Technology

Here's the Easiest Way to Speed Up Your Old Smart TV

How-To Geek - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 22:00

If your smart TV is starting to feel sluggish, like apps taking forever to load, those frustrating menu lags, and generally acting like it needs a long nap, you're not alone. Before you start planning a weekend trip to the big box store or just resign yourself to a painfully slow browsing experience, take a moment to work on the TV yourself.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I wait all year for these 25+ classic Prime Day deals

Mashable - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 21:53

This year has felt nothing like normal for countless reasons. But one thing is always reliable: Amazon Prime Day events. Several times a year, Amazon consistently shows up with some staple discounts that we've come to rely on.

Maybe there's some methodology to the classic Prime Day discounts, or maybe it's just throwing darts at a board, but we all save regardless.

And as a Prime Day veteran, I can assure you the 2025 October Prime Day deals are wild, and in a good way. Amazon clearly understood that we could all use something nice while dealing with life these days. October Prime Day has record-low prices on portable power stations, Ninja appliances, Kindles, TVs, outdoor gear, and even Lego Advent calendars. Mashable is busy tracking all the latest drops live, of course. But if you're in the mood to shop some tried and true deals, here are some staples that tend to show up for each and every Prime Day sale.

Apple AirTags Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTags (4-pack) $64.99
$99 Save $34.01 Get Deal

Initially marked down to $67.99, Amazon went even lower, and you can now pick up a 4-pack of Apple AirTags for just $64.99. Whether you use these Bluetooth trackers to keep track of your personal belongings or your toddler, it's time to restock.

Crest 3D WhiteStrips Opens in a new window Credit: Crest Crest 3D WhiteStrips teeth whitening treatment $27.86 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $22.13 Get Deal

My teeth definitely aren't whiter than they were in 2019, when I started covering Prime Day. At least I quit smoking.

Coleman camping tents Opens in a new window Credit: Coleman Coleman Sundome Camping Tent $84.99
$117.99 Save $33 Get Deal

As sure as the sun rises in the sky, Coleman will mark down their four-person tents to under $85 during an Amazon sale. This Prime Day is no exception.

LifeStraw emergency water filters Opens in a new window Credit: LifeStraw LifeStraw Peak Series Personal Water Filter Straw $18.71
$24.95 Save $6.24 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: LifeStraw LifeStraw Personal Water Filter Straw $9.45 at Amazon
$17.49 Save $8.04 Get Deal

In keeping with the outdoor theme, LifeStraw also has big discounts across the board come Prime Day. Their deals start cheap — for less than $10, you can grab their original personal water filter. And for a little bit more, their updated Peak Series straw is on sale for $18.

Kindles Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (ad-supported) $124.99 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal

Of course, Amazon marks down its own products for big shopping events, and Prime Day brings the best Kindle prices of the year. These e-readers typically go on sale but twice a year (Black Friday is your other chance to save), so don't miss your chance.

Apple AirPods Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $89 at Amazon
$129 Save $40 Get Deal

For at least the last couple of years, Amazon has used Black Friday and Prime Day as an excuse to drop the AirPods Pro down to a new record-low price. But they're being stingy during October Prime Day. Instead, snag the AirPods 4 for $89, which matches the all-time low.

Bissell Little Green Opens in a new window Credit: Bissell Bissell Little Green $99.99 at Amazon
$123.59 Save $23.60 Get Deal

The upholstery cleaning powerhouse otherwise known as the Bissell Little Green can be found on sale year-round, but reliably, Prime Day brings it down to a decent, if not always fantastic, price point. Still, getting cleaner carpets for less than full price never hurts.

Echo speakers Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Pop $24.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal

Amazon Echo speakers provide the cheapest entry fee for smart speaker life. Just like with Kindles, Amazon doesn't miss a chance to mark them down during the big sale — the cheapest one you can grab is the Echo Pop at just $24.99.

SEE ALSO: Echo Dot vs. Echo Pop: Which Alexa speaker should you buy during Prime Day 2025? Therabody massage guns Opens in a new window Credit: Therabody Theragun Mini (2nd Gen) $149.99
$199.99 Save $50 Get Deal

The massage gun craze has died down considerably since COVID times, when we were all really bored and really stressed. But these percussion massagers are still beloved by athletes, and they're still classic Prime Day deals. The sale price of $149.99 matches the record low that we haven't seen since the spring.

Reusable water bottles Opens in a new window Credit: Stanley Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler (40 ounce) $25.64 at Amazon
$45 Save $19.36 Get Deal

Hydration is in big time in 2025. Maybe because it's something we can actually control? Whatever the reason, water is good for us and the Stanley Quencher deals are coming in hot this Prime Day, but be warned they tend to sell out on the first day. Alternatively, you can grab similar bottles like Yeti Rambler Straw Mug which are also on sale.

Awesome Lego sets Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar $31.49 at Amazon
$44.49 Save $13.00 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Classic Creative Brick Box $17.99 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $17.00 Get Deal

The best-selling Lego sets for Prime Day 2025? The seasonal Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar and the classic Lego Brick Box are both on a major discount. Of course, you can find tons more Lego sets on sale this time of year, as per always.

Pro tip: Don't sleep on Walmart's Lego deals!

Cheap Beats headphones Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Solo 4 Headphones $129.95
$199.95 Save $70 Get Deal

Look, we love AirPods, but do you really have $429 to spare on AirPods Max headphones? For Prime Day, you can count on Beats and Amazon to deliver deals on noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds for about or under $100.

Instant Pots Opens in a new window Credit: Instant Pot Instant Pot Pro Crisp (8-quart) $229.95 at Amazon
$269.99 Save $40.04 Get Deal

Instant Pots may not really have the cultural cachet of a few years ago, but they're still a mainstay on the Prime Day deals page. This Pro Crisp model is a hybrid, serving as both a pressure cooker and an air fryer.

UltimateEars speakers Opens in a new window Credit: Ultimate Ears Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 $66.49 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $33.50 Get Deal

These tiny speakers are the best Bluetooth speakers under $100, even at full price, but Prime Day often brings them to a much, much lower price point. This year, you can grab them for as low as $66.49.

Philips Hue Opens in a new window Credit: Philips Philips Hue Smart Light Starter Kit $89.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal

Philips Hue color-changing bulbs may not be cheap, but they definitely set a vibe. Prime Day is an excellent time to find them on sale — this bundle in particular gets you two bulbs and a Hue Bridge, so you can unlock these bulbs' full functionality.

Anker chargers Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Laptop Power Bank $89.99 at Amazon
$134.99 Save $45.00 Get Deal

Prime Day just wouldn't be the same without Anker marking down essentially its entire product line. The brand is especially known for its chargers, which can power up multiple devices at once with impressive speed. If you want to go all out, this power bank can charge up to four devices at once and includes its own retractable cables.

