Technology

SAVE OVER $200: As of Nov. 14, the iRobot Roomba Plus 405 is on sale for $398.99 at Amazon. That's a 36% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba Plus 405 $398.99 at Amazon
$626.49 Save $227.50   Get Deal

If you're waiting until Black Friday to buy a robot vacuum, there's no need. A

The iRobot Roomba Plus 405 just dropped to its lowest-ever price at Amazon. The retailer's Black Friday sale hasn't officially got underway yet (Nov. 20 is when you can expect that), but deals like this are already live. As of Nov. 14, you can find the iRobot Roomba Plus 405 reduced by $227.50, bringing the price down to $398.99.

Mashable's robot vacuum expert said this model offers "solid bang for your buck." At this new low price? It's a steal.

SEE ALSO: The best vacuums we've tested at home, from robots to Dyson stick vacs

If you've been shopping around for a robot vacuum, you'll have come across Roomba. They're one of the most popular brands (despite their struggles), and not without reason. This model offers dual vacuum and mopping features. It has seriously powerful suction, strong enough to lift dirt of all kinds. You also get four suction levels, repeat-pass options, SmartScrub deep scrubbing, Clean Zones for targeted areas, and Keep Out Zones for restricted spaces, so you can clean exactly the way you want.

This model uses DualClean spinning mop pads and SmartScrub to apply pressure and tackle tough stains much more easily. It can mop with either water or a cleaning solution, and the pads automatically lift when the vacuum detects carpet. The AutoWash dock then washes, dries, and refreshes the mop pads so they’re ready for the next use, with nothing for you to do.

This robot vacuum deal has a limited-time stamp, so grab it from Amazon now.

SAVE $100: As of Nov. 14, Apple AirPods Pro 2 are on sale for $139 at Walmart. This limited-time offer saves you $100 on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple AirPods Pro 2 $139 at Walmart
$239 Save $100   Get Deal

Leading retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target are in a constant battle at this time of year. It's all about offering the best deals on the most popular products, thereby gaining the greatest following from all those greedy shoppers and winning Black Friday.

But how do we judge which retailer lands on top over Black Friday? It's tricky to assess the landscape, because there are quite literally thousands of deals to consider right now. But if we're looking for easy ways to make a call, Apple deals are usually the most significant savings on offer. And Walmart has stolen a lead on the competition with its stunning Apple AirPods Pro 2 discount.

SEE ALSO: Apple's new M5 iPad Pro keeps getting cheaper — score it for its best price yet

As of Nov. 14, Apple AirPods Pro 2 are on sale for $139 at Walmart. This limited-time offer saves you $100 on list price. We're going to go out on a limb here and say that this might be the best early Black Friday deal we've seen. There's still plenty of time for other retailers to offer something better, but Apple AirPods Pro 2 are sitting at over $200 on Amazon right now. That's a pretty significant price difference.

In our review, Stan Schroeder said they "sound great and the noise cancelation is stellar." They are look iconic. That's not the most important thing, but its matters, OK?

Score the best early Black Friday AirPods deal at Walmart.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, Nov. 14, 2025:

AcrossEwe said it, not me!

• The answer is Baa.

"Shucks!"

• The answer is Aw Man.

Overly talkative ... or 1-Down with its consonants inverted

• The answer is Gabby.

Say hello to

• The answer is Greet.

"___ out!" (ump's cry)

• The answer is Yer.

DownOverly loose ... or 7-Across with its consonants inverted

• The answer is Baggy.

In the know

• The answer is Aware.

Honey-colored resin

• The answer is Amber.

Civil War prez, familiarly

• The answer is Abe.

W.S.J. competitor

• The answer is NYT.

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

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Mini Crossword.

Getting proper sleep can help improve nearly every aspect of your health, but over a third of adults in the United States don't get enough of it, according to the CDC.

If a noisy environment is what's keeping you up at night, you've likely considered foam earplugs, but those are no longer the only option available, with reusable earplugs and sleep earbuds offering a more convenient alternative.

SEE ALSO: Dodow review: A simple sleep gadget that's best for back sleepers

I spent many nights of sleep over a few months trying out earplugs and earbuds ranging from $50 to $349 to find the best of what's out on the market — and to see if getting earbuds just for sleep is actually worth it.

With Black Friday fast approaching, this is an especially great time to pick up sleep earbuds. As the early stages of sales begin, we've already seen the Soundcore A30 earbuds, our upgrade pick, drop under $200. Our former upgrade pick, the Ozlo Sleepbuds, is also $50 off at $299.

As a note, we generally no longer recommend the Ozlo Sleepbuds as their price point isn't on par with the features offered by their competitors. At their full price point, I'd say to skip them. However, if you're especially intrigued by their design (and have no qualms with the lack of ANC), grabbing them for $299 instead of their usual $349 is the absolute most we'd recommend paying for these earbuds to get true value.

