

iPads

MacBooks

Apple accessories

Best Kindle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition $169.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $80   Get Deal Why we like it

If you've been patiently waiting for Kindle deals to drop, the wait is over. The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is my favorite e-reader, the one I use every day. With 32GB of storage, it has space for thousands of books. It also has an auto-adjusting front light and wireless charging. It's exceptionally fast, too, with smooth page turns and quick-loading books in my experience.

In August 2026, the e-reader's MSRP rose to $249.99 from its previous list price of $199.99. Now, the Paperwhite Signature Edition has dropped back down to $169.99. That's 32% off its new list price, a saving of $80 — or $30 compared with its old list price. I'd typically advise you to buy the standard Paperwhite, but right now, it's more expensive than the Signature Edition.

Plus, when you buy a new Kindle, check whether you're eligible for three free months of Kindle Unlimited with your purchase. Check the renewal terms before signing up.

More Kindle dealsBest Amazon device deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Dot $39.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $40.00   Get Deal Why we like it

Kindles aren't the only Amazon devices on sale: You'll also find deals on Amazon's Echos, Fire TVs, and tablets. Our favorite deal is on the Amazon Echo Dot, which is down to just $39.99. That's not the lowest price we've ever spotted, but it's still worth a look if you need a compact smart speaker.

It's also compatible with Alexa+, Amazon's AI assistant, which helps you do everything from meal planning to booking dinner reservations.

More Amazon device deals

Echo devices

Fire tablets

Fire TV devices and accessories

Blink cameras

Smart home

Best TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Ember 55-inch Artline QLED 4K TV ✅ $499.99 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $400   Get Deal Why we like it

"If you want an aesthetic TV that doubles as artwork on your wall, but don't quite have the budget for Samsung's The Frame, Amazon's new Ember Artline TVs are a solid alternative. The 55-inch model is on sale for less than $500 ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, which is 44% off and its best price on record. While Amazon's art TV isn't quite as impressive in the specs department as Samsung's, it does offer a free art gallery and a wide selection of frame options at no extra cost. It's not our top pick at full price, but at $400 off? It's hard to pass up." — Christina Buff, Mashable Contributor

More TV deals

Under 50-inch TV deals

50 to 55-inch TV deals

65-inch TV deals

75-inch TV deals

80 to 85-inch TV deals

Over 85-inch TV deals

Best outdoor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Coleman Coleman Sundome 4-Person Camping Tent $81.68 at Amazon
$117.99 Save $36.31   Get Deal Why we like it

This four-person Coleman tent, designed for warm-weather camping, sets up in about 10 minutes and has an E-port for threading an extension cord inside. It's marked down to just $81.68 right now, a 31% discount. It was about $2 more expensive during Amazon's summer Prime Day sale.

More outdoor deals

Cooler deals

Camping deals

Best power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ecoflow Ecoflow Delta 3 Classic with 220W Solar Panel ✅ $699 at Amazon
$1,099 Save $400   Get Deal Why we like it

"One of the major benefits of a portable power station is the ability to recharge using solar power. The EcoFlow Delta 3 Classic bundle with a 220W solar panel is a great choice ahead of Prime Day. You'll get the 1,024Wh portable power station with a 1,800W output that can power even big appliances like fridges. It has X-Boost providing up to 2,600W for higher-power devices.

With full sun, EcoFlow says the Delta 3 Classic can recharge in about six hours with the 220W solar panel. Of course, you can also recharge using standard wall power or a generator. When plugged into a wall outlet, the EcoFlow can reach 80 percent capacity in just 45 minutes." — Lois Mackenzie, Mashable Contributor

More power station dealsBest memory and SSD deals Opens in a new window Credit: SanDisk SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD ✅ $251.94 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $48.05   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: SanDisk SanDisk 512GB microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2 $159.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $40   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 Beck Werth, Mashable Tech Editor

More SSD and hard drive deals

MicroSDs

Portable SSDs

Portable HDDs

Internal hard drives

Best fitness tracker and smartwatch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Vivoactive 5 $181.97 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $118.02   Get Deal Why we like it

Many runners believe Garmin is the gold standard of smartwatches and fitness trackers. And ahead of Amazon Prime Big Deal Days, you can grab the Garmin Vivoactive 5 for just $181.97. That saves you over $118 off its retail price.

The Vivoactive 5 features an AMOLED display and up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, so you can wear it around the clock. It provides Body Battery energy monitoring along with a sleep score and personalized tips to improve your sleep. Plus, it has more than 30 built-in sports apps.

Best Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Smart Play: Millennium Falcon $79.95 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $20.04   Get Deal Why we like it

"If you've got a Lego Smart Brick on hand, this deal is well worth checking out: Lego's Star Wars SMART Play: Millennium Falcon set has plummeted to its lowest-ever price at Amazon for Prime Big Deal Days.