Bose headphones Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra $329 at Amazon
$429 Save $100 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort $199 at Amazon
$349 Save $150 Get Deal

Bose's flagship QuietComfort Ultra are included in Prime Day this year and so are the more affordable Bose QuietComfort. In either case, you'll be in great shape for holiday travel with the ability to drown out the noise.

DeWalt drills Opens in a new window Credit: DeWalt DeWalt 20V Max Cordless Drill and Impact Driver $159
$259 Save $100 Get Deal

If you've always wanted to be handy around the house, then you need the proper tools. And DeWalt deals are always popular on Prime Day.

Cheap Fire TVs Opens in a new window Credit: Insignia Insignia 40-inch Class F40 Series Fire TV $94.97
$149.99 Save $55.02 Get Deal

Somehow, in the tariff era, TV prices keep getting lower. Why should TVs prove to be so immune to tariffs? Hey, don't look a gift horse in the mouth. This year, you can even grab a 40-inch smart Fire TV from Insignia for just $95.

Samsung's The Frame Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung The Frame TV (55 inch) $797.99 at Amazon
$1,497.99 Save $700 Get Deal

Prime Day is full of cheap TV deals, but if you're interested in a more elevated experience, Samsung's The Frame TVs double as artwork when you're not binging horror films. The Frame TVs are notorious for costing thousands, but you can save a massive 47% by shopping during October Prime Day.

A fancy espresso machine Opens in a new window Credit: Breville Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine $549.95
$749.95 Save $200 Get Deal

This is a newcomer in the category, but for the last few years, Breville's brushed stainless steel espresso machines have always gotten a sizable discount for Prime Day and Black Friday. With dark winter mornings ahead, now is a great time to buy a reason to stop hitting the snooze button.

Flagship Roborock robot vacuums Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock roborock Saros 10R $1,199.99 at Amazon
$1,599.99 Save $400 Get Deal

This is less so one product we see year over year, thanks to how often new robot vacuums hit the market year after year. Still, that paves the way for Prime Day to serve as the debut of many first-time discounts, including this one on the Roborock Saros 10R, Mashable's newly crowned best robot vacuum.

Samsonite luggage sets Opens in a new window Credit: Samsonite Samsonite Omni 2 hardside luggage set (2 piece) $195.50 at Amazon
$409.79 Save $214.29 Get Deal

You never realize how expensive good luggage is until it comes time to replace yours. Conveniently timed just ahead of holiday travel, Samsonite typically offers solid discounts on its luggage for Prime Day — like this two-piece Omni 2 hardside set. Usually $410, it's down to just $195.50, saving you over 50%.

Dyson products Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Airwrap Origin $399.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $150 Get Deal

We all know Dyson isn't known for its affordability. If you've been eyeing a Dyson gadget, whether it's a new vacuum or the fancy Dyson Airwrap, there's a good chance you'll see it on sale during Prime Day. The brand is a Prime Day staple year after year.

Fitbit trackers Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Versa 4 $132.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $67 Get Deal

Fitbit fitness trackers and smartwatches always get big price drops this time of year. If you like the sound of deeply discounted Fitbits, then it's always a good idea to wait until Prime Day, when you can score one for up to 38% off.

Free offers from Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: kindle unlimited Kindle Unlimited $0
3-Month Free Trial Learn More Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Music Unlimited $0
4-Month Free Trial Get Deal

Amazon tries to tempt Prime Day shoppers with extended free trials on its most popular services, including Amazon Music Unlimited, Audible, and Kindle Unlimited. Just don't forget to make a calendar event to remind you to cancel the subscription before the free period expires!

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to find a good drone deal for Prime Day (and avoid sketchy ones)

Mashable - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 21:38
Best Prime Day drone deals Best drone deal overall Potensic ATOM SE $249.99 (save $70) Get Deal Best DJI drone deal DJI Neo Mini Drone 159 (Save $40 ) Get Deal Best drone deal for kids Contixo F19 Drone $49.99 (save $30) Get Deal

Prime Day (and its fall spinoff, Prime Big Deal Days) is usually one of the best times of the year to buy a drone. This year, however, things are a little bit complicated. As you might have heard, there’s a potential U.S. ban on DJI drones due to growing concerns over national security and a required risk assessment that all DJI products must undergo before they can be sold in the United States. This, of course, has caused issues with the availability and pricing of popular models, with many being listed as “out of stock” on the DJI website.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's October Prime Day is coming on October 7 — here are 30+ early deals to shop now

The good news is that Amazon has a ton of drones, including DJI, on sale for Prime Day. But there’s a catch: many of these deals are on drones sold from sketchy, third-party sellers with ridiculously jacked-up prices. With our help, you can find the deals that are actually worth it.

Be the first to know about the best October Prime Day deals. Follow Mashable's Prime Big Deal Days live blog and keep checking back for the latest discounts, stock alerts, and deal drops.

Here are the best Prime Big Deal Days drone deals we could find as of Oct. 7:

Best drone deal overall Potensic ATOM SE $229.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $70 Get Deal Why we like it

For under $250, getting a drone with this many features is pretty rare. The Potensic ATOM SE shoots stable 4K video, takes 12MP photos, and has an impressive 62-minute flight time thanks to the two batteries included in this kit. It's a great middle-ground for people who want to move beyond a basic beginner drone without shelling out for a DJI.

With this deal, you get the drone itself (which weighs less than 249g, so no need to register it with the FAA), a remote controller, two batteries, and a carrying bag. It’s a complete kit that has everything you need to start flying right out of the box.

Best DJI drone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon DJI Neo Mini Drone $159 at Amazon
$199 Save $40 Get Deal Why we like it

The DJI Neo Mini Drone is 20% off at Amazon, making it just $159, down from $199. This lightweight drone is just 135 grams, and it comes with a wide range of features, including a 4K camera with palm takeoff and landing. You don't even need a controller to get it up into the air if you'd rather not use one, but it's still simple to use and maneuver around in the air. It's perfect for tossing into a backpack and heading out, especially since it can take off with the push of a button. That makes it a much simpler prospect for just about any user. So if you're looking for a first-time drone or just something compact to take out and about, this is it and then some, all for under $200 while it's still in stock.

SEE ALSO: DJI drones are going out of stock, but this incredible alternative has never been cheaper Best drone deal for kids Opens in a new window Credit: Contixo Contixo F19 Drone $49.99 at Target
$79.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it

It’s actually really hard to find a decent drone for kids on Amazon that isn’t sold by a sketchy third-party vendor. But other retailers, like Target, have a wider selection of child-friendly drones that you can trust for a reasonable price.