The best earbuds for sleeping

Below, I pulled three of the best sleep earbuds on the market. Between the overall best, upgrade, and earplug picks, there's a wide range of price points, but as with any product, the most expensive of the bunch isn't necessarily the best overall. With that in mind, I highlighted where each earbud excelled, whether that be in comfort, noise cancellation, or ease of use, to help you pick the best sleep earbud possible.

UPDATE: Aug. 18, 2025, 9:45 a.m. EDT As of April 2024, the Ozlo Sleepbuds increased in price from $299 to $349 on Ozlo's website and Amazon in the United States due to tariffs. While we initially scaled back our recommendation to only grabbing them on sale, since testing the Soundcore Sleep A30s, which offer similar feature sets for far less, we no longer recommend the Ozlo Sleepbuds as one of our top pick sleep earbuds.

How are sleep earbuds different than normal earbuds?

First, a confession: I used to wear AirPods nearly every night to sleep. More accurately, I used to wear a single AirPod so I could actually sleep on my side.

After testing earbuds designed for sleeping, I can tell you that everyday earbuds don't match up to the sleep earbud experience. For starters, standard earbuds aren't designed to be worn while you're lying on your side, so they often stick out of your ears and put hard plastic in contact with your ear. Not to mention, earbuds typically cap out at six to seven hours of battery life per charge, so if you're getting at least eight hours of sleep, you run the risk of interrupting it with the sound of your earbuds powering off.

Sleep earbuds, like the Soundcore A20 ones pictured in the middle, have a much thinner profile than traditional earbuds. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

Sleep earbuds, on the other hand, can offer white noise options, better battery life, and significantly more comfort (that actually allows you to wear more than one earbud at a time). The pairs I tested came without microphones and with touch controls that worked but were less sensitive than traditional earbuds, so you can lie on your side without activating them. When I initially tested options for this guide, there weren't really any with active noise cancellation, but that has since changed thanks to the Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds. Still, you'd be surprised at how well passive noise cancellation, a good fit, and white noise work.

SEE ALSO: The 7 best earbuds to buy in 2025 from Bose, Sony, and more Is it safe to wear earbuds to sleep every night?

First and foremost, it's important to consider that sleep earbuds aren't the only way to approach nighttime noises that might be keeping you up.

I consulted Dr. Ashley Kita, an otolaryngologist and assistant professor in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery at UCLA, to discuss any risks associated with wearing earbuds all night. While she didn't warn against using earbuds, she suggested that if what's keeping you up is a partner's snoring, you start looking for solutions there.

SEE ALSO: Loop earplugs are actually worth it — here's how to choose the right pair

"If you're doing all of this to avoid a partner who is snoring, sometimes gently encouraging that person to investigate why they're snoring is kind of an important consideration," Kita said. "Because we find that obstructive sleep apnea is really underdiagnosed, and snoring, for some people, is the only sign of it."

If, however, what's keeping you up is less in your control, then you do want to be aware of three main aspects of using earbuds all night: proper hygiene, safe noise levels, and your ear comfort.

Proper hygiene

When I started testing these earbuds, I realized I was now wearing earbuds uninterrupted for longer than I typically would in the course of a day, even as someone who tests headphones for a living. When I asked Dr. Kita how that wear time might raise someone's risk for infection, she drew a comparison to the wear time of hearing aids:

"Many individuals wear hearing aids for longer hours during the day than they sleep at night," she said. And yet, folks who wear hearing aids don't often have ear infections, though long wear times may increase their risk.

SEE ALSO: How to set up Hearing Aid mode on your AirPods

With the long wear times, Kita said the main concern she could anticipate was wax buildup since the natural path for wax to exit the ear canal would be blocked. However, she said it's not necessarily a cause for concern, as wax can typically exit the ear canal at other points during the day when you're not wearing earbuds (or blocking your ear canal in any other way).

As for any heightened infection risk, Kita shared that it can increase when there's greater wax buildup that can then trap bacteria. She recommended cleaning the buds with isopropyl alcohol and a cotton pad after each use, if possible. (One of the brands we tested, Ozlo, recommends a weekly cleaning.) With all that said, someone's risk for infection really comes down to personal susceptibility — some people are more prone to ear infections than others. If you fall into that category, being more proactive about cleaning your earbuds is a good practice.

Noise levels

Noise-induced hearing loss is the second most common type of hearing loss (behind age-related hearing loss), so it's important to be aware of the level of noise you expose yourself to. Kita pointed me in the direction of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) chart for how long people can be exposed to certain decibel levels safely.

In its FAQ, Ozlo also cites OSHA's recommendation, as well as the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's recommendations, which top out at 90 decibels and 85 decibels for eight hours, respectively. We reached out to a rep from Soundcore to see if its earbuds have specific upper decibel limits, and will update this guide when we hear back. In general, though, Kita said the less noise, the better, recommending that you always try to use the lowest volume possible.