This Lego set does not come with the Lego Smart Brick, but it is compatible with it. If you already have one that comes included with the All-in-One sets, then you'll be able to enjoy the sounds of the Millennium Falcon and crew from this 885-piece build. As for what crew comes with the set, you'll get SMART Han Solo, SMART Chewbacca, SMART Luke Skywalker, and SMART C-3PO minifigures, alongside four SMART Tags to use with the Smart Brick." — Hannah Hoolihan, Mashable Contributor

More Lego dealsBest streaming and subscription deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Audible $0.99/month for four months + free $20 credit Get Deal Why we like it

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 deals

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Categories: IT General, Technology

October Prime Day 2026: Live updates on Apple, Kindle, Lego, and Samsung deals

Mashable - 3 hours 2 min ago

Amazon will host its annual Prime Big Deal Days sale on Oct. 6 and 7, and Mashable shopping experts will be bringing you live updates on all of the best October Prime Day deals. If you're looking to save on essentials or desperately need some relief from this year's tech price hikes, this is your chance to save some serious cash.

We know that shoppers are keeping an eye on the build-up to Black Friday, but we expect this event to drop deals in just about every category. We're already seeing price drops on Apple MacBooks, first-ever deals on new Bose headphones, and huge discounts on top TVs from brands like Samsung, LG, and TCL. Our shopping experts are ready to help you save, and we'll be cross-checking prices at Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart to make sure you know where to find the lowest prices.

Keep scrolling for the full schedule of events and the latest Prime Day deals, live updates, price drops, low-stock alerts, and news from the Mashable shopping team.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Writing bad code made me twice as productive—but it came with a catch

How-To Geek - 3 hours 22 min ago

I can't count how many side projects I've killed so far. Some never even saw the light of day. Others were abandoned at the initial stage. There were many reasons, but one common reason was my fear of breaking the rules professional software engineers follow.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Inside Camp Looksmax, Claviculars $7,500 camp for looks and dating lessons

Mashable - 4 hours 7 min ago

A week in a Los Angeles mansion, dating lessons, a wardrobe upgrade, and PowerPoint presentations about plastic surgery. Welcome to Camp Looksmax.

Hosted by streamer Braden Peters, AKA Clavicular (who was charged with rape in Massachusetts on Sept. 8; Peters’ attorneys have denied the allegations in a related civil lawsuit), and fellow creator Hexumlite, the seven-day residential program promises coaching on appearance, confidence, and dating skills.

You don’t need a spot in the mansion to follow along. The first session began Oct. 1 and is being broadcast around the clock on Clavicular’s Kick channel, where he has nearly 450,000 followers.

But joining the lessons comes at a considerable cost. According to the camp’s website, the first session sold out in 72 hours, and a second begins Oct. 8 at $7,500 per attendee. Here's what that gets you.

Credit: Screenshot/CampLooksmax.com

If "looksmaxxing" hasn’t made its way onto your feed, the term refers to attempts to improve physical attractiveness. Some advice covers familiar territory: grooming, exercise, skincare. Other parts of the subculture promote extreme interventions and rigid beliefs about how much appearance determines success.

Camp Looksmax turns that online pursuit into an in-person curriculum. Its website advertises mentorship with one of the trend’s best-known creators, Clavicular, alongside Hexumlite, plus classes, outings, and guided practice approaching unassuming women on the street.

SEE ALSO: Who is Clavicular, and why is he everywhere right now? What is happening at "camp?"

A lot. For starters, there are online dating lessons and practice dates. In one clip, the date, a local college girl, advises a campgoer to say "um" less frequently while Peters and the other attendees watched closely. "You're just not flowing," Clavicular added.

Then there’s the wardrobe. A day-three itinerary outlined a Zara shopping challenge, with a cash reward for the best outfit, followed by a visit to Tall Men Shoes for footwear that adds height, otherwise known as "lifts." In clips from the stream, Peters talked to his pupils all about "height frauding," and even said that he was "really off-put how few people were wearing lifts on the first day of camp."

The styling feedback can get quite specific, and focuses mainly on looking "high class." In one exchange, Clavicular approves a participant's H&M shirt but tells him to lose the shorts because they make his shoe lifts more noticeable. He also has a distaste for sagging pants.

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Physical appearance is essential, beyond what you wear. During introductions, Clavicular gets in detail about his height, deltoid width, and "bone-pressed penile length." He encourages participants to share similar measurements, including their height. Clavicular suggests to do "spinal deadhangs" before going out in order to make yourself taller. He also encouraged participants to share their most "blackpilling" moment. (In the incel vocabulary, the "blackpill" refers to the belief that appearance determines a person’s prospects in life and with women.)

The dating lessons also take participants outside the mansion to practice "cold approaching," or starting conversations with unassuming women on the street. "Sorry, you caught me off guard," one girl replies to streamer Hexumlite, who approached her in the middle of a crowded street. Others simply walk past the group of men, who often approach one or two women in a large group (with a running start).