The Contixo F19 Drone looks like a “real drone” instead of a toy and comes with all the things your kid needs to get started, including a remote control, beginner-friendly features, and an integrated camera for aerial photography and videography. It’s also foldable and comes with a carrying case, so they can take it wherever they go.

More Prime Day drone deals you can trust
Categories: IT General, Technology

Build a Plex Media Server With These October Prime Day Deals

How-To Geek - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 21:32

Tired of paying for streaming services like Netflix and HBO Max? Maybe it's time to set up a Plex media server. The price of entry is somewhat steep, but there are plenty of great home server deals during Prime Big Deals Day (October 7th and 8th), so now's a good time to spend a couple hundred bucks and decouple yourself from all those monthly streaming fees.

Categories: IT General, Technology

There are solid Dyson deals during October Prime Day, but not all are at Amazon

Mashable - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 21:24
Best October Prime Day Dyson deals Best cordless vacuum deal Dyson V12 Detect Slim $429.99 (save $300) Get Deal Best upright vacuum deal Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean Upright Vacuum $659.99 (save $260) Get Deal Best hair tool deal Dyson Supersonic Origin $299.99 (save $120) Get Deal

Whether you’re a Dyson stan or not, you’d probably still agree that Dyson products have become somewhat of a “gold standard” within the industry. (I mean, that 2023 New York Times article on how Dyson’s cordless stick vacuum became a “status symbol” still lives rent-free in my head.) But premium quality usually comes with a premium price tag to match. That's why we recommend waiting for a major sales event to splurge.

SEE ALSO: Will the laser-equipped Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai solve Dyson's robot vacuum problem?

Amazon’s October Prime Day (officially “Prime Big Deal Days”) kicked off Oct. 7, and a bunch of Dyson deals are live across the internet. We're tracking the prices across Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Dyson's own online storefront to find the absolute best savings. Here are the top Prime Day Dyson deals you can shop right now:

Best cordless vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson V12 Detect Slim $429.99 at Walmart
$729.99 Save $300 Get Deal Why we like it

If you’re trying to get into the Dyson fam for less than $500, the Dyson V12 Detect Slim is undoubtedly the best way to do that. This is the cheapest Dyson vacuum with the laser that illuminates invisible dust and hair on hard floors — Mashable’s vacuum cleaner queen and senior shopping reporter, Leah Stodart, says it's the best Dyson vacuum for most people for this reason.

The Dyson V12 Detect Slim can run for up to 60 minutes on one charge and weighs just over five pounds, making it a great compact vacuum choice for small spaces. Aside from the fluffy laser cleaning head, you'll also find a Motorbar cleaning head, a motorized mini pet tool, and a few other attachments in the box.

The best price on this model is currently at Walmart, where you can get it for $429.99 (a savings of $300). That's just $30 over Amazon's sale price on the Dyson V11 that doesn't have the laser. It's easily the best $30 you'll spend this year.

  • Amazon: $599.99 (Note: This is technically slightly on sale, but not officially "on sale" on Amazon's website.)

  • Dyson: $429.99 $729.99 (save $300)

  • Target: Unavailable

More Dyson cordless vacuum dealsBest upright vacuum deal Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean Upright Vacuum $409.99 at Amazon
$659.99 Save $250 Get Deal Why we like it

If you need the kind of deep clean that only an upright vacuum can provide, the Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean Upright Vacuum is the way to go. It's especially ideal for pet owners or anyone with a larger home, and it comes with eight different accessories to tackle any job. The vacuum features a self-adjusting cleaner head, a motorized brush bar, and whole-machine filtration to catch and destroy allergens on site. You’ll also get a five-year limited warranty and lifetime support when you register your vacuum on the MyDyson app.

The best price on this model is currently at Amazon. As of Oct. 7, you can get it for $399.99, down from the $409.99 sale price seen before the sale officially started.

Best hair tool deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Supersonic Origin $299.99 at Amazon
$419.99 Save $120 Get Deal Why we like it

Mashable's hair tool expert and lead shopping reporter, Bethany Allard, would probably recommend just getting a Dyson Supersonic dupe over the real thing in just about any situation. The outlier? Any time you can snag a variation of the Supersonic for less than $300, like the $299.99 sale price on the Supersonic Origin during Prime Big Deal Days.

The only difference between the Supersonic Origin and other versions lies in attachments: The Origin only comes with the Styling Concentrator Nozzle. Other than that, it has the same motor for high-speed drying without frying wet hair with heat.

The best price on this model is currently at Amazon. As of Oct. 7, you can get it for $299.99, a 29% drop from its original $419.99.

More Dyson hair dealsEven more October Prime Day Dyson deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

LeBron James Second Decision is another example of pervasive celebrity ad culture

Mashable - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 21:21

Some would say postmodernism is ruining the things we love. It’s certainly crept into the offices of ad executives, who now use our goodwill to trick us into watching ad campaigns for mediocre cognac.

After LeBron James teased a "second decision" on Monday — a nod to his 2010 announcement in which he announced he'd be leaving the Cavaliers to take his "talents to South Beach" and join the Miami Heat. However, the big reveal on Oct. 7 turned out to be nothing more than an ad for Hennessy.

In the end, it was corny, somehow even cornier than anything James has done before. Even the original The Decision was a cheesy spectacle. In the years after, it was remembered as Cleveland’s second-greatest betrayal after Art Modell moved the Browns to Baltimore.

Is nothing sacred anymore?

That's rhetorical. The answer's no. Every cultural artifact from the past 15 years is now fair game to sell something.

SEE ALSO: Has social media taken 'Clanker' too far?

Remember earlier this year when Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan reunited to tease "something iconic," dressed like their When Harry Met Sally characters? That "something iconic" was a Hellmann's mayonnaise ad. Or when Dolly Parton rewrote "9 to 5" for Squarespace. Or when Sydney Sweeney and American Eagle managed to turn an already creepy Brooke Shields Calvin Klein homage into an even weirder piece of propaganda.

Like James, racing legend Lewis Hamilton, one of the greatest drivers in F1 history, was thought to be teasing a retirement with a slow-burning match video on Instagram. It was an ad for a “smoky” non-alcoholic tequila. Womp, womp.

Scroll through the comments on James' fake-out video, and you’ll find plenty of relief. At 40 (soon to be 41), James has become an institution, set to play a record-breaking 23rd season. He's the league's all-time leading scorer, and there are players entering the NBA who were born, grew up, went to school, and got drafted all while LeBron James was winning titles with the Cavs, Heat, and Lakers.

But age catches up to everyone. Maybe that’s what inspired this sad little ad stunt — holding our nostalgia hostage, hoping to stir up enough outrage to hit whatever engagement target the ad team dreamed up.