SEE ALSO: Video game industry makes it easier to find accessible games for disabled players

"While I don't necessarily love the idea of extra noise when you're not even conscious to appreciate it, if it's the thing that's keeping you asleep or letting you sleep, it just comes in this category of risks and benefits," Kita said. "Just make sure that it's quiet enough, then it really isn't that much different than using a white noise machine on your nightstand."

Comfort

Earbuds fitting comfortably is important for you to be able to fall asleep, but also for your ear health.

"Everyone's ear canal is shaped differently," Kita said. "And so something that might be really comfortable for your ears might really cause my ears to ache."

In other words, giving yourself earbuds-induced earaches every night can actually impact your ear health. If one of the below recommendations really isn't sitting right, even with adjustments to the ear tip sizes, don't be afraid to return them.

Other sleep earbuds we tested

At the end of the initial testing period, the one product that didn't make the cut was the 1More Sleeping Earbuds Z30, which, at $89.99, were the least expensive earbuds I tested. While significantly cheaper than the earbuds that did make the cut, their battery life, app features, and fit didn't quite match up to the other options on my list. However, if you're looking for very barebones low-profile earbuds (and don't mind hearing them die in the early hours of the morning), these aren't a bad option under $100.

1More Sleeping Earbuds Z30 $59.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon

In keeping up with my value criteria, I decided to ultimately pull the Ozlo Sleepbuds as our best upgrade pick. After their price jumped up from $299 to $349 — far outpricing our existing picks (and most premium standard ANC earbuds, for that matter) — I determined their features didn't justify their price tag. The addition of sleep tracking (which is in the works) or ANC would make these earbuds much more competitive. On that note, the newly-released Soundcore Sleep A30 took their spot, as the only sleep earbuds with ANC on the market at the time of writing.

Ozlo Sleepbuds $299 at Amazon
$349 Save $50   Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Ozlo

Google has announced several AI-powered updates to its shopping features, helping to make your mindless consumerism even more mindless. 

First, Google has updated Search's AI Mode so that users can describe what they're shopping for in a conversational manner. For example, Google states that a person could search for "cozy sweaters for happy hour in warm autumn colors," and be served with shoppable images, prices, reviews, and information on whether the suggested items are in stock. Further, weighing up multiple product options will generate a comparison table that references other peoples' reviews.

Such changes also extend to Gemini app, with Google's AI chatbot now capable of providing ideas for what to add to your shopping list. Users can tell Gemini that they're looking for products to fit a certain purpose, such as practical gifts for students or ideas for what to buy during Black Friday sales. Gemini will then create a list of suggested products, which can be purchased directly in-app.

Google adds automated calls to businesses Credit: Google

Another interesting shopping update is Google's new ability to call stores and make inquiries on your behalf, a feature which may be helpful to people with disabilities, social anxiety, or who just hate phone calls.

Users will see the option to "let Google call" nearby stores when they use Search to look for certain products "near me." Google will then ask a few questions about what you're after, call the store, then send the answers to you via email or text. Currently, Google's automated calls are restricted to booking appointments, checking restaurant wait times, and confirming the pricing and availability of products and services. 

Google's automated calls are also rolling out in the U.S. for toy, electronic, and health and beauty categories, however not all states will be receiving it. Google states that its automated shopping calls will not be rolling out in Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana, and Nebraska. Businesses can also opt out if they'd rather not receive these automated calls, either by calling Google themselves or changing the settings on their Business Profile.

Google's AI automatically purchases products Credit: Google

Finally, Google has begun rolling out the agentic AI checkout feature it teased at Google I/O 2025 in May. With this feature, users can have Google's AI shopping agent monitor a product's availability and send them a notification when its price drops below a set target. Users can tailor these notifications to specifically track product variations according to size, colour, and the number of items they wish to buy. 

Significantly, Google can also autonomously purchase the item for you using Google Pay. Google states that it will ask your permission before buying anything, and will only proceed once you've confirmed purchase and shipping details. Even so, it seems wise to think long and hard before granting AI the power to spend your money.

This feature is rolling out across Google Search and AI Mode, though will be available in the U.S. for now, and only for some vendors such as Wayfair, Chewy, Quince, and select Shopify stores.

Google's latest AI-powered shopping features join its virtual fitting room, which has been available to U.S. users via the Search Labs testing platform since May. This feature allows users to upload a photo of themselves to Google, then use AI to generate an image of themselves in clothes they're considering buying. 

These features use Google's Shopping Graph, a data set of products and vendors from around the globe. Google states that its real-time Shopping Graph contains over 50 billion product listings, many of which are updated hourly.

Google's updates arrive amidst a dispute between Amazon and Perplexity over similar AI shopping technology. The online retail giant sued Perplexity last week, objecting to the AI firm's own automated AI-powered shopping assistant enabling one-click purchasing from Amazon. According to Amazon, Perplexity has ignored repeated requests not to include it in this tool. 

Fortunately for Google, its AI shopping assistant seems unlikely to face similar turmoil for now, as its gradual rollout to select stores currently excludes Amazon.