After one woman rejected Hexumlite, he told her, "I’m starting to get pissed the f-ck off not gonna lie to you, because at the end of the day if it was a 6’8” f-cking Chad."

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After the day of attempting to pick up women, Clavicular praised the participants. "Only about 5 percent of people have the balls to actually go up to a girl in the middle of the day without being intoxicated," he said. "I really applaud you guys for cold approaching today." (There is no evidence that statistic is accurate.)

Camp Looksmax is $7,500, paid upfront after acceptance (according to the site). Applying is free, and prospective attendees speak with a camp counselor before securing a place. The package includes mansion accommodation, chef-prepared meals, mentorship, camp-organized activities, and custom-tailored clothing. Getting to and from Los Angeles is the attendee’s responsibility and costs extra.

There’s a competitive element, too. Organizers advertise a $25,000 prize for one participant, plus the possibility that selected attendees could return to teach future cohorts as "professors." As of Oct. 5, the website lists the second session as 65 percent sold.

SEE ALSO: Clavicular and the online culture that turns humiliating women into content

With another cohort scheduled to arrive Oct. 8, the camp offers a literal example of creators becoming teachers for a largerly Gen Z and Gen Alpha following, some of whom look up to Clavicular and his theology. For boys still developing and figuring out dating and relationships, these lessons may last far after the stream, or week, ends.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best new Lego sets of October include the longest Lego set ever and a classic gaming console

Mashable - 4 hours 22 min ago

It's the beginning of a new month, and dedicated Lego fans know what that means: new sets are here.

Though there aren't a ton of October Lego releases, this is very much a quality over quantity situation. Yes, there are standard holiday rollouts ahead of December, but a few sets we've been eyeing since their announcement are finally available to the public. Hint: They include Star Wars, retro gaming, and a classic work of claymation.

SEE ALSO: Our 17 favorite Lego sets, sourced from actual Lego fans

All told, there are seven new Lego sets that stand out this month — check them out below:

Lego Up-Scaled Mrs. Claus Minifigure A Christmas queen. Credit: Lego

Santa got the new set love last month, and this month, it's Mrs. Claus's turn. This super-sized minifig can be a nice addition to your holiday decor that doesn't require hours of building, with the set topping out at 904 pieces.

Pieces: 904 pieces Recommended age: 10+

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Up-Scaled Mrs. Claus Minifigure $59.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Ideas Wallace & Gromit Have you ever seen a windowsill look so whimsical? Credit: Lego

The Mashable team has had its eyes on this Wallace & Gromit set since its announcement last month, and can you blame us? From the sidecar to Gromit's posable ears and the impressively brickified creation of the iconic duo, you can practically create your own stop motion adventure starring the pair.

Pieces: 1,038 Recommended age: 18+

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas Wallace & Gromit $99.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Icons Holiday House A guaranteed white Christmas. Credit: Lego

Ceramic winter village sets are classic, but this Lego Icons set allows for a fun (less fragile) twist. This holiday house set in particular draws some inspiration from a favorite carol of many (hint: note the horse and the sleigh), plus a light-up brick you can turn on to give the house an extra cozy atmosphere. All told, the set comes with four minifigures, interior and exterior decorations, and plenty of potential for getting into the holiday spirit.

Pieces: 1,354 pieces Recommended age: 18+

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Holiday House $119.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Icons Bookstore: Book Nook Bookception. Credit: Lego

Book nooks are kind of a must for any reader, and though this isn't Lego's first (we still clock every time the Balrog one is on sale), this one feels like an extra special homage to book lovers. Closed up, this nook provides a peek through the window storefront of the world's coziest-looking bookstore. Opened up, the bookstore expands, featuring a spiral staircase, a reading area, and a cat — in other words, bookworm essentials.

Pieces: 1,690 pieces Recommended age: 18+

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Bookstore: Book Nook $149.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego PlayStation The nostalgia of the PlayStation: captured. Credit: Lego

I'm half convinced that if you didn't look at this set too hard, you could easily mistake it for a real PlayStation. From the console to the controller, Lego could've easily stopped at the faithful recreation and called it a day, but being the brand they are, they decided to add two mini dioramas of the games Gran Turismo and Ape Escape in the interior of the console. Though it was announced a month ago, this set hasn't been available to preorder, so we're thrilled to see it finally for sale in the Lego store.

Pieces: 1,911 pieces Recommended age: 18+

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego PlayStation $179.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Ideas Downton Abbey Some staging ideas for your new build. Credit: Lego

Maybe you'll never get to live in Downton Abbey, but hey, a nearly 5,000-piece Lego recreation of the series' setting isn't a bad consolation. Alongside the impressive exterior, the back view shows all the rooms, including the kitchen, servants' hall, Mr. Carson's office, as well as the dining room, main hall, and library on the upper level. The set also features 13 minifigures from Season 6 of the show.