Somehow, as the previous generation of sports icons edges toward the finish line, it’s almost surprising WWE’s John Cena hasn’t pulled his own retirement fake-out — though his real farewell tour is already slogging through its share of low points and controversy.

Even worse, these all seem to exist purely as social media stunts. This is not exactly shocking, especially in an era when brands have started killing off their own mascots. In a Marketplace.org piece, Linda Ferrell of Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business explained that companies do this to move away from mascots that make it harder to connect with diverse audiences.

Earlier this year, Duolingo "killed" its creepy little bird. Planters did the same with Mr. Peanut back in 2020, only to resurrect him as Baby Nut after the Kool-Aid Man cried on his grave. The takeaway from these bizarre, morbid campaigns is simple: they grab attention. Mr. Peanut had been around for over a century — of course, people were going to react when the brand staged his death. Even Duolingo got pop stars like Dua Lipa "mourning" its mascot online.

In the same way, The Decision drew over ten million viewers when it aired, according to Nielsen. Fifteen years later, LeBron has been the subject of nonstop retirement rumors, setting the stage for a marketing ploy practically guaranteed to go viral. The teaser for his "second decision" racked up 1.4 million likes and more than 52,000 comments on Instagram. The actual reveal —posted today — sits at 458,000 likes and 23,000 comments as of this writing.

Viral stunts don’t last, but 1.8 million combined likes isn’t a bad day’s work for a cognac brand with fewer than a million followers. One can only imagine what ayahuasca supplement 41-year-old NFL QB Aaron Rodgers will shill in the near future.

This article reflects the opinions of the writer.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazons October Prime Day book deals are off the charts

Mashable - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 21:02
The best October Prime Day book deals at a glance: Best hardcover book deal Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez $10.98 (save $17.02) Get Deal Best paperback book deal Deep End by Ali Hazelwood $8.09 (save $11.91) Get Deal Best Kindle book deal The Perfect Divorce by Jeneva Rose $1.69 (save $8.30) Get Deal

Amazon's October Prime Day event is here (officially running from Oct. 7 through 8), and we've been blessed with deals galore. Book deals, in particular, are outrageously good. So if you're looking to stack your TBR list for cozy season, it's time to get going.

This Prime Big Deal Days event is shaping up to be an excellent shopping holiday for book lovers. Not only is Amazon offering its annual Kindle Unlimited Prime Day deal (three months for free) and 99-cent Audible subscriptions to new members, but we're also seeing some of the best discounts on hardcovers, paperbacks, and Kindle books we've seen all year — up to 65% off. And that includes some of 2025's bestsellers. Whether you hope to load up your Kindle with e-books or hold a physical stack of crispy new pages in your hands, there's definitely a deal waiting for you. If you're interested in more Kindle user deals, specifically, be sure to check out our expert's favorite deals.

We'll be tracking all the best October Prime Day book deals below and updating the list with the latest and greatest price drops throughout the event.

Best October Prime Day paperback book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Berkley Publishing "Deep End" by Ali Hazelwood $8.09 at Amazon
$20 Save $11.91 Get Deal Why we like it

One of Goodreads' top 10 books of 2025, Ali Hazelwood's latest romance follows a competitive diver and an ace swimmer as they tread forbidden waters. It's a steamy yet thoughtfully written love story with character chemistry that's off the charts. This edition features a glistening cover and illustrated four-color interior art. Typically $20, you can grab the paperback for only $8.09 during October Prime Day.

Best October Prime Day hardcover book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Forever Publishing "Say You'll Remember Me" by Abby Jimenez $10.98 at Amazon
$28 Save $17.02 Get Deal Why we like it

The queen of contemporary romance, Abby Jimenez has done it again with Say You'll Remember Me, published earlier this year. It has an average of over 4 stars on Good Reads and is currently number six on the list of the most popular 2025 releases. A feel-good read, it follows veterinarian Dr. Xavier Rush and social media manager Samantha Diaz, who fall in love but are separated when Samantha moves to care for her mother with dementia. The hardcover version is currently just $10.98 at Amazon for October Prime Day — a total steal.

Best October Prime Day Kindle book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Blackstone Publishing "The Perfect Divorce" by Jeneva Rose $1.69 at Amazon
$9.99 Save $8.30 Get Deal Why we like it

The Perfect Divorce is another Goodreads favorite of 2025. From Jeneva Rose, the author of the multimillion-copy bestselling thriller The Perfect Marriage, it's the second in the series and picks up eleven years after high-powered attorney Sarah Morgan defended her husband, Adam, against murder charges. It's filled with page-turning suspense and plenty of twists and turns, which is hardly surprising if you read the first book. If you have a Kindle device — or don't mind reading on your phone or tablet — you can pick up a digital copy for less than $2 during the Prime Big Deal Days sale.

Physical book dealsPaperbackHardcoverKindle book deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

It's Hurricane Season, Here's How I Protect My Computer from Power Outages and Surges

How-To Geek - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 21:00

Has your power ever gone out for days (or weeks) at a time? Mine has, and I learned a lot during that time. Here’s how I keep all of my technology safe when the power flashes or goes out completely due to crazy weather.

Categories: IT General, Technology

55 deals from Best Buys Techtober Sale that match or beat Amazons Prime Day offers

Mashable - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 20:56

Amazon can never run a sale all by itself. As the retail giant hosts its annual Prime Big Deal Days event from Oct. 7 to 8, Best Buy is having a competing "Techtober Sale" that's live through Oct. 12.

A Best Buy representative tells me via email that the weeklong event includes "some of the hottest deals this fall on tech like laptops, TVs, headphones, video games, electric bikes and more." New markdowns get added to the sale every day, and all featured deals are available online, in the Best Buy mobile app, and in stores.

Best Buy's best anti-Prime Day deals at a glance: Best Apple deal Apple AirTag $19.99 (save $9.01) Get Deal Best Windows laptop deal Asus Zenbook A14 (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $579.99 (save $420) Get Deal Best TV deal TCL 75-inch QM5K 4K QD-Mini LED TV $599.99 (save $600) Get Deal Best streaming device deal Roku Streaming Stick 4K $29.99 (save $20) Get Deal Best vacuum deal iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max + AutoWash Dock $599.99 (save $800) Get Deal

Amazon has been hosting a two-day fall savings event for members of its Prime program every year since 2022 — and every year since 2022, Best Buy has held its own concurrent sale. (Previously, it came in the form of a 48-Hour Flash Sale.) Best Buy also times a savings event to run alongside Amazon's big flagship Prime Day sale in July, so this sort of counter-programming is par for the course.

SEE ALSO: October Prime Day 2025: Live updates on the top deals

Best Buy isn't the only retailer giving Amazon a run for its money this month. Walmart is having a "Walmart Deals" event from Oct. 7 to 12, and Target is hosting one of its Circle Week sales from Oct. 5 to 11. Notably, Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days is the only event that locks its deals behind a paid membership.