The moon is shrinking each night as we move toward the New Moon, and tonight it’s showing just a slim crescent, a nod to the current phase, Waning Crescent. However, we're early in this stage, so there's still plenty to spot on its surface if you look closely.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Friday, Nov. 14, the moon phase is Waning Crescent. This means 27% of the moon is lit up tonight, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation.

What can you see when you look up? Well, specifically, without any visual aids you can see the Kepler Cater and the Oceanus Procellarum. If you have binoculars, to the bottom left you'll also see the Grimaldi Basin. If you have a telescope, you'll see more towards the bottom left (top right, if you're in the Southern Hemisphere), including the Schiller Crater and Apollo 12 landing spot.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on Dec. 4.

What are moon phases?

Moon phases are part of a 29.5-day lunar cycle, according to NASA. These phases are how the moon looks from Earth as it goes around us. We always see the same side of the moon, but how much of it is lit up by the Sun changes depending on where it is in its orbit. So, sometimes it looks full, sometimes half, and sometimes not there at all (aka, the New Moon). There are eight main moon phases, and they follow a repeating cycle:

The eight main moon phases are:

New Moon - The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

Astute.

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

SAVVY

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A soup made when drinking liquids.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 14, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

SLURP

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A basketball move.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 14 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 14, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

LAYUP

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Poor.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for November 14 Hurdle Word 4 answer

BROKE

Final Hurdle hint

A legal violation.

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

CRIME

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

Connie Francis’ “Pretty Little Baby” is more than 60 years old. And though it was never even released as a single, this 1962 song became a global sensation in 2025, coming in at number 5 on TikTok’s global Songs of the summer list. Other ‘catalogue’ tracks have reemerged lately, becoming trending hits decades after their release. But it’s not just music from the archives. New and emerging artists now have a new way to reach global audiences and become stars overnight. All of this because someone heard their song and got a TikTok video idea.

But is TikTok changing the ways we listen to music? And, more importantly, does it now have influence on how music is made?

Read the full Trending Now article by Christianna Silva.

Would you play Boggle or Pictionary on your TV? Netflix thinks so.

On Thursday, Netflix introduced a new feature called Game Night, which lets customers play a handful of video games with just their TV, using their phones as controllers. Launching today, Game Night includes Boggle Party, Lego Party!, Pictionary: Game Night, Tetris Time Warp, and Party Crashers: Fool Your Friends. Game Night is available now without any additional subscription or fees.

A Netflix press release states, "Netflix just made game night a whole lot easier. Now you can play games on your TV. All you need is Netflix and your phone. That’s it. Just like that, everything you need to start playing with your friends and family is in the palm of your hands."

Game Night represents a pivot for Netflix's video game strategy. The streaming app first experimented with video games in 2021, but the platform has never become a hub for gamers in the United States. Since 2021, Netflix has launched more than 100 mobile games, per the New York Times, with its most successful title, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, reaching almost 40 million downloads.

However, the word download is key. Playing Netflix games required users to head to an app store and download an app, an awkward and counterintuitive approach for a streaming app. But with Netflix Game Night, users can play games directly in the Netflix app itself.

Netflix customers with a compatible device will have access to Game Night right away, and it's also accessible in web browsers. Per a Netflix announcement, "To play a game on your TV using your mobile device, select a game, then scan the game’s QR code with your phone’s camera." And in a press release, Netflix said it will be launching a "stack of new titles" for the holiday season.

“Starting today, you can play games on your TV, using your phone as a controller — no setup needed, it’s as easy as streaming your favorite shows,” said Alain Tascan, president of games at Netflix, in a press release. “You can now go from watching KPop Demon Hunters to playing Pictionary: Game Night without ever leaving Netflix. And for those who love to play anywhere and everywhere, we're bringing even more games to your phone with our own special Netflix touch.”

If you're in the market for a new pair of earbuds, we have good news: You have a lot of options. The bad news? You have a lot of options, and your decision can get overwhelming, fast. Wasn't life easier when iPhones came with a free pair of earbuds?

While you can still find wired earbuds that plug in and go (you'll even find a pair on this list), the market is flooded with wireless options. Now, you'll find models with advanced noise cancellation to block out the sounds of busy coffee shops and commutes. Plus, a good pair should have a quality microphone so you can take calls on the go.

SEE ALSO: I replaced my $249 AirPods Pro with $19 wired EarPods

Prices on earbuds range anywhere from $10 to $1,000, especially if you're going for professional-grade studio earphones. And if you care about noise cancellation, you can easily spend $300 — that's the price of peace and quiet. These days, you can even get hyperspecialized models like sleep earbuds. Our guide also includes our picks for the best earbuds for working out and the best open earbuds.