Pieces: 4,711 pieces Recommended age: 18+

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Downtown Abbey $349.99 at Lego
  Shop Now Lego Star Wars Executor Super Star Destroyer I mean yeah, it definitely gives longest Lego ever. Credit: Lego

This set is no joke. As Mashable reported in the announcement of this Star Destroyer, it's the longest Lego set ever made, at 53.5 inches. It required the brand's engineers to create a new Lego system core to properly anchor the exterior panels. In addition to the impressive model of Darth Vader's ship from The Empire Strikes Back, this set comes with the minifigures for Luke's father himself, Boba Fett, and the five other bounty hunters from the film. Though it's certainly priced accordingly, this set will be a hard one to miss for any Star Wars and Lego super fans.

Pieces: 6,130 pieces Recommended age: 18+

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Executor Super Star Destroyer $799.99 at Lego
  Shop Now
Categories: IT General, Technology

Why you shouldn't use a Chinese phone in the US

How-To Geek - 4 hours 22 min ago

It's tempting to import a Chinese phone for U.S. use, and for good reason. They frequently have more powerful cameras, gigantic silicon-carbon batteries, and clever features at prices that undercut their American and Korean counterparts. I've used some myself, and it's wonderful to have even mid-range Android devices that take quality photos and last two days on a charge.

Categories: IT General, Technology

$455 worth of subscriptions you can replace with Home Assistant

How-To Geek - 4 hours 52 min ago

Home Assistant isn't just a great way to control your smart home locally and privately, but it can also save you money. You can use Home Assistant to replace multiple subscription services, which could save you more than $455 per year.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Prime Day deals under $50: Our favorite budget deals on earbuds, beauty tech, and more

Mashable - 5 hours 8 min ago
The best October Prime Day deals under $50: Best Amazon Device Deal Fire TV Stick 4K Max $44.99 (save $40) Get Deal Best Earbud Deal JBL Vibe Beam 2 Noise-Canceling Earbuds $39.94 (Save $25.01) Get Deal Best Kitchen Deal Chefman Everything Maker & Pizza Oven $39.99 (Save $20) Get Deal Best Home Security Deal Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ $40.98 (Save $79) Get Deal Best Outdoor Deal Amazon Basics Camping Chair $26.77 (save $4.72) Get Deal

Prime Big Deal Days is here once more, and Amazon's fall sale is open to Prime members on Oct. 6 and 7. Discounts cover everything from kitchen gadgets to smart home devices, which makes this the perfect time to cross a few names off your holiday list early.

Some prices already started to fall in the weeks leading up to the event, especially on Amazon's own devices. Fresh deals are popping up each day, and plenty of them come in under $50. That's good news if you're shopping for stocking stuffers, a small gift for a coworker, or something for yourself that won't eat into your holiday budget.

We'll keep this list updated throughout the sale. In the meantime, here are some of the best Prime Big Deal Days deals you can grab for less than $50.

Best Amazon device deal under $50 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max $44.99 at Amazon
$84.99 Save $40.00   Get Deal Why we like it

The Fire TV Stick 4K Max recently saw its list price increase at Amazon to $84.99, but there's good news for shoppers of Prime Big Deal Days: it's currently on sale for $44.99. That's nearly half off, which is a discount we'll certainly welcome. It's a worthy investment if you're looking for a streaming upgrade, boasting 4K Ultra HD picture quality alongside support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and even Dolby Atmos audio to really immerse you in what you watch.

More Amazon device deals under $50Best earbud deal under $50 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon JBL Vibe Beam 2 Noise-Cancelling Earbuds $39 at Amazon
$64.95 Save $25.95   Get Deal Why we like it

These earbuds have active noise cancellation to cut down on the chatter around you, plus a Smart Ambient mode that lets outside sound back in when you need to hear what's going on in the real world. They boast 10 hours of playtime with an additional 30 hours from the charging case, and they're IP54-rated, so rain and sweat won't hurt them. For under $50, they're a great option to toss in your bag and go.

More headphone and earbud deals under $50Best kitchen deal under $50 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Chefman Everything Maker & Pizza Oven $39.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $20   Get Deal Why we like it

This versatile "everything" oven heats from the top and bottom plates simultaneously to give pizza a crispy crust, and it's ready to cook in as little as three minutes. The 12-inch nonstick plates also work for plenty of other goodies: quesadillas, omelets, pancakes, grilled sandwiches, you name it. When it's time to clean up, just wipe it with a damp cloth. Then close it and stand it upright so it doesn't take up much counter space when dinner is over.

More kitchen deals under $50Best home security deal under $50 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ $40.98 at Amazon
$119.98 Save $79   Get Deal Why we like it

Keep an eye on who darkens your doorstep with this video doorbell. It records 2K footage with a head-to-toe view, so you can see a visitor's face and packages, pets, or other guests in the same frame. It's battery-powered, so you can mount it right outside your door without touching any wiring, though you can also connect it to your existing doorbell wiring if you'd like it to ring inside your home. When someone stops by, you can talk to them from your phone through two-way audio with noise cancellation.