I've spent several hours combing through the Techtober Sale to find the deals worth buying from Best Buy instead of Amazon this week. So far, I've identified over five dozen products that are either price-matched or cheaper at Best Buy, or only available on sale there. That's either because Amazon doesn't carry the item (see: my beloved Asus Zenbook A14, now just $580) or because it sold out on Amazon (see: the iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max + AutoWash Dock, now just $600).

I've listed my Techtober Sale findings below, and I'm planning on refreshing them as new deals pop up throughout the week; check back soon. As of Oct. 7, Amazon is now undercutting its rival on most AirPods, Apple Watches, Microsoft Surface devices (save for a keyboard bundle), and a couple of Hisense and Samsung TVs. However, Best Buy has lowered the prices of a couple iPads to match their Prime Day deals, and I still like its selection of Windows laptop deals better overall.

Best Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag $19.99 at Best Buy
$29 Save $9.01 Get Deal Why I like it

Apple's coin-shaped Bluetooth tracker seamlessly connects with iOS devices and lasts up to a year on a single charge. Amazon put individual AirTags on sale for the record-low price of $19.99 mid-Monday morning, before Prime Big Deal Days began, but only because Best Buy offered that deal first at the onset of its Techtober Sale. (Trendsetter!) I'll also note that a four-pack of AirTags is marked down to $64.99 at both retailers, making them $16.25 apiece if you'd rather buy some in bulk.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirTag.

Apple Watch dealsiPad dealsMacBook dealsBest Windows laptop deal

Note: Paid My Best Buy members (Plus and Total) get a $50 bonus reward when they spend at least $499 on select Windows laptops.

Opens in a new window Credit: Asus Asus Zenbook A14 (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $579.99 at Best Buy
$999.99 Save $420 Get Deal Why I like it

The ultrathin and feathery light Asus Zenbook A14 is my favorite ultraportable. It's the fastest sub-$1,000 Windows laptop I've tried, and its svelte 2.4-pound frame (0.3 pounds lighter than a 13-inch M4 MacBook Air!) houses a good mix of ports and a vibrant OLED display. Plus, it lasts almost 22 hours per charge. Best Buy's massive Techtober discount turns it into a great option for budget buyers: The Zabriskie beige base model with a Snapdragon X Plus chip, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage is only $579.99, or 42% off. It's never been cheaper.

More Windows laptop deals2-in-1 laptop dealsGaming laptop dealsChromebook dealsBest TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 75-inch QM5K 4K QD-Mini LED TV $599.99 at Best Buy
$1,199.99 Save $600 Get Deal Why I like it

At 50% off, Best Buy's discount on this oversized mini-LED TV with a variable 144Hz refresh rate is the kind of deal I wouldn't expect to see until Black Friday really gets underway. Mini-LED TVs are great if you care about stark contrast but don’t have an OLED-level budget. The variety of dimming zones you get from a mini-LED TV make it better at showing deep blacks and sharp, dark details than your average QLED display. This particular TCL model comes with built-in Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, and it's not sold on Amazon (though a newer model is $749.99 there, down from $999.99).

43-inch TV deals50- to 58-inch TV deals65-inch TV dealsDeals on 75-inch TVs and biggerStreaming device dealsBest vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max + AutoWash Dock $599.99 at Best Buy
$1,399.99 Save $800 Get Deal Why I like it

The Roomba Combo 10 Max is the fanciest mopping robovac in iRobot's lineup, and the one my colleague Leah Stodart recommends for pet owners. Its small obstacle avoidance technology works like a charm, it recleans stubborn stains, and it can wash and dry its own mopping pad. It's expensive at full price, which is why Stodart says to "absolutely wait until it goes on sale for $999." Thanks to Best Buy, it's far cheaper right now — only $599.99 (usually $1,399.99), or a whopping 57% off. Meanwhile, it's out of stock on Amazon.

More robot vacuum dealsStick vacuum deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

My Everyday Keyboard From Logitech Is 20% Off Today

How-To Geek - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 20:52

The Logitech POP Icon Keys has been my main keyboard for close to a year, and it’s a great option for a low-profile desktop keyboard with simple software customization. Now you can get it on sale for $40 at Amazon and Logitech, as part of Amazon’s October Prime Day sale.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get a 75-inch QLED TV for $399.99 for October Prime Day, plus other great deals on TV brands are live

Mashable - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 20:50

The Prime Big Deal Days sale is officially live, and the TV discounts are already some of the best we’ve seen all year. Amazon’s October Prime Day is actually beating July’s prices as well as matching them, with massive markdowns on 4K and QLED TVs across every size range. Whether you’re upgrading your home theatre or snagging a budget-friendly big screen for game day, there are dozens of standout options worth checking out.

SEE ALSO: 25 Apple products are on sale for record lows this October Prime Day — including the new Apple Watches

Since the early Prime Day deals launched, the 75-inch Insignia QLED 4K Fire TV is still the standout deal so far at just $399.99, which undercuts its July Prime Day price by another $50. For lovers of other brands, though, Amazon has also slashed prices on QLED and OLED models from top brands like Hisense, LG, Samsung, and Sony, with many dropping to all-time lows.

The best early October Prime Day TV deals at a glance Best 43-inch TV deal Hisense 43-inch QD6 QLED 4K Fire TV $184.99 (save $115) Get Deal Best 55-inch TV deal Samsung 55-inch The Frame QLED 4K TV (2024 model) 797.96 (Save $700.03) Get Deal Best 65-inch TV Deal LG 65-inch C5 OLED 4K TV 1,372.99 (Save $1,324) Get Deal Best 75-inch TV Deal Insignia 75-inch QF Series QLED 4K Fire TV 399.99 Get Deal

Below, you’ll find the best Prime Big Deal Days TV deals Mashable has rounded up so far, sorted by size and price — from compact 43-inch models perfect for bedrooms to 100-inch home theatre displays that steal the spotlight.

Note: Deals with a 🔥 have dropped to an all-time low price.

Best Prime Big Deal Days TV deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Insignia Insignia 75-inch QF Series QLED 4K Fire TV $399.99
$649.99 Save $250 Get Deal Why we like it

One of the best QLED TV deals that's caught our eye so far during October Prime Day is this offer on the 75-inch Insignia QF Series QLED 4K Fire TV, which is currently down to $399.99. During Prime Day in July this TV was down to $449.99, so you can save even more on it right now during the sale event.

If you've never had a QLED TV before, this XL Insignia model is a great low-stakes opportunity to upgrade. As a budget QLED, you can't expect this model to stun in HDR like a premium Samsung QLED would. But compared to your old LED TV, you'll quickly see the difference those quantum dots are making — they'll especially pop when watching football in the daytime.