Our top picks for earbuds are the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen) and Panasonic Technics AZ100s, which provide outstanding sound quality — but keep in mind, both of these models cost $299. While we stand by the value of everything on this list, we know that spending $300 on a pair of headphones is a lot to stomach. That's also why we recommend shopping for earbuds during Black Friday season. As sales start to kick off, the QC Ultra earbuds are down $50 (their lowest price since their September release date). As we approach the actual day of Black Friday on Nov. 28, we expect to see even more markdowns on our favorite earbuds.

Ready to start shopping now? Here are our top earbud picks of 2025.

Types of earbuds

There are two types of earbuds: wireless and wired. While those descriptors are self-explanatory, let's get into the specifics of both.

Wireless

Wireless earbuds connect to devices via Bluetooth for cordless usage. These earbuds range from $20 budget models to high-end models with active noise cancellation. While they don't require a wire to connect to a device, some wireless earbuds still have a wire that might go around the back of the neck to connect the buds.

While earbuds traditionally don't provide the passive noise cancellation of over-the-ear headphones, wireless models often feature ANC, which electronically blocks out background noise. With wireless headphones, you need to consider the battery life. Most models should have an eight-hour or more battery life before they need to be recharged.

Wired

Wired earbuds are the original model: two buds connected by a wire to your audio source. While they once felt high tech, they're pretty basic now. Wired earbuds with active noise cancellation are basically non-existent, and you won't find any on our list.

The biggest positive to wired headphones is that they don't need to be charged. They're a great backup option to keep in your bag in case your usual wireless headphones or earbuds run out of charge.

New additions to this guide

After extensive testing, Mashable Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard rounded up the best sleep earbuds. You can read her full guide, but as of May 2025, we've added the Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 to this guide, which Allard says are the best sleep earbuds for most people.

As of August 2025, we also updated the best earbuds for working out to the Powerbeats Pro 2 and added the Shokz OpenDots One as the best open earbuds.

What are the best wireless Bluetooth earbuds?

If you're just looking for a pair of everyday wireless earbuds, all but one of the models in this guide will check that box. (We also included the Marshall Mode wired earbuds as an option for folks who don't want to worry about battery.) If you're looking for the highest quality wireless earbuds, you can't go wrong with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Panasonic Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds, our most recent recommendation in 2025. Both of these wireless earbuds feature elite noise-cancellation, stellar sound, long battery life, and a comfortable fit for extended wear.

Still, this guide includes several other earbuds we stand behind. Apple users may prefer the AirPods Pro, while shoppers on a budget may prefer buds from Marshall or Anker Soundcore. If you need help picking the perfect pair, read on.

SAVE $1,002: The 100-inch Hisense Class QD6 QLED 4K TV is on sale for $1,497.99 at Amazon, down from the list price of $2,499.99. That's a 40% discount and the lowest we've seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense 100-inch Hisense Class QD6 QLED 4K TV $1,497.99 at Amazon
$2,499.99 Save $1,002.00   Get Deal

Holiday hosting season is right around the corner. If you're busy prepping the menu, finding recipes, and delegating cleaning tasks, it's also worth considering entertainment. If you like to host with holiday gatherings with the ambiance of Christmas music in the background and a snowy scene on TV, check out this monster of a deal at Amazon.

As of Nov. 13, the 100-inch Hisense Class QD6 QLED 4K TV is on sale for $1,497.99 at Amazon, down from the list price of $2,499.99. That's a massive 40% discount that shaves $1,002 off the standard price. This sale happens to be the lowest we've seen at Amazon.

Black Friday is still a few weeks away but we're already seeing major deals and that includes this 100-inch Hisense. The brand consistently offers some of the best affordable TVs that don't slack when it comes to display quality.

SEE ALSO: 45 early Black Friday deals at Best Buy that aren't cheaper anywhere else

This 100-inch model could be great for larger living rooms or rec rooms, and its 144Hz refresh rate means it could be awesome for winter gaming. Since we're spending more time inside these days, consider your winter activities sorted with this 100-inch upgrade. Stream you favorite shows, movies, holiday parades, and footballs games like never before.

QLED displays excel in offering bright colors and great contrast, even during the daytime. It's also equipped with Fire TV which will put all your favorite streaming apps neatly into one menu. The Fire TV integration also means you can check in with Alexa or use the picture-in-picture feature to continue watching your show while also checking on the video doorbell.

As an early Black Friday treat, upgrade to the 100-inch Hisense Class QD6 QLED 4K TV while it's on sale for $1,497.99 at Amazon. Today's price marks the lowest we've seen and buying today will mean it'll arrive before Thanksgiving entertaining starts.

Russian engineers ran their new humanoid robot on stage, Rocky Balboa-style, in what was supposed to be the beginning of a new era in robotics for the nation They then proceeded to watch it epically face-plant in front of the Moscow audience.

Known as AIdol, the AI-powered, anthropomorphic tech was making its public debut at a press event on Nov. 10, advertised as an example of the country's domestic robotics capabilities.