Best beauty deal under $50 Opens in a new window Credit: Wavytalk Wavytalk Thermal Brush Blowout Boost $49.99 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $20.00   Get Deal Why we like it

Thermal brushes can be a great, low-fuss way to get an effortless, blown-out look. They're not the same as a blow dryer brush, so this tool does need to be used on dry hair. That said, the Wavytalk thermal brush has become a cult favorite on TikTok, thanks to its even heat, sleek results, and great value.

More beauty deals under $50Best outdoor deal under $50 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Basics Camping Chair $26.77 at Amazon
$31.49 Save $4.72   Get Deal

If you enjoy camping in this cooler fall weather, a camping chair is an important addition to your outdoor gear. If you're looking for a new option to chill out in, the Amazon Basics Camping Chair is on sale, exclusively for Prime members. It's a comfortable pick with a breathable mesh back, a built-in cup holder for your favorite drink, a side pocket, and a beverage cooler pouch that holds up to four 12-ounce cans.

Best home deals under $50Best tech deals under $50
Categories: IT General, Technology

Liberal San Francisco is keeping its Flock cameras

Mashable - 5 hours 11 min ago

Citing privacy and accuracy concerns, cities like Lynchburg, Virginia, and states like Florida have turned against Flock, the nation's main purveyor of automated license plate readers (ALPRs); conservative GOP politicians like Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri have too. 

Meanwhile, San Francisco — which has one of the most liberal voting records in the U.S. — is sticking with its more than 400 Flock cameras.

The city just adopted a new policy late last month that keeps the cameras rolling, but places new limits on them, including requiring police officers to obtain approval from their bosses, and a connection to an active criminal investigation, to search camera data more than 30 days old and demonstrate a connection to an active criminal investigation, San Francisco's NBC news affiliate reported.

Crime is dropping, but why?

San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins recently defended the AI-powered cameras to NPR.

"What the license plate reader cameras have absolutely done — and we do have proof of this — is give the police the ability to catch people who have engaged in crime," she said.

SEE ALSO: An officer's use of Flock cameras was 'unconstitutional,' judge rules

There is no question that crime is down in San Francisco, which dropped almost 59 percent and more than 82 percent, respectively, in January through August 2026 compared with the same period in 2022, according to NPR's analysis of SFPD data. Whether that has anything to do with Flock is less clear, especially because other factors, like the AI boom gentrification wave and the dramatic nationwide post-COVID crime drop, could also be at play.

Then-Mayor London Breed threw a press conference in 2024 to proudly tout the deployment of Flock cameras in the city. "These license plate readers can play a critical role in disrupting retail theft, car break-ins, sideshows, and other criminal activity,” Breed said at the time.

That press conference came shortly after San Francisco voters approved Proposition E, a police-related initiative that granted the SFPD authority for the "use of drones along with or instead of vehicular pursuits" and "installation of surveillance and facial recognition cameras without approval from the police commission or board of supervisors."

A poll from July showed that San Franciscans remained supportive of surveillance as a tool against crime.

"The San Francisco Police Department sometimes uses drones and cameras after a 911 call to assist in an active investigation,” read one question from the GrowSF poll. "Do you support or oppose allowing the use of drones and cameras after a 911 call to assist in an active investigation?” 

A majority of respondents, 72 percent, strongly supported or somewhat supported that use of drones and cameras, while only 12 percent strongly opposed it. (The question did not ask specifically about Flock.)

City by the Bay Server

The poll of 662 voters was commissioned by GrowSF, a group founded in 2020 by tech workers that's "focused on winning local elections, holding leaders accountable, and giving voters clear, honest information." Many of GrowSF's board members work or have worked in the tech industry, and one of its billionaire funders, Chris Larsen, assisted the SFPD in the Flock purchase, according to SFGate.

And when she announced the Flock deal, Breed emphasized the use of technology to catch crooks. 

SEE ALSO: Bernie Sanders proposes The Ban Flock Act

"While we are relentless in staffing up our police force, we are also incorporating technology that supports the hard work our officers do every day to take care of our City and arrest those who think they can break the law in San Francisco,” she said.

Maybe it’s not a surprise that a city so connected to Silicon Valley (and employed by it) has a soft spot for AI-powered technology. 

The collective shrug about Flock and its privacy concerns extends beyond San Francisco to California's state government, which has a Democratic governor and a Democratic supermajority in the legislature. Last month, state lawmakers rejected regulations on Flock for the fifth time.

And even as Flock has become a major midterm issue throughout the country, the issue of ALPRs were not raised at the recent California gubernatorial debate between Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton. Flock also hasn't emerged as a major issue between Scott Wiener and Connie Chan in their effort to replace Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi as San Francisco’s representative in the U.S. House.