42-inch to 50-inch TV deals55-inch TV deals65-inch and 70-inch TV deals75-inch and 77-inch TV deals85-inch and up TV deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

30 best noise-cancelling headphones deals: Shop Sony, Apple, and Bose on sale for October Prime Day

Mashable - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 20:38
Best Prime Big Deal Days noise-cancelling headphone deals Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones Deal Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones $329 (save $100) Get Deal Best noise-cancelling earbuds deal Amazon Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation (wired case) $35 (save $85) Get Deal

Audio fans, look alive — Amazon's October Prime Day sale is here. From Oct. 7 through Oct. 8, you can score discounts on just about everything the retailer has to offer. This pre-Black Friday sale is known for offering up some historically low prices on goodies from tablets to laptops and everything in between, including headphones.

SEE ALSO: What is Prime Big Deal Days? Everything you need to know and what deals to expect.

For day one of the event, Amazon has tons of deals on offer, with noise-cancelling headphones coming out especially strong. So far, we've spotted 12 earbuds and headphones deals under $100, as well as significant markdowns on options like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones, Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, and AirPods Max.

Below, find some of our picks for our favorite noise-cancelling headphone October Prime Day deals.

Best noise-cancelling headphones deal Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones $329 at Amazon
$429 Save $100 Get Deal Why we like it

Bose may have just released the second generation of their QuietComfort Ultra headphones, but this October Prime Day, we have our eyes on the first generation thanks to their impressive $100 off deal. Though we've seen this markdown before, we still think it's worth checking out: most premium headphones these days are over $400, even on sale. While we don't have a full review on the second-gen QC Ultras just yet, Mashable's Bethany Allard wrote in her first impressions, "If you already own the first-gen Ultras, I feel pretty comfortable already saying that these aren't so different as to be a must-upgrade." In other words, you can grab our favorite noise-cancelling headphones for years running, and get excellent ANC, all-day comfort, and some of the best sound quality available for $329.

Check out our full review of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones.

More October Prime Day noise-cancelling headphones dealsBest noise-cancelling earbuds deal Amazon Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation (wired case) $34.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $85 Get Deal Why we like it

While these aren't the newest earbuds on the market (they came out in 2021), at $35, they do offer some of the best bang for your buck on noise-cancelling earbuds. If you can put up with a middling battery life and overly sensitive touch panels, the Echo Buds with ANC are "a steal for anyone who wants to dip their toes into the world of ANC without setting their wallet on fire," as Mashable's Alex Perry wrote in his review. This deal is exclusive to Prime members.

Check out our full review of the Amazon Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation.

More October Prime Day noise-cancelling earbuds deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

The Anker Solix C1000 portable power station is at a record-low price for Prime Day

Mashable - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 20:37

SAVE $420: As of Oct. 7, The Anker Solix C1000 portable power bank is deeply discounted on Amazon as part of its Prime Big Deal Days promotion. At just $379.99, it's discounted by more than 50% from its $799.99 sticker price. As far as we can tell, it's never been cheaper than this.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker/Amazon Anker Solix C1000 Portable Power Station $379 at Amazon
$799 Save $420 Get Deal

Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days promotion for October has given us plenty of enticing deals to chew on, but outdoorsy types will want to check out the Anker Solix C1000 portable power station for just $379.99.

As of Oct. 7, the first day of the promotion, Prime members can get this portable powerhouse for more than 50% off its $799.99 list price. It's a do-it-all power bank with six three-pronged power outlets, two USB-C ports, two USB Type-A ports, and a car socket for all of your charging needs. It also optionally works with solar panels, so on camping trips, you can sorta get unlimited power out of it. Seriously, it's a great option for keeping all of your devices full and happy when traditional power sources aren't available.

Our reviewer, Lauren Allain, loved the Solix C1000 because of everything listed above, but also because of its true portability.

"It’s obvious Anker designed the Solix C1000 to be camping-friendly. It weighs less than 30 pounds, so it’s pretty easy to carry around, especially since it has ergonomic handles on both sides," Allain wrote. "When testing, I had no problems carrying it around aside from going down an especially steep staircase, which led me to angle sideways so I could keep the stairs in view. Otherwise, this thing is a dream to carry around the campground."

Whether you're going to the campground or you're experiencing a power outage, the Solix C1000 should have your back.

Categories: IT General, Technology

We handpicked some of the best October Prime Day Lego deals

Mashable - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 20:34
Best October Prime Day Lego deals Best deal overall Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar 2025 (75418) $31.49 (save $13) Get Deal Best splurge deal Lego Ideas Vincent Van Gogh 'The Starry Night' (21333) $150 (save $19.99) Get Deal Best runner-up deal Lego Classic Medium Creative Brick Box (10696) $17.99 (save $17) Get Deal

Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days (Oct. 7-8) are here! It's the unofficial starting gun for the holiday shopping season, and that means it's time to talk about one of the most bulletproof gifts you can buy: Lego. Whether you're shopping for a kid who wants a cool Star Wars ship or an adult who'd love a botanical set for their desk, there's a good chance a Lego kit is on someone's list.

SEE ALSO: October Prime Day 2025: Live updates on the top deals

But before you start adding every discounted set to your cart, here's a pro tip for shopping on Amazon: a "deal" isn't always a deal. Some Lego sets have a sale price that's actually been the standard price for weeks or even months. A true Prime Day deal is a price drop that's new and noteworthy.

We've done that homework for you. This list has been vetted against price histories to filter out the fake sales. The deals below represent actual, limited-time discounts on some of our favorite Lego sets.

Best October Prime Day Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar 2025 (75418) $31.49 at Amazon
$44.99 Save $13.50 Get Deal Why we like it

Lego Advent calendars are a holiday classic, and Prime Day is the perfect time to grab one before the December rush. This Star Wars-themed calendar is at its lowest price ever, making it a great time to buy.

Behind the 24 doors, you'll find a bunch of characters and mini-builds perfect for any fan of the franchise, including C-3PO, a Holiday Jawa minifigure, a Babu Frik figure, alongside five Lego droid figures: R7-A7, BD-72, a Scrap Battle Droid, BB-8 dressed as a snowman, and a Super Battle Droid.

More October Prime Day Lego deals
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Im a pro vacuum tester, and my entire list of the best robot vacuums are on sale for October Prime Day

Mashable - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 20:27

There's not much of a reason to wait until Black Friday to buy a robot vacuum — not when Amazon treats its October Prime Day sale like Black Friday when it comes to vacuum deals.