SEE ALSO: DJI launches Neo 2 mini drone ahead of potential U.S. ban

After briefly waving to the audience, rife with journalists, the robot tottered forward and simply tumbled over — not so light on its feet. A large chunk of its outer body carriage rolled away, and organizers quickly covered him up using a black cloth while they tried to fix it. They later said the fall was due to calibration issues with its balance systems and control software.

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AIdol was developed by Russian robotics startup Idol, led by CEO Vladimir Vitukhin. Vitukhin is part of Russia's charge into the international robotics market, an industry that garnered $1.6 billion in investments in 2024, the New York Times reported. Companies like Elon Musk's Tesla and Amazon have ventured into the humanoid robot (or "physical agentforce") market, too, including Tesla's highly touted Optimus robot. Catch Optimus rigs working at Musk's Tesla Diner in Los Angeles soon, if Musk's dreams come true.

“I hope that this mistake will turn into an experience,” Vitukhin told Russian state news agencies. "This is real-time learning, when a good mistake turns into knowledge, and a bad mistake turns into experience."

It's sometimes easy to fall into the trap that a bigger number on something means that it's subjectively better, when really it's just objectively "more" on some measurable axis.

SAVE $400: As of Nov. 13, get the LG Ultragear OLED monitor for $499.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $899.99. That's a discount of 44% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon LG Ultragear OLED $499.99 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $400   Get Deal

Looking to upgrade your gaming battlestation? Or maybe you're in the market for a new monitor since yours is showing its age. Whatever the case may be, now's the time to shop for a new one with this early Black Friday deal. You can snag a massive 27-inch LG monitor for an absolutely excellent price while giving your setup a much-needed facelift at the same time.

As of Nov. 13, get the LG Ultragear OLED monitor for $499.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $899.99. That's $400 off and a discount of 44%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: The best monitors in 2025

The OLED UltraGear has a dazzling 1440p refresh rate and 480Hz refresh rate in addition to its OLED picture. It supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro as well as Nvidia G-Sync VRR, with smooth motion and detailing perfect for all your favorite titles. And with a 0.0zms response time, it's great for twitchy games, too.

All this packed into a 27-inch chassis with a tilt/height/pivot stand that you can move around to your liking. It has an anti-glare coating with low reflection so you don't have to deal with constant distractions, and deep HDR color support as well so you get jaw-dropping visuals every time you load in.

This monitor is a great blend of practical and powerful, and it'll take all your games to the next level. If you're interested in adding it to your setup or want to gift it to someone, now's the time to pounce.

TL;DR: Save 43% on the Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro retro gaming emulator that you can also use to watch movies.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kinhank Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro Retro Gaming Emulator and Streaming Console $89.97
$159.99 Save $70.02   Get Deal

If you’ve got a gamer on your gift list this year, you don’t have to give them the pricey new releases to impress. The retro-inspired Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro brings back thousands of retro favorites — from Street Fighter to Final Fantasy — all for $89.97 while it’s still on sale (reg. $159.99). And they ship free.

Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro gives you a single, smooth interface to play thousands of modern and old-school titles. You get dual operating systems, with Android 9.0 for streaming apps and EmuELEC 4.5 for emulation, giving you flexibility beyond gaming. You can go straight from trouncing your friend in a 1-on-1 deathmatch to marathoning your favorite show.

SEE ALSO: The LG UltraGear OLED curved gaming monitor just got another price drop ahead of Black Friday — save over $700

The included 256GB game card comes loaded with thousands of games, spanning classic systems like NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, PlayStation, and more. Plus, you can easily expand your library using a microSD card or download additional 3D games at no extra cost.

You also get two wireless controllers right out of the box, making multiplayer gaming easy. Thanks to the plug-and-play design, setup is simple. Just connect it to your TV or monitor with the included HDMI cable, power it up, and start playing. It even supports 4K HD output, so your retro games will look surprisingly crisp on modern screens.

With built-in dual-band WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0, the Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro offers stable connections for both online features and wireless accessories. And while it’s pretty stacked with games, this console is still small enough to toss in a backpack and take to a friend’s house. You know, like people used to.

Order the Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro now for $89.97 with free shipping (reg. $159.99). Sale ends Nov. 20 at 11:59 p.m. PT, and no coupon is needed.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get this bundle of Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office 2021 on sale for $49.97 through Nov. 16 and upgrade your entire PC at once (reg. $418.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle $44.97
$418.99 Save $374.02   Get Deal

Microsoft has officially moved on from Windows 10, and if your PC’s still running it, you’re missing out on key security updates that keep you free from malware and new AI tools. This upgrade deal solves both problems: Windows 11 Pro for a faster, safer experience, plus a lifetime license for Microsoft Office Professional 2021 — all 88% off for a limited time.

Microsoft Office Pro 2021 gives you so many ways to stay productive: Word for documents, Excel for spreadsheets, PowerPoint for presentations, Outlook for email, plus Access, Publisher, Teams, and OneNote. No monthly subscription fees — just a permanent license that works on one Windows PC at home or the office.