"The SF that would reject surveillance is gone and dead," James Lance Taylor, chair of the politics department at the University of San Francisco, told the San Francisco Standard.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This Owala water bottle matches the burgundy iPhone and is under $20 for Prime Day

Mashable - 5 hours 17 min ago

Prime Members Save 33%: As of Oct. 5, the 24-ounce Owala FreeSip Twist is on sale at Amazon for $19.97 in select colorways. At full price, this water bottle will run you $29.99, meaning this deal saves you $10.02.

Opens in a new window Credit: Owala Owala FreeSip Twist (24 ounce) $19.97 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $10.02   Get Deal

It's the eve of Prime Big Deal Days, and I've officially added the first real temptation of the sale to my cart: an Owala water bottle.

Like a few other of my Mashable colleagues, I've owned an Owala FreeSip for years, and though I love her down, I can't deny that the 40 ounce behemoth, though wonderful on my desk, can be a little less convenient while traveling or when I'm out and about all day long. Enter: the Owala FreeSip Twist.

SEE ALSO: October Prime Day 2026: Live updates on Apple, Kindle, Lego, and Samsung deals

My colleague Sam Mangingo wrote about how the Twist is the perfect travel companion, easily fitting into backpack side pockets and cup holders. Don't get me wrong, I can make it work with the FreeSip Sway thanks to the tapered bottom, but traveling isn't my only use case. I'm someone who very much subscribes to the big purse lifestyle, so I'm often carrying at least one book, one notebook, several pouches full of various "just in case" items, and my water bottle (yes, I'm a Virgo). In other words, I wouldn't hate having a slightly smaller bottle for taking on the go.

I especially wouldn't mind it because this one is on sale for less than $20, instead of its usual $29.99. Plus, there are plenty of color options, including the gorgeous black cherry (and yes, it bears a striking resemblance to the burgundy iPhone colorway, for anyone looking to settle some FOMO). This deal could easily last through Wednesday (aka day two of October Prime Day), but it could just as easily go back up in price — early deals can be somewhat unpredictable. My advice? If you're in my boat, the price likely isn't dropping too much lower during the sale, so it's probably worth grabbing sooner rather than later.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 fresh new Paramount+ movies to watch this week (October 5-11)

How-To Geek - 5 hours 22 min ago

You know it's heading into spooky season when freaky things start happening. For starters, Ryan Phillippe has not one but two movies in the top spots on the Paramount+ U.S. movie charts. Shudder. I'm kidding, of course, but what's no joke are the 71 movies that the streaming service dropped into its catalog on October 1st, three of which are below and are well worth watching this week.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Overhaul your gaming rig for under $500: LGs 27-inch UltraGear OLED monitor is $400 off for Prime Day

Mashable - 5 hours 23 min ago

SAVE $400: As of Oct. 5, the 27-inch LG UltraGear OLED Gaming Monitor (27GS93QE) is down to $499.99 at Amazon. That’s a 44% savings and matches one of the best prices we've ever seen on this 240Hz display.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG UltraGear OLED Gaming Monitor (27GS93QE) $499.99 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $400 Get Deal

Prime Big Deal Days is bringing early price cuts on high-end gaming gear, but OLED displays rarely drop this low. Amazon just slashed $400 off the 27-inch LG UltraGear OLED, bringing this 1440p, 240Hz display down to $499.99 — a 44% savings and one of its best prices to date.

The LG UltraGear packs a sharp 1440p OLED screen with a matte finish that cuts down room glare. You get a super-fast 240Hz refresh rate and a near-instant 0.03ms response time, meaning fast-moving games look buttery smooth with zero motion blur or ghosting.

SEE ALSO: 10 early Prime Day gaming monitor deals are live — beat the GPU bottleneck on a budget

Because it's an OLED, pixels turn completely off for true pitch-black contrast and rich colors that make games pop. It supports both NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync to eliminate screen tearing, and packs two HDMI 2.1 ports with a DisplayPort connection — so you can hook up your gaming PC, PS5, or Xbox Series X to hit high frame rates without swapping cables.

The included stand lets you adjust height, tilt, and swivel, or even flip the monitor sideways into a vertical setup. It packs built-in quick-preset game modes — like dedicated FPS and RTS profiles — that automatically tweak contrast, brightness, and colors so you can spot enemies hiding in dark corners.

Snag the LG 27-inch UltraGear OLED Gaming Monitor (27GS93QE) with this $400 discount before the sale ends.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Replace long Slack messages with quick screen recordings while Glooin Pro is just $49.99

Mashable - 5 hours 23 min ago

TL;DR: Glooin Pro is on sale for just $49.99 for life, combining browser-based screen recording with instant shareable links, automatic transcripts, and clickable CTAs.