In fact, compared to the Prime Day that just happened in July, I'm already seeing repeats of those same good deals on the first day of Prime Big Deal Days. Many of the discounts are actually steeper this time around, as I've grown to expect with each passing Prime event. Those include a handful of the 2025 Roombas that impressed me during testing and the Eufy robot vacuum that converts to a stick vacuum — a criminally underrated vacuum that more people need to know exists. There's even a substantial discount on the flagship of all flagship robot vacuums that Dreame just announced in August.

A look at the best robot vacuum deals during Prime Big Deal Days Editor's pick eufy Robot Vacuum 3-in-1 E20 Stick and Handheld Vacuum Combo $299.99 (save $350) Get Deal Budget pick iRobot Roomba 104 Combo $249.99 (save $200) Get Deal Best mop washing station deal Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Roller bundle $1,295.99 (save $323.99) Get Deal Best vacuum-only robot vacuum deal Shark AV2501S AI Ultra $229.99 (save $320) Get Deal

So far, every single one of the best robot vacuums I've tested is on sale. October Prime Day doesn't end until Oct. 8, and some of these deals may stick around for a day or two afterward. Take a second to read up on what to look for in a robot vacuum, assess the features that are non-negotiables in your home, and make your move.

SEE ALSO: Roborock Saros Z70 review: If you think you need the robot vacuum with an arm, no you don't

Regardless of your budget, there's definitely a robot vacuum on sale for you this October Prime Day. I'm tracking all of the best robot vacuum deals at Amazon below, noting when they self-empty, mop, or wash and dry their own mopping pads. All robot vacuums in the list have smart mapping. Note: Deals with a 🔥 next to them have dropped to record-low prices.

Best October Prime Day budget robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba 104 Combo Robot Vacuum and Mop $249.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $200 Get Deal Why we like it

Prime Day Roomba deals have been a bust in years past, but that all changed when iRobot overhauled the Roomba lineup in March 2025. iRobot specifically spent extra time on the budget-friendly and mid-tier options with this product drop, and it's easily the most practical pricing I've ever seen from this brand.

One of the new Roombas released was the Roomba 104 Combo: a straightforward mopping, smart mapping, self-emptying Roomba that's an affordable choice for shoppers who want to cover those three crucial features, but don't want anything fancy. I tested the virtually-identical Roomba 105 Combo a few months ago and was satisfied for the price — it was a radically better experience than what I've had with cheap Roombas in the past. It even automatically recognizes carpet and rugs to keep them dry while it's mopping.

Best October Prime Day robot vacuum with mop-washing station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dreame Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Roller $1,295.99 at Amazon
$1,619.98 Save $323.99 Get Deal Why we like it

Oh, nothing. It's just the most powerful robot vacuum we've ever seen on sale during any Amazon sale event. No biggie. Meet the Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Roller: one of the flagship Dreame models that was just released in August, now 20% off for Prime Big Deal Days. I'm setting up my test unit of this model as we speak, on the first day of October Prime Day, so I haven't fully tested it yet — but on paper, it's quite the beast.

The Aqua10 Ultra Roller has a jaw-dropping 30,000 Pa of suction power — a market high for any mainstream robot vacuum. That's also significantly more powerful than the 20,000 Pa of the Roborock Saros 10R (my favorite robot vacuum of the year). Interestingly enough, the Aqua10 Ultra Roller's current sale price is the exact same that we saw for the Saros 10R during Prime Day in July. Past its strong suction being great for pet hair, the Aqua10 Ultra Roller also has a two-way livestream camera that I think any pet parent should prioritize.

If you're wondering, the "Roller" part of the title is referring to the paint roller-style roller mop, which rinses itself as it's mopping, not just when it returns to the dock. This is one of a handful of late-2025 robot vacuum and mop combos to ditch the dual spinning pads typically seen in older premium robot vacuums. They're said to offer a bit more heavy-duty scrubbing, and avoid smearing better than spinning and flat pads.

More robot vacuums on sale at AmazonHybrid robot vacuums that mopRobot vacuums that don't mop
Categories: IT General, Technology

Are you 18 to 24? You can get 6 months of Amazon Prime for 0 dollars.

Mashable - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 20:13

SAVE 75%: As of October 7, people aged 18 to 24 can sign up for a six-month no-cost Prime for Young Adults trial. After the trial ends, the membership is $7.49 a month compared to Prime's typical S14.99 cost.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Prime For Young Adults 6-month no-cost trial Get Deal

This Prime Day has come out of the gate swinging with some excellent deals. Among them is the opportunity to sign up for a no-cost six-month trial for Prime for Young Adults.

This Prime for Young Adults deal includes the usual core Prime benefits like same-day, one-day shipping, and full access to Prime Video streaming.

Prime for Young Adults is admittedly kind of a mouthful, and it’s the new(er) name for Prime Student. Prime Student still exists, though. Basically, people between the ages of 18 and 24 or students (of any age with a university email) can sign up for Prime for Young Adults and enjoy a six-month no-cost trial and then a monthly membership cost of $7.49. A regular Prime membership’s monthly price is $14.99. This particular version of Prime membership seems to cover the population of people who might want to enjoy the benefits of Prime Student, but might not be in school.

The monthly membership fee for Prime Young Adult is 50% off the regular Prime monthly cost. With the six-month no-cost trial, though, the price for a year of Prime (for Young Adults) ends up being 75% off. The unique benefits of Prime for Young Adults include 5% cash back on popular young adult categories like beauty, apparel, electronics, and dorm or school supplies, zero delivery fees on GrubHub+ orders, and more.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Smartphones Haven't Replaced Everything–Just Check Out These Gadgets

How-To Geek - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 20:00

Do you long for the days when you had dedicated devices, like brick phones, PDAs, CD players, and handheld game consoles? Do the smartphones that have taken the role of all those devices bore you? I've got good news: the world of fun little gadgets is alive and well.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon is practically giving away Beats Pill speakers: Grab em for $50

Mashable - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 19:41

SAVE $100: As of Oct. 7, day one of Prime Big Deal Days, the Beats Pill x Kim Kardashian Bluetooth speaker is on sale for just $49.99 at Amazon in the dark and light gray varieties. That's 67% off and its best price on record by a long shot.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Pill x Kim Kardashian $49.99 at Amazon
$149.95 Save $99.96 Get Deal

While we've seen some pretty solid Bluetooth speaker discounts on day one of Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sale, none are as great as this Beats Pill deal. Seriously, we're kind of blown away.

As of Oct. 7, the Beats Pill is just $49.99 in the dark and light gray Kim Kardashian variants. This 67% discount blows the previous all-time low of $99.95 out of the water by a lot. Earlier today, the speaker was listed for $79.99, which was already a record-low price. Then we watched it magically drop another $30 right before our eyes. It's like Amazon is practically giving them away.