SEE ALSO: Our favorite Windows laptop, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, just hit a new best price ever

On the other hand, Windows 11 Pro brings modern polish, upgraded security, and AI-driven help via Copilot. That means better multitasking with snap layouts, advanced encryption with BitLocker, improved antivirus defenses, and even AI tools that can summarize web pages or help you generate text. It’s the operating system designed for both business leaders and everyday users who want their machines running at peak performance.

Here’s what you’re getting:

• Lifetime Office 2021 Pro: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, Publisher, OneNote, and Teams.

• Windows 11 Pro Upgrade: Secure, sleek, and ready for today’s workflows.

• AI Copilot built in: Your new virtual assistant for tasks and writing.

• One-time payment: Forget recurring fees — pay once, use forever.

For entrepreneurs, business leaders, and anyone managing a busy digital life, this bundle checks every box: productivity, security, and long-term value.

Grab Microsoft Office 2021 and Windows 11 Pro on sale together for $49.97 (reg. $418.99). Offer ends Nov. 16 at 11:59 p.m. PT, and no coupon is needed.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Virtual reality headsets have gotten increasingly popular over the past few years. Sony’s PlayStation VR and VR2, along with the just-launched Samsung Galaxy XR, and the revamped Apple Vision Pro are some examples. These tech giants join Meta in the virtual reality fray, giving us true competition in the AR/VR space for the first time.

Yesterday, Valve announced that it’s also creating a brand new virtual reality headset, the Steam Frame, which is a follow-up to the 2019 Valve Index headset. (Valve also announced a ton more Steam hardware.) It’s built to be a streaming-first experience that is compatible with your entire Steam library, whether your games are VR or non-VR. But how does it stack up with other headsets? Let's take a look.

SEE ALSO: Valve announces new Steam Machine console: Price, specs, release date Steam Frame vs. Vision Pro vs. Quest 3: Just the specs Meta Quest 3 VR headset with controllers. Credit: Alex Perry / Mashable

Before we compare these headsets in more detail, let's review the specifications for each. If you don't care about how much storage or RAM each headset has, just keep scrolling.

You'll have to wait until 2026 to get your hands (and face) on the Steam Frame. For now, we can only geek out over the specs:

• Processor: 4 nm Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3, Architecture: ARM64

• RAM: 16GB Unified LPDDR5X RAM

• Storage: 256GB / 1TB UFS storage options, microSD card slot

• Resolution: 2160 x 2160 (per eye)

• Refresh Rate: 72-144Hz refresh rate (144Hz experimental)

• Battery Capacity: 21.6Wh

• Field of View: Up to 110 degrees

• Eyetracking included: Yes

• Price: TBA

Apple just released its new Vision Pro headset in October. It's largely the same headset as the original released in 2023, but now powered by M5 silicon. Here are all the details:

• Processor: Apple M5 chip

• RAM: 16G

• Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB

• Resolution: 3,660 × 3,200 (per-eye)

• Refresh Rate: 90Hz, 96Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz

• Battery Capacity: Up to 2.5 hours of general use, video playback up to 3 hours

• Field of View: ~100 degrees

• Eyetracking included: Yes

• Price: $3,499

And here are the Meta Quest 3's specs:

• Processor: Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2

• RAM: 8GB

• Storage: 512GB

• Resolution: 2064 x 2208 (per eye)

• Refresh Rate: 72Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz

• Battery Capacity: 19.44Wh

• Field of View: 110 degrees horizontal and 96 degrees vertical

• Eyetracking included: No

• Price: $499.99

Which is best for gaming?

On the gaming side of things, the Steam Frame is going to have a huge advantage over the competition, as Valve promises you’ll be able to play your entire Steam library. With Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro, you can only play games that were specifically designed or ported to that platform. While the Quest 3 has a decent selection of titles, the Vision Pro really wasn't designed for gaming, and its library reflects that fact.

On top of that, the Steam Frame will be compatible with other Steam hardware, including the Steam Machine, Deck, and controller, making it a much more versatile headset than the others.

AR and VR: What's the difference?

With virtual reality, you can disappear into fully realized virtual worlds. With augmented reality, you can still see and interact with the world around you. Where it gets messy is that AR headsets like the Vision Pro also support VR experiences, so it's not a clean distinction. Based on what we know, the Steam Frame is very much in the VR category.

An augmented reality scene with the Vision Pro. Credit: Apple

The Steam Frame only contains monochrome passthrough cameras, while the Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3 have colored passthroughs. This means that the Quest and Vision Pro support augmented and mixed reality, while the Steam Frame seemingly cannot. On the surface, this makes Steam Frame more of a downgrade compared to its competition, as it's a pure virtual reality headset. However, it also has a “user accessible front expansion port,” which could be utilized to add more features in the future, including color passthroughs.

The Quest 3 still wins out on price

Valve hasn’t revealed a price for the Steam Frame, but the company is aiming to have it under $1,000, which is the price of a Valve Index headset. Meta Quest 3 still seems to be the most affordable of the three headsets, sitting at $500. Apple’s Vision Pro remains the most expensive at a whopping $3,500, but it comes with higher-cost components, a premium design, and some futuristic AR features.

The Steam Frame is set to launch sometime in early 2026.

What's old is new again — Vine is back.

Well, kind of. And Other Stuff, a nonprofit collective run by Jack Dorsey — yes, the Twitter founder who originally killed Vine — financed diVine, which launched Thursday. It has very similar branding to Vine, is focused on six-second videos, and will feature archived, old Vines. TechCrunch, which spoke with the company, reported diVine users will have access to over 100,000 archived Vine videos.

Here's what diVine's site says:

"Experience the raw, unfiltered creativity of real people sharing genuine moments in 6-second loops. Built on decentralized technology, owned by no one, controlled by everyone."

It tracks that someone would try to reboot Vine, considering the massive success of TikTok, which feels like its spiritual successor. Elon Musk, in fact, has threatened to reboot Vine in the past.

Besides rebooting the six-second concept and relying on open-source tech, diVine has another interesting core promise: no AI. In a time of increasing AI slop, diVine will not allow — and will prevent the posting of — AI-generated content.

SEE ALSO: Vine is dead. Let's keep it that way.

"So basically, I’m like, can we do something that’s kind of nostalgic?" Evan Henshaw-Plath, the person leading the project, told TechCrunch. "Can we do something that takes us back, that lets us see those old things, but also lets us see an era of social media where you could either have control of your algorithms, or you could choose who you follow, and it’s just your feed, and where you know that it’s a real person that recorded the video?"

We all have a loved one who treats their pet like their literal baby — as it should be. These pet parents would probably be more than happy to receive a gift that doubles as a gift for their pet. (In fact, they might just prefer that.) And with the holidays right around the corner, we know a lot of you are searching for Christmas gifts for pets — and pet parents.

The best gifts for pet owners range from useful pet tech like pet cameras and GPS collars to enrichment toys, unique pet furniture, and enticing scratchers. Anything that introduces a new way to give treats is a guaranteed home run, of course.

SEE ALSO: As an anxious cat mom, I love my robot vacuum with a livestream camera

We've pulled together a really fun list of unique gifts for dog lovers and cat lovers in 2025. You'll find some of the most-recommended pet products on the internet, recommendations from pet owners and foster parents on TiKTok, and several suggestions from Mashable's own pet parents and product reviewers.

You have about a month left to claim a portion of the $177 million data breach settlement against AT&T. Last month, the deadline to file was extended to December, so there's still time to file a claim.

The first of the two large-scale breaches was discovered in March 2024, after customer data appeared on the dark web. AT&T later explained in a statement that the breach compromised the addresses, social security numbers, and passcodes of users in a database going back to 2019. An even larger data breach was uncovered in late 2024. This breach exposed the telephone numbers and records of calls and texts of nearly every AT&T customer, and took place between approximately May 1 and Oct. 31, 2022, and on Jan. 3, 2023. 

SEE ALSO: 5 big tech settlements you might be eligible for in 2025

Following a class action lawsuit, courts ruled in June that the company would dole out $177 million to affected AT&T customers who had accounts between 2019 and 2024. Claimants were divided into two classes: account holders affected by the March 2024 breach would split $149 million, while customers whose communications were downloaded in the July incident would share $28 million. Direct payments to users who suffered financial losses were paid first — up to $5,000 for the first class or $2,500 for the second — according to the company.

Now, everyone else whose data was exposed is splitting the pile. Affected customers should manage their expectations, however — the $177 million is being divided up between a large pool of customers.

How to claim your AT&T settlement money

According to the settlement website, affected customers now have until Dec. 18 to claim their cut — impacted users should have already received a settlement notice containing a Class Member ID. If you would like to opt out of the settlement, or want to object to your classification under the settlement, you have to physically mail in a request by Nov. 17.

The settlement's final approval hearing will be held on Jan. 15.

To be paid, you must fill out the settlement claim form. You will need your Class Member ID, as well as an email address, AT&T account number, or full name. Be prepared to fill out payment information, such as a direct deposit or check, too.

Who is eligible for the AT&T settlement?

There are different eligibility requirements for the two settlement classes in the case:

• For Class 1: eligibility extends to any living person whose personal identification information was exposed by the March incident

• For Class 2: eligibility extends to AT&T account owners or "line or end users" whose numbers or direct communications were downloaded by bad actors

How much money will I get?

Customers will be paid based on the severity of the data breach.

• For Class 1: Individuals who had their Social Security Numbers exposed (Tier 1) will receive five times more money than those who did not (Tier 2)

• For Class 2: Individuals who did not prove a documented financial loss will receive a share of remaining settlement funds (Tier 3)

Have questions? You can call the settlement hotline (833) 890-4930 to get answers.