Opens in a new window Credit: Glooin Glooin Pro Plan: Lifetime Subscription $49.99
$249 Save $199.01   Get Deal

Some explanations need a screen recording. Nobody wants a six-paragraph Slack message explaining which button to click, and another meeting isn’t exactly an exciting or possible alternative. Glooin Pro is on sale for $49.99 (reg. $249) for a lifetime subscription, giving you a simpler way to show instead of tell.

Glooin records your screen, webcam, and audio from a Chrome extension on Windows, macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS. You can pause, resume, or restart without creating a pile of separate files.

SEE ALSO: 21 early October Prime Day tech deals, hand-picked by our gadget-obsessed experts

The extra useful part comes when you’re finished: Glooin generates a shareable link as soon as you stop recording. There’s no separate exporting or uploading step, and whoever receives it can watch from a desktop or mobile browser without creating an account, installing an extension, or downloading anything.

Pro includes 100GB of lifetime storage and recordings up to 25 minutes long. Every recording also gets an automatic transcript, making your video library searchable instead of forcing you to remember which five-minute walkthrough contained that one important detail.

Glooin goes beyond basic screen recording with clickable CTA buttons. Add a booking link, checkout page, or help document directly to a recording and use the included click analytics to see whether viewers actually used it.

There are editing tools, too. Trim videos or annotate screenshots with arrows, boxes, highlights, text, and blur for sensitive information.

For people already communicating with screen recordings, the smart move may be to make the workflow simpler rather than adding another tool you have to babysit.

Get a Glooin Pro Lifetime Subscription with 100GB of storage for $49.99 (reg. $249).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Meta’s Muse reportedly keeps files on everyone you love

Mashable - Mon, 10/05/2026 - 23:35

With more than 5 million downloads in just 3 weeks, the Meta AI assistant known as Muse is officially a hit.

However, knowing Meta's track record with privacy and safety, there is naturally concern over Muse and how it handles user data and privacy.

A new report from Wired and independent AI safety and security researcher Karan Joshi finds that there are some good reasons to be cautious about Muse, too. Namely, the report claimed that Muse has been instructed to create "a page for every person in the user’s life."

Muse is reportedly compiling data on users' family, friends, partners, colleagues, "collaborators," and other people they follow online. Furthermore, a "Relationships" loop runs every hour in the background on a user's computer, which updates each person's page, according to researchers with FutureSociety.

Joshi told Wired that he was able to get Muse to reveal its system prompts, which are essentially rules for how an AI chatbot behaves. Mashable cannot independently verify these system instructions, but Joshi isn't the only researcher to share the alleged prompts online in recent days.

According to the alleged system prompts shared online, Muse compiles data from messages, photos, and memories of previous interactions to create the pages. Each page includes instructions on how to communicate with each individual in a user's life and even keeps tabs on what the user owes or has promised them previously.

Muse also keeps track of what type of relationship a user has with each individual, where that person lives, what that person likes, dates of importance such as birthdays, and other facts about the person. The page even keeps track of the backstory behind the user and the individual's relationship.

Using this information, Muse can even plot out how it could strengthen a relationship between the user and an individual.

In a statement provided to Wired, a Meta spokesperson said Muse compiles context about your relationships "based on public information and from what you've chosen to share" based on the permissions specifically granted to Muse by the user. (Interestingly, Apple recently put out a statement that it was going to change how it handles "Full Disk Access" as a result of AI agents and assistants like Muse, as Mac users may not realize exactly what permissions they're providing to these third-party tools — and the cybersecurity risks associated with that access.)

“For any agent to be useful and actually help you achieve your goals, it needs to have context about you and those you interact with,” Meta spokesperson Daniel Roberts told Wired. “Muse gathers that based on public information and from what you’ve chosen to share, which is how it remembers the person who sent you an invoice is in fact the plumber who you previously hired to complete work in your bathroom or which flowers your spouse said they liked best.”

You can read more from Wired's report and Joshi's findings.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The 8 best 65-inch TVs to buy in 2026, from budget sets to stunning OLEDs

Mashable - Mon, 10/05/2026 - 23:34
October and November are the best months to buy a TV

Unlike virtually every other piece of consumer technology, the best flatscreen TVs have actually gotten less expensive in recent years. It's actually pretty incredible how affordable these devices have gotten. That being said, a new flagship TV can still cost upward of $3,000. Fortunately, you don't have to pay full price.

During October and November, retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target all offer aggressive discounts on TVs. Starting on Oct. 6 with Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale, and continuing through Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you'll soon be able to save up to $1,200 on new TVs.

In addition, you can find big discounts by shopping directly with the manufacturers themselves. Samsung, in particular, hosts good sales during the fall and winter seasons.

SEE ALSO: The best October Prime Day TV deals, according to our experts: Shop best-ever prices ahead of the sale Recent TV news: TCL and Sony are going halvesies now

Sony has long been revered as one of the best TV brands, and its Bravia TVs have been no strangers to lists of the best TVs across the internet. But Sony as a TV brand is about to look a lot different.