The speaker was updated in late 2024 with a longer battery life, a built-in power bank, elevated sound with lossless audio, and the crispest call quality we've heard. In order to enjoy lossless audio, you'll have to connect the speaker to a compatible device (e.g., laptop, MP3 player, smartphone, tablet) via USB-C, but it's a pretty awesome feature to have. It adds even more clarity and depth to your favorite playlists. The redesigned Pill earned itself a spot on our list of the best Bluetooth speakers, and Mashable's reviewer called it an "underrated gem."

Even at full price, we think the Beats Pill is a pretty great value. At less than $50, it's a total steal, sliding down into budget-friendly territory. Don't say Kim K. never gave you anything.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Robin Williams daughter hates your deepfakes — and Hollywoods AI obsession

Mashable - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 19:33

Zelda Williams, daughter of late actor Robin Williams and director of the 2024 cult favorite Lisa Frankenstein, has a single plea for people interacting with her online: Stop using her grief to peddle AI slop.

Williams, who has been an outspoken opponent to generative AI over recent years, made an impassioned plea to fans and trolls alike, begging in an Oct. 6 Instagram post to cease sharing AI-generated recreations of her late father in attempts to make her (and the parasocially attached public) feel better. Williams' own former costars have recently said they'd love to recreate him using the technology, adding to ongoing AI resurrection projects.

SEE ALSO: Taylor Swift becomes the internet troll she loathes

"Stop believing I wanna see it or that I’ll understand, I don’t and I won’t. If you’re just trying to troll me, I’ve seen way worse, I’ll restrict and move on. But please, if you’ve got any decency, just stop doing this to him and to me, to everyone even, full stop," wrote Williams. "It’s dumb, it’s a waste of time and energy, and believe me, it’s NOT what he'd want."

The director continued, saying she believed that the use of generative AI at large was a failure in itself, a falsely-advertised tool of the future that really just reproduces content and churns out "horrible TikTok slop," like Human Centipede.

Using generative AI to recreate the likeness of deceased people raises issues of consent, during and after life. In response to the still unresolved issue of pervasive deepfakes, OpenAI updated restrictions for its new AI video generator app Sora 2, banning deepfakes of public figures — but only if they're still alive. It's not just a product of celebrity obsession either, with generative AI now integrating itself into legacy products advertised to grieving families and deepfakes appearing in interviews and court testimonies.

Media giants (including Ziff Davis, the owner of Mashable) have led a legal charge against AI firms for violating copyright laws and intellectual property rights, while tech companies have argued for the protection of fair use. In March, a group of 400 celebrities signed an open letter pleading with the White House to push back against AI's encroachment. Entertainment industry unions have spent years fighting for protections against the technology, one of the catalyzing factors of the historic 2023 strike conducted by SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild of America (WGA).

SEE ALSO: What's an 'AI deadbot'? If you haven't seen one yet, you will soon.

Still, AI-enabled endeavors have escalated in recent months. An Amazon-backed AI firm announced it was trying to artificially recreate destroyed footage from director Orson Welles' 1942 project The Magnificent Ambersons. An AI-enhanced version of the Wizard of Oz, backed by Google, was projected inside of the Las Vegas Sphere, featuring extended scenes with digital backgrounds. Oscar-winning Titanic director James Cameron called generative AI the "most important" issue for current creatives, urging his peers to "master" and integrate the technology.

Hollywood is also now trying to sell the world on their next digital ingenue, a computer-generated actress that some online say looks awfully similar to some of the industry's current stars and the internet's faves. Her legal name (as in, that's what her IP is registered as) is Tilly Norwood, and she was created by Eline Van der Velden, founder of the AI production studio Particle6, and recently launched by AI talent studio Xicoia. At the time of the AI avatar's debut, Van der Velden claimed major studio agents were "circling" her artificial client, stoking outrage. "To those who have expressed anger over the creation of my AI character, Tilly Norwood, she is not a replacement for a human being, but a creative work — a piece of art," Van der Velden later argued.

Williams feels quite differently: "You’re not making art, you’re making disgusting, over-processed hotdogs out of the lives of human beings, out of the history of art and music, and then shoving them down someone else’s throat hoping they'll give you a little thumbs up and like it. Gross," she wrote.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best October Prime Day speaker deals include some Mashable favorites

Mashable - Tue, 10/07/2025 - 19:27
The best October Prime Day speaker deals at a glance: Best overall Beats Pill x Kim Kardashian $79.99 (save $69.96) Get Deal Best Anker Soundcore deal Anker Soundcore Select 4 Go $19.99 (save $15) Get Deal Best Amazon speaker deal Amazon Echo Spot $44.99 (save $30) Get Deal BEST UE DEAL Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 $66.49 (Save $33.50) Get Deal Best Bose deal Bose SoundLink Revolve+ $179 (save $120) Get Deal Best Sony deal Sony SRS-XB100 $33 (save $26.99) Get Deal

Whether your fall schedule consists of hosting parties, heading out on camping trips, or solo nights in, a quality speaker makes a great companion. Not to mention, they make excellent gifts — practically everyone listens to music, right? No matter the reason, if you're in the market for a Bluetooth speaker of any shape or size, Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days is a great time to score one for a sweet price.

The shopping event informally known as October Prime Day kicked off on Oct. 7, and Amazon has already dropped plenty of deals. Speaker discounts from brands like Bose, Beats, Anker Soundcore, Ultimate Ears, and Amazon itself are pretty impressive. Sony's heavy hitters are on sale, but not as impressive as we'd hoped. Meanwhile, Sonos speaker discounts are practically nonexistent.

We'll be tracking the best speaker deals throughout the Prime Big Deal Days event and updating this page with the latest and greatest prices.

Note: Deals with a 🔥 have dropped to an all-time low price.

Be the first to know about the best October Prime Day deals. Follow Mashable's Prime Big Deal Days live blog and keep checking back for the latest discounts, stock alerts, and deal drops.

Best October Prime Day Bluetooth speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Pill x Kim Kardashian 🔥 $79.99
$149.95 Save $69.96 Get Deal Why we like it

The speaker Mashable's reviewer called an "underrated gem" just hit a ridiculously low price for Prime Big Deal Days. This 67% discount blows the previous all-time low for the Beats Pill out of the water by almost $50. The discount only applies to the dark and light gray Kim Kardashian variants, but unless you're married to a specific color option, who cares? They all work the same. The updated 2024 model features a 24-hour battery life, a built-in power bank, elevated sound with lossless audio, and crisp call quality. It's even earned itself a spot on our list of the best Bluetooth speakers and checks all the right boxes. Even at full price, it's a solid value. At less than $80, it's easily the best speaker deal we've seen this Prime Day.

More speaker deals
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