As of January 2026, TCL is in charge of Sony's home entertainment business, which spans TVs and home audio. The "Bravia" family of TVs isn't going anywhere, at least as far as branding and picture processing — but TCL will be behind much of the manufacturing and pricing. Sony TVs often toe the line of being so premium that they're too expensive for the average person to consider. But paired with TCL's budget-friendly expertise, they could make a wicked pairing come 2027.

SEE ALSO: Comparing the best art TVs: How to decide between The Frame and its growing list of competitors
Categories: IT General, Technology

These 4 USB cables are quietly becoming your biggest security risk—here's why

How-To Geek - Mon, 10/05/2026 - 23:30

Most people know to avoid sketchy downloads or suspicious links, but they don't think twice about USB cables. People buy whatever they find at a gas station because it looks harmless. The problem is that the cable connecting your phone or laptop to power can do more than you think. Never plug in a cord you just found or know nothing about. You're still plugging in a gadget, even if it doesn't seem like one.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Prime Day outdoor deals: Anker power stations, Igloo coolers, and LifeStraws are our top picks

Mashable - Mon, 10/05/2026 - 23:07
Best October Prime Day outdoor deals: Best portable power station deal Anker Solix C1000 $449.98 (save $150.01) Get Deal Best cooler deal Igloo Trailmate Cooler (50 quart) $99.99 (save $20) Get Deal Best outdoor speaker deal Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 $71.23 (save $28.76) Get Deal Best camping deal Coleman 4-Person Instant Cabin $149.99 (save $68.50) Get Deal

If you're like me and prefer to camp in the moderate fall temps instead of sweating it out in the summer, you're in need of some fresh outdoor gear. Luckily, Amazon's October Prime Day runs Oct. 6 and 7, kicking off end-of-year savings, and it's a great time to stock up on gear.

I've compiled the best Prime Day outdoor deals if you're searching for upgrades or replacements to your current gear. These deals will get you outside to enjoy fall colors and cooler temps. Be sure to keep an eye on all of Mashable's October Prime Day coverage throughout the event.

Best portable power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Solix Anker Solix C1000 $449.98 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $150.01   Get Deal Why we like it

I've tested dozens of portable power stations while camping over the last few years, and the original Anker Solix C1000 remains a top-tier choice. Now that it's on sale for under $450, it's a great time to make the move to camping with power. Keep phones charged, pack the air fryer, or take your laptop workstation into the great outdoors.

The Anker Solix C1000 packs in 1,056Wh of battery capacity and a peak output of 2,400W. Anker included a massive six AC ports, dual USB-A ports, and dual USB-C ports. I also love the onboard lightbar, and it recharges back to 100 percent in under an hour.

More portable power station dealsBest cooler deal Opens in a new window Credit: Igloo Igloo Trailmate Cooler (50 quart) $99.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $20   Get Deal Why we like it

With a giant 50-quart capacity, the Igloo Trailmate cooler is on sale for under $100 for October Prime Day. Without ice, that size can fit up to 81 cans. The foam-insulated walls and lid measure 1.5 inches thick for better ice retention, and the rubberized latches provide added reassurance that the cooler is properly sealed to keep things cold. Igloo also added a built-in bottle opener for those of us who always forget to pack one.

More cooler dealsBest outdoor speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ultimate Ears Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 $71.23
$99.99 Save $28.76   Get Deal Why we like it

On Mashable's ranking of the best waterproof Bluetooth speakers, the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 earns the top spot as the model that's ready for both outdoor adventures and the shower. Contributor Alex Bracetti's review says, "The rugged mesh exterior prevents moisture and other hazards from damaging both the inside and outside of the speaker. A 14-hour charge is enough for a month of daily shower use."

It's an excellent speaker to bring on the go, and right now, you can grab it for $28.76.

More outdoor speaker dealsBest camping deal Opens in a new window Credit: Coleman Coleman 4-Person Instant Cabin $149.99 at Amazon
$218.49 Save $68.50   Get Deal Why we like it

Every great camping trip comes with a home base. The Coleman Instant Cabin is a one-minute setup tent that's also easy to store. For October Prime Day, the four-person tent is on sale for $149.99. To make things even easier at the campsite, the Coleman tent has pre-attached poles that only need to be extended. Plus, the included rainfly is integrated into the design, making assembly simple.

More camping deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

These are the 5 most underrated programming languages of all time

How-To Geek - Mon, 10/05/2026 - 23:00

Every few years, the programming world converges on a handful of languages and treats them as the only serious options. JavaScript, Python, Java, C, and now Rust and Go dominate job listings, tutorials, and conference talks. That consensus is useful, but it also buries languages that solved hard problems elegantly, influenced everything that came after them, and still do useful work today. Underrated does not mean unknown. It means the gap between a language’s actual quality and the attention it receives is embarrassingly large. These five languages live in that gap.